1 Thessalonians · Chapter 3

V. 1. We-Paul and Silvanus.

Could bear no longer-Our desire and fear for you.

Verse 1. Wherefore, when we could no longer, &c.] The apostle was anxious to hear of their state, and as he could obtain no information without sending a messenger express, he therefore sent Timothy from Athens; choosing rather to be left alone, than to continue any longer in uncertainty relative to their state.

Verse 1. When we could no longer forbear — Or bear, rather, namely, our anxiety on your account. The word stegontev, here used, literally signifies bearing or carrying, but never forbearing. Some such word as anxiety is necessary to be supplied, because it appears from the following verse, that the apostle was at this time under great concern lest the Thessalonians should have been moved from the faith of the gospel, either by the false arguments of the unbelievers, or by the persecutions which they suffered. We thought it good to be left at Athens alone — Although there we had peculiar need of the support and comfort of having with us an approved companion and friend. Some infer, from this manner of speaking, that Silas was absent from Paul while he was at Athens. And Macknight supposes, that though Timothy and Silas were both ordered to follow him from Berea to Athens, (Acts 17:15,) only Timothy came to him there. See Acts 18:1, 5. If this opinion be correct, when Timothy left Athens, the apostle remained in that city alone, which was a very trying circumstance, as he expected great opposition from the Athenian philosophers. Some, however, infer, from the apostle’s speaking in the plural number, We thought, &c., that Silas must have been with him. And sent Timotheus, our fellow-labourer in the gospel — As Timothy is said (Acts 17:14) to have remained with Silas in Berea, after Paul’s departure, it is probable he had been with the apostle at Thessalonica, and had assisted him in his work of preaching the gospel there; to establish you — In the new faith you have embraced; and to comfort you — Under your suffering. That no man — That none of you, who have believed; should be moved — Or shaken, as sainesqai means; should be discouraged, and made to fall off from his adherence to the Christian profession and hope, by these afflictions — Which either you or we are exposed to. For you know that we are appointed thereto — Our Lord expressly forewarned his apostles that they were to be persecuted, and that even to death; and that whoever killed them would think he did God service. Moreover, when he called Paul to the apostleship, he showed him how great things he must suffer for his name’s sake, Acts 9:16. All the apostles, therefore, and Paul more especially, expected to be persecuted. But here it is signified, that not only the apostles, evangelists, and other ministers of the word, were exposed to persecution, but that all who embraced the Christian faith were to expect to meet with the same treatment from the unbelievers, whether heathen or Jews; yea, that, as the original expression, eiv touto keimeqa, implies, that they were appointed to it, or rather laid, in every respect, in a fit posture for it, and that by the very design and contrivance of God himself, for the trial and increase of their faith and other graces. For, one principal part of the scheme of God, in establishing the Christian Church, was to raise a society of men who should glorify his name, and illustrate the force of true religion by enduring the greatest extremities in its defence with fortitude and cheerfulness. He gives great riches to the world, but stores up his treasures of wholesome afflictions for his children. For when we were with you — We did not flatter you with any vain hopes of an easy and pleasurable life, but plainly and candidly told you, before you embraced the gospel which we preach, and united yourselves to the Christian community, by submitting to the ordinance of baptism, that we should suffer tribulation — And indeed what else could be expected by any that consider the nature of the religion to which we are endeavouring to make converts, compared with the tempers, prejudices, and interests of mankind. Because the apostle knew that the enemies of the gospel would infer, from his not delivering himself from persecution by miracles, that he did not possess the miraculous powers to which he pretended, he took care to let his disciples know, in every place, that he was ordered by his Master to suffer for the gospel, and that his suffering for it was as necessary a part of the proof of its divine original as his working miracles.

Verse 1, 2. Wherefore, when we could no longer forbear, seeing you were so oppressed with persecutions, we sent Timothy, and preferred being left agone without a fellow-labourer at Athens. Here was love, paternal love to the saints at Thessalonica. To be left alone in so great a work, and in so learned and celebrated a city as Athens, exposed to contempt and laughter in the schools, the malice of the jews, and the ravings of the populace, not to name the heathen priests, was a sacrifice like parting with a right hand, in losing Timothy. Paul would rather suffer the privation of a brother so dear, and ever faithful in the work of the Lord, than that the Thessalonians should think that he had forgotten them in the day of trouble.

1. Forbear—The old Greek word for this signified first to cover, afterward to contain, and finally to contain or restrain one’s self. Thought it good—Note on the noun of this verb, Ephesians 1:5. Alford remarks here that the word does not carry with it any signification of pleasure except so far as we say “it was our pleasure,” referring merely to the resolution of the will. But “pleasure,” in the ordinary English sense of the word, signifying merely emotional agreeableness, never belongs to the words. The Greek term is compounded of eu, well, or right, and dokew, to seem or appear, or to think. Hence, when used in public decrees, it means, such is the right-seeming unto us, the authorities. That right-seeming claims to be the just ground of the decree. It is an absolutely just right-seeming when the authority is an absolutely just one. When such an authority in English uses the phrase, it is our pleasure, as equivalent to the Greek phrase, the word pleasure has not its sense of mere gratification, but of right-seeming; and of decree accordant with that right-seeming. Paul’s right-seeming was the right-seeming of a right-minded thinker. Left at Athens alone—By Timothy. When Paul embarked for Athens from Berea, he sent back command for Silas and Timothy to follow him to Athens. Acts 17:15. This Timothy may have obeyed, and thus St. Paul and Timothy may have been briefly together in Athens. But in time, as here narrated, Paul’s anxiety for his Thessalonians became so great that he concluded to send Timothy back again to them. though he would be thereby left at Athens alone. It does not appear that Silas came to Athens. But both joined St. Paul at Corinth. Acts 18:5.

