Suffering : its meaning for the spirit-filled life / Craig S. Keener.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Jesus is worth everything --
Apostles and suffering --
Biblical prophets and suffering --
"Ordinary" Christians and suffering --
Sharing with Jesus in suffering --
Learning from the persecuted church --
In sickness and in health --
For richer, for poorer --
Examples of other kinds of hardships --
Suffering in God's will --
Rejoicing in suffering --
Conclusion: Overcomers.

Suffering: Its Meaning for the Spirit-Filled Life by Craig S. Keener (2025) explores how hardship is not a sign of God's disappointment, but a venue for experiencing the Holy Spirit's power, building resilience, and fostering intimacy with God. It offers a biblical and Spirit-led perspective on enduring trials.

Key themes regarding the meaning of suffering from a Spirit-filled perspective include:
A Venue for Divine Power: Suffering is a primary way believers experience the Holy Spirit. Rather than escaping pain, the Spirit empowers believers to endure it.
Formative, Not Punitive: Suffering is not necessarily evidence of God's anger or disappointment. Instead, it is used to shape, refine, and strengthen faith.
Deepened Intimacy: Hardship can lead to greater intimacy with God.
Purposeful Endurance: The book encourages looking beyond current pain toward ultimate hope in the new creation.
Participation in Christ: The text highlights the privilege of suffering for the name of Jesus and advancing the kingdom of God.

The work is designed for scholars and believers looking to navigate life's challenges with biblical, Spirit-empowered, and hope-filled insight.