William Burkitt's Expository Notes

1 Thessalonians 5:27

Our apostle having now finished his epistle, gives. strict charge for the perusal of it.

In which, observe, 1. The duty enjoined, with the matter of it, namely, the reading of this epistle, and for the same reason all the rest, which had the like stamp of divine authority upon them.

Observe, 2. The object or parties to whom this epistle is to be read, to the brethren, to all the brethren.

Observe, 3. The solemnity of the injuction, I charge you, not,. exhort, beseech, or entreat, but charge and enjoin you; nay, the word signifies,. adjure you; it has the force of an oath, and that under. curse: as if he had said, "I oblige you, under the penalty of God's curse, that this epistle be read."

Learn hence, 1. That the scriptures ought to be in. known tongue, that they may be read unto, and read by the common people.

2. That to confine the reading of the scriptures to the clergy, and exclude the laity or common people from reading of them, is. very grievous sin, contrary to the intent and design of God in the first penning and composing of them.

3. That it doth in. special manner concern the ministers and spiritual guides to take particular care that the holy scriptures be publicly read to, and privately read by all their people; and in order thereunto, to excite parents to read them daily in their families, Deuteronomy 6:9 and in their closets, Colossians 3:16. And also it is. great part of the minister's duty to look after the putting forth the children of poor parents to school, that they may learn to read the scriptures for their instruction and comfort.

Lord, what. reproach is it to this Christian nation, that in thousands of families the Bible signifies no more than. chip! Not. soul amongst them able to read. letter in it! This is. lamentation, the Lord put it into the hearts of ministers and people to use their utmost endeavours to roll away this reproach from us!

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William Burkitt's Expository Notes

1 Thessalonians 5:27

Old Testament

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