Verse 2. Timotheus, our brother] It appears that Timothy was but a youth when converted to God; he had now however been some years in the work of God; Paul therefore calls him his brother, being one of the same Christian family, a son of God by adoption: elsewhere he calls him his own son, 1 Timothy 1:2; and his dearly beloved son, 2 Timothy 1:2; because he was brought to the knowledge of the true God, and to salvation by Christ, through the apostle’s instrumentality. See the preface to the First Epistle to Timothy.

Minister of God] Employed by God to preach the Gospel; this was God’s work, and he had appointed Timothy to do it, and to do it at this time in conjunction with St. Paul; and therefore he calls him his fellow labourer. There were no sinecures then; preaching the Gospel was God’s work; the primitive preachers were his workmen, and laboured in this calling. It is the same still, but who works?

Verse 1, 2. Wherefore, when we could no longer forbear, seeing you were so oppressed with persecutions, we sent Timothy, and preferred being left agone without a fellow-labourer at Athens. Here was love, paternal love to the saints at Thessalonica. To be left alone in so great a work, and in so learned and celebrated a city as Athens, exposed to contempt and laughter in the schools, the malice of the jews, and the ravings of the populace, not to name the heathen priests, was a sacrifice like parting with a right hand, in losing Timothy. Paul would rather suffer the privation of a brother so dear, and ever faithful in the work of the Lord, than that the Thessalonians should think that he had forgotten them in the day of trouble.

2. Brother… minister… fellow labourer—Such are the terms in which St. Paul commends Timothy to Thessalonica. While at Philippi and Thessalonica Timothy seems to have been a silent servitor to the apostle. But he was every day growing. In spite of youth and modesty, St. Paul knew that he was competent to be not only a messenger, but a gentle confirmer of the waning faith of the tried Thessalonians.

V. 3. We are appointed hereto-Are in every respect laid in a fit posture for it, by the very design and contrivance of God himself for the trial and increase of our faith and all other graces. He gives riches to the world; but stores up his treasure of wholesome afflictions for his children.

Verse 3. That no man should be moved] That is, caused to apostatize from Christianity.

We are appointed thereunto.] eiv touto keimeqa. We are exposed to this, we lie open to such, they are unavoidable in the present state of things; as the Latins say, sic est sors nostra, “this is our lot.” God appoints nothing of this kind, but he permits it: for he has made man a free agent.

3. These afflictions—The persecutions encountered from their countrymen. 1 Thessalonians 2:14. Appointed thereunto—To suffer these persecutions is the very mission to which we as Christians are appointed. They are the severe yet glorious lot of our sacred profession.

Verse 4. That we should suffer tribulation] I prepared you for it, because I knew that it was according to their nature for wicked men to persecute the followers of God.

4. We told you before—Of that hard but holy mission you were fairly forewarned.

Verse 5. For this cause] Knowing that you would be persecuted, and knowing that your apostasy was possible, I sent to know your faith-whether you continued steadfast in the truth, lest you might have been tempted by Satan to consult your present ease, and abandon the Gospel, for which you suffered persecution.

Verses 5-8. For this cause — The apostle proceeds to explain more fully what he began to speak of verse 1; when I could no longer forbear — Or endure the state of anxious uncertainty I was in with regard to persons so dear to me, in such circumstances; I sent to know your faith — Whether you continued steadfast and constant in your adherence to the truth; lest the tempter — Satan; should have tempted you — That is, should by his temptations have caused you to faint under your trials, and so to depart from the faith. Temptations of different kinds usually accompany persecutions. But now, when Timothy came from you — Immediately after whose return, it seems, St. Paul wrote this epistle, while his joy was fresh, and his tenderness at the height; and brought us good tidings of your faith, &c., and that ye have good remembrance of us — Think of us with affection, and make respectful mention of us upon all occasions. The apostle undoubtedly means their remembering him and his fellow-labourers with respect, as teachers sent from God; and with gratitude, as those who had given them the knowledge of the true God and of eternal life. These things are the best foundations of a respectful, grateful remembrance; for, as Chandler observes, the persons who are converted by the labours of the faithful ministers of Christ owe to their spiritual fathers their own souls; an obligation that ought not to be soon or easily forgotten. Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over, or concerning, you — The faithfulness and constancy of the people of God are a great source of comfort to their teachers. For now we live indeed — Our life is worth having; or, we enjoy life; if, or seeing that, ye stand fast in the Lord — Continue firm in the faith of Christ and of his grace. So great is our affection for you. In like manner, faithful ministers of the gospel, after the apostle’s example, have no higher joy than when they find their wishes, their prayers, and their labours effectual to the conversion of their people, and for their establishment in truth and grace.

5. For this cause—Their afflictions: an earnest repetition. It was not for cause of mere homesick longing for them; but for cause of their trials and the persistence of their faith, and the surety of their eternal salvation, that he could no longer forbear. The tempter—Satan, 1 Thessalonians 2:18, by himself or his human agents.

V. 6. But now when Timotheus was come to us from you-Immediately after his return, St. Paul wrote; while his joy was fresh, and his tenderness at the height.

