Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone; Ver. 1. _No longer forbear_] στεγοντες, or, stand under our burden of vehement desire after you. See a like expression,Isaiah 42:14. As a travailing woman bites in her pain as long as she is able, and at lengt... [ Continue Reading ]
And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith: Ver. 2. _To establish you_] Who haply are somewhat unsettled by the troubles that befell me among you. But as young trees shaken, root th... [ Continue Reading ]
That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. Ver. 3. _That no man should be moved_] Gr. σαινεσθαι, flattered, as a dog flattereth, by moving his tail; _q.d._ The devil, by flattering you, with promise of more ease by a contrary course, will... [ Continue Reading ]
For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know. Ver. 4. _We told you before_] Darts foreseen are dintless: premonition is the best premunition. Troubles foretold come never a whit the sooner, but far the easier; whereas... [ Continue Reading ]
For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain. Ver. 5. _To know your faith_] That is, your perseverance and increase in faith. That which the devil mainly endeavoureth, is, to hinder and unsettle... [ Continue Reading ]
But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also _to see_ you: Ver. 6. _And brought us good tidings_] Here the devil was disappointed. He had been nibbling, but... [ Continue Reading ]
Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith: Ver. 7. _We were comforted_] Nothing so cheereth up the heart of a godly minister as his people's tractableness. If this be wanting, his very heart is broken, though they be otherwise never so kind and... [ Continue Reading ]
For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord. Ver. 8. _For now we live_] A joyless life is a lifeless life. An unsuccessful pastor hath little or no joy in his life. "Thus shall ye say to him that liveth," 1 Samuel 25:6, that is, that liveth at heart's ease. "All the days of the afflicted are evil... [ Continue Reading ]
For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God; Ver. 9. _For what thanks, &c._] _q.d._ No sufficient thanks. Spiritual joy vents itself by an infinite desire of praising God, whereby it seeks to fill up the distance between God and... [ Continue Reading ]
Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith? Ver. 10. _Night and day praying exceedingly_] Prayer must be constant and instant, with utmost assiduity and intention of affection, Luke 18:1. _See Trapp on "_ Luk 18:1 _"_ And mi... [ Continue Reading ]
Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you. Ver. 11. _Now God himself. &c._] At the very mentioning of prayer, he falls a praying. Good affections soon kindle in a gracious heart. _ Direct our way unto you_] "A man's heart deviseth his way, but the Lord dire... [ Continue Reading ]
And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all _men_, even as we _do_ toward you: Ver. 12. _To increase and abound_] By doubling his word, he signifieth a double portion of God's, grace, which he wisheth unto them; we are sure to receive as much good from Go... [ Continue Reading ]
To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints. Ver. 13. _To the end he may stablish_] Love is of a ferruminating, establishing property. That grace will not hang together, nor hold out, that is... [ Continue Reading ]