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Pauline Epistle DQ2

Suffering is a complex and challenging concept in Christian ministry. A common

question that emerges in Christian ministry is about the role of suffering, particularly the

suffering of the righteous. The Pauline theology offers in-depth insights about the place of

suffering in Christian ministry. Specifically, Paul does not divorce suffering from his apostolic

mission, a fact that is clear in Corinthians and other Pauline epistles (Porter, 2016). Acts 9:15-16;

20:23 illustrate how Paul viewed suffering as an inherent element of his apostolic ministry. On

the other hand, Paul also repeatedly acknowledges the suffering of the church. Paul views the

persistent suffering of the church as a normal element of Christian existence. Thus, the Pauline

theology underscores the importance of suffering in Christian ministry. Paul views suffering as a

means of manifesting, mediating, and magnifying the resurrection power of the risen Savior. The

underlying theme in the Pauline theology is that suffering is a gateway to eternal glory where

there will be no pain and anguish in the presence of Christ (Scholz, 2013; Wolter, 2015).

The Pauline theology draws parallels between the suffering of Christian and that of

Christ, who is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. Christ and the Gospel are the foundational

elements of the Pauline theology. However, the two elements, which define both Christian

identity and existence, were offensive to non-believers (Wolter, 2015). As such, the offensive

nature of Christian existence to nonbelievers clarifies the important role that suffering plays in

shaping Christian identity. The question of suffering delights skeptics and atheists because they

use it to question the divinity of God. A common question that atheists and nonbelievers often

ask is why God allows the righteous to suffer while the wicked flourish and succeed in their

endeavors. The Pauline theology addresses this question by highlighting how true Christians

must encounter hostility and suffering (Porter, 2016; Scholz, 2013). According to the Pauline
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theology, Christ was a rejected Messiah, and the gospel was offensive to the Scribes and

Pharisees. Therefore, pain and suffering become integral parts of Christian identity and

existence.
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References

Porter, S. E. (2016). The apostle Paul: His life, thoughts, and letters. Wm. B. Eerdmans

Publishing Co.

Scholz, D. J. (2013). The Pauline letters: Introducing the New Testament. Anslem Academics

Wolter, M. (2015). Paul: An outline of his theology. Baylor University Press.