Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds,
Regard trials as matter for rejoicing, not punishment or calamity. They test whether you will cling to faith in God or apostatize. Sickness, poverty, bereavement, persecution, all try your religion and show its reality.
AI summary
These are not temptations to sin, which grieve us, but afflictions and persecutions, trials that prove the faith and graces of God's people. They came from many quarters: persecution by their countrymen, distress from Gentiles, confiscation of goods, imprisonment, scourging, death in various shapes.
AI summary
Afflictions are trials, both correcting for sin and experimental proof of grace. They are not joyous in themselves but yield joy through their effects: proving faith, increasing patience, bringing glory to God, and hastening our passage to heaven.
AI summary