¹⁶ Rejoice always,^(A)

¹⁰ Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing^(A) prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy^(B) of the Lord is your strength.”

¹¹ The Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be still, for this is a holy day. Do not grieve.”

¹² Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy,^(C) because they now understood the words that had been made known to them.

⁴⁵ They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.^{(A) 46} Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts.^(B) They broke bread^(C) in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, ⁴⁷ praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.^(D) And the Lord added to their number^(E) daily those who were being saved.

²⁴ Not that we lord it over^(A) your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm.^(B)

² In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.^(A)

Final Exhortations

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!^(A)