Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Thessalonians 3:10
Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?
10. night and day praying exceedingly ] In this last adverb, peculiar to St Paul, he strains language to express the ardour of his feeling: beyond measure exceedingly; it recurs in ch. 1Th 5:13 and Eph 3:20. Night and day puts more vividly the “without ceasing” of ch. 1Th 1:3; comp. ch. 1Th 2:9.
“Praying” is here, more strictly, begging, or beseeching, and points to the want of the suppliant (comp. 2Co 5:20, “We beg you, on Christ’s behalf, Be reconciled to God”); whereas the ordinary word for prayer (see e.g. ch. 1Th 1:2; 2Th 3:1) indicates devotion towards the object of worship. Prayer goes with thanksgiving, as in ch. 1Th 1:2-3, and constantly in St Paul; comp. ch. 1Th 5:17-18.
that we might see your face ] might makes the realisation seem distant and doubtful; read may (R. V.). See notes on ch. 1Th 2:17.
and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith ] Or, may make good the deficiencies of your faith; not so much what was lacking in as lacking to their faith. Thessalonian faith was in itself steadfast and vigorous (ch. 1Th 1:3; 1Th 1:8; 1Th 2:13; 1Th 3:6-8 ; 2Th 1:3, “Your faith groweth exceedingly”); but it needed the supplement of added Christian light and moral wisdom. Hence the teaching and admonition the Apostle supplies in chaps. 4, 5 and in the Second Epistle (see Introd. pp. 23 25). Timothy’s return from Thessalonica and the news he brought, while removing St Paul’s great anxiety, made him still more sensible of the need this young and most promising Church had for the continued instruction which he alone could supply. This increased his eagerness to revisit the Thessalonians. For a similar wish less warmly expressed, inasmuch as it concerned strangers see Rom 1:9-15; Rom 15:23.
The word rendered “perfect” means to fit up, furnish, fully equip; it is used of “ mending nets” (Mat 4:21), of “vessels fitted for destruction” (Rom 9:22), and of “ perfecting saints for work of ministration” (Eph 4:12).
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
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 1Th 2:17.
And might perfect that which is lacking in your faith – Might render it complete, or fill up anything which is missing. The word used here ( katartisai), means, properly, to make fully ready, to put full in order, to make complete; see the Rom 9:22 note; 2Co 13:9 note; Gal 6:1 note. It is rendered mending, Mat 4:21; Mar 1:19; perfect and perfected, Mat 21:19; Luk 6:40; 2Co 13:11; 1Th 3:10; Heb 13:21; 1Pe 5:10; fitted, Rom 9:22; perfectly joined together, 1Co 1:10; restore, Gal 6:1; prepared, Heb 10:5; and framed, Heb 11:3. It is not elsewhere used in the New Testament. The meaning here is, that whatever was deficient in their views of religious doctrine the apostle desired to supply. It is to be remembered that he was with them but a comparatively short time before he was compelled to depart to Berea, and it is reasonable to suppose that there were many subjects on which he would be glad to have an opportunity to instruct them more fully.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
1Th 3:10
Night and day praying exceedingly
Pauls prayer for the Thessalonians
I.
Its characteristics.
1. It was incessant; his aspiration by day, the breathing of his heart in the stillness of the night.
2. Intensely earnest. Above ordinary measure. It was a wrestling with his covenant God that he might see their face again. Satan had hindered this; hence the importunity.
3. Prevalent. It was heard.
II. Its occasion. He desired this boon not for the mere gratification of any feeling of friendship in him or them; but because there were what he calls the lacking measures of your faith.
1. As to doctrine, their knowledge was defective. They were entertaining not only imperfect but erroneous views, e.g. about the coming of the Lord, about the state of those who had fallen asleep, and the shares these would have in the glories of the second advent. In matters of this kind the apostolic churches generally had less defined views than those to whom have come the long results of time.
