1:4 tribulations. The tribulations which all saints in all ages must endure (not just in the last generation—note Acts 14:22; II Timothy 3:12) are from men. The future tribulation visited on rebellious men, however, will be from God (II Thessalonians 1:6). They are not the same. In fact, our present tribulations can be considered a blessing, since we are therefore enabled to share, in small measure, the sufferings of Christ (II Thessalonians 1:5; see also Philippians 1:29; 3:10; II Corinthians 1:5).