Verse 6. When Timotheus came] We have already seen that he and Silas stayed behind at Thessalonica, when Paul was obliged to leave it; for the persecution seems to have been principally directed against him. When Paul came to Athens, he sent pressingly to him and Silas to come to him with all speed to that city. We are not informed that they did come, but it is most likely that they did, and that Paul sent Timothy back to Thessalonica to comfort and build up these new converts. After Paul had sent away Timothy, it is likely he went himself straight to Corinth, and there Timothy soon after met him, with the good news of the steadiness of the Thessalonian Church.

Your faith and charity] The good tidings which Timothy brought from Thessalonica consisted of three particulars: 1. Their faith; they continued steadfast in their belief of the Gospel. 2. Their charity; they loved one another, and lived in unity and harmony. 3. They were affectionately attached to the apostle; they had good remembrance of him, and desired earnestly to see him.

Verses 5-8. For this cause — The apostle proceeds to explain more fully what he began to speak of verse 1; when I could no longer forbear — Or endure the state of anxious uncertainty I was in with regard to persons so dear to me, in such circumstances; I sent to know your faith — Whether you continued steadfast and constant in your adherence to the truth; lest the tempter — Satan; should have tempted you — That is, should by his temptations have caused you to faint under your trials, and so to depart from the faith. Temptations of different kinds usually accompany persecutions. But now, when Timothy came from you — Immediately after whose return, it seems, St. Paul wrote this epistle, while his joy was fresh, and his tenderness at the height; and brought us good tidings of your faith, &c., and that ye have good remembrance of us — Think of us with affection, and make respectful mention of us upon all occasions. The apostle undoubtedly means their remembering him and his fellow-labourers with respect, as teachers sent from God; and with gratitude, as those who had given them the knowledge of the true God and of eternal life. These things are the best foundations of a respectful, grateful remembrance; for, as Chandler observes, the persons who are converted by the labours of the faithful ministers of Christ owe to their spiritual fathers their own souls; an obligation that ought not to be soon or easily forgotten. Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over, or concerning, you — The faithfulness and constancy of the people of God are a great source of comfort to their teachers. For now we live indeed — Our life is worth having; or, we enjoy life; if, or seeing that, ye stand fast in the Lord — Continue firm in the faith of Christ and of his grace. So great is our affection for you. In like manner, faithful ministers of the gospel, after the apostle’s example, have no higher joy than when they find their wishes, their prayers, and their labours effectual to the conversion of their people, and for their establishment in truth and grace.

Ver. 6-9. But now when Timotheous came from you to us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and love, our souls were drawn out in thanksgiving to God, who has kept you in the evil day, the day of which we fully apprised you; for it is the pleasure of the Lord that we should suffer for his sake. He immolates in martyrdom the choicest rams of his flock, that the dark and misguided crowds in the amphitheatres may see the glory and power of our religion, alike invincible by the smiles and frowns of men. Thus, brethren, we live, if you live; we rejoice, if you rejoice. You are as our own bowels, to live and to die in the Lord.

6. Timothy’s return and report; and St. Paul’s consequent feeling and present prayer for them, 6-13.

6. From Thessalonica Timothy returns and reports to St. Paul at Corinth. See note, Acts 18:4. The apostle, who up to that arrival had hardly been himself at Corinth, takes new life. The rich outburst of exultation here is a delightful commentary on Luke’s account of his then revolution of feeling. Good tidings—The Greek word for gospel. Timothy’s report was a very evangel to our apostle. Three delightful facts Timothy reported: their faith, or firm persistence, spite of persecution, in Christian truth; their love, evincing the beauty of Christian goodness; their remembrance of their apostle, to which remembrance his mindful love was responsive.

Verse 7. Therefore-we were comforted ] My afflictions and persecutions seemed trifles when I heard of your perseverance in the faith.

Verses 5-8. For this cause — The apostle proceeds to explain more fully what he began to speak of verse 1; when I could no longer forbear — Or endure the state of anxious uncertainty I was in with regard to persons so dear to me, in such circumstances; I sent to know your faith — Whether you continued steadfast and constant in your adherence to the truth; lest the tempter — Satan; should have tempted you — That is, should by his temptations have caused you to faint under your trials, and so to depart from the faith. Temptations of different kinds usually accompany persecutions. But now, when Timothy came from you — Immediately after whose return, it seems, St. Paul wrote this epistle, while his joy was fresh, and his tenderness at the height; and brought us good tidings of your faith, &c., and that ye have good remembrance of us — Think of us with affection, and make respectful mention of us upon all occasions. The apostle undoubtedly means their remembering him and his fellow-labourers with respect, as teachers sent from God; and with gratitude, as those who had given them the knowledge of the true God and of eternal life. These things are the best foundations of a respectful, grateful remembrance; for, as Chandler observes, the persons who are converted by the labours of the faithful ministers of Christ owe to their spiritual fathers their own souls; an obligation that ought not to be soon or easily forgotten. Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over, or concerning, you — The faithfulness and constancy of the people of God are a great source of comfort to their teachers. For now we live indeed — Our life is worth having; or, we enjoy life; if, or seeing that, ye stand fast in the Lord — Continue firm in the faith of Christ and of his grace. So great is our affection for you. In like manner, faithful ministers of the gospel, after the apostle’s example, have no higher joy than when they find their wishes, their prayers, and their labours effectual to the conversion of their people, and for their establishment in truth and grace.

Ver. 6-9. But now when Timotheous came from you to us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and love, our souls were drawn out in thanksgiving to God, who has kept you in the evil day, the day of which we fully apprised you; for it is the pleasure of the Lord that we should suffer for his sake. He immolates in martyrdom the choicest rams of his flock, that the dark and misguided crowds in the amphitheatres may see the glory and power of our religion, alike invincible by the smiles and frowns of men. Thus, brethren, we live, if you live; we rejoice, if you rejoice. You are as our own bowels, to live and to die in the Lord.

