1 Thessalonians 5:16,17

Text (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17)

16 Rejoice always; 17 pray without ceasing;

Translation and Paraphrase

16.

Rejoice always (in tribulation as well as in comfort).

17.

Pray without ceasing. (Always be in an attitude of communion with God.)

Notes (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17)

1.

Christianity is not sullen and sour, but full of joy, so full of joy that saints can be joyous even when the world frowns. Christianity is not recommended by sepulchral tones and suppressing every outward manifestation of gladness.

2.

Rejoice evermore means rejoice always, The word rejoice is found in Paul's letters more than two dozen times. See Philippians 3:1; Philippians 4:4. Paul even rejoiced in his sufferings. Colossians 1:24; Acts 16:25; See also 1 Peter 4:13.

3.

The secret of true joy is to avoid trying to be happy, and just go on quietly doing our work and service. Then happiness will come to us without our looking for it. But chasing happiness itself is like chasing rainbows. It is always just beyond reach.

4.

1 Thessalonians 5:16 is actually the shortest verse in the Bible. Perhaps you have thought that Jesus wept was the shortest verse. (John 11:35.) In the English Bible it is the shortest. But in the Greek text John 11:35 actually has three words and sixteen letters, while 1 Thessalonians 5:16 has only two words and fourteen letters. The shortest verse in the Old Testament is 1 Chronicles 1:25.

5.

How can we pray without ceasing? We cannot always be saying words in prayer. However, we can always be in an attitude of prayer, and break out spontaneously in prayer at opportune times. Review the notes on 1 Thessalonians 3:11, paragraph 1.

6.

The command to pray always was also given by Christ. See Luke 18:1. Paul also stated it in other Scriptures. See Romans 12:12; Colossians 4:2; Ephesians 6:18.