9. That they will rejoice that they are considered worthy to suffer for HIS name.
Acts 5:41"So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name."
10. That they will remember they were made for such persecution.
Acts 14:22"Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God."
Philippians 1:29"For to you it has been granted for Christ's sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake."
11. That they will live the joy of the Lord before their persecutors.
Acts 16:25"But about midnight Paul and Silas (in jail) were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them."
Philippians 1:28"in no way alarmed by your opponents -- which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God."
12. That they will remember their unbelievable future glory.
Romans 8:18"For I consider that the sufferings of the present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us."
13. That they would learn to more completely trust in God.2 Corinthians 1:8-9"For we do not want you to be unaware, brethren, of our affliction which came to us in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life; indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves in order that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead"
14. That they would rejoice that they bear in their bodies the 'brand marks of Christ'.
Galatians 6:17"From now on let no one cause trouble for me, for I bear on my body the brand-marks of Jesus."
15. That they would rejoice in filling up that which is lacking in Christ's sufferings.
Colossians 1:24"Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf of His body (which is the church) in filling up that which is lacking in Christ's afflictions."
Note:Our sufferings do not add to the atoning worth of Jesus' sufferings. Rather, His sufferings are not known to the world and so we suffer to bring that news to those His sufferings were meant to save.
16. For their physical protection and deliverance.Matthew 26:39"My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as Thou wilt."
Acts 12:5"So Peter was kept in the prison, but prayer for him was being made fervently by the church to God."
Philippians 1:19"For I know that this shall turn out for my deliverance (from jail) through your prayers."
Philemon 22"I hope that through your prayers I shall be given to you (from jail)"
Romans 15:30-31"Now I urge you, brethren... to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me, that I may be delivered from those who are disobedient in Judea".
God had predicted persecution:Acts 20:23-24"the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me. But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, in order that I may finish my course"
And the suffering came: Acts 21:30-31"And all the city was aroused, and the people rushed together; and taking hold of Paul, they dragged him out of the temple; and... were seeking to kill him."