2. As to practice, there was much that called for correction. The apostolic churches, like the mission churches of our own day, were in the midst of a social corruption of which we can barely form even a conception. There were especially four classes of evils prevailing:
(1) Licentiousness, in its most degrading forms, was the besetting sin of the heathen world. The Christian converts often became contaminated with it. It lingered in the flesh when the spirit had cast it off. Even within the pale of the Church it sometimes assumed the form of a mystic Christianity. There were those who imagined themselves to have found in licentiousness the true freedom of the gospel. Chap. 4 points in this direction.
(2) In the Church itself there reigned the spirit of disorder–enhanced in the case of Thessalonica by the idleness engendered by belief in the nearness of the second coming. There are constantly recurring evidences of this in these two Epistles.
(3) There were scruples of conscience as to the observance of days, and eating with the unclean and unbelievers. The contact of Jews and Gentiles in the privileges and work of the Church could hardly fail in those days to give rise to such questions.
(4) Disputes about doctrines and teachers bred dissentions and marred the beauty of Christian life. In all these different ways unreasonable and wicked men (2Th 3:2) worked mischief which needed to be guarded against and withstood.
III. Its purpose–to perfect that which is lacking. The word perfect means to readjust, to restore. It is used in surgical language, of the setting of a bone or joint, and of repairing nets, and also of refitting and strengthening of ships.
1. In each of these senses we have fitting illustrations of Pauls purpose. His aim and that of all ministers is that Christians may be–
(1) perfectly joined together (1Co 1:10, Eph 4:12). Whatever may be their graces they have still lacking measures of faith. They need to be fitly joined together (Eph 4:16).
(2) So perfected in knowledge and practice that there shall be no defects in the gospel net.
(3) So ceaselessly to be repaired, built up, as the Ark of Safety, that they shall withstand all the rude billows of this world.
2. Thus filling up that which is lacking in faith on earth, Christs Church will at last pass into heaven where there will be nothing lacking in glory. John Howe has said, We read indeed of certain afterings of faith (as it may be significantly rendered) things lacking we render it; but there will be no afterings of glory. What is perfect admits of no increase, it is already full; and why should not a full glory satisfy? It is fulness of joy. (J. Hutchison, D. D.)
Ministerial solicitude
Why, say you, should a minister need encouraging? We have plenty of troubles all the week long, with our losses here, and crosses there, we want encouragements, but surely ministers do not. Ah! if you want to have a refutation of that idea you had better come into this pulpit, and occupy it a little time. If you would like to exchange, I would truly say that so far as the pleasure of my office is concerned, apart from the spiritual joy my Lord gives me, I would change places with a crossing sweeper, or a man who breaks stones on the road. Let a man carry out the office of a Christian minister aright, and he will never have any rest. God help, says Richard Baxter, the man who thinks the ministers an easy life. Why, he works not only all day, but in his sleep you will find him weeping for his congregation, starting in his sleep with his eyes filled with tears, as if he had the weight of his congregations sins resting on his heart, and could not bear the load, I would not be that man in the ministry who does not feel himself so fearfully responsible, that if he could escape from the ministry by going with Jonah into the depths of the sea, he would cheerfully do it; for if a minister is what he should be, there is such a weight of solemn concern, such sound of trembling in his ears, that he would choose any profession or any work, however arduous, sooner than the preachers post. If the watchman warn them not they shall perish, but their blood will I require at the watchmans hands. To sit down and spell over the question–Am I free of his blood? is terrible. I have sometimes thought I must have a day or two of rest, but I frankly confess that rest is very little rest to me, for I think I hear the cries of perishing souls, the wailings of spirits going down to hell, who chide me thus: Preacher, can you rest? Minister, can you be silent? Ambassador of Jesus can you cast aside the robes of your office? Up! and to your work again. (C. H. Spurgeon.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 10. Night and day praying exceedingly] Supplicating God at all times; mingling this with all my prayers; , abounding and superabounding in my entreaties to God to permit me to revisit you. How strong was his affection for this Church!
