The Christian Process
Prof. Godet. Romans 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation works patience; I. Tribulation gives rise to PATIENCE, coming from a verb which signifies "to keep good under" (a burden, blows, etc.) , and might be rendered "endurance." II. Endurance, in its turn, worketh EXPERIENCE — the state of a force or virtue which has stood trials. This force, issuing victorious from the conflict, is undoubtedly the faith of the Christian, the worth of which he has now proved by experience. It is a weapon of which henceforth he knows the value. The word frequently denotes the proved Christian, the man who has shown what he is (cf. Romans 14:18), and the opposite (1 Corinthians 10:27). III. When, finally, the believer has thus experienced the Divine force with which faith fills him in the midst of suffering, he feels his HOPE rise. Nothing which can happen to him in the future any longer affrights him. The prospect of glory opens up to him nearer and more brilliant. How many Christians have declared that they never knew the gladness of faith or lively hope till they gained it by tribulation! With this word the apostle has returned to the end of ver. 2; and as there are deceitful hopes, he adds that this, "the hope of glory," runs no risk of being falsified by the event. (Prof. Godet.) Parallel Verses KJV: And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; WEB: Not only this, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering works perseverance;