Originally Posted by SouthBamaSlayer
You think God’s will was for Paul to suffer? God’s will was to spread the gospel, and the suffering by Paul was a side effect of the original fall.


Yes, yes I do. I think it was God's will for Paul to suffer. Suffering is a gracious thing in the sight of God. Jesus suffered and left us an example. If we follow His steps, they will lead us to "suffering."

Here are a couple scriptures that plainly show that suffering is according to God's will and plan for his children. Do you have any scriptures that show something to the contrary?

I Pet 3:17 - "For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil.", so yes, suffering can be according to God's will according the inspired Apostle Peter.

Also:

I Pet 2:19-21 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.