Might perfect that which is lacking] That I might have the opportunity of giving you the fullest instructions in the doctrine of Christ, that ye might have every thing in the most ample detail; so that the great outlines of truth which you already know may be filled up, that ye may be perfectly fitted to every good word and work.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
We have here the last effect of Timothys message upon the apostle, it put him upon prayer for these Thessalonians; expressed by the assiduity of it, night and day, & c., that is, in a constant course; as we noted before, 1Th 2:9. And by the fervency of it, exceedingly, or excessively. The Greek word cannot well be Englished, yet is often used by the apostle when he would express any thing with an emphasis, as Eph 3:20, and in this Epistle, 1Th 5:13. And by the matter of it; that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith. Though his Epistles might avail towards it, yet his personal presence would do more. There is a peculiar blessing attends oral preaching, more than reading. The like prayer he made with respect to the Romans, and upon the same account also, Rom 1:10,11. Though the apostle had before commended their faith, yet there was something lacking in it. No faith is made perfect at first; yea, the best faith may have some defects. And the word is used elsewhere to signify something that is wanting, or left behind, 1Co 16:17; Col 1:24. And their faith might be defective:
1. As to the matter of it, some mysteries of faith they might not yet understand; as the disciples did not, till after Christs ascension; and some of the Corinthians a while doubted the doctrine of the resurrection, 1Co 15:12, &c.
2. As to the clearness of it, with respect to the truths they did already know and believe.
3. As to the lively operations and fruits of it.
The former defects are removed by doctrine, the last by exhortation and comfort, and the apostle desired to see their face on the account of both: and to perfect a thing is to make it complete, both as to parts and degrees. The word here used we find often in the New Testament, 2Co 13:11; Gal 6:1, &c.; and variously rendered in the several translations, but yet much to the same sense: the apostle being so suddenly driven from them, he left them as a house half built; but his affection to them was so great, that he longed to return to them for the perfecting of their faith, though he had met but a while before with such great perils at Thessalonica.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
10. Night and day(See on 1Th2:9). Night is the season for the saint’s holiest meditations andprayers (2Ti 1:3).
prayingconnected with,”we joy”; we joy while we pray; or else as ALFORD,What thanks can we render to God while we pray? The Greekimplies a beseeching request.
exceedinglyliterally,”more than exceeding abundantly” (compare Eph3:20).
that which is lackingEventhe Thessalonians had points in which they needed improvement[BENGEL], (Lu17:5). Their doctrinal views as to the nearness of Christ’scoming, and as to the state of those who had fallen asleep, and theirpractice in some points, needed correction (1Th4:1-9). Paul’s method was to begin by commending what waspraiseworthy, and then to correct what was amiss; a good pattern toall admonishers of others.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Night and day praying exceedingly,…. This good news, not only comforted their hearts, and revived their spirits, and filled them with joy and thankfulness, but also sent them to the throne of grace to pray without ceasing, continually, night and day, and as often as they went thither, and that with great fervency and earnestness, in a multitude of petitions; or, as the Arabic version renders it, “with prayers exceeding a multitude”; with innumerable requests:
that we might see your face: once more, and converse face to face:
and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith? in the grace of faith; for though they remembered their work of faith with pleasure, and had had good tidings of it very lately, and were thankful that it grew exceedingly as it did, yet they knew it was not perfect, there was unbelief attending them: and though it is God’s work to increase faith, as well as to produce it, yet, as the ministry of the word is the means of the first planting of it, so it also is of the increase of it. This may likewise be understood of the doctrine of faith, which though they had received in the love of it, and had made considerable progress in their knowledge of it; yet they knew but in part, and needed to be taught the way of God, and truths of the Gospel more perfectly; and the ministry of the word is for the perfecting of the saints in the knowledge of the Son of God, and of other truths; wherefore the apostle desired greatly to see them, that he might be an instrument of instructing them, more perfectly in the knowledge of divine things; and in this, and in the following epistle, he does particularly instruct them about the rise and fall of antichrist, the coming of Christ and the resurrection of the dead, articles of faith in which they seemed to have been deficient: but now, though these saints had deficiencies in their faith, yet they were not what the Jews call o , “such as are deficient in faith”, or want faith entirely, a phrase somewhat like this which is here used.
o Maimon. Hilch. Mechira, c. 7. sect. 8, 9.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Exceedingly (). Double compound adverb, only in 1Thess 3:10; 1Thess 5:13 (some MSS. –). Like piling Ossa on Pelion, , abundantly, , out of bounds, , more than out of bounds (overflowing all bounds).
