⁴ Rejoice^[a] in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.^[b](A)

¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray without ceasing, ¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

¹² Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; persevere in prayer.^(A)

Faith and Wisdom

² My brothers and sisters, whenever you face various trials, consider it all joy,^{(A) 3} because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. ⁴ And let endurance complete its work, so that you may be complete and whole, lacking in nothing.

3 Finally, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord.

Breaking with the Past

To write the same things to you is not troublesome to me, and for you it is a source of steadfastness.

¹² Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.^(A)

² through whom we have obtained access^[a] to this grace in which we stand, and we^[b] boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God.^{(A) 3} And not only that, but we^[c] also boast in our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance,^(B)

¹³ But rejoice insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed.^(A)

²⁵ About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.^(A)

Psalm 34

Praise for Deliverance from Trouble

Of David, when he feigned madness before Abimelech, so that he drove him out, and he went away.