We Rejoice in Our Sufferings

“Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us” (Romans 5:3-5, ESV).

Christian Suffering

While “we rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (Rom. 5:2), there is another reason for rejoicing. Allusion here to “our sufferings” is a prelude to the upcoming discussion affirming, “the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (8:18 ff.). This offers awareness and reassurance, while countering potential objections about the real-life challenges experienced by those who are justified by God through Christ.

Benefits of Suffering

Parallel to James 1:2-3, 12, Paul says that we “rejoice” [καυχάομαι] in our “sufferings” [θλίψεις], because, unlike the Law of Moses “producing” or “bringing about” [κατεργάζομαι] wrath (4:15), these “tribulations” (ASV, NASB, N/KJV) or “afflictions” (CSB, LSB) bring about “endurance” [ὑπομονὴ], “steadfastness” (ASV), “perseverance” (NASB, NIV, NKJV), conveying the sense of “fortitude” (Weymouth).

This in turn produces “approvedness” [δοκιμή] (ASV), “a spiritual state which has shown itself proof under trial,” thus “character,”¹ i.e., “proven character” (CSB, NAB, NASB, WEB). This, then, leads to “hope” (cf. v. 2), facilitating the joy that is confirmed rather than shaken by afflictions and hardships. “For persecution only generates fortitude, or resolute endurance under trials: and then fortitude leads on to the approved courage of the veteran; and that in turn strengthens the hope out of which it originally sprang.”² Awareness of what lies ahead offers the anticipatory assurance of hope founded upon the undeniable proof of “God’s love,” clearly demonstrated in all that he has done through Christ (vv. 1-11). 

The Gift of the Holy Spirit

While the term πνεῦμα (“spirit”) has been employed multiple times already in the letter (1:4, 9; 2:29), this is the first explicit reference to “the Holy Spirit.” Unlike the apostle’s initial experience with uninformed disciples in Ephesus (Acts 19:1-2), here he assumes preexisting knowledge among the Romans of God’s Spirit,³ through whom “God’s love has been poured into our hearts” [καρδίαι] and “has been given to us.” Since Paul earlier expressed his desire to travel to Rome “that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you” (1:11), a non-miraculous manifestation of the divine Spirit seems to be in view here. 

The apostle knows that the Roman Christians have obeyed from the “heart” [καρδία] the “standard of teaching” [τύπον διδαχῆς] they were delivered, freed from sin as penitent baptized believers (6:4, 17-18). Note also the instrumentality of the Spirit-inspired “word” (10:8) and intercession in prayer (8:26-27). Paul’s understanding of the gospel message is the same as his apostolic colleagues,⁴ involving an obedient faith-response that includes belief, repentance, confession, and baptism, resulting in forgiveness of sins and receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit.⁵ Thereafter God’s Spirit indwells the redeemed in Christ as a “seal” of divine ownership and “guarantee” of God’s inheritance.⁶

Conclusion

It is only from a Christian perspective that one can rejoice in the midst of suffering. While there is no joy in the suffering itself, we value the benefits gained therefrom. Without the imperfections of this world and the inevitable trials we face, there can be no development of much-needed qualities like endurance, proven character, and confident hope. Nor would we fully appreciate the love of God and his gift of the Holy Spirit.

--Kevin L. Moore

Endnotes: 

     ¹ J. Denney, “Romans” 624. Cf. ESV, ISV, NET, NIV, NKJV, NRSV; “strength of character” (NLT), “experience” (KJV, LSV).

     ² W. Sanday and A. C. Headlam, Romans 118.

     ³ Cf. also Rom. 9:1; 14:17; 15:13, 16.

     ⁴ 1 Cor. 15:11; Gal. 1:7-9; 3:26-27.

     ⁵ Acts 2:37-38; 5:32; 22:16.

     ⁶ Cf. 1 Cor. 6:19; 2 Cor. 5:5; Eph. 1:13-14; 3:16; 4:30; 1 John 3:24; 4:13. See K. L. Moore, “God’s Indwelling Spirit,” Moore Perspective (26 August 2015), <Link>. Nonetheless, God cannot recognize as his those who continue to practice iniquity (2 Tim. 2:16-21). Since it is possible to forfeit salvation by falling back into a sinful life (cf. 2 Pet. 2:20-22), it must therefore be possible to lose salvation’s guarantee. Whatever the Holy Spirit does or does not do, personal accountability, decision-making, and self-control are not eliminated (cf. Rom. 7:18; 12:3).

Related Posts: Justification (Rom 5:1-2)

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