Suffering

“Suffering: Its Meaning for the Spirit-Filled Life is a wonderful resource that teaches us how to endure trial, persecution, and suffering. It is packed full of insights from Scripture along with difficult but profound stories of those who have given their lives for the sake of the gospel. I’m so thankful for the sanctified brilliance of Craig Keener, on display once again in this most valuable book. May we all be filled with courage and give Jesus our absolute yes—no matter what.”

“I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Everybody should read it, whether Christian or non-Christian, whether charismatic or non-charismatic. It shook me, showing me not only how little I know but also how little I have suffered. This book shows how any measure of suffering for Jesus is worth all the pain. Craig Keener is a scholar’s scholar but writes with the kind of simplicity and urgency that will grip you no end. No one will be the same after reading this book.”

“The subject of suffering needs to be studied, taught, and kept on the front burner of our faith. Many have lost their way from God for want of biblical teaching on the subject. This book is a significant contribution in this area. After comprehensive discussions on the teachings of Jesus relating to suffering and persecution, the author gives well-documented and sometimes graphic descriptions of the torture and killing of thousands of Christians from around the world. Many of these examples have never been reported by the Western press or admitted to by Western governments. All, however, bear witness to my own long-standing maxim: We have a gospel worth living for and a gospel worth dying for.”

“Craig Keener is one of the kindest and humblest men I’ve ever met, who just so happens to be a brilliant Bible scholar. His wisdom is riddled with Jesus-shaped compassion, which makes him a trustworthy shepherd to follow into the sober subject matter of suffering. His exegesis of Scripture and the experiences he relates from the milieu of human hardship prove that getting the life we hoped for is not a sustainable source of peace, contentment, and joy. Instead, our Savior’s presence in those moments we didn’t hope for is what gives us peace beyond our understanding, contentment in the midst of chaos, and joy even when our eyes are wet with tears. This book is a necessary treasure.”

“Dr. Keener describes how those who have come before us answered the call to follow Christ—regardless of the obstacles and hardship—and how their lives beckon us to imitate their faith. In Suffering: Its Meaning for the Spirit-Filled Life, we are given the courage to not shrink back in fear but to boldly advance the kingdom of God with a fresh faith that rejoices in the privilege of suffering for the sake of the name of Jesus.”

“Craig Keener’s new book, Suffering, is a much-needed addition to the Pentecostal and Charismatic movement in the world. It is biblical, historical, and full of contemporary examples of Christian suffering. I highly recommend it for pastors, denominational leaders, and apostolic overseers. I recommend it for any Christian seeking a solid biblical theology that reflects the now and the not yet of the biblical understanding of the kingdom of God. The book is written to appeal to both the popular audience and the academic audience, though it is written with intentionality so as not to discourage non-academics.”