7. Comforted… in all our affliction—Both in his anxiety for them and his depression, as to Corinth. Note on Acts 17:4, 5.

V. 8. Now we live-Indeed; we enjoy life: so great is our affection for you.

Verse 8. For now we live] Your steadfastness in the faith gives me new life and comfort; I now feel that I live to some purpose, as my labour in the Lord is not in vain.

Verses 5-8. For this cause — The apostle proceeds to explain more fully what he began to speak of verse 1; when I could no longer forbear — Or endure the state of anxious uncertainty I was in with regard to persons so dear to me, in such circumstances; I sent to know your faith — Whether you continued steadfast and constant in your adherence to the truth; lest the tempter — Satan; should have tempted you — That is, should by his temptations have caused you to faint under your trials, and so to depart from the faith. Temptations of different kinds usually accompany persecutions. But now, when Timothy came from you — Immediately after whose return, it seems, St. Paul wrote this epistle, while his joy was fresh, and his tenderness at the height; and brought us good tidings of your faith, &c., and that ye have good remembrance of us — Think of us with affection, and make respectful mention of us upon all occasions. The apostle undoubtedly means their remembering him and his fellow-labourers with respect, as teachers sent from God; and with gratitude, as those who had given them the knowledge of the true God and of eternal life. These things are the best foundations of a respectful, grateful remembrance; for, as Chandler observes, the persons who are converted by the labours of the faithful ministers of Christ owe to their spiritual fathers their own souls; an obligation that ought not to be soon or easily forgotten. Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over, or concerning, you — The faithfulness and constancy of the people of God are a great source of comfort to their teachers. For now we live indeed — Our life is worth having; or, we enjoy life; if, or seeing that, ye stand fast in the Lord — Continue firm in the faith of Christ and of his grace. So great is our affection for you. In like manner, faithful ministers of the gospel, after the apostle’s example, have no higher joy than when they find their wishes, their prayers, and their labours effectual to the conversion of their people, and for their establishment in truth and grace.

Ver. 6-9. But now when Timotheous came from you to us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and love, our souls were drawn out in thanksgiving to God, who has kept you in the evil day, the day of which we fully apprised you; for it is the pleasure of the Lord that we should suffer for his sake. He immolates in martyrdom the choicest rams of his flock, that the dark and misguided crowds in the amphitheatres may see the glory and power of our religion, alike invincible by the smiles and frowns of men. Thus, brethren, we live, if you live; we rejoice, if you rejoice. You are as our own bowels, to live and to die in the Lord.

8. We live—We were lifeless, dead, until your life and love revived us.

Verse 9. What thanks can we render to God] The high satisfaction and uncommon joy which the apostle felt are strongly depicted in the language he uses. How near his heart did the success of his ministry lie! It was not enough for him that he preached so often, laboured so hard, suffered so much; what were all these if souls were not converted? And what were all conversions, if those who embraced the Gospel did not walk steadily in the way to heaven, and persevere?

Verses 9-13. What thanks can we render to God — That is, what sufficient thanks; for you — On account of your perseverance; for all the joy — That I have thereby such unfeigned cause of rejoicing; so that the apostle’s joy respecting the Thessalonians, arose first from their conversion, and next, from their steady adherence to the faith and profession of the gospel amidst great temptation and persecution; before, or, in the presence of, our God — As emprosqen tou Qeou hmwn properly signifies. Joy in the presence of God is not a carnal or worldly but a spiritual joy, such as God approves. Night and day praying exceedingly — That is, with great earnestness and importunity: that God would permit us to see your face — Once more in the flesh; and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith — Thus it appears St. Paul did not suppose that they who are once upon the rock no longer need to be taught by man! Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ — Here we have a plain instance of prayer being addressed to Christ as well as to the Father, and even in the same words, and at the same time. A similar instance occurs 2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17. And doubtless these petitions are addressed to him because he is God, for unless he be present everywhere, how can he hear the prayers which are everywhere put up to him by his disciples? Direct — Clear, or make straight; our way unto you — Namely, by removing those obstructions which at present remain. This prayer is founded on the supposition that the common events on which the apostle’s prosperous journey to the Thessalonians depended, were under the direction of God. The apostle, it appears, was heard in his prayer; for, as we are told (Acts 20:2) that he gave the brethren in Macedonia much exhortation, we have reason to believe he did not pass by the Thessalonians, whom he was so desirous to visit. And the Lord make you to increase and abound — Pleonasai kai perisseusa, to abound and overflow; in love — The Lord Jesus seems to be here addressed, because all spiritual blessings which are originally from the Father come to us immediately through and from Christ, to whom belongs the office of bestowing every blessing, whether of nature, of providence, or of grace, upon his followers. The apostle’s example in praying thus fervently and importunately for his converts, well deserves to be imitated by all ministers of the gospel. And toward all men, as we toward you — Chandler’s remark on this passage is worthy of particular attention: “The apostle loved the Thessalonians as a father loves his children, and as a mother the infant at her breast, 1 Thessalonians 2:7. This his great love to them made him solicitous for their perseverance and salvation, so as to be willing to be persecuted, and to live in continual straits, (1 Thessalonians 3:7,) and to lose his life, (1 Thessalonians 2:8,) if it could have contributed to their perseverance in the faith, and to their eternal happiness. Generous apostle! how like the Master he served! Well therefore might he propose his own love to them as a pattern of their love to one another and to all. What an excellent religion is the Christian, which enjoins such a universal benevolence, even toward enemies and persecutors, and which roots out of the mind every tendency to anger, envy, malice, and revenge.” To the end — That by means of your love, which is the root of all piety and virtue; he may establish your hearts unblameable in holiness — May make you steadfast in the experience of all Christian graces, and in the practice of all godliness and righteousness; and this before God, even our Father — Whose eyes are always upon you. These are high expressions when applied to fallen creatures, but what cannot the grace of God in Christ effect? Ye shall be perfect, says the Lord Jesus to his disciples, as, or because, your Father in heaven is perfect. And St. Paul informs us, that apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, are appointed for the work of the ministry, in order to the perfecting of the saints, till they all come unto the full measure of Christ’s stature, Ephesians 4:11-13; and accordingly that they made it the great end of their preaching to present every man perfect in Christ Jesus, Colossians 1:28. At the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints — That you may be found such at the day of final judgment.

