Why could Paul tell the suffering Thessalonian believers to rejoice evermore?
Paul could tell the suffering Thessalonian believers to rejoice evermore because they had assurance that their God was with them and that nobody could touch them without His knowing it. Even under persecution and pressure, that confidence remained, so Paul was on target and could rightfully write, “rejoice evermore.”
Les explains that it might seem odd to write “rejoice” to people under persecution and pressure, as verse 16 does, but Paul was so on target. The Thessalonian believers had the assurance that their God was with them, and no one could touch them without His knowing it. Because of that, Paul could rightfully write, “rejoice evermore.” Les adds that when you are under persecution, praying without ceasing is easy, whereas in America people often have it so good that they feel no need to spend extended time on their knees, though God expects and wants that communication.
Rejoice evermore.