Suffering: Its Meaning for the Spirit-Filled Life

by Craig S. Keener

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.

288 pages, Paperback

Published November 11, 2025

About the author

Craig S. Keener (PhD, Duke University) is professor of New Testament at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. He is the author of many books, including Miracles: The Credibility of the New Testament Accounts, the bestseller The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament, The Historical Jesus of the Gospels, Gift and Giver, and commentaries on Matthew, John, Romans, 1–2 Corinthians, and Revelation.

Reviews

[Brandon Charlton II · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book around a theology of suffering. Really timely and deeply impactful. I love how he really points to the church outside of America to help readers understand that suffering is part of the Christian life.

[None · Rating 5 out of 5]

best book on biblical suffering - a corrective to the health and wealth false gospel

Dr. Craig Keener has given us another gem in a thorough exegetical biblical teaching covering all the major texts on suffering.

Believers (followers of Jesus) if they don’t prepare to suffer, then they will not be ready to endure and be faithful in persecution when it comes.

Believers will have to face the reality that the “health and wealth gospel” did not and does not deliver on its promises.

I believe in miracles and the gifts of the Spirit, but you can’t “claim” divine health as a right or positive think yourself into never suffering in some way at some time in your life.

I used to, in the early years of my walk with the Lord, follow Kenneth Copeland and Kenneth Hagin.

I ultimately found their teachings to be rather shallow and just a rehashing of the same old “name it and claim it theology.”

Their teachings sell a lot of books and media resources, but leave people (in my opinion) with no transforming work of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

It basically just doesn’t work and, more importantly, deceives people giving them a false hope - which hope will be shattered at some point in their lives as believers.

I believe in trusting God at all times, and I pray for healing in my life when I’m sick. I’ve been healed by Jesus at times and other times needed medicine or surgery to bring healing.

If you want the truth on suffering for Jesus (backed up with a plethora of texts), then read this book. You won’t be disappointed.

A Charismatic Messianic Jew.

Jon Lieberman

[Phillip · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got a lot a lot out of the book but it was challenging to read. It felt like reading a text book more than a story.

[Robert stalberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great perspective battling the excesses and wrong views in much of the charismatic world

[Nathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good. For a relatively small book, there is a ton packed in here.