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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…
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