Which verses in the NKJV Bible teach that we will suffer as Christians?
By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-09
Holy Scripture is unequivocal: suffering and persecution are not accidental to the Christian life, but an expected reality for all who follow our Lord Jesus Christ. Unlike modern false teachings such as the "prosperity gospel" promoted by various Protestant denominations, the true apostolic faith teaches that bearing the Cross is essential to union with Christ.
Here are key verses from the New King James Version (NKJV) demonstrating that Christians will suffer:
1. Persecution as a Guarantee for the Faithful
2 Timothy 3:12
"Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution."
John 15:18–20
"If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also."
Matthew 24:9
"Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake."
2. Suffering as an Appointed Part of the Christian Calling
Philippians 1:29
"For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake."
1 Thessalonians 3:3–4
"…that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know."
Acts 14:22
"…strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, 'We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.'"
3. Suffering in the World vs. Victory in Christ
John 16:33
"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
Matthew 16:24
"Then Jesus said to His disciples, 'If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.'"
4. Partaking in Christ’s Sufferings and Future Glory
Romans 8:16–18
"The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."
1 Peter 4:12–14, 16
"Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you… Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter."
1 Peter 5:10
"But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you."
2 Corinthians 1:5
"For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ."
2 Corinthians 4:8–10
"We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed—always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body."
5. Beatitudes on Suffering
Matthew 5:10–12
"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
In the apostolic tradition, suffering is never seen as meaningless defeat. Rather, it is the royal path of martyrdom and spiritual purification. As the Lord endured the Cross before His Resurrection, so too the Church shares in His sufferings to share in His eternal glory.