Take Your Share of Suffering for Christ
- Baptist Daily Devotional
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Rev. Tse Amable | January 29 2026 | Acts 22:22-29
KEY VERSE: “Then the commander ordered Paul to be taken into the barracks. He directed that he be flogged and questioned in order to find out why the people were shouting at him like this.” (Acts 22:24, NIV)
MESSAGE:
It is common practice to question suspects to establish evidence for an alleged offence. However, in the case of Apostle Paul, the Roman commander ordered that flogging be used as a means of interrogation to discover why the crowd was shouting against him. This action amounted to a clear abuse of Paul’s human rights. Yet, for a student of Scripture, this treatment should not come as a surprise.
Paul’s suffering was a fulfilment of the word spoken by the Lord concerning him. When Ananias was sent to Saul of Tarsus, the Lord declared, “I will show him how much he must suffer for my name” (Acts 9:16 NIV). From the beginning of his call, suffering was intertwined with Paul’s obedience to Christ. His trials were not signs of failure or divine displeasure, but evidence of faithful participation in Christ’s mission.
Scripture teaches that while salvation is received by grace through faith, suffering often accompanies a life of faithful discipleship in a fallen world. Jesus Himself said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10 NIV). Paul and Barnabas later strengthened the disciples by reminding them that “we must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22 NIV). Years afterwards, Paul exhorted Timothy, “Take your share of suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:3).
Every believer has a measure of cost attached to following Christ. We are not called to seek suffering, but neither are we to flee it when faithfulness demands endurance. God uses such moments to refine His servants, bear witness to His truth, and shape Christlike character.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Have you ever faced hardship, opposition, or ridicule simply because of your commitment to Christ? How did you respond? When the apostles were beaten and warned not to preach again, they rejoiced that they had been counted worthy to suffer for the name of Jesus (Acts 5:41). If you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, this finds favour with God. Christ Himself suffered in this way, leaving us an example to follow in His steps (1 Peter 2:20–21).
PRAYER:
Father, I thank You for the honour of standing with Christ, even when obedience brings hardship. Strengthen me to endure my share of suffering with patience, faith, and humility. Help me to remain faithful, trusting that You are at work in every trial for Your glory. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING
DAILY word study: FLOGGED The commander’s decision to flog Paul reveals how quickly injustice can follow misunderstanding. This single word draws us into the harsh reality of what obedience to Christ sometimes costs.
The word translated “flogged” comes from the Greek mastizō, meaning to scourge, whip, or lash severely. It was commonly associated with Roman interrogation through physical punishment.
This was not discipline after a proven crime but suffering imposed before the truth was established. Paul endured pain not because he was guilty, but because he was faithful to God’s calling.
Reflect on this:
Faithfulness does not always protect believers from suffering. Yet God remains present in moments where obedience leads through hardship rather than comfort.
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