September 5

John 16:33

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

These words were spoken by Jesus to his disciples at the Last Supper, and they were spoken “that ye might have peace”. That is what the kingdom of God is: “righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost”. Romans 14:17. These things we have when we walk in the Spirit. But He warns us that in the world we will have tribulation, (trouble). And isn’t it true that in this world many times our hopes and expectations are frustrated and come to naught. We “look for much, and it comes to little”. The pleasures are bought with much effort and anxiety;and as one person said, “The pleasures of the world always bring a headache and sorrow afterwards. “But be of good cheer; I have overcome the world”. The cross was still ahead, and yet so determined and resolute was He to finish His mission that to Him it was already accomplished. Let us find peace, joy, and good cheer in the only place it is truly to be found: in submission to Christ and a life lived for Him.

Commentary by Francis L. Harris

"...what must I do to be saved?" Acts 16:30