At the latter end of the foregoing chapter, St. Paul acquainted the Thessalonians with his desires and intentions to come once and again unto them, but was always providentially hindered. Now here he gives them to understand, that such was the fervour of his affection towards them, that although he... [ Continue Reading ]
As if the apostle had said, "One great end why. have sent Timothy among you is this, lest either upon the account of your own afflictions, or my sufferings, you should be moved from your stedfastness, either drawn away by fraud and flattery, or driven away by force and terror;" THAT NO MAN BE MOVED... [ Continue Reading ]
Our apostle informed the Thessalonians in the foregoing verse, with the purpose and decree of God concerning the afflictions which were before them; in this verse he appeals to themselves, as to his own sincerity, in acquainting them, at their first conversion, that they must, through many tribulati... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. One special end why St. Paul sent Timothy to Thessalonica, it was to know their faith, that is, their constancy in the faith; for he had. fear upon him lest Satan the tempter had taken occasion, from the present persecution they were under, to turn them from Christianity; and that b... [ Continue Reading ]
In these words our apostle declares the transcendant joy and overflowing comfort, which was found in his soul, upon the knowledge he had received of the constancy and stedfastness of the faith of these Thessalonians; WE WERE COMFORTED IN OUR AFFLICTION BY YOUR FAITH: Of all comforts which the peopl... [ Continue Reading ]
Obseve here, how abounding St. Paul was in the duty of prayer for the Thessalonians; his prayer was assiduous and constant, NIGHT AND DAY; it imports frequency and constancy in performance of the duty, 1 Thessalonians 3:10. His prayer was also very fervent and affectionate, PRAYING EXCEEDINGLY, exce... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. An implicit acknowledgment that our journeys intended, and visits designed, to be given to our friends, are not in our power, but under the direction of God: we cannot visit. friend when we please, but when God will give us leave; we are not at our own disposal, but God's. Accordin... [ Continue Reading ]
Still our apostle perseveres in prayer, on the behalf of his beloved Thessalonians; and the particular mercy he prays for, is, their abundant increase in the grace and duty of love, first amongst themselves and their fellow-brethren in Christ, all Christians far and near; next towards all men, heath... [ Continue Reading ]
Here. particular and special reason is assigned, why he prayed so fervently for their abounding in love, namely, in order to their establishment IN FAITH AND HOLINESS; teaching us, that as true love evidences the co-existence of all graces, so it gives stability and establishment to all graces. Lea... [ Continue Reading ]