“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope:” Romans 5:3-4, KJV
It is interesting to read other translations on this section of verses. For example, “And not only so, but we also rejoice in our tribulations: knowing that tribulation worketh stedfastness; and stedfastness, approvedness; and approvedness, hope:” (Rom. 5:3-4, ASV). Again, “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,” (Rom. 5:3-4, ESV). Regardless of how various translations translate the original words into English, there is a link of qualities here that show a benefit from the Christian suffering the pressures of life. Consider the three qualities mentioned and their strengths in building character.
1. Overcoming in Endurance. The first quality mentioned is “patience” (KJV), “stedfastness” (ASV) or “endurance” (ESV). The original word denotes the idea of to remain or abide under. Thayer says of the word “steadfastness, constancy, endurance; in the N.T. the characteristic of a man who is unswerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings” (Thayer, p. 644). It is what a child develops through the discipline of a parent (cf. Heb. 12:7). It is the quality that a runner has in order to finish a race (cf. Heb. 12:1-2). The Christian does not focus on the suffering but on the product that comes through the struggle. Any tough task or situation demands that the character of endurance be present. Quitting is not an option for the Christian. All must say like Paul “I have finished my course” (2 Tim. 4:7).
2. Obtaining Excellence. The next quality to arise is “experience” (KJV), “approvedness” (ASV), or “character” (ESV). The original word literally denotes the result of having been put to the test and found of passing quality. It is seen in metallurgy of the trying of metals. Peter writes of such, where he said, “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” (1 Peter 1:7). Here is the refined life. Here is where one is made better through the training needed to improve the body, mind and soul. The Christian is here striving to be all that he/she can be through the grace and providence of God.
3. Optimistic in Expectation. The third quality is hope. This term involves an expectation to obtain what is offered to the faithful, enduring child of God. There are no doubts and wavering here. Thayer says of this original word translated hope, “expectation of good, hope; and in the Christian sense, joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation” (Thayer, pp. 205- 206). The Christian has such an attribute because his/her faith and confidence is in “the God of hope” (Rom. 15:13). Hope is a quality of one’s personal salvation (cf. Rom. 8:24). The child of God holds his head high through the trials of life knowing that God will make something of him in this life through the suffering and give the faithful salvation in the end. It is no wonder that David wrote, “O love the Lord, all ye his saints: for the Lord preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer. Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord” (Ps. 31:23-24).
Jimmy Clark