“What Does It Really Mean to Rejoice Always?”, specifically as it is used in 1 Thessalonians 5:16.
This phrase is often explained by well-meaning Christians to have been given in the form of a command; as in “You Must Rejoice At All Times!”. However, here in Paul’s closing statements in this love-letter to his much-loved Thessalonian church, he compassionately writes “Πάντοτε χαίρετε”, “pantote chairo”, “Rejoice Always” in the imperative, by which he is literally saying “I want you to be joyful forever”. “Pantote chairo” “Rejoice Always” is also found in the letter to the Philippians 4:4, where it is also employed as part of his benediction. That is to say, Paul was not issuing a new directive “command” here, but rather a well-known commendatory blessing, similarly as one might say “have a great day”. Paul’s full benediction to his letter is really three heart-felt sections, each addressed to the “Brethren”. A modern, vulgar translation of his closing words of encouragement might be something like:
1 Thessalonians 5:12-28 (paraphrase)
Benediction:
(1) Brethren, We urge you to honor those among your gathering that work hard at shepherding the church; those who show their love for you by admonishing you from time-to-time. Give them your full respect, returning your love for them for the work that they do. Always promote peace in the body of Christ.
(2) Brethren, (we who also work hard at overseeing the church BTW), we exhort you to gentleness:
• warn those who are unruly,
• comfort the fainthearted,
• uphold the weak,
• be patient with all.
• Take all steps necessary to ensure no one ever tries to “get even” by returning evil for some evil done to them, but everyone should always pursue what is good both for themselves and at-the-same-time good for everyone else in the body of Christ.
Our hope for you is that you:
• Continuously rejoice forever, that you
• never stop praying, and that you
• always give thanks in every circumstance; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Furthermore;
• Do not diminish the flame of the Holy Spirit by opposing His work of peace. By that I mean, don’t ignore The Holy Spirit’s prophetic revelation. But, make sure you also test all things; and cling tightly to that which is good.
• Abstain from every form of evil.
Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.
(3) Brethren, pray for us.
Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss.
I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read to all the holy brethren.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-28
And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.
Brethren, pray for us. Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss. I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read to all the holy brethren. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
Rejoice Always
KP
