Charles Spurgeon Commentary 1 Thessalonians 1:6

"And ye became imitators of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit;" — 1 Thessalonians 1:6 (ASV)

Ah! dear friends, we read of one who was more honourable than his brothers because his mother bore him with sorrow. And so when faith is born in the heart in the midst of affliction, it is a very precious faith. It is faith indeed. Having received the Word in much affliction with joy. I seem to see that joy of theirs floating, like Noah's ark, above the floods of their affliction. It seems to be a contradiction that we can be in affliction and yet be full of joy. But many a believer will tell you that there is no contradiction in it. He knows what it is to be sorrowful, and yet to be always rejoicing.