_Paul_, &c. In this epistle St. Paul neither uses the title of an _apostle_, nor any other, as writing to pious and simple-hearted men with the utmost familiarity; _and Silvanus_, (also called Silas,) _and Timotheus_ St. Paul joins these two faithful fellow-labourers with himself in this epistle, be... [ Continue Reading ]
_We give thanks_, &c. From hence to 1 Thessalonians 3:13, we have the chief object of this epistle, which was to comfort, strengthen, and establish the Christians at Thessalonica, and induce them to persevere under all the discouragements which he, their apostle, or they themselves, might meet with.... [ Continue Reading ]
_For our gospel_ The gospel which we preach, and which has been solemnly committed to our charge; _came not unto you in word only_ You not only heard, understood, and assented to it as a revelation from God, and received thereby information concerning those spiritual and divine things of which you w... [ Continue Reading ]
_Ye became followers of us_ Obedient to our directions, and imitators of our example; _and of the Lord_ also Both in the holiness of your lives, and in the courage and patience with which you endured those sufferings which lay in the way of your duty; _having received the word_ When first preached t... [ Continue Reading ]