Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Overview:Tribulations refer to periods of severe trials, suffering, or distress that believers may experience in their spiritual journey. The concept is deeply rooted in the Christian faith, where tribulations are often seen as tests of faith, opportunities for spiritual growth, and a means to draw closer to God. The Bible frequently addresses the theme of tribulation, offering both warnings and encouragement to the faithful.
Biblical References:1.
Old Testament Context: While the term "tribulation" is more commonly associated with the New Testament, the Old Testament contains numerous accounts of trials and sufferings faced by God's people. For instance, the Israelites endured hardships during their bondage in Egypt and their subsequent wanderings in the wilderness (Exodus 1-14). These experiences were seen as both punishment for disobedience and opportunities for reliance on God's provision and guidance.
2.
New Testament Teachings: The New Testament provides a more explicit discussion of tribulations, particularly in the teachings of Jesus and the writings of the apostles. Jesus Himself warned His followers of impending trials, stating, "In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world" (
John 16:33). This assurance highlights the inevitability of tribulations but also the ultimate victory through Christ.
The Apostle Paul frequently addressed the theme of tribulation in his epistles. In
Romans 5:3-5 , Paul writes, "Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." Here, tribulations are portrayed as a process that refines and strengthens the believer's faith.
3.
The Great Tribulation: A specific period of intense suffering known as the Great Tribulation is prophesied in the Book of Revelation. This eschatological event is described as a time of unprecedented distress preceding the second coming of Christ.
Revelation 7:14 refers to those who have come out of the Great Tribulation, emphasizing their endurance and faithfulness: "These are the ones who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."
Theological Significance:1.
Purpose of Tribulations: From a theological perspective, tribulations serve multiple purposes. They are seen as a means of sanctification, purifying believers and drawing them closer to God. Tribulations also test the authenticity of one's faith, as illustrated in
1 Peter 1:6-7 : "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in various trials, so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
2.
Response to Tribulations: Believers are encouraged to respond to tribulations with patience, faith, and hope.
James 1:2-4 advises, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." This perspective encourages Christians to view tribulations as opportunities for growth and maturity in their spiritual lives.
3.
Divine Comfort and Deliverance: Throughout the Bible, God promises His presence and comfort to those enduring tribulations.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 states, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." This assurance of divine comfort underscores the belief that God is actively involved in the lives of believers, providing strength and solace during times of trial.
Conclusion:The concept of tribulations is integral to the Christian experience, serving as both a challenge and a catalyst for spiritual growth. Through the lens of Scripture, tribulations are not merely obstacles but are transformative experiences that refine faith, build character, and deepen the believer's relationship with God.
Greek
2347. thlipsis -- tribulation... tribulation NASB Word Usage affliction (14), afflictions (6), anguish (1), distress
(2), persecution (1), tribulation (16),
tribulations (4), trouble (1).
...Library
That the Union of Our Will with the Good-Pleasure of God Takes...
... PLEASURE. CHAPTER II. THAT THE UNION OF OUR WILL WITH THE GOOD-PLEASURE
OF GOD TAKES PLACE PRINCIPALLY INTRIBULATIONS. Painful...
Of Patience
... Gladly therefore aretribulations to be suffered in adversity, noys and bitterness,
pains and sickness and thirst; for by these and such other our sins are...
To the End God May Rest in the Soul to the End God May Rest in the...
... void and peaceable; clean from guilt and defects; quiet from fears; void of affections,
desires, and thoughts; and peaceable in temptations andtribulations....
Psalm LXIX.
... But again if we think of the abundance oftribulations, and observe the way wherein
we are walking (if indeed we do walk in it), how narrow it is, and how...
Of Holy Patience
... He who with steadfast humility and patience endurethtribulations for the fervent
love of God, shall soon attain to great graces and virtues; he shall be lord...
Thus Much in Proof of the Profession which we Make in the Creed...
... Does he not plainly say that there will be a resurrection of this flesh, this, I
mean, which is now undergoing the extremity of trials andtribulations?...
Two Epistles from Innocent, the Pope of Rome, of which one was...
... Let thy conscience encourage thy love, O most honored brother; for that faculty
amidtribulations possesses an encouragement for virtue....
Epistle xxxix. To Anastasius, Bishop .
... endure will not be hard. For We must through manytribulations enter into
the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22). And, We were pressed...
Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity Paul's Care and Prayer for the...
... 13. Wherefore I ask that ye may not faint at mytribulations for you, which are
your glory.14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father, 15 from whom every...
Of the Royal Way of the Holy Cross
... Thou art wrong, thou art wrong, if thou seekest aught but to suffertribulations,
for this whole mortal life is full of miseries, and set round with crosses....
Thesaurus
Tribulations (11 Occurrences)...Tribulations (11 Occurrences).
... Acts 20:23 only that the Holy Spirit testifies to
me in every city, saying that bonds and
tribulations await me. (DBY YLT).
...Endurance (31 Occurrences)
... (WEB WEY DBY NAS RSV). Romans 5:3 And not only that, but we also boast intribulations,
knowing that tribulation works endurance; (DBY YLT RSV)....
Tribulation (43 Occurrences)
... Romans 5:3 And not only so, but we glory intribulations also: knowing that
tribulation worketh patience; (Root in KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS)....
Tribunal (11 Occurrences)
Worketh (49 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV WBS). Romans 5:3 And not only so, but we glory intribulations also:
knowing that tribulation worketh patience; (KJV ASV WBS)....
Filling (29 Occurrences)
... Colossians 1:24 I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and do fill up the things
lacking of thetribulations of the Christ in my flesh for his body, which is...
Trials (11 Occurrences)
... Thessalonians 1:4 so that we ourselves do glory in you in the assemblies of God,
for your endurance and faith in all your persecutions andtribulations that ye...
Recommending (2 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 6:4 but in everything recommending ourselves as God's ministrants;
in much patience, intribulations, in necessities, in distresses, (YLT)....
Establishing (18 Occurrences)
... Acts 14:22 establishing the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to abide in the
faith, and that through manytribulations we must enter into the kingdom of...
Ministrants (18 Occurrences)
... (YLT). 2 Corinthians 6:4 but in everything recommending ourselves as God's ministrants;
in much patience, intribulations, in necessities, in distresses, (YLT)....
Resources
Why does God allow us to go through trials and tribulations? | GotQuestions.orgHow can the Bible bring comfort during a difficult time? | GotQuestions.orgQuestions about the Christian Life (All) | GotQuestions.orgTribulations: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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