Joy, of the church

The church is to rejoice in the salvation brought about by Jesus Christ's faithful life and death, and by the power of his resurrection. Even in adversity, believers know the joy of Jesus Christ.

Joy at the coming of Jesus Christ

Luke 2:8–11 See also John 3:27–29, John 8:56

And there were shepherds residing in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks by night. Just then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord!

Joy as the hallmark of the kingdom of God

Galatians 5:22 See also Matthew 13:44; Luke 10:17–21, Luke 15:4–10 parallel Matthew 18:12–14; John 4:34–36, John 16:20–24, John 17:13; Romans 12:12, Romans 14:17–18; 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

Jesus Christ promises joy to his disciples

John 15:9–11 See also Matthew 5:11–12 parallel Luke 6:22–23; John 16:20–24, John 17:13

As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Remain in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love. I have told you these things so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.

Joy among believers

Acts 2:46–47 See also Acts 15:1–3; Romans 15:31–32; 2 Corinthians 2:3; Philippians 2:17–18

With one accord they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Joy experienced in relationship with Jesus Christ

1 Peter 1:8–9 See also John 15:7–11; Hebrews 12:22–24; Revelation 19:7

Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with an inexpressible and glorious joy, now that you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Joy experienced through conversion

Acts 16:33–34 See also Acts 8:38–39; Romans 5:11

At that hour of the night, the jailer took them and washed their wounds. And without delay, he and all his household were baptized. Then he brought them into his home and set a meal before them. So he and all his household rejoiced that they had come to believe in God.

Joy experienced even in adversity

Acts 5:41; 1 Peter 4:12–13 See also Matthew 5:11–12 parallel Luke 6:22–23; 2 Corinthians 7:4, 2 Corinthians 8:1–2, 2 Corinthians 12:7–10, 2 Corinthians 13:9; Philippians 2:17–18; Colossians 1:24; 1 Thessalonians 1:6; Hebrews 10:34; James 1:2–3; 1 Peter 1:3–6

The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory.

Joy experienced by the apostles

Joy because of the believers' faith and obedience

Romans 16:19; 3 John 1:3–4 See also 2 Corinthians 7:4; Philippians 1:23–26, Philippians 4:1; Colossians 2:5; 1 Thessalonians 2:19–20, 1 Thessalonians 3:9

Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice over you. But I want you to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil.

For I was overjoyed when the brothers came and testified about your devotion to the truth, in which you continue to walk. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

Joy because of the believers' love and concern

2 Corinthians 7:7 See also 2 Corinthians 7:12–13; Philippians 2:1–2 the Philippians' love for one another; Philemon 1:7

and not only by his arrival, but also by the comfort he had received from you. He told us about your longing, your mourning, and your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced all the more.

Joy because of the believers' partnership in the gospel

Philippians 1:4–6

In every prayer for all of you, I always pray with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.