Answer: Paul endured everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory, (verse 10).
MORE INFORMATION AND/OR OTHER SCRIPTURE REFERENCES:
Paul suffered so much because of "the elect"--fellow Christians--always striving that they might obtain the salvation of their souls, a salvation found only in Christ Jesus. This salvation comes "with eternal glory"--the final realization of the hope that is in us, having fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith. We must be like Paul, who was "patiently enduring" all that was required of him to meet the goal and obtain the crown of life:
- "I endure everything...":
Colossians 1:24: "Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of His body, which is the church."
- "for the sake of the elect...":
Titus 1:1: "Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God's elect and the knowledge of the Truth that leads to godliness..."
- "that they too may obtain salvation...":
2 Corinthians 1:6-7: "If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort."
- "that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.":
2 Corinthians 4:17-18: "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
1 Peter 5:10-11: "And the God of all grace, Who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To Him be the power for ever and ever. Amen."