And perfect ( ). First aorist active articular infinitive of purpose ( —) of , to mend nets (Mt 4:21) or men (Ga 6:1) repair. Chiefly late.
That which is lacking in ( ). The shortcomings, the lacks or left-overs (Col 1:24). From (), to be late.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
Exceedingly [] . Comp. Eph 3:20. Paul is fond of compounds with uJper above. Of the 28 N. T. words compounded with uJper, 22 are found in Paul, and 20 of them only there.
Perfect [] . Primarily, to adjust, fit together; so mend, Mt 4:21. Of the creation of the world, Heb 11:3. See on Mt 21:16; Luk 6:40; 1Pe 5:10; Rom 9:22.
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1) “Night and day praying exceedingly” (nuktos kai hemeras huperkperissou deomenoi) “night and day petitioning exceedingly”; Personal Christian maturity in Christian virtues for the glory of God was the continuing prayer of Paul for these brethren, 2Th 1:11-12; 2Pe 1:5-11.
2) “That we might see your face” (eis to idein humon to prosopon) “in order to see your face,” or you all face to face, a prayer for intimate, personal fellowship presence once again, Rom 1:11.
“There is nothing so small but that we may honor God by asking His guidance of it, or insult Him by taking it into our own hands.”
-Ruskin
3) “And might perfect that which is lacking” (kai katartisai ta husteremata) “and to adjust or amend the shortcomings”; After praise and thanksgiving for their loyalty to Christ, Paul cautiously turned to correct, through this letter, certain weaknesses in their understanding of doctrines and life.
4) “In your faith?” (tes pisteos humon) “of the faith (system of teachings) of you all”; our standard or goal for Christian maturity, as commended of our Lord, Mat 5:48. Though none may reach it in the flesh, it is a goal to which each Christian should strive. See also 2Co 13:9.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
10 Praying beyond measure. He returns to an expression of his desire. For it is never allowable for us to congratulate men, while they live in this world, in such unqualified terms as not always to desire something better for them. For they are as yet in the way: they may fall back, or go astray, or even go back. Hence Paul is desirous to have opportunity given him of supplying what is wanting in the faith of the Thessalonians, or, which is the same thing, completing in all its parts their faith, which was as yet imperfect. Yet this is the faith which he had previously extolled marvelously. But from this we infer, that those who far surpass others are still far distant from the goal. Hence, whatever progress we may have made, let us always keep in view our deficiencies, ( ὑστερήματα,) (559) that we may not be reluctant to aim at something farther.
From this also it appears how necessary it is for us to give careful attention to doctrine, for teachers (560) were not appointed merely with the view of leading men, in the course of a single day or month, to the faith of Christ, but for the purpose of perfecting the faith which has been begun. But as to Paul’s claiming for himself what he elsewhere declares belongs peculiarly to the Holy Spirit, (1Co 14:14) this must be restricted to the ministry. Now, as the ministry of a man is inferior to the efficacy of the Spirit, and to use the common expression, is subordinate to it, nothing is detracted from it. When he says that he prayed night and day beyond all ordinary measure, (561) we may gather from these words how assiduous he was in praying to God, and with what ardor and earnestness he discharged that duty.
(559) “ Τστερήματα πίστεως. — Afterings of faith, as it may be significantly enough rendered, let but the novelty of the expression be pardoned.” — Howe’s Works, (London, 1822,) volume 3 page 70.— Ed
(560) “ Les Docteurs et ceux qui ont charge d’enseigner en l’Eglise;” — “Teachers and those that have the task of instructing in the Church.”