Ver. 6-9. But now when Timotheous came from you to us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and love, our souls were drawn out in thanksgiving to God, who has kept you in the evil day, the day of which we fully apprised you; for it is the pleasure of the Lord that we should suffer for his sake. He immolates in martyrdom the choicest rams of his flock, that the dark and misguided crowds in the amphitheatres may see the glory and power of our religion, alike invincible by the smiles and frowns of men. Thus, brethren, we live, if you live; we rejoice, if you rejoice. You are as our own bowels, to live and to die in the Lord.

9. Thanks… render—Our apostle now first describes his thanks, his joy, his nightly and daily prayers over the news from Thessalonica; and, then, breaks forth into one of those same prayers in their behalf.

V. 10. And perfect that which is wanting in your faith-So St. Paul did not know that "they who are once upon the rock no longer need to be taught by man."

Verse 10. Night and day praying exceedingly] Supplicating God at all times; mingling this with all my prayers; uperekperissou deomenoi, abounding and superabounding in my entreaties to God to permit me to revisit you. How strong was his affection for this Church! Might perfect that which is lacking] That I might have the opportunity of giving you the fullest instructions in the doctrine of Christ, that ye might have every thing in the most ample detail; so that the great outlines of truth which you already know may be filled up, that ye may be perfectly fitted to every good word and work.

Verses 9-13. What thanks can we render to God — That is, what sufficient thanks; for you — On account of your perseverance; for all the joy — That I have thereby such unfeigned cause of rejoicing; so that the apostle’s joy respecting the Thessalonians, arose first from their conversion, and next, from their steady adherence to the faith and profession of the gospel amidst great temptation and persecution; before, or, in the presence of, our God — As emprosqen tou Qeou hmwn properly signifies. Joy in the presence of God is not a carnal or worldly but a spiritual joy, such as God approves. Night and day praying exceedingly — That is, with great earnestness and importunity: that God would permit us to see your face — Once more in the flesh; and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith — Thus it appears St. Paul did not suppose that they who are once upon the rock no longer need to be taught by man! Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ — Here we have a plain instance of prayer being addressed to Christ as well as to the Father, and even in the same words, and at the same time. A similar instance occurs 2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17. And doubtless these petitions are addressed to him because he is God, for unless he be present everywhere, how can he hear the prayers which are everywhere put up to him by his disciples? Direct — Clear, or make straight; our way unto you — Namely, by removing those obstructions which at present remain. This prayer is founded on the supposition that the common events on which the apostle’s prosperous journey to the Thessalonians depended, were under the direction of God. The apostle, it appears, was heard in his prayer; for, as we are told (Acts 20:2) that he gave the brethren in Macedonia much exhortation, we have reason to believe he did not pass by the Thessalonians, whom he was so desirous to visit. And the Lord make you to increase and abound — Pleonasai kai perisseusa, to abound and overflow; in love — The Lord Jesus seems to be here addressed, because all spiritual blessings which are originally from the Father come to us immediately through and from Christ, to whom belongs the office of bestowing every blessing, whether of nature, of providence, or of grace, upon his followers. The apostle’s example in praying thus fervently and importunately for his converts, well deserves to be imitated by all ministers of the gospel. And toward all men, as we toward you — Chandler’s remark on this passage is worthy of particular attention: “The apostle loved the Thessalonians as a father loves his children, and as a mother the infant at her breast, 1 Thessalonians 2:7. This his great love to them made him solicitous for their perseverance and salvation, so as to be willing to be persecuted, and to live in continual straits, (1 Thessalonians 3:7,) and to lose his life, (1 Thessalonians 2:8,) if it could have contributed to their perseverance in the faith, and to their eternal happiness. Generous apostle! how like the Master he served! Well therefore might he propose his own love to them as a pattern of their love to one another and to all. What an excellent religion is the Christian, which enjoins such a universal benevolence, even toward enemies and persecutors, and which roots out of the mind every tendency to anger, envy, malice, and revenge.” To the end — That by means of your love, which is the root of all piety and virtue; he may establish your hearts unblameable in holiness — May make you steadfast in the experience of all Christian graces, and in the practice of all godliness and righteousness; and this before God, even our Father — Whose eyes are always upon you. These are high expressions when applied to fallen creatures, but what cannot the grace of God in Christ effect? Ye shall be perfect, says the Lord Jesus to his disciples, as, or because, your Father in heaven is perfect. And St. Paul informs us, that apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, are appointed for the work of the ministry, in order to the perfecting of the saints, till they all come unto the full measure of Christ’s stature, Ephesians 4:11-13; and accordingly that they made it the great end of their preaching to present every man perfect in Christ Jesus, Colossians 1:28. At the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints — That you may be found such at the day of final judgment.

