Suffering in Paul : perspectives and implications / edited by Siu Fung Wu ; foreword by Michael J. Gorman.

Includes bibliographical references and indexes.

Suffering in Romans 1-8 in light of Paul's key scriptural intertexts / Roy E. Ciampa -- The sufferings of Paul in Romans 9-11 : Paul's vicarious intercession and his prophetic identity / Xiaxia E. Xue -- The weapons of righteousness : righteousness and suffering in 2 Corinthians / David I. Starling -- Suffering, salvation, and solidarity in 2 Corinthians 1:3-11 / Sean F. Winter -- Participating in Christ's suffering and being conformed to the image of the Son / Siu Fung Wu -- Suffering and glory in Philippians / Haley Goranson Jacob -- The fellowship of Christ's sufferings (Phil 3:10) : politics, sufferings, and social identity formation in Philippians / Kar Yong Lim -- Semantics of suffering: thematic meaning of the language of suffering in Romans and 2 Corinthians / Sunny Chen -- Making sense of Christian suffering : contextual implications for Christians today / Sanyu Iralu -- Hopeful and unsettled : reckoning with suffering / Timothy G. Gombis -- Power in weakness : conclusion and reflection / Siu Fung Wu.

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. -- back cover.