(561) “ Night and day praying exceedingly —Supplicating God at all times; mingling this with all my prayers; ὑπὲρ ἐχπερισσοῦ δεόμενοι, abounding and superabounding in my entreaties to God, to permit me to revisit you.” — Dr. A. Clarke. — Ed
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
Text (1Th. 3:10)
10 night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face, and may perfect that which is lacking in your faith?
Transhtion and Paraphrase
10.
(For we do pray) night and day, more than can be measured, asking (God to make it possible for us) to see your face (once again), and to perfect the things which are lacking in your faith.
Notes (1Th. 3:10)
1.
Paul candidly states in this verse that the faith of the Thessalonians was imperfect. He indicates in chapters four and five what some of the things were which were lacking in their faith.
2.
Perhaps it seems rather blunt to tell someone, as Paul told the Thessalonians, I want to come and see you, so I can perfect your understanding and development. This is especially so in matters of religion, where usually every mans way is clean in his own eyes. Pro. 16:2. But undoubtedly the Thessalonians had the right attitude, and knew very well that they were imperfect in faith and knowledge. They doubtless would have been extremely glad to have had Paul instruct them further.
3.
Paul prayed exceedingly, The word means superabundantly, beyond measure.
4.
The way Paul prayed day and night concerning the Thessalonians reminds us of the way King David often prayed in the night, Psa. 119:55. Have you ever awakened in the night, and found yourself thinking about Gods law and desiring to pray to God?
5.
New converts are only spiritual babes. 1Pe. 2:2; Heb. 5:13; 1Co. 3:1. New converts need to be taught to observe all the things which Jesus commanded us. Mat. 28:20, They need to recognize their limited knowledge and development in spiritual things. They should not be appointed to positions of leadership in churches. 1Ti. 3:6; 1Ti. 3:10. However, they can grow rapidly. And when they have been taught, they should not hold back from serving Christ just because they feel inadequate for the work of witnessing for Christ.
6.
Paul prayed for two things concerning the Thessalonians:
(1)
That he might see their face.
(2)
That he might perfect that which was lacking in their faith.
7.
The prayer of Paul that he might get to visit the Thessalonians
was answered in due time, for Paul visited Thessalonica on his third missionary trip, and again afterwards. See Introductory Section VI, paragraphs 27 and 28.
Fuente: College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
(10) See your face.Seeing them by proxy might satisfy for the while, but not for long. This exceeding importunate, prayer is caused by the feeling that it was Satans hindrance (1Th. 2:18), not Gods will, which forbad the meeting. He would not so have prayed to go into Bithynia (Act. 16:7), for the essence of prayer is to conform the will to Gods will.
That which is lacking in your faith.Bishop Wordsworth points out the unflattering faithfulness of St. Pauls dealing with his converts. What the deficiencies were is unknown, but they certainly include want of knowledge of the state of the dead and concerning the Advent.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
10. See your face Repeatedly St. Paul did pass through Thessalonica and confirm and make powerful that future stronghold of Christian faith.
Lacking Literally, the lackings, deficiencies, or falterings of your faith, whether of belief in Christian truth or firmness of Christian profession.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
1Th 3:10 . ] is not used absolutely instead of or , which Cornelius a Lapide and Baumgarten-Crusius assume, and Flatt thinks possible, but neither is it to be united with (Schott, de Wette, Koch, Riggenbach), but belongs to the main thought , and assigns the reason for it by the fervent longing for the readers, and anxiety for their Christian character: What sufficient thanks are we able to give to God for our joy over you, as we (cleaving to you with such paternal love that we), without ceasing, pray to see you again, and complete the defects of your faith ?
] See on 1Th 2:9 . Erroneously Fromond.: it is placed first, quia nocte praecipue propter solitudinem et silentium sancti se orationi dare solent.
The accumulation of expressions , is the natural outflow of the strength of his feeling; comp. Phi 1:23 .