Ver. 10, 13. Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face. Amid the cloud of excellencies in St. Paul, there are two which are very conspicuous. The one, to see “multitudes” converted; and the other, to take daily care of all the churches. He was equally a praying man, and a vigilant man; for his soul was in the work of the Lord. He grieved not at any sufferings, if the end might be answered in their victory in so great a fight with wicked and unreasonable men; and as he could not go, he prayed the Lord to supply all defects of his absence, and hasten the hour when he might again comfort his suffering children, some of whom, as is allowed, having suffered martyrdom in the contest.

He prays that their hearts might be established in love one towards another, and towards all men, for revenge would only double the evils, and that their upright and unblamable conduct might conciliate the good opinion of the public, and convince them that heaven, and righteousness, and truth dwell in the church of God.

10. See your face—Repeatedly St. Paul did pass through Thessalonica and confirm and make powerful that future stronghold of Christian faith. Lacking—Literally, the lackings, deficiencies, or falterings of your faith, whether of belief in Christian truth or firmness of Christian profession.

V. 11. Direct our way-This prayer is addressed to Christ, as well as to the Father.

Verse 11. Now God himself and our Father] That is: God who is our Father, who has adopted us into the heavenly family, and called us his sons and daughters.

Direct our way] As he was employed in God’s work he dared not consult his own inclinations, he looked for continual directions from God, where, when, and how to do his Master’s work.

Verses 9-13. What thanks can we render to God — That is, what sufficient thanks; for you — On account of your perseverance; for all the joy — That I have thereby such unfeigned cause of rejoicing; so that the apostle’s joy respecting the Thessalonians, arose first from their conversion, and next, from their steady adherence to the faith and profession of the gospel amidst great temptation and persecution; before, or, in the presence of, our God — As emprosqen tou Qeou hmwn properly signifies. Joy in the presence of God is not a carnal or worldly but a spiritual joy, such as God approves. Night and day praying exceedingly — That is, with great earnestness and importunity: that God would permit us to see your face — Once more in the flesh; and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith — Thus it appears St. Paul did not suppose that they who are once upon the rock no longer need to be taught by man! Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ — Here we have a plain instance of prayer being addressed to Christ as well as to the Father, and even in the same words, and at the same time. A similar instance occurs 2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17. And doubtless these petitions are addressed to him because he is God, for unless he be present everywhere, how can he hear the prayers which are everywhere put up to him by his disciples? Direct — Clear, or make straight; our way unto you — Namely, by removing those obstructions which at present remain. This prayer is founded on the supposition that the common events on which the apostle’s prosperous journey to the Thessalonians depended, were under the direction of God. The apostle, it appears, was heard in his prayer; for, as we are told (Acts 20:2) that he gave the brethren in Macedonia much exhortation, we have reason to believe he did not pass by the Thessalonians, whom he was so desirous to visit. And the Lord make you to increase and abound — Pleonasai kai perisseusa, to abound and overflow; in love — The Lord Jesus seems to be here addressed, because all spiritual blessings which are originally from the Father come to us immediately through and from Christ, to whom belongs the office of bestowing every blessing, whether of nature, of providence, or of grace, upon his followers. The apostle’s example in praying thus fervently and importunately for his converts, well deserves to be imitated by all ministers of the gospel. And toward all men, as we toward you — Chandler’s remark on this passage is worthy of particular attention: “The apostle loved the Thessalonians as a father loves his children, and as a mother the infant at her breast, 1 Thessalonians 2:7. This his great love to them made him solicitous for their perseverance and salvation, so as to be willing to be persecuted, and to live in continual straits, (1 Thessalonians 3:7,) and to lose his life, (1 Thessalonians 2:8,) if it could have contributed to their perseverance in the faith, and to their eternal happiness. Generous apostle! how like the Master he served! Well therefore might he propose his own love to them as a pattern of their love to one another and to all. What an excellent religion is the Christian, which enjoins such a universal benevolence, even toward enemies and persecutors, and which roots out of the mind every tendency to anger, envy, malice, and revenge.” To the end — That by means of your love, which is the root of all piety and virtue; he may establish your hearts unblameable in holiness — May make you steadfast in the experience of all Christian graces, and in the practice of all godliness and righteousness; and this before God, even our Father — Whose eyes are always upon you. These are high expressions when applied to fallen creatures, but what cannot the grace of God in Christ effect? Ye shall be perfect, says the Lord Jesus to his disciples, as, or because, your Father in heaven is perfect. And St. Paul informs us, that apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, are appointed for the work of the ministry, in order to the perfecting of the saints, till they all come unto the full measure of Christ’s stature, Ephesians 4:11-13; and accordingly that they made it the great end of their preaching to present every man perfect in Christ Jesus, Colossians 1:28. At the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints — That you may be found such at the day of final judgment.

Ver. 10, 13. Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face. Amid the cloud of excellencies in St. Paul, there are two which are very conspicuous. The one, to see “multitudes” converted; and the other, to take daily care of all the churches. He was equally a praying man, and a vigilant man; for his soul was in the work of the Lord. He grieved not at any sufferings, if the end might be answered in their victory in so great a fight with wicked and unreasonable men; and as he could not go, he prayed the Lord to supply all defects of his absence, and hasten the hour when he might again comfort his suffering children, some of whom, as is allowed, having suffered martyrdom in the contest.

He prays that their hearts might be established in love one towards another, and towards all men, for revenge would only double the evils, and that their upright and unblamable conduct might conciliate the good opinion of the public, and convince them that heaven, and righteousness, and truth dwell in the church of God.

