Analysis Of The Chapter This chapter 1 Thessalonians 3:1 is a continuation of the course of thought pursued in the previous chapter, and seems designed to meet the same state of feeling existing in Thessalonica, and the same objection which some there urged against the apostle. The objection seems t... [ Continue Reading ]
WHEREFORE - See 1 Thessalonians 2:18. This particle (διὸ dio) is designed here to refer to another proof of his affection for them. One evidence had been referred to in his strong desire to visit them, which he had been unable to accomplish 1 Thessalonians 2:18, and he here refers to another - to w... [ Continue Reading ]
AND SENT TIMOTHEUS - That is, evidently, he sent him from Athens - for this is the fair construction of the passage. But in the history Acts 17 there is no mention that Timothy came to Athens at all, and it may be asked how this statement is reconcilable with the record in the Acts ? It is mentioned... [ Continue Reading ]
THAT NO MAN SHOULD BE MOVED - The word rendered “moved” (σαίνω sainō) occurs nowhere else in the New Testament. It properly means to wag, to move to and fro, as of dogs which wag their tails in fondness (Hom. Od. K. 216. AEl. A. N. 10:7. Ovid. 14:258); then to caress, to fawn upon, to flatter; the... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR VERILY, WHEN WE WERE WITH YOU, WE TOLD YOU BEFORE ... - It is not mentioned in the history Acts 17 that Paul thus predicted that special trials would come upon them, but there is no improbability in what is here said. He was with them long enough to discourse to them on a great variety of topics... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR THIS CAUSE - Since I knew that you were so liable to be persecuted, and since I feared that some might be turned from the truth by this opposition. WHEN I COULD NO LONGER FORBEAR - See the notes at 1 Thessalonians 3:1. I SENT TO KNOW YOUR FAITH - That is, your fidelity. or your steadfastness i... [ Continue Reading ]
BUT NOW WHEN TIMOTHEUS CAME FROM YOU UNTO US - To Corinth, after he had been sent to Thessalonica; Acts 18:5; compare notes on 1 Thessalonians 3:2. AND BROUGHT US GOOD TIDINGS - A cheerful or favorable account. Greek “evangelizing;” that is, bringing good news. OF YOUR FAITH - Of your faithfulness... [ Continue Reading ]
WE WERE COMFORTED OVER YOU - See the notes, 2Co 1:3-7; 2 Corinthians 7:6. The sense here is, that their steadfastness was a great source of comfort to him in his trials. It was an instance where the holy lives and the fidelity of a people did much, as will always be the case, to lighten the burdens... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR NOW WE LIVE, IF YE STAND FAST IN THE LORD - This is equivalent to saying, “My life and comfort depend on your stability in the faith, and your correct Christian walk;” compare Martial 6:70. Non est vivere, sed valere, vita - “Life consists not merely in living, but in the enjoyment of health.” S... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR WHAT THANKS CAN WE RENDER TO GOD AGAIN - That is, what expression of thanksgiving can we render to God that shall be an equivalent for the joy which your holy walk has furnished, or which will suitably express our gratitude for it.... [ Continue Reading ]
NIGHT AND DAY - Constantly. PRAYING EXCEEDINGLY - Greek, abundantly; that is, there was much more than ordinary prayer. He made this a special subject of prayer; he urged it with earnestness, and without intermission; compare 1 Thessalonians 2:17. AND MIGHT PERFECT THAT WHICH IS LACKING IN YOUR FAI... [ Continue Reading ]
NOW GOD HIMSELF - This is evidently a prayer. He earnestly sought of God that he might be permitted to visit them, and that he would so prepare the way that he might do it. AND OUR FATHER - Even our Father. The reference is particularly to the “Father,” the First Person of the Trinity. It does not... [ Continue Reading ]
AND THE LORD MAKE YOU TO INCREASE AND ABOUND IN LOVE - compare notes, 2 Corinthians 9:8. The word “Lord” here probably refers to the Lord Jesus, as this is the name by which he is commonly designated in the New Testament; see the notes on Acts 1:24. If this be so, then this is a petition to the Lord... [ Continue Reading ]
TO THE END HE MAY STABLISH YOUR HEARTS - That is, “may the Lord cause you to increase in love 1 Thessalonians 3:12, in order that you may be established, and be without blame in the day of judgment.” The idea is, that if charity were diffused through their hearts, they would abound in every virtue,... [ Continue Reading ]