1 Thessalonians 1:1-3

1 Thessalonians 1:1

I. Here we have the apostolic greeting in its most usual form grace and peace a blending of the ordinary Greek and Hebrew modes of salutation, "the union of Asiatic repose and European alacrity," which by apostolic use has become invested with a significance infinitely higher than that which was implied in the ordinary civilities of social life. These formulae of friendly intercourse familiar to the ancient world were like some precious antique vase, prized for their beauty more than for their use. They had become empty of significance, or, at all events, entirely empty of blessing. But now they are lifted up into a higher service, consecrated to the noblest purpose, henceforth brimful of holiest meaning filled with the very water of life.

II. But this grace and peace is from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. It comes from God the Father as the Primal Source of all good, and it comes from Christ Jesus as the Mediating Source. Peace is the sign and seal of Christ's kingdom. Its subjects call God Father, because they have first called Christ Jesus Lord.

III. The apostolic thanksgiving suggests an example which it must be ours to imitate. Constant giving of thanks to God, that is a priestly function which every believer must discharge; that offering must be laid on the altar of every renewed heart. Not at times only are we to thank God on behalf both of ourselves and others, but evermore. One of the old Puritans has said: "Grace (i.e.,gratitude) is like a ring without end, and the diamond of this ring is constancy."

And as far the apostolic graces, faith and love and hope, have their several manifestations in work, toil, and patience, these suggest to us our duty and our dignity, till at length patience has her perfect work.

J. Hutchison, Lectures on Thessalonians,p. 13.

References: 1 Thessalonians 1:3. H. W. Beecher, Christian World Pulpit,vol. xxxi., p. 115; Homilist,4th series, vol. i., p. 46. 1 Thessalonians 1:4. Spurgeon, Morning by Morning,p. 199.