Do All Christians Suffer?

#1 · May 29, 2025, 9:03 pm

Quote from Brother Sjambok on May 29, 2025, 9:03 pm
I am eager to discuss what your thoughts are with regard to Christians v. suffering. To a large degree most people play their cards close to their chest, and don't let anyone in to discuss the REAL issues that are being confronted daily.

It just seems to me that when the truth is told, it seems apparent that Christians throughout history have suffered in life with a myriad of challenges, and the list below shows how the disciples faired at the end of their journey.

✝️ How the 12 Disciples Died

Disciple Manner of Death Notes

Peter Crucified upside down According to tradition, he felt unworthy to die as Jesus did (in Rome under Nero).

Andrew Crucified on an X-shaped cross Preached in modern-day Greece; tied to a cross and left to die slowly.

James (son of Zebedee) Beheaded The only apostle whose death is recorded in Scripture (Acts 12:1–2).

John Died of natural causes Only apostle believed to die peacefully, though he was exiled to Patmos.

Philip Crucified or tortured to death Preached in Asia Minor; traditions vary.

Bartholomew (Nathanael) Flayed alive and beheaded Believed to have been martyred in Armenia.

Thomas (Didymus) Speared to death Preached in India; killed by spear.

Matthew (Levi) Possibly stabbed or burned Evangelized in Ethiopia; traditions differ.

James (son of Alphaeus) Thrown from the temple and stoned Sometimes confused with James the Just.

Thaddeus (Jude) Possibly clubbed to death Preached in Syria or Persia.

Simon the Zealot Possibly sawn in half Accounts vary; some say he died with Jude in Persia.

Judas Iscariot Suicide Betrayed Jesus, then hanged himself (Matthew 27:5).

I believe that Christians suffer for many of the same reasons anyone does - because suffering is part of life in a broken world. But the Bible also teaches that Christian suffering has purpose, meaning, and hope beyond the pain. Here's a breakdown:

✝️ 1. Because We Live in a Fallen World

Sin entered the world through Adam and Eve (Genesis 3), and with it came death, sickness, and suffering.

Christians are not exempt from natural suffering — like disease, grief, poverty, or pain.

“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” — John 16:33

🛑 2. Because of Opposition to Faith

Jesus warned that following Him would bring persecution.

Christians may suffer for their faith — through rejection, injustice, or even violence.

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.” — John 15:18
“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” — 2 Timothy 3:12

🔥 3. Because God Uses Suffering to Refine Us

Suffering can strengthen character, grow our faith, and draw us closer to God.

It teaches dependence, endurance, and compassion.

“Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” — Romans 5:3–4
“The Lord disciplines the one he loves.” — Hebrews 12:6

❤️ 4. To Share in Christ’s Sufferings

Christians are called to share in Christ’s sufferings as part of their spiritual walk.

It connects us more deeply to Him and His mission.

“I want to know Christ... and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings.” — Philippians 3:10

🌱 5. To Be a Witness

Suffering endured with faith can point others to Christ.

The world watches how believers respond to pain — and sometimes, your struggle is your strongest sermon.

🌅 The Good News: Suffering is Not the End

For Christians, suffering is temporary and not wasted.

God promises to bring beauty from ashes (Isaiah 61:3) and to work all things together for good (Romans 8:28).

“And God will wipe away every tear... there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain...” — Revelation 21:4

🙏 Final Thought:

Christian suffering isn’t meaningless — it’s redeemed suffering. It can be painful, but it's never purposeless.

I am eager to discuss what your thoughts are with regard to Christians v. suffering. To a large degree most people play their cards close to their chest, and don't let anyone in to discuss the REAL issues that are being confronted daily.

It just seems to me that when the truth is told, it seems apparent that Christians throughout history have suffered in life with a myriad of challenges, and the list below shows how the disciples faired at the end of their journey.

✝️ How the 12 Disciples Died

Disciple	Manner of Death	Notes
Peter	Crucified upside down	According to tradition, he felt unworthy to die as Jesus did (in Rome under Nero).
Andrew	Crucified on an X-shaped cross	Preached in modern-day Greece; tied to a cross and left to die slowly.
James (son of Zebedee)	Beheaded	The only apostle whose death is recorded in Scripture (Acts 12:1–2).
John	Died of natural causes	Only apostle believed to die peacefully, though he was exiled to Patmos.
Philip	Crucified or tortured to death	Preached in Asia Minor; traditions vary.
Bartholomew (Nathanael)	Flayed alive and beheaded	Believed to have been martyred in Armenia.
Thomas (Didymus)	Speared to death	Preached in India; killed by spear.
Matthew (Levi)	Possibly stabbed or burned	Evangelized in Ethiopia; traditions differ.
James (son of Alphaeus)	Thrown from the temple and stoned	Sometimes confused with James the Just.
Thaddeus (Jude)	Possibly clubbed to death	Preached in Syria or Persia.
Simon the Zealot	Possibly sawn in half	Accounts vary; some say he died with Jude in Persia.
Judas Iscariot	Suicide	Betrayed Jesus, then hanged himself (Matthew 27:5).

I believe that Christians suffer for many of the same reasons anyone does - because suffering is part of life in a broken world. But the Bible also teaches that Christian suffering has purpose, meaning, and hope beyond the pain. Here's a breakdown:

✝️ 1. Because We Live in a Fallen World

Sin entered the world through Adam and Eve (Genesis 3), and with it came death, sickness, and suffering.
Christians are not exempt from natural suffering — like disease, grief, poverty, or pain.

“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” — John 16:33

🛑 2. Because of Opposition to Faith

Jesus warned that following Him would bring persecution.
Christians may suffer for their faith — through rejection, injustice, or even violence.

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.” — John 15:18
“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” — 2 Timothy 3:12

🔥 3. Because God Uses Suffering to Refine Us

Suffering can strengthen character, grow our faith, and draw us closer to God.
It teaches dependence, endurance, and compassion.

“Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” — Romans 5:3–4
“The Lord disciplines the one he loves.” — Hebrews 12:6

❤️ 4. To Share in Christ’s Sufferings

Christians are called to share in Christ’s sufferings as part of their spiritual walk.
It connects us more deeply to Him and His mission.

“I want to know Christ... and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings.” — Philippians 3:10

🌱 5. To Be a Witness

Suffering endured with faith can point others to Christ.
The world watches how believers respond to pain — and sometimes, your struggle is your strongest sermon.

🌅 The Good News: Suffering is Not the End

For Christians, suffering is temporary and not wasted.
God promises to bring beauty from ashes (Isaiah 61:3) and to work all things together for good (Romans 8:28).

“And God will wipe away every tear... there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain...” — Revelation 21:4

🙏 Final Thought:

Christian suffering isn’t meaningless — it’s redeemed suffering. It can be painful, but it's never purposeless.