The privilege of suffering.
Following the Revised Version, and omitting "who," we notice that there is an abruptness in the way in which the apostle breaks forth into thanksgiving at the thought of his sufferings. "Now I rejoice," etc. The underlying thought seems to be this: "If ever I have been disposed to repine at my lot, if ever I have felt my cross almost too heavy to bear, yet now, now when I contemplate the lavish wealth of God's mercy, now when I see all the glory of bearing a part in this magnificent work, my sorrow is turned into joy" (Lightfoot). In a measure every Christian labourer may enter into Paul's joy because he may share his motives also. We note two reasons for regarding suffering as a privilege.
I. WE MAY THUS KNOW THE FELLOWSHIP OF CHRIST'S SUFFERINGS. "I fill up on my part that which is lacking of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh." The oneness of Christ and his people is the key to these mysterious words. In 1 Corinthians 12:12 even the name "Christ" is given to the body as well as the Head. The sufferings which Christians endure are endured by Christ their Head in them; e.g. Matthew 25:35, etc.; Acts 9:4; 2 Corinthians 1:5; Hebrews 13:13. Jesus Christ during his earthly life endured sufferings which were peculiar to himself. They were vicarious, propitiatory, and meritorious. They are "finished" (Romans 6:9, Romans 6:10). But the time of suffering is not yet past (Romans 8:23). Till the period of education and probation is past, there are afflictions of Christ yet to be filled up (cf. Revelation 21:4, Revelation 21:5). They are needful for the accomplishment, not of the atoning, but of the saving work of Christ. And if he selects us to be members in whom he is pleased to fill up some of his sufferings, we may regard it as a privilege rather than as an infliction. The term for "fill up" is very emphatic. It suggests the thought of completing, in response to or in exchange for something else; as though Paul meant" He suffered for my redemption; shall I not in my turn suffer for his glory and the good of his Church?" All sufferings which we endure as Christians may be privileges because promoting the work of full salvation in our own souls (John 15:2; 1 Peter 5:10, etc.). But when the apostle expresses his ardent desire to "know the fellowship of his sufferings" (Philippians 3:8-10), we think he desired to share sufferings like those of Christ so far as a saved sinner can enter into fellowship with the sinless Saviour. This may be the case:
1. When our sufferings arise from the same cause, viz. sin, whether in ourselves (2 Corinthians 7:9) or in others. Our Lord's three recorded weepings were occasioned directly or indirectly by sin (Luke 19:41; John 11:33-35; Hebrews 5:7-9). Paul wept in sympathy with his Master (Acts 20:19, Acts 20:31; 2 Corinthians 2:4; Philippians 3:18).
2. When they are endured for the same end (1 John 3:8). In seeking to rescue souls from sin we must needs undergo self denial and suffering. But thus in an especial manner shall we be "filling up," etc., so that Christ may the sooner "see of the travail of his soul and be satisfied."
II. WE MAY THUS RENDER VALUABLE SERVICE TO OUR FELLOW CHRISTIANS. Paul's present sufferings as an apostle and as an ambassador in bonds at Rome were especially "for you" Gentiles. And already they were the means of conferring great benefits on his fellow Christians (Philippians 1:12-14). This was a motive with the apostle at other times (2 Corinthians 1:5; 2 Corinthians 4:8-15; 2 Timothy 2:10). It may be enjoyed by others—by the persecuted (Acts 5:41; Philippians 1:27-29), by the self-denying missionary whose heroism kindles the flame of zeal in other hearts, by earnest workers (1 Thessalonians 1:6-8) and self-denying givers (2 Corinthians 8:1, 2 Corinthians 8:2), by the invalid who can say 2 Corinthians 1:3, 2 Corinthians 1:4; 2 Corinthians 12:9, 2 Corinthians 12:10; Philippians 4:11-13. Some of the best blessings have come to Christ's "body, the Church," through those members of it who are selected for especial suffering. So long as Christ's purposes are fulfilled in us we may well leave the method of our ministry calmly in his hands. Suffering may be, not a release from service or a substitute for it, but the highest form of it. We may enjoy the sacred indifference of the apostle (Philippians 1:20), and look forward to an ample "recompense of reward" (2 Corinthians 4:17, 2 Corinthians 4:18; 2 Timothy 2:12; 1 Peter 4:12, 1 Peter 4:13).—E.S.P.