1 Thessalonians 5:16

Modern

Rejoice at all times.

Traditional

Rejoice evermore.

Literal

Always rejoice.

Latin

Semper gaudete.

Greek

English

Rejoice at all times.

The second part of the letter discusses Timothy's news about the church and the questions the Christians had for Paul.

Paul addresses:

the problem of sexual immorality (4:3–8) before responding to the Thessalonians’ questions about love for other Christians (4:9–12),
the fate of Christians who have died (4:13–18), and
the timing of "the Day of the Lord" (5:1–11).

Paul offers advice on topics such as leadership and community relations, the relationship with the Lord, and prophecy (5:12–22).

Theme notes and profiles

Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer.
Philippians 4:4
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Matthew 5:12
Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.
2 Corinthians 6:10
…sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.
Luke 10:20
Nevertheless, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”