so that we ourselves boast about you in the assemblies of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions which you endure.
in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: "Persecutions" here are the same type as mentioned by Christ in the parable of the sower in Mark 4:17. The persecution in this parable led to some falling away from the faith. In this passage Paul encourages Christians to stand strong and not waiver in their continuance in living the Christian life. This phrase could easily be rendered "during all the times that you are persecuted and are caused to suffer" (Ellingworth and Nida 138). Paul is complimenting and encouraging Christians for the way they continue to endure and believe, despite all of their persecutions and suffering. P. J. Gloag says, "To be a true Christian in the time of peace is a great matter; but to be a true Christian in the season of persecution is a greater; faith is then tested in the furnace" (2).