] above measure , is found only in 1Th 5:13 , Eph 3:20 , and Theodoton, ad Daniel , 3:22. Erroneously because grammatically impossible
Clericus insists on referring it by means of a trajection not to , but to , defending his opinion on the ground that . denotes something not strictly necessary, whereas prayer is a duty, a necessity: orantes ut videamus vultum vestrum, quasi cumulum laetitiae nostrae. Non satis erat Paulo scire Thessalonicenses constanter evangelio adhaerere, quamvis summam laetitiam ex eo nuntio perciperit, volebat , ex abundanti , eos videre.
. . .] the design of : praying to this end, in order by means of prayer (by the answer to it) to attain the and .
] is to place in the condition of perfectness, of completeness. Thus signifies: to render complete the defects of faith , that is, in order to make perfect that which is wanting in faith (Theodoret: ). By this Paul understands partly defects of faith as regards insight (particularly in respect of the impending advent; comp. 1Th 4:13 ff.); partly defects of faith as regards its practical verification in the Christian life (comp. 1Th 4:1 ff.). It follows, moreover, from , with what inconsiderate arbitrariness Baur misuses even this passage in support of his assertion that the Thessalonian church had already existed for a long time.
Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary
10 Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?
Ver. 10. Night and day praying exceedingly ] Prayer must be constant and instant, with utmost assiduity and intention of affection, Luk 18:1 . See Trapp on “ Luk 18:1 “
And might perfect that which is lacking in your faith ] Faith is not as Jonah’s gourd, that grew up in a night; or as a bullet in a mould, that is made in a moment; but is perfected by degrees and so made even (as the word signifies here in the original) and complete.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
10 .] . . . see on ch. 1Th 2:9 .
. : see reff., and cf. Mar 6:51 .
belongs to the question of 1Th 3:9 q. d., ‘what thanks can we render, &c., proportioned to the earnestness of our prayers, &c.?’ So that would best be rendered praying as we do .
direction, or aim, of the prayers.
. ] , Thdrt.: cf. 2Co 9:12 . These were consequences of their being as yet novices in the faith: partly theoretical, e.g. their want of stability respecting the , and of fixed ideas respecting those who had fallen asleep in Christ, partly practical, ch. 1Th 4:1 . One can hardly conceive a greater perverseness than that of Baur, who takes this passage for a proof that the Thessalonian church had been long in the faith.
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
1Th 3:10 . Another adaptation of ethnic phraseology, cf. Griechische Urkunden , i. 246, 12, (a pagan papyrus from second or third century, A.D.). The connection of . . . with the foregoing words is loose, but probably may be found in the vivid realisation of the Thessalonians called up before his mind as he praised God for their constancy. Timothy had told him of their loyalty, but had evidently acquainted him also with some less promising tendencies and shortcomings in the church; possibly the Thessalonians had even asked for guidance on certain matters of belief and practice (see below). Hence Paul’s eagerness to be on the spot again, not merely for the sake of happy fellowship (Rom 1:11 ), but to educate and guide his friends, supplying what was defective in their faith. As this was impracticable in the meantime, he proceeds to write down some kindly admonitions. Thus 10 b forms the transition to the second part of the letter; Paul, as usual, is wise enough to convey any correction or remonstrance on the back of hearty commendation. In the prayer which immediately follows, 10 a is echoed in 11, 10 b in 12, 13, for the maturing of the Thessalonian’s faith does not depend on the presence of their apostles. Whatever be the answer to the prayer of 11, the prayer of 12, 13 can be accomplished.
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
praying. App-134.
exceedingly. Greek. huper (App-104.) ek (App-104.) perissou. Most of the texts read as one word. See Eph 3:20.
that we might. Literally for (App-104.) the seeing (App-133.)
perfect. App-125:8.
that, &c. = the shortcomings. Greek. husterema. See 1Co 16:17.
in = of.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
10.] . . . see on ch. 1Th 2:9.
