Article Tools
- Text Size
- Add a comment (4)
- Print-Friendly
- Email this article
It was a rough night. Paul and Silas had been preaching the gospel in Philippi for just a short time when they fell into trouble with some of the Gentiles in the city. A miraculous exorcism led to a scuffle, and the scuffle led to a riot—and the riot led to the two apostles being arrested. They were beaten, chained, and locked up in prison (Acts 16:16-40). They were flogged without trial—a right that was given to every Roman citizen—and put in prison. Injustice pervaded the whole affair.
How did Paul and Silas react to all of this? Did they sink into depression? Did they vow to get revenge on their attackers? Did they wonder if the gospel they preached was really worth all this trouble? No. They prayed and sang hymns. They rejoiced. While their bodies were bleeding and their bones were aching, their hearts were full of faith. In the midst of terrible pain, they freely praised God.
It was this habit of holding onto his faith, even in difficult situations like this one, that lay behind Paul’s words to the Thessalonians: “Rejoice always” (1 Thessalonians 5:16). It’s why he told them: “In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus” (5:18). It’s why he told the Philippians—while he was in a different prison, no less—to “rejoice in…
The full article is available to subscribers only
Access all articles, daily meditations and readings, as well as special resources, by becoming a subscriber. View subscription options.
Special Offer: Two week free web-only trial subscription. Sign up now.
Existing Print & Web-Only Subscribers: Login for full access.
Truly an article to share and add to the one’s we want to Keep and go back to again and again. St. Paul touches me deeply, I think it is from him that I have grown spiritually and remember to give thanks and praise daily for all the many blessings I’ve received.
Advent is the joyous and most hopeful time for me, how great our God is to give us his only Son who came as a Babe. How loving and compassionate is The Blessed Virgin Mary, His Mother who never for a moment paused to think but said, “Yes” to God. My one wish is that we will all keep the joy and the wonder of Advent throughout the year to be a
beacon for those who need a prayer or a small kindness.
Thank you WAU for such a beautiful, meaningful, Advent article.
Thank you for the reminder that Jesus is our anchor when we hit the rough waters of life..."that we should be able to rejoice in the Lord nonetheless because he is unchanging, steadfast, and always on our side”.
This article expresses what is so very true. I am physically disabled and confined to a wheelchair. Yet I know that I can rejoice in all situations (whether good or not so good). Jesus promises us that He will never leave us or forsake us (in the letter to the Hebrews). Again, in Paul’s letter to the Romans, we are told that all things work for good to those who love God! This is what is emphasised so clearly in this article. THANK YOU!
Okay, I’m a little slow as I’ve just read this today, New Year’s Day! But the article is pure gold. The sentence,” We won’t always be able to rejoice in our circumstances, but we should be able to rejoice in the Lord nonetheless because he is unchanging, steadfast and always on our side, just really enlightened my mind. Of course! And the idea of not dwelling on our circumstances really,now makes sense to me.
Thank you, Holy Spirit. And thank you to all the WAU writters and staff for such a challenging and helpful tool in our spiritual lives.