11. How—And now the prayer flows forth. It is three prayers in one: first, for a divinely directed way unto them; second, a perfecting of love; and, third, an unblameable fitness for the coming of Christ. The first is impliedly in order to the second, and both expressly in order to the third. May God himself accomplish what I have in vain attempted, namely, direct, etc. It is a striking fact that both here and in 2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17, the verb is singular in the Greek with God and Christ for the nominative; a striking proof of the apostle’s assumption of their oneness. Unto you—Not simply in order to gratify our affection, but in order to your Christian confirmation and perfection.

Verse 12. Make you to increase and abound in love] They had already love to each other, so as to unite them in one Christian body; and he prays that they may have an increase and an abundance of it; that they might feel the same love to each other which he felt for them all.

Verses 9-13. What thanks can we render to God — That is, what sufficient thanks; for you — On account of your perseverance; for all the joy — That I have thereby such unfeigned cause of rejoicing; so that the apostle’s joy respecting the Thessalonians, arose first from their conversion, and next, from their steady adherence to the faith and profession of the gospel amidst great temptation and persecution; before, or, in the presence of, our God — As emprosqen tou Qeou hmwn properly signifies. Joy in the presence of God is not a carnal or worldly but a spiritual joy, such as God approves. Night and day praying exceedingly — That is, with great earnestness and importunity: that God would permit us to see your face — Once more in the flesh; and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith — Thus it appears St. Paul did not suppose that they who are once upon the rock no longer need to be taught by man! Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ — Here we have a plain instance of prayer being addressed to Christ as well as to the Father, and even in the same words, and at the same time. A similar instance occurs 2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17. And doubtless these petitions are addressed to him because he is God, for unless he be present everywhere, how can he hear the prayers which are everywhere put up to him by his disciples? Direct — Clear, or make straight; our way unto you — Namely, by removing those obstructions which at present remain. This prayer is founded on the supposition that the common events on which the apostle’s prosperous journey to the Thessalonians depended, were under the direction of God. The apostle, it appears, was heard in his prayer; for, as we are told (Acts 20:2) that he gave the brethren in Macedonia much exhortation, we have reason to believe he did not pass by the Thessalonians, whom he was so desirous to visit. And the Lord make you to increase and abound — Pleonasai kai perisseusa, to abound and overflow; in love — The Lord Jesus seems to be here addressed, because all spiritual blessings which are originally from the Father come to us immediately through and from Christ, to whom belongs the office of bestowing every blessing, whether of nature, of providence, or of grace, upon his followers. The apostle’s example in praying thus fervently and importunately for his converts, well deserves to be imitated by all ministers of the gospel. And toward all men, as we toward you — Chandler’s remark on this passage is worthy of particular attention: “The apostle loved the Thessalonians as a father loves his children, and as a mother the infant at her breast, 1 Thessalonians 2:7. This his great love to them made him solicitous for their perseverance and salvation, so as to be willing to be persecuted, and to live in continual straits, (1 Thessalonians 3:7,) and to lose his life, (1 Thessalonians 2:8,) if it could have contributed to their perseverance in the faith, and to their eternal happiness. Generous apostle! how like the Master he served! Well therefore might he propose his own love to them as a pattern of their love to one another and to all. What an excellent religion is the Christian, which enjoins such a universal benevolence, even toward enemies and persecutors, and which roots out of the mind every tendency to anger, envy, malice, and revenge.” To the end — That by means of your love, which is the root of all piety and virtue; he may establish your hearts unblameable in holiness — May make you steadfast in the experience of all Christian graces, and in the practice of all godliness and righteousness; and this before God, even our Father — Whose eyes are always upon you. These are high expressions when applied to fallen creatures, but what cannot the grace of God in Christ effect? Ye shall be perfect, says the Lord Jesus to his disciples, as, or because, your Father in heaven is perfect. And St. Paul informs us, that apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, are appointed for the work of the ministry, in order to the perfecting of the saints, till they all come unto the full measure of Christ’s stature, Ephesians 4:11-13; and accordingly that they made it the great end of their preaching to present every man perfect in Christ Jesus, Colossians 1:28. At the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints — That you may be found such at the day of final judgment.

Ver. 10, 13. Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face. Amid the cloud of excellencies in St. Paul, there are two which are very conspicuous. The one, to see “multitudes” converted; and the other, to take daily care of all the churches. He was equally a praying man, and a vigilant man; for his soul was in the work of the Lord. He grieved not at any sufferings, if the end might be answered in their victory in so great a fight with wicked and unreasonable men; and as he could not go, he prayed the Lord to supply all defects of his absence, and hasten the hour when he might again comfort his suffering children, some of whom, as is allowed, having suffered martyrdom in the contest.

He prays that their hearts might be established in love one towards another, and towards all men, for revenge would only double the evils, and that their upright and unblamable conduct might conciliate the good opinion of the public, and convince them that heaven, and righteousness, and truth dwell in the church of God.

12. Abound in love… toward all—As the central Christian grace, which includes or implies all others.

V. 13. With all his, Christ's, saints-Both angels and men.

Verse 13. To the end he may establish your hearts] Without love to God and man, there can be no establishment in the religion of Christ. It is love that produces both solidity and continuance. And, as love is the fulfilling of the law, he who is filled with love is unblamable in holiness: for he who has the love of God in him is a partaker of the Divine nature, for God is love.

