Some of the false teachers denigrated those who suffered, Paul does the exact opposite. He was proud (in a positive sense) of his sufferings, seeing them as an essential part of his work for the church. This was not suffering for its own sake, but his work for the church and for Christ entailed suffering. So he wanted his readers to bee encouraged by this. We can perhaps see a parallel in some forms of so-called prosperity teaching (let me add that I absolutely believe in Biblical prosperity, it is just that there is a lot of nonsense taught on this subject, some of it dangerous nonsense). What are you encouraged most by: someone teaching about how God will give you lots of money if only you have enough faith; or someone who has been through difficult circumstances but has seen the grace of God at work and have come through this situation with greater awareness of God's love and a more Christlike character. And which would you rather have?
The false teachers' message was shallow. In contrast, Paul's desire is for them to have all the riches of full assurance of understanding. This again is a direct counter to Gnosticism with its hidden knowledge. All truth is in Christ, all wisdom is in Christ, all knowledge is in Christ. We should make it our goal to know Christ better. So we should beware of any teaching that takes us away from this.
Paul commends them, and assures them of his support.
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