So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God,…

Sometimes we are called to suffer for the Gospel. It could be someone taunting or harassing us in the work place. It could be mocking or rejection in our families, or, like a missionary, literally suffering for the Gospel in a foreign land. The second part of this verse tells us we are not helpless in these situations. We are able to stand for the Gospel and withstand the suffering because we have the power of God. How did Paul suffer in prison, in chains, being beaten near to death? The power of God. When we are in the position of suffering for the sake of the Gospel, God grants us His power, and His strength to sustain us.