1 Thessalonians 5:16

Rejoice evermore alway (R. V.) same as in ch. 1Th 1:2. 1 Thessalonians 2:16, &c. This seems a strange injunction for men afflicted like the Thessalonians (see ch. 1Th 1:6, 1 Thessalonians 2:14; 1 Thessalonians 3:2-4; 2 Thessalonians 1:4). But the Apostle had learnt, and taught the secret, that in sorrow endured for Christ's sake there is hidden a new spring of joy. See Romans 5:3-5, "Let us glory in our tribulations;" 2 Corinthians 12:10; and the Beatitude of Christ in Matthew 5:10-12; also 1 Peter 4:12-14.

This phrase supplied the key-note of St Paul's subsequent letter, written from prison, to the Philippians (ch. 1 Thessalonians 4:4-5).