What does Philippians 1:29 mean?

Paul clearly teaches that both believing and suffering were parts of faithful Christian living. His readers had likely already faced some persecution, and may have wondered why they had to suffer if they were faithfully living for God. Paul makes it clear that godliness and suffering often go together. There are times when we suffer, at the hands of the world, because we are following the will of God. The world hates the gospel, and it will naturally try to stamp it out (John 16:1–4). Second Timothy 3:12 says, "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted."

Paul will later note in Philippians 3:8 and 10, "For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ. … that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death." Christ is worthy of whatever suffering a believer may face. In Colossians 1:24, Paul would write, "Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake." First Peter 2:21 notes the role of suffering in this way: "For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps."