1 Thessalonians 5:16 - Rejoice Always!
1Th.5:16; Rejoice Always!
1 Th 5:16 (KJV) Rejoice evermore.
1 Th 5:16 (NNAS) Rejoice always;
In the original Greek, 1 Thessalonians 5:16 is the shortest
verse in the Bible. [New Bible Companion]
Our attention is often directed to the two shortest verses in
the Bible noting that "Jesus wept" is the shorter of the two. But
in the Greek we find this "shortest" verse has three words whereas
the verse from 1TH5:16 ("Rejoice evermore") has only two. [Daily
Readings]
Four MSS. of good reputation add .... in the Lord: Rejoice in the
Lord evermore. (Adam Clarke Commentary)
Our joy, prayers, and thankfulness should not fluctuate with our
circumstances or feelings. [Life Application SB]
People are naturally happy on some occasions, but the
Christian's joy is not dependent on circumstances. It comes from what Christ
has done, and it is constant. [NIV SB]
This is a command. A Christian's joy does not spring from his
circumstances, but from the blessings that are his because he is in Christ.
[Bible Knowledge Commentary]
Whether from possession of present good or anticipation of
future happiness, the Christian has abundant reason for rejoicing. With
forgiveness of his sins his conscience is free, and peace fills his soul. He
knows that "all things work together for good" [SDA Commentary]
There is always something for which to give thanks; even on the
darkest day there are blessings to count. We must remember that if we
face the sun the shadows will fall behind us but if we turn our backs
on the sun all the shadows will be in front. [Barclay Commentary]
Joy and constant prayer seem to go together (Eph. 6:18; Phil.
4:4, 6). [Jamieson, Fausset, And Brown Commentary]
The Christian who walks with the Lord and keeps in constant
communion with Him will see many reasons for rejoicing and thanksgiving
all day long. [Wiersbe Expository Outlines]
Real joy depends upon one's relation to God, which is permanent
and unchanging. (UBS Translator Handbook Series)
Christian joy is not dampened by affliction or other harsh
circumstances, because it is rooted in one's unassailable relationship to God
(cf. Phil 2:18; 3:1; 4:4). In fact, joy may thrive in tribulation
when a believer discerns the glorious purposes of God (Rom 5:3-5; Jas
1:2 ff.). Such joy is not self-generated but is the Spirit's fruit
(Gal 5:22). [Wycliffe Bible Commentary]
In him our joy will be full; and it is our fault if we have not
a continual feast. (Matthew Henry's Commentary)
Nothing tends more to promote health of body and of soul than
does a spirit of gratitude and praise. MH251
Make rejoicing and prayer, habits of life, and you will be able
to give thanks in everything. [In His Time; Walk With Wisdom]
God has given us His Spirit, who acts like a power generator
within us. Galatians tells us that we have access to love and joy
through God's Spirit in us. For the person who knows Jesus Christ as
Savior and Lord, there is always access to joy, and so Paul can write,
"Rejoice always." This rejoicing does not come from positive thinking,
neither is it a mindless act. It comes from the Holy Spirit indwelling
the believer. We need to make choosing that joy a habit. With joy
comes the ability to pray in such a manner as to give thanks in all
things. This may begin as a discipline. But as we grow in our walk
with the Lord, we understand that indeed we can give thanks, because
our God's economy is perfect, and not an experience in life is
wasted. Today you can begin a new habit of asking for, and experiencing
God's joy. It's already there for the asking! [In His Time; Walk With
Wisdom]
I can complain because rosebushes have thorns, or rejoice
because the thornbush has a rose; it's all up to me. [Source unknown]
|
|
