Jesus chose the downward way. Paul calls this the path to joy, where humility and unity in the way of Christ—not ambition—become the starting point of every good thing in life. From Phil. 2:1-11. 

Suffering is part of life, but Paul invites us to see it not as defeat, but as a place of surrender—to God. When we stop avoiding pain and learn to walk worthy of the gospel, hardship becomes holy ground. Joy becomes our covering, and ...

Paul is in chains, and the fear that comes with it is real. However, he doesn't see his suffering as defeat, but as holy ground—and he genuinely experiences it that way, as the gospel takes root and courage in him and the church catches fire. F...