1_But as to times_. He now, in the third place, calls them back from a curious and unprofitable inquiry as to _times_, but in the mean time admonishes them to be constantly in a state of preparation for receiving Christ. (589) He speaks, however, by way of _anticipation_, saying, that they have no n... [ Continue Reading ]
2_Ye know perfectly_. He places exact knowledge in contrast with an anxious desire of investigation. But what is it that he says the Thessalonians know accurately? (591) It is, that the day of Christ will come suddenly and unexpectedly, so as to take unbelievers by surprise, as a thief does those th... [ Continue Reading ]
3_For when they shall say_. Here we have an explanation of the similitude, _the day of the Lord will be like a thief in the night_. Why so? because it will come suddenly to unbelievers, when not looked for, so that it will take them by surprise, as though they were asleep. But whence comes that slee... [ Continue Reading ]
4_But ye, brethren_. He now admonishes them as to what is the duty of believers, that they look forward in hope to that day, though it be remote. And this is what is intended in the metaphor of _day _and _light_. The coming of Christ will take by surprise those that are carelessly giving way to indu... [ Continue Reading ]
6_Therefore let us not sleep_. He adds other metaphors closely allied to the preceding one. For as he lately shewed that it were by no means seemly that they should be blind in the midst of light, so he now admonishes that it were dishonorable and disgraceful to sleep or be drunk in the middle of th... [ Continue Reading ]
8_Having put on the breastplate_. He adds this, that he may the more effectually shake us out of our stupidity, for he calls us as it were to arms, that he may shew that it is not a time to sleep. It is true that he does not make use of the term _war; _but when he arms us with a _breastplate _and a... [ Continue Reading ]
9_For God hath not appointed us_. As he has spoken of the _hope of salvation, _he follows out that department, and says that God has appointed us to this — that we _may obtain salvation through Christ_. The passage, however, might be explained in a simple way in this manner — that we must _put on th... [ Continue Reading ]
10_Who died_. From the design of Christ’s death he confirms what he has said, for if he died with this view — that he might make us partakers of his life, there is no reason why we should be in doubt as to our salvation. It is doubtful, however, what he means now by _sleeping _and _waking_, for it m... [ Continue Reading ]
11_Exhort_. It is the same word that we had in the close of the preceding chapter, and which we rendered _comfort_, because the context required it, and the same would not suit ill with this passage also. For what he has treated of previously furnishes matter of both — of _consolation _as well as of... [ Continue Reading ]
12_And we beseech you_. Here we have an admonition that is very necessary. For as the kingdom of God is lightly esteemed, or at least is not esteemed suitably to its dignity, there follows also from this, contempt of pious teachers. Now, the most of them, offended with this ingratitude, not so much... [ Continue Reading ]
13_With love. _Others render it _by love; _for Paul says _in love_, which, according to the Hebrew idiom, is equivalent to _by _or _with_. I prefer, however, to explain it thus — as meaning that he exhorts them not merely to respect them, (605) but also love them. For as the doctrine of the gospel i... [ Continue Reading ]
14_Admonish the unruly. _It is a common doctrine — that the welfare of our brethren should be the object of our concern. This is done by _teaching_, admonishing, correcting, and arousing; but, as the dispositions of men are various, it is not without good reason that the Apostle commands that believ... [ Continue Reading ]
15_See that no one render evil for evil_. As it is difficult to observe this precept, in consequence of the strong bent of our nature to revenge, he on this account bids us take care to be on our guard. For the word _see _denotes anxious care. Now, although he simply forbids us to strive with each o... [ Continue Reading ]
16_Rejoice always_. I refer this to moderation of spirit, when the mind keeps itself in calmness under adversity, and does not give indulgence to grief. I accordingly connect together these three things — _to rejoice always, to pray without ceasing, and to give thanks to God in all things_. For when... [ Continue Reading ]
18_For this is the will of God _— that is, according to Chrysostom’s opinion — that we _give thanks_. As for myself, I am of opinion that a more ample meaning is included under these terms — that God has such a disposition towards us in Christ, that even in our afflictions we have large occasion of... [ Continue Reading ]
19_Quench not the Spirit_. This metaphor is derived from the power and nature of the Spirit; for as it is the proper office of the Spirit to illuminate the understandings of men, and as he is on this account called our light, it is with propriety that we are said to _quench _him, when we make void h... [ Continue Reading ]
20_Despise not prophesyings_. This sentence is appropriately added to the preceding one, for as the Spirit of God illuminates us chiefly by doctrine, those who give not teaching its proper place, do, so far as in them lies, _quench the Spirit_, for we must always consider in what manner or by what m... [ Continue Reading ]
21_Prove all things_. As rash men and deceiving spirits frequently pass off their trifles under the name of _prophecy, prophecy _might by this means be rendered suspicious or even odious, just as many in the present day feel almost disgusted with the very name of _preaching_, as there are so many fo... [ Continue Reading ]
22_From every evil appearance_. Some think that this is a universal statement, as though he commanded to abstain from all things that bear upon their front an _appearance of evil_. In that case the meaning would be, that it is not enough to have an internal testimony of conscience, unless regard be... [ Continue Reading ]
23_Now the God of peace himself_. Having given various injunctions, he now proceeds to prayer. And unquestionably doctrine is disseminated in vain, (620) unless God implant it in our minds. From this we see how preposterously those act who measure the strength of men by the precepts of God. Paul, ac... [ Continue Reading ]
24_Faithful is he that hath called you_. As he has shewn by his prayer what care he exercised as to the welfare of the Thessalonians, so he now confirms them in an assurance of Divine grace. Observe, however, by what argument he promises them the never-failing aid of God — because he has _called _th... [ Continue Reading ]
26_Salute all the brethren with an holy kiss_. As to the _kiss_, it was a customary token of salutation, as has been stated elsewhere. (623) In these words, however, he declares his affection towards all the saints.... [ Continue Reading ]
27_I adjure you by the Lord_. It is not certain whether he feared that, as often happened, spiteful and envious persons would suppress the Epistle, or whether he wished to provide against another danger — lest by a mistaken prudence and caution on the part of some, it should be kept among a few. (62... [ Continue Reading ]