by: Craig S. Keener

• Format

  Paperback

  ISBN

  9781540969439

  Dimensions

  6 x 9

  Pub. Date

  Nov 2025

  SRP

  $26.99

  Carton Quantity

  32

  Number of pages

  288

  Buy

About

Suffering is an undeniable aspect of life. In this book, renowned New Testament scholar Craig Keener delves into the perennial question of hardship, offering a biblical understanding of suffering and resilience. Balancing insightful exposition of Scripture with compelling stories of Christians worldwide who have faced trials for their faith, Keener reveals how believers can endure by the power of the Holy Spirit.  

Acknowledging the reality of suffering, Keener provides guidance on how to respond to life's challenges and learn from the experiences of others. Rooted in a charismatic perspective yet broadly applicable, this work offers hope and meaning in the midst of suffering, reminding us of our ultimate hope in the new creation.

Professors, students, church leaders, and anyone seeking to understand suffering within the context of a Spirit-filled life will benefit from this illuminating study.

Introduction
1. Jesus Is Worth Everything
2. Apostles and Suffering
3. Biblical Prophets and Suffering
4. "Ordinary" Christians and Suffering
5. Sharing with Jesus in Suffering
6. Learning from the Persecuted Church
7. In Sickness and in Health
8. For Richer, for Poorer
9. Examples of Other Kinds of Hardships
10. Suffering in God's Will
11. Rejoicing in Suffering
12. Conclusion: Overcomers
Appendix
Index

Endorsements

"Suffering: Its Meaning for the Spirit-Filled Life is a wonderful resource that teaches us how to endure trial, persecution, and suffering. It is packed full of insights from Scripture along with difficult but profound stories of those who have given their lives for the sake of the gospel. I'm so thankful for the sanctified brilliance of Craig Keener, on display once again in this most valuable book. May we all be filled with courage and give Jesus our absolute yes--no matter what."

Bill Johnson, senior leader, Bethel Church, Redding, California; author of Removing the Sting of Death and God Is Good

"I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Everybody should read it, whether Christian or non-Christian, whether charismatic or non-charismatic. It shook me, showing me not only how little I know but also how little I have suffered. This book shows how any measure of suffering for Jesus is worth all the pain. Craig Keener is a scholar's scholar but writes with the kind of simplicity and urgency that will grip you no end. No one will be the same after reading this book."

Dr. R. T. Kendall, former Senior Minister, Westminster Chapel (1977-2002)

"The subject of suffering needs to be studied, taught, and kept on the front burner of our faith. Many have lost their way from God for want of biblical teaching on the subject. This book is a significant contribution in this area. After comprehensive discussions on the teachings of Jesus relating to suffering and persecution, the author gives well-documented and sometimes graphic descriptions of the torture and killing of thousands of Christians from around the world. Many of these examples have never been reported by the Western press or admitted to by Western governments. All, however, bear witness to my own long-standing maxim: we have a gospel worth living for and a gospel worth dying for."

Most Rev. Dr. Benjamin A. Kwashi, former archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Jos in the Anglican Church of Nigeria

"Craig Keener is one of the kindest and humblest men I've ever met, who just so happens to be a brilliant Bible scholar. His wisdom is riddled with Jesus-shaped compassion, which makes him a trustworthy shepherd to follow into the sober subject matter of suffering. His exegesis of Scripture and the experiences he relates from the milieu of human hardship prove that getting the life we hoped for is not a sustainable source of peace, contentment, and joy. Instead, our Savior's presence in those moments we didn't hope for is what gives us peace beyond our understanding, contentment in the midst of chaos, and joy even when our eyes are wet with tears. This book is a necessary treasure."

Lisa Harper, author, Bible teacher, and host of the Back Porch Theology podcast

"Dr. Keener describes how those who have come before us answered the call to follow Christ--regardless of the obstacles and hardship--and how their lives beckon us to imitate their faith. In Suffering: Its Meaning for the Spirit-Filled Life, we are given the courage to not shrink back in fear but to boldly advance the kingdom of God with a fresh faith that rejoices in the privilege of suffering for the sake of the name of Jesus."

Rice Broocks, cofounder, Every Nation Churches and Ministries

"Craig Keener's new book, Suffering, is a much-needed addition to the Pentecostal and Charismatic movement in the world. It is biblical, historical, and full of contemporary examples of Christian suffering. I highly recommend it for pastors, denominational leaders, and apostolic overseers. I recommend it for any Christian seeking a solid biblical theology that reflects the now and the not yet of the biblical understanding of the kingdom of God. The book is written to appeal to both the popular audience and the academic audience, though it is written with intentionality so as not to discourage non-academics."

Randy Clark, overseer of the Apostolic Network of Global Awakening and president of Global Awakening Theological Seminary