rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; Truth to Learn Hope, patience, and steadfastness can be ours in Christ. Behind the Words “Rejoicing” is translated from chairontes, meaning “to be full of cheer,” or “to be calmly happy.” The word “hope” is from elpis, which means,...
Romans 8:35 – Faithful Loving God
What will separate us from the love of Christ, tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Truth to Learn No matter what happens to you, remember that God loves you! Behind the Words “What” is from the Greek interrogative pronoun tis, meaning “who,...
Romans 5:3 – Joyful Tribulation
And not only that, but we also rejoice in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; Truth to Learn We also rejoice in difficult times because these are the times when we learn to endure hardship. Behind the Words The Greek word that is translated “rejoice” in the current verse...
Romans 2:9 – Payment for Worthless Deeds
tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who accomplishes evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; Truth to Learn Tribulation and anguish are coming to those who reject God. Behind the Words The words “tribulation and anguish” are interesting in that, for three of the...
2 Thessalonians 1:4 – Faithful Endurance
so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure, Truth to Learn Our growth comes from enduring difficult circumstances. Behind the Words Kauchomai is the Greek verb translated “boast.” This word may...
1 Thessalonians 3:7 – Focusing On Others
because of this, brothers, in all our affliction and distress we were comforted concerning you by your faith. Truth to Learn Paul was concerned about how his own persecution was affecting the faith of others. Behind the Words “Because of this” is from the Greek words dia touto. The...
1 Thessalonians 3:3 – Suffering From God
that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed unto this. Truth to Learn Some of our suffering is because God has determined it. Behind the Words “No one” is translated from mēdeis. This word is made up of mē, which...
1 Thessalonians 1:6 – Affliction and Joy
And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, Truth to Learn Committed Christian living will result in affliction – and joy. Behind the Words “Imitators” is translated from mimētēs, from which we get our...
Ephesians 3:13 – Christian Tribulation
Therefore I ask you not to lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. Truth to Learn It is not uncommon for Christians to suffer. Behind the Words “I ask” is translated from the Greek verb aiteō, meaning “to request, ask, or beg.” In the New...
James 1:27 – Unselfish Light
Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to watch over orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. Truth to Learn The true outward expression of a Christian life is to care for the needs of others and not be...