18 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.
For I consider — not an opinion or calculation but an assurance
present time = period marked by special features
not worthy to be compared — should be “in comparison with” — used of weighing on a scale, so sufferings are of no weight in comparison with glory. They don’t even deserve to be measured on the same scale.
which shall be — not just “in the future” but of certain accomplishment. Glory is already embodied in Christ and will be revealed in us at His return.
Paul’s suffering — just as a reminder of who is saying this:
Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches (2 Corinthians 11:23-28).
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory (2 Corinthians 4:17).
