of favour;' which includes, of course, liberty of access to God. Where in lue stand, i. e. which we now possess or enjoy. Or the phrase may be taken in a forensic sense, as in Ps. 1 : 5. 130 : 3, 'In which state of grace we stand acquitted or justified.' The word wherein must refer to grace, the immediate antecedent, and not to faith, the more remote one. The figurative language here used is peculiarly expressive and appropri- ate. As those only who were in the favour of ancient monarchs could freely approach them, and even such had generally to be led forward by an ' introducer ;' so Christ, our introducer, secures access for us into the favour and presence of God. We come not of ourselves, but, abashed and humbled, are led along by our kind mediator.
Jlnd rejoice in hope of the glory of God. There are two benefits specified in this verse. The first, our present introduction into a state of favour and free access to God ; and the second, the joyful hope of the glory of God, that is, the glory of which God is the author. The word glory is often used in reference to future blessedness, to show that the happiness to be enjoyed hereafter is connected with the exaltation of all our powers, and of our sphere of activity.
(3) £nd not only so, hut we glory in tribulations also. Not only have we this introduction into the divine favour, and this hope of future glory, but we glory in tribulations also. Since our relation to God is changed, the relation of all things to us is changed. Afllictions, which before were the expressions of God's displeasure, are now the bene- volent and beneficent manifestations of his love. And, instead of being inconsistent with our filial relation to him, they serve to prove that he regards and loves us as his children ; Rom. 8 : 18. Heb. 12 : 6. Tribulations, therefore, although for the present they are not joyous but grievous, become to the believer matter of joy and thank- fulness. The way in which afflictions become thus useful, and con- sequently the ground of rejoicing, the apostle immediately explains. They give occasion for the exercise of the Christian graces, and these, from their nature, produce hope, which is sustained and authenticated by the witness of the Holy Spirit. Tribulation worketh patience. The word rendered pa^2e7ice signifies ?i\&o constancy, perseverance. Tribula- tion gives occasion to exercise and manifest a patient and persevering adherence to truth and duty under trials.
(4) And patience, experience ; and experience, hope. The word trans- lated experience mezTis properly, 1. Trial or experiment. 2 Cor. 8: 2, " Great trial of affliction," i. e. trial made by affliction. 2. It means the result of such trial, evidence, experience. 3. By another remove, thai ivhich has been tested and approved. As one or the other of these signi- fications is adopted, the clause is variously interpreted. It may mean, ' The endurance of afflictions leads to the trying or testing of one's own heart;' or 'It occasions the experience of the divine goodness, or of gra- cious exercises;' or 'It produces a state of mind which is the object of approbation ;' or ' It produces evidence, viz. of a gracious state.' This