.: see reff., and cf. Mar 6:51.
belongs to the question of 1Th 3:9-q. d., what thanks can we render, &c., proportioned to the earnestness of our prayers, &c.? So that would best be rendered praying as we do.
-direction, or aim, of the prayers.
.] , Thdrt.: cf. 2Co 9:12. These were consequences of their being as yet novices in the faith: partly theoretical, e.g. their want of stability respecting the , and of fixed ideas respecting those who had fallen asleep in Christ,-partly practical, ch. 1Th 4:1. One can hardly conceive a greater perverseness than that of Baur, who takes this passage for a proof that the Thessalonian church had been long in the faith.
Fuente: The Greek Testament
1Th 3:10. , night) Alluding to his holy thoughts during the night, 2Ti 1:3.- , the things which are wanting) [the deficiency, that which is lacking]. Even the Thessalonians had points in which they were in need of improvement.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
1Th 3:10
night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face,-His rejoicing issued in prayer all the more constant and earnest that he might again be with them, not in heart only, but in person.
and may perfect-[Since perfect means the attainment of its ends and entire completeness in all its parts, the suffering believer should seek to be perfect in the development of character, and entire in the discharge of the duties allotted to his several spheres of life. When this end should be attained, he would be lacking in nothing in Christian conduct.]
that which is lacking in your faith?-[The things that were lacking to attain this end were not so much what was lacking in their faith, but that which was lacking to perfect their faith. Their faith in itself was steadfast and vigorous. Of their faith Paul says: Remembering without ceasing your work of faith and labor of love and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. … For from you hath sounded forth the word of the Lord, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place your faith to God-ward is gone forth; so that we need not to speak anything. (1:3, 8; see also 2:13, 2Th 1:3.)] The things that were lacking were the things unrevealed. Paul had not, at the time he preached at Thessalonica, received the fullness of the will of God, or they were not capable of understanding it when he was with them. So their faith was deficient on account of the lack of knowledge. Paul was anxious to supply the lack lest they fall from their steadfastness. [The principal things lacking apparently concerned their conduct, their hope, and their mutual relationship in the church, for instruction on these points occupies the remainder of the Epistle.]
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
perfect (See Scofield “Mat 5:48”).
Fuente: Scofield Reference Bible Notes
Night: Luk 2:37, Act 26:7, 2Ti 1:3, Rev 4:8, Rev 7:15
praying: 1Th 3:11, 1Th 2:17, 1Th 2:18, Rom 1:10, Rom 15:30-32, Phm 1:22
might perfect: Rom 1:11, Rom 1:12, 2Co 1:15, 2Co 1:24, 2Co 13:9, 2Co 13:11, Phi 1:25, Col 1:28, Col 4:12, 2Th 1:11
Reciprocal: Gen 24:12 – I pray 1Sa 12:23 – God forbid Psa 22:2 – I cry Psa 88:1 – I have Luk 18:7 – which Act 15:36 – and see Rom 1:9 – that Rom 15:23 – and Col 1:3 – praying 1Th 2:9 – night 1Th 3:6 – desiring Heb 13:17 – with joy
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
1Th 3:10. Having been so favorably impressed concerning the Thessalonians, it was natural that Paul would desire further association with them. He offered daily prayers that he might have that privilege. There was nothing wrong about their faith, but they were still but babes in Christ, and Paul wished to impart more inspired information to them, to strengthen and build them up, and in so doing to perfect (make more complete) their faith.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
1Th 3:10. The good tidings which Paul had received did not quench but rather intensified his desire to see them. From this intense longing we get a glimpse into the joys of the apostolic life; and see with what gladness and refreshment the first preachers must have turned to those with whom their efforts had been certainly successful, and in whom they saw promise of the new faith becoming triumphant
And might perfect that which is lacking in your faith. They had made advances, but had not yet attained perfection. So long as Christians are in this life, there is room for growth, and those who have made greatest proficiency are precisely those who may most hopefully be stimulated to further attainment. The deficiencies in the faith of the Thessalonians were probably such as could be removed by instruction. Already their faith was genuine, rightly based, and masculine, but it needed that enlightened knowledge of duty and of the truths of Christianity which tends to a mature and fullorbed character.
