Suffering in Paul

One can hardly ignore the significance of suffering in Paul's letters. Respected scholars (e.g., Scott Hafemann, Christiaan Beker, and Ann Jervis) have demonstrated the indispensable role of suffering in Paul's teaching. Despite that, the topic does not often ""hit the headlines"" in Pauline studies. Meanwhile, Christians around the world testify to the encouragement and comfort Paul gives them in times of pain and distress. The purpose of this book is to arouse interest in Pauline scholarship on the topic and provide a resource for educators, theological students, and thoughtful pastors.

New Testament scholars in five countries across three continents contribute to this volume. They study the texts, intertexts, and the language of suffering in Paul. They explore the notion of participation in Christ's suffering and glory, and examine the significance of identity formation and solidarity in the Christ community. In addition, the authors reflect on the implications for the church today from different social locations and cultural backgrounds. The result is an exegetical and critical reflection that invites the church to seriously engage with Paul on the topic.

Contributors: Sunny Chen, Roy Ciampa, Timothy Gombis, Sanyu Iralu, Haley Goranson Jacob, Kar Yong Lim, David Starling, Sean Winter, Siu Fung Wu, and Xiaxia Xue.


""In a world awash with people and communities adrift, broken and degraded by suffering, we need this book. This international gathering of faithful Christian scholars looks deeply into Paul's writings and heart to find wisdom--and there they find Christ and his people who enter into the fellowship of his sufferings . . . To anyone who asks 'Why?' or who cries 'How long, oh Lord?', these authors sing out, 'Tolle lege; tolle lege.'""
--Gene L. Green, NAIITS: An Indigenous Learning Community

""This fresh exploration of the many facets of Paul's views on suffering is marked by its diversity of scholarship and its willingness to ask what this meant and what it means today. Insightful and rich, it is a valuable addition to any scholar interested in Paul or the nature of suffering!""
--Beth M. Stovell, Ambrose University, Canada

""Siu Fung Wu is to be congratulated on gathering a group of Christian scholars from a range of contexts to address the underexplored theme of suffering in the writings of Paul. The outcome is a rich resource that enables us to hear Paul's language of suffering as it resonates with the lived experience and faith of different parts of Christ's Body.""
--George Wieland, Carey Baptist College and Graduate School, New Zealand

""Suffering in Paul . . . offers substantial biblical and theological reflection on the relation of suffering, glory, and being in Christ in Paul's writings. It brings unique perspectives of minorities, where suffering is part of the normal Christian life. The rich diversity and Biblical scholarship of its writers invites a deep conversation with majority world, indigenous, and migrant Christians who have much to offer to those of us consumed by 'first world problems.'""
--Jill Firth and Len Firth, Ridley College, Australia



Siu Fung Wu is Lecturer in New Testament Studies at Whitley College and Honorary Research Associate at University of Divinity, Australia. He received his MPhil from Trinity College, University of Bristol, UK, and PhD from University of Divinity. He was a factory worker in East Asia and a software developer in Australia before becoming a pastor in an inner-city church. He also worked in aid and development. He is the author of Suffering in Romans (Pickwick, 2015).