Why could Paul say he and his companions had joy while under constant persecution?
He and his companions had joy because their joy was rooted in faith, an inner thing, not in outward circumstances. Although they suffered for the gospel and faced trials and tribulation constantly, they remained full of joy and were able to rejoice.
Les explains that Paul and his companions were under constant persecution, yet Paul could say they had joy because of their faith. It was an inner thing, not dependent on outward circumstances. Les also notes that Paul himself was under constant pressure and had suffered for the sake of the gospel, enduring trials and tribulation constantly, yet he was full of joy and able to rejoice. Their joy was tied to faith and the gospel work, as Paul speaks of rejoicing in the day of Christ and not laboring in vain. Les contrasts this with how spoiled believers today can become, asking what would happen if persecution came suddenly for being a Christian.