At the coming of our Lord] God is coming to judge the world; every hour that passes on in the general lapse of time is advancing his approach; whatsoever he does is in reference to this great event: and whatsoever we do should be in reference to the same. But who in that great day shall give up his accounts with joy? That person only whose heart is established in holiness before God; i.e., so as to bear the eye and strict scrutiny of his Judge. Reader, lay this to heart, for thou knowest not what a moment may bring forth. When thy soul departs from thy body it will be the coming of the Lord to thee.

I THESSALONIANS

Verses 9-13. What thanks can we render to God — That is, what sufficient thanks; for you — On account of your perseverance; for all the joy — That I have thereby such unfeigned cause of rejoicing; so that the apostle’s joy respecting the Thessalonians, arose first from their conversion, and next, from their steady adherence to the faith and profession of the gospel amidst great temptation and persecution; before, or, in the presence of, our God — As emprosqen tou Qeou hmwn properly signifies. Joy in the presence of God is not a carnal or worldly but a spiritual joy, such as God approves. Night and day praying exceedingly — That is, with great earnestness and importunity: that God would permit us to see your face — Once more in the flesh; and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith — Thus it appears St. Paul did not suppose that they who are once upon the rock no longer need to be taught by man! Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ — Here we have a plain instance of prayer being addressed to Christ as well as to the Father, and even in the same words, and at the same time. A similar instance occurs 2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17. And doubtless these petitions are addressed to him because he is God, for unless he be present everywhere, how can he hear the prayers which are everywhere put up to him by his disciples? Direct — Clear, or make straight; our way unto you — Namely, by removing those obstructions which at present remain. This prayer is founded on the supposition that the common events on which the apostle’s prosperous journey to the Thessalonians depended, were under the direction of God. The apostle, it appears, was heard in his prayer; for, as we are told (Acts 20:2) that he gave the brethren in Macedonia much exhortation, we have reason to believe he did not pass by the Thessalonians, whom he was so desirous to visit. And the Lord make you to increase and abound — Pleonasai kai perisseusa, to abound and overflow; in love — The Lord Jesus seems to be here addressed, because all spiritual blessings which are originally from the Father come to us immediately through and from Christ, to whom belongs the office of bestowing every blessing, whether of nature, of providence, or of grace, upon his followers. The apostle’s example in praying thus fervently and importunately for his converts, well deserves to be imitated by all ministers of the gospel. And toward all men, as we toward you — Chandler’s remark on this passage is worthy of particular attention: “The apostle loved the Thessalonians as a father loves his children, and as a mother the infant at her breast, 1 Thessalonians 2:7. This his great love to them made him solicitous for their perseverance and salvation, so as to be willing to be persecuted, and to live in continual straits, (1 Thessalonians 3:7,) and to lose his life, (1 Thessalonians 2:8,) if it could have contributed to their perseverance in the faith, and to their eternal happiness. Generous apostle! how like the Master he served! Well therefore might he propose his own love to them as a pattern of their love to one another and to all. What an excellent religion is the Christian, which enjoins such a universal benevolence, even toward enemies and persecutors, and which roots out of the mind every tendency to anger, envy, malice, and revenge.” To the end — That by means of your love, which is the root of all piety and virtue; he may establish your hearts unblameable in holiness — May make you steadfast in the experience of all Christian graces, and in the practice of all godliness and righteousness; and this before God, even our Father — Whose eyes are always upon you. These are high expressions when applied to fallen creatures, but what cannot the grace of God in Christ effect? Ye shall be perfect, says the Lord Jesus to his disciples, as, or because, your Father in heaven is perfect. And St. Paul informs us, that apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, are appointed for the work of the ministry, in order to the perfecting of the saints, till they all come unto the full measure of Christ’s stature, Ephesians 4:11-13; and accordingly that they made it the great end of their preaching to present every man perfect in Christ Jesus, Colossians 1:28. At the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints — That you may be found such at the day of final judgment.

Ver. 10, 13. Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face. Amid the cloud of excellencies in St. Paul, there are two which are very conspicuous. The one, to see “multitudes” converted; and the other, to take daily care of all the churches. He was equally a praying man, and a vigilant man; for his soul was in the work of the Lord. He grieved not at any sufferings, if the end might be answered in their victory in so great a fight with wicked and unreasonable men; and as he could not go, he prayed the Lord to supply all defects of his absence, and hasten the hour when he might again comfort his suffering children, some of whom, as is allowed, having suffered martyrdom in the contest.

He prays that their hearts might be established in love one towards another, and towards all men, for revenge would only double the evils, and that their upright and unblamable conduct might conciliate the good opinion of the public, and convince them that heaven, and righteousness, and truth dwell in the church of God.

13. Unblameable in holiness—Not as Olshausen interprets, that holiness which consists in Christ in us, invisible here but made visible hereafter; nor in the perfect keeping of the Christless law; but in a personal holiness wrought in us by Christ, whereby we are enabled so to avoid sin and so to live in a perfect repentance for all infirmities as to receive the ever continuing, forgiving power of Christ’s blood, and a continuous uncondemning acceptance with God. At the coming—And this personal holiness, wrought by the cross of Christ, can stand scrutiny at the throne of Christ. He who is in perpetual forgiveness of us here, will not condemn us there. Since he will see that all our blamelessness, though attained by us, is wrought by him. With all his saints—Bringing their blessed spirits from Paradise to the resurrection scene. But in the Old Testament, as Olshausen remarks, the term for saints, holy ones, “undeniably means angels, as in Psalm 89:7; Zechariah 14:5; Daniel 8:13; 9:20. Besides, angels are named as accompanying Christ in his advent. Matthew 16:27; 25:31; 2 Thessalonians 1:7; Jude 1:14.”