Rejoicing in times of trial is not some meaningless religious ritual in which we focus upon how we feel, or resolve to be brave. Instead, we are following the example set by Jesus in his own life, death, and resurrection. Suffering and trials give way to the resurrection of our bodies, future glory, and eternal life. Paul makes this point earlier in Romans; “And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience” (Romans 8:23–25).

When writing to Christians in the city of Thessalonica, the Apostle Paul instructs them, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). The Thessalonian church was founded by Paul, Timothy, and Silas on Paul’s second missionary journey, and was composed of people who left Greco-Roman paganism to embrace Jesus Christ by faith. Thessalonica was a large city (about 100,000 people lived there) on a major road when Paul visited the area. Thessalonica was the capital of the Roman province of Macedonia. It was an important place to plant a church. But it was hardly a friendly environment for new converts.

Having heard about their struggles after his departure, Paul writes to them from Corinth, partly to clear up some confusion in the congregation about the Lord’s return, but also to instruct them how to deal with their difficult circumstances. Paul is direct in his exhortation to the Thessalonians. Rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks in all circumstances should characterize the lives of these new Christians in the face of heated opposition from those who simply cannot understand why people would worship a Jewish Rabbi from far away Palestine, who claimed to be the Son of God only to be put to death by the Romans. But if that same Rabbi had been raised from the dead—as Jesus had been—how could you not worship him? One who conquered death was surely an object of hope in any time of trial.

Yet, to command Christians to rejoice under difficult circumstances is hard to understand without the proper context—the empty tomb. We can certainly understand why Christians facing opposition from unbelievers would need to pray. It was vital that these new Christians learn to seek the grace of God to sustain them during times of trial. We can also understand why Christians should give continual thanks for the mercies of God which they continue to receive. But why must God’s people rejoice during times of trial and persecution? Is Paul merely repeating a pagan ideal?

Here is where the proper context can help us. Paul’s teaching about Jesus throughout his letters reveals that the Apostle is a critic of Greek stoicism–a philosophy of life which taught people to live resolutely in accordance with fixed laws of nature. At first hearing, Paul’s command to rejoice during trial sounds a bit like what Greeks might expect from a stoic philosopher. Why would Paul command this if not a stoic himself?

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