The Purpose of Suffering: A New Testament Perspective for Every Believer

Here are 30 New Testament references on suffering in the Christian life:

1. Matthew 5:10-12 – Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake.
2. Matthew 10:22 – You will be hated by all for My name’s sake.
3. Matthew 10:38 – Whoever does not take up their cross is not worthy of Me.
4. Matthew 16:24 – If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross.
5. Luke 6:22 – Blessed are you when people hate you because of the Son of Man.
6. John 15:18-20 – If the world hates you, remember it hated Me first.
7. John 16:33 – In the world you will have tribulation, but take heart, I have overcome the world.
8. Acts 5:41 – The apostles rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer for Christ’s name.
9. Acts 9:16 – I will show him how much he must suffer for My name.
10. Acts 14:22 – Through many tribulations, we must enter the kingdom of God.
11. Romans 5:3-5 – Suffering produces perseverance, character, and hope.
12. Romans 8:17 – If we suffer with Him, we may also be glorified with Him.
13. Romans 8:18 – The sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing to the glory to come.
14. Romans 12:12 – Be patient in tribulation, constant in prayer.
15. 2 Corinthians 1:5-7 – As we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so we share in His comfort.
16. 2 Corinthians 4:8-10 – We are afflicted in every way but not crushed.
17. 2 Corinthians 4:16-17 – Our light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal glory.
18. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 – My grace is sufficient for you; power is made perfect in weakness.
19. Galatians 6:17 – I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.
20. Philippians 1:29 – It has been granted to you to suffer for Christ.
21. Philippians 3:10 – That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and share in His sufferings.
22. Colossians 1:24 – I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake.
23. 2 Thessalonians 1:4-5 – We boast of your steadfastness in persecution.
24. 2 Timothy 1:8 – Do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord but share in suffering.
25. 2 Timothy 2:3 – Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
26. 2 Timothy 3:12 – All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.
27. Hebrews 10:32-34 – Recall the former days when you endured a hard struggle with sufferings.
28. Hebrews 12:6-7 – The Lord disciplines the one He loves.
29. James 1:2-4 – Count it all joy when you meet trials of various kinds.
30. 1 Peter 4:12-16 – Do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you, but rejoice.