Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Thessalonians 5:18
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
18. In every thing give thanks ] This again the Apostle taught by example as well as precept; see ch. 1Th 1:2; 1Th 3:9-10; and comp. Php 4:6; Col 4:2. “In everything,” even in persecution and shame, suffered for Christ’s sake; comp. Php 1:29, 2Co 12:9-10.
Prayer and Thanksgiving are the two wings of the soul by which it rises upward to God.
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you ] Rather, to you-ward (R. V.): “You Thessalonian believers so greatly afflicted and tempted to murmuring and despondency are the special objects of this Divine purpose, whose attainment is made possible for you in Christ Jesus. God intends that your life should be one of constant prayer, constant joy and thanksgiving.” In ch. 1Th 3:3 it was said that the Thessalonians were “appointed” to their extraordinary sufferings (comp. ch. 1Th 4:3). Now the reason of this appointment is shown; it is that they may grow perfect in thankfulness, grateful for the bitter as well as for the sweet in their experiences, for
“each rebuff
That turns earth’s smoothness rough,
Each sting that bids nor sit nor stand, bit go.”
Such cheerfulness of soul needs strong faith, and is won through hard trial. Rom 5:3-5 supplies the reasoning by which tribulation is made matter of thanksgiving and the sorrows of the Christian are turned to songs of joy. On Christ Jesus, see note to ch. 1Th 2:14.
From joy, prayer and thanksgiving the Apostle passes by a natural transition to the Spirit and prophesying. For Christian joy and Christian prayer are inspired by the Holy Spirit. See ch. 1Th 1:6, “with joy of the Holy Spirit”; also Rom 8:26, Eph 6:18, and Judges 20, “praying in the Holy Spirit.” “Praying” and “prophesying” are kindred, spiritual exercises (see 1Co 11:4-5).
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
In every thing give thanks – See the Eph 5:20 note; Phi 4:6 note. We can always find something to be thankful for, and there may be reasons why we ought to be thankful for even those dispensations which appear dark and frowning. Chrysostom, once the archbishop of Constantinople, and then driven into exile, persecuted, and despised, died far away form all the splendors of the capital, and all the comforts and honors which he had enjoyed, uttering his favorite motto – doxa to Theo panton heneken – glory to God for all things. Bibliotheca Sacra, 1:700. So we may praise God for everything that happens to us under his government. A man owes a debt of obligation to him for anything which will recall him from his wanderings, and which will prepare him for heaven. Are there any dealings of God toward people which do not contemplate such an end? Is a man ever made to drink the cup of affliction when no drop of mercy is intermingled? Is he ever visited with calamity which does not in some way contemplate his own temporal or eternal good! Could we see all, we should see that we are never placed in circumstances in which there is not much for which we should thank God. And when, in his dealings, a cloud seems to cover his face, let us remember the good things without number which we have received, and especially remember that we are in the world of redeeming love, and we shall find enough for which to be thankful.
For this is the will of God – That is, that you should be grateful. This is what God is pleased to require you to perform in the name of the Lord Jesus. In the gift of that Saviour he has laid the foundation for that claim, and he requires that you should not be unmindful of the obligation; see the notes, Heb 13:15.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
1Th 5:18
In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you
Thanksgiving
The duty and privilege of praise are not appreciated.
Worship–ascribing worth to God and describing His worth–is in His Word the leading feature, as in modern days it is the least feature of the assