Romans 5:3

Not only so. Paul now explains how God’s plan of righteousness by faith brings peace and joy not only in times of prosperity but also in times of distress and trial. The hope of future glory and the endurance of present trouble go together. Jesus noted this fact when He said, ‘These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Glory. Greek kauchaomai, which is translated “rejoice” in verse 2 (see comment there).

The phrase may be translated “let us go on exulting.”

In tribulations. Literally, “in the tribulations,” hence the possible translation, “in our tribulations.” The Greek thlipsis means “pressure,” “crushing,” “oppression,” and is variously translated “trouble,” “affliction.” The early Christians were called upon to endure various forms of persecution and suffering. The apostle could not promise the believers any exemption from sorrow. Instead he explained how Christian faith could use tribulations for the perfection of character.

Paul informed the disciples at Lystra “that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). The apostles rejoiced “that they were counted worthy to suffer shame” (Acts 5:41). Peter wrote that Christians should “think it not strange concerning the fiery trial . . . : but rejoice” (1 Peter 4:12, 13). Jesus Himself said, “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake” (Matthew 5:10; cf. Romans 8:17, 28, 35; 2 Timothy 2:12). However, Christians must not become fanatical, and glory in suffering for its own sake. They should rejoice in affliction because they consider it an honor to suffer for Christ, because they realize that it is an occasion to witness to His power in supporting and delivering them, and because they know that suffering, when properly endured (see Hebrews 12:11), is made the means of their own sanctification and preparation for usefulness both for here and for heaven hereafter. The last of these reasons is the one that Paul particularly emphasizes in this context. See 3T 416.

Knowing. Paul could say this with assurance. Perhaps no other Christian has suffered more than he did in attempting to spread the gospel (see 2 Corinthians 11:23–27). Paul knew from personal experience that “tribulation worketh patience.”

Worketh. Greek katergazomai, “to achieve,” “to bring about,” “to work out.” The word is translated “work out” in Philippians 2:12.

Patience. Greek hupomone. “Patience” may suggest only passive resistance to evil, the calm submission of a soul that resigns itself to suffering. Hupomone means more than this. It signifies also an active virtue, a courageous perseverance and persistence that cannot be shaken by fear of evil or danger. A better translation would be “fortitude,” or “endurance.” The verb from which this noun is derived occurs frequently in the New Testament and is usually translated “endure” (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; Mark 13:13; 1 Corinthians 13:7; 2 Timothy 2:10; Hebrews 10:32; 12:2,7; James 1:12; 5:11).

In the natural man, who has not been born again of the Holy Spirit, tribulation, delay, and opposition often produce only impatience, or even a surrender of the good cause he may have espoused (Matthew 13:21). But in those who are spiritual, and thus under the influence of the Spirit of love, affliction and trial produce more perfect patience and manly endurance (1 Corinthians 13:7).

The supreme example of Christian fortitude in affliction was shown by Jesus during the last hours before His death. Through all the terrible cruelty and insult, Jesus bore Himself with majestic patience (see DA 710, 731, 734-736, 744). The Christian who longs to be like Christ will rejoice in whatever trials and suffering God may permit to come upon him, knowing that through these experiences he may gain more of the divine patience of Christ and thus be able to endure unto the end.