Was Paul full of joy even though he suffered constantly for the gospel?
Yes. Paul endured constant pressure and suffered for the gospel amid continual trials and tribulation, yet he was full of joy and able to rejoice. His joy was an inner reality grounded in faith, not in favorable circumstances, and he rejoiced even when facing sacrifice and service for the faith.
Les explains that Paul and his companions were under constant persecution, yet they could say they had joy because of their faith. It was an inner thing, not dependent on ease or comfort. Paul asked the Philippians to fulfill his joy by being like-minded, having the same love, and being of one accord and one mind. In Philippians 2:16 he wanted to rejoice in the day of Christ that he had not run in vain or labored in vain. Even if he were offered upon the sacrifice and service of their faith, he said he joyed and rejoiced with them all. Les points out that the man himself was under constant pressure. He had suffered for the sake of the gospel under trials and tribulation constantly, and yet he was full of joy and able to rejoice. Les contrasts this with how spoiled we are and how good we have it, asking what would happen if the tables turned and someone came to arrest us for being a Christian.
Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
What does Philippians 2:16 say Paul's joy in the day of Christ depends on?
Philippians 2:16 connects Paul's joy in the day of Christ to the Philippians holding forth the word of life. He rejoices if they continue in that word, so his labor was not in vain, neither his running nor his labor for them was empty.
How could Paul be full of joy while suffering constantly for the sake of the gospel?
Paul’s joy was an inner joy grounded in faith, not dependent on outward comfort. He rejoiced that his labor for the gospel was not in vain and that believers shared one love and mind. Even while under constant persecution, he could rejoice with them in their faith.