The division of Chapter s at this point is unfortunate. The import of 1 Thessalonians 3:1 lies in its connection with 1 Thessalonians 2:17 of ch. 2. We have included the whole of this chapter in the same section of the Epistle with the foregoing paragraph. See note introductory to ch. 1 Thessalonian... [ Continue Reading ]
_Wherefore when we could no longer forbear_ WHEREFORE (i.e. because of our longing to see you) NO LONGER BEARING IT (the frustration of our attempts to return to Thessalonica). "Bear" is the same word as in 1 Corinthians 13:7: "Love beareth all things" _bears up under, holds out against_. "This prot... [ Continue Reading ]
section iv St Paul's Present Relations to the Thessalonians. Ch. 1 Thessalonians 2:17 to 1 Thessalonians 3:13 The Apostle had been drawn aside in the last paragraph, by a sudden and characteristic burst of feeling, from the main purpose of his letter. To this he now returns. 1 Thessalonians 2:17 m... [ Continue Reading ]
_and sent Timotheus_ TIMOTHY: see note on this name, ch. 1 Thessalonians 1:1. The Acts of the Apostles traces St Paul's footsteps from Thessalonica to Berœa, and on from Berœa to Athens: read Acts 17:10-16; and consult the _map_in regard to the route. But its account of the movements of his compani... [ Continue Reading ]
_that no_man _should be moved by these afflictions_ Better, THAT NO MAM BE MOVED (R. V.). "Objective sentence, explaining and specifying the subject-matter of the exhortation" (Ellicott). "That" means "to the effect that." With "moved" comp. the fuller expression of 2 Thessalonians 2:2, "Shaken in... [ Continue Reading ]
_For verily, when we were with you, we told you before_ More precisely, USED TO TELL YOU; this was no single warning, but one repeated and familiar. For other references to the apostles" previous instruction, see ch. 1Th 2:11-12; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2; 2 Thessalonians 2:5; 2 Thessalonians 2:15; 2 Th... [ Continue Reading ]
_For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith_ Rather, I ALSO, NO LONGER ENDURING IT, SENT, &c. St Paul repeats what he said in 1 Thessalonians 3:1, but in a different manner, there stating the facts themselves, here indicating his own share in the trouble of his readers... [ Continue Reading ]
_But now when Timotheus came from you unto us_ BUT WHEN TIMOTHY CAME EVEN NOW UNTO US FROM YOU (R. V.): this rendering puts due emphasis on the words "from you" (it was Timothy's coming with news _from Thessalonica_that relieved the Apostle's mind); and it gives the proper meaning and connection to... [ Continue Reading ]
_therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you_ FOR THIS CAUSE (R. V.), the Greek phrase being identical with that of 1 Thessalonians 3:5. But while its reference there was to the _peril_of the tempted Thessalonians causing the Apostle intense anxiety, here it is to their _loyalty and affection_br... [ Continue Reading ]
_for now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord_ "if _ye_stand fast:" the pronoun bears the emphasis. St Paul felt as though his life was wrapped up in this Church. A load of apprehension was lifted from his mind, and he resumed his work at Corinth with the sense of renewed health and vigour, saying... [ Continue Reading ]
_For what thanks can we render to God again for you_ "Again" belongs to the verb "render;" and "thanks" is strictly "thanksgiving." So we may translate, more freely: WHAT DUE RETURN OF THANKSGIVING CAN WE MAKE TO GOD? The Apostle puts this question in proof of the strong declaration he has made in 1... [ Continue Reading ]
_night and day praying exceedingly_ In this last adverb, peculiar to St Paul, he strains language to express the ardour of his feeling: BEYOND MEASURE EXCEEDINGLY; it recurs in ch. 1 Thessalonians 5:13 and Ephesians 3:20. _Night and day_puts more vividly the "without ceasing" of ch. 1 Thessalonians... [ Continue Reading ]
_Now God himself and our Father_ NOW MAY OUR GOD AND FATHER HIMSELF (comp. ch. 1 Thessalonians 1:3), AND OUR LORD JESUS (R. V.). For this title of Christ, see notes on ch. 1 Thessalonians 2:15; 1 Thessalonians 2:19. The copyists have added _Christ_. Literally the verse begins, BUT MAY OUR GOD, &c.... [ Continue Reading ]
_And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one towards another_ In the Greek order, BUT YOU MAY THE LORD MAKE TO INCREASE, &c. "whatever it may please Him to appoint in respect to _us_and our coming" (Ellicott). 1 Thessalonians 3:12 is linked with 11, just as 1 Thessalonians 3:11 with 10,... [ Continue Reading ]
_to the end he may stablish your hearts_ On "stablish" see note to 1 Thessalonians 3:2; and on "hearts," ch. 1 Thessalonians 2:4; comp. also 2 Thessalonians 2:17. This is an O.T. phrase, found in Psalms 104:15, "Bread that _strengtheneth_(Greek, _stablisheth_) man's _heart_"; and Psalms 112:8, "His... [ Continue Reading ]