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
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, 1Th 3:10. His prayer was also very fervent and affectionate, praying exceedingly, excessively, as the word will bear. Spiritual affections are strong and vehement.
Note here, the admirable pattern which St. Paul sets before all the bishops and pastors of the church to the end of the world, namely, to be much, very much in prayer, to abound in this duty.
Observe, farther, the subject matter of St. Paul’s prayer, that he might see their face, and perfect what was yet lacking in their faith. Here note, that St. Paul’s short stay among the Thessalonians when he first planted the gospel, did not permit so full and complete an explication of the matters and mysteries of Christianity, as the apostle did desire; he therefore prays that God would bring him again amongst them, that he might supply what was wanting in their faith, that he might increase their knowledge, confirm their faith, inflame their love, excite their desires, quicken their endeavours, and carry on that good work to perfection in them, of which God had laid the foundation by him.
Learn hence, 1. That even in the faith of the most renowned, as well as of the new converted Christians, there is some deficiency and defect.
2. That one great end of the ministry of the word is, to help faith forward towards perfection; that which was the instrument to beget faith, is also the mean of increasing and confirming it, namely, the ordinances of God in general, and the ministry of the word in particular. As faith cometh by hearing, so is it confirmed by hearing also; longing to see your face, that we might perfect what is lacking in your faith.
Fuente: Expository Notes with Practical Observations on the New Testament
night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face, and may perfect that which is lacking in your faith? [“Night,” says Joseph de Maistre, “is a great chapter in the Psalms, to which David often recurs.” Paul, like David, employed much of the night in meditation and prayer. At such times he remembered the brevity and sudden termination of his ministry in Thessalonica, and realized that his converts were not fully instructed in many items of faith and doctrine; he therefore prayed that he might return and complete his instruction. After three or four years his prayer was answered (Act 20:1-2), and some ten years after that it was again answered– 1Ti 1:3]
Fuente: McGarvey and Pendleton Commentaries (New Testament)
ARGUMENT 4
REGENERATION NOT FULL SALVATION
10. Night and day exceedingly desiring to see your face, and to perfect the deficiencies of your faith. This letter sweeps the last possible vestige of the Zinzendorfian heresy forever from the field. Here we have a case of conversion beggaring all possible cavil, clear, demonstrative, giving the joy of the Holy Ghost and the fruits of the Spirit, even making them efficient missionaries and examples to all the saints in Macedonia and Achaia. Yet this epistle is written to perfect the deficiencies of their faith. Their faith for justification was certainly all right; but they did not have faith for sanctification. This was the deficiency no candid reader can deny that they were truly born from above. They were not sinners. Yet they did not enjoy full salvation. Their faith was not perfect. If so, their salvation
would have been perfect, for Jesus says it is according to your faith. I have heard preachers stoutly contend that regeneration is full salvation. You see they differ from Paul. This, of itself, is an irrefutable argument for the sanctification of the ministry. Wholly sanctified people are gloriously saved from creedism, and even their own opinions. They want nothing but the truth. they are dead to all isms and schisms, sects, creeds, theologies, denominations, and organizations. We have to get there, in order to be taught by the Holy Ghost. God help you and me to be utterly dead to every authority but the Bible! Your creed will not be mentioned in the judgment-day. You must face the great white Throne, and be judged by the Bible alone.
Fuente: William Godbey’s Commentary on the New Testament
Verse 10
Night and day; very frequently and earnestly.
Fuente: Abbott’s Illustrated New Testament
3:10 Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might {b} perfect that which is lacking in your faith?
(b) Paul was forced through the pressing dealing of the enemies to leave the building which he had just begun: and for that reason he had left Silas and Timothy in Macedonia, and when Timothy came to Athens to him, he sent him back again immediately. So that he desires to see the Thessalonians, that he may thoroughly perfect their faith and religion, that was as yet imperfect.