Adam Clarke, my 18th century friend, gave one of his most valuable insights when he commented on this verse. He understood Paul; in general, as saying, “I have yet some afflictions to endure before my race of glory is finished. They are afflictions, which fall on me on account of the Gospel. They are similar to those Christ bore from the same kind of persecuting people.”

Though Paul spoke of his own sufferings, he did not say he had entered into the sufferings of Christ. He spoke, rather, of bringing to completion that which was lacking of the afflictions of Christ. This was a different matter. Through the centuries, many who have served Christ have endured their share of afflictions. This continues, and will only increase. But of the sufferings, only Christ could bear those. None could share with Him, nor have they ever, before or since He died. As with many of the words uttered by Jesus in His passion, we have the following declared for Him by that Prophet who saw details of His suffering, even beyond what the New Testament writers recorded. Take Isaiah 53, for instance.

But, now, note this: I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with Me—Isaiah 63:3. Afflictions on Paul and us for the sake of His body, ok, but of the sufferings? they were on Jesus alone, in our behalf—and there was none with Him when He bore our sin and our sickness.

DEAR LORD, please do a work in us, Your people, so that when afflictions increase, we can rejoice in the privilege of going through some difficulty for You. And, LORD, please give Your enabling grace to those who are undergoing persecutions because they have confessed Your Name. Please carry them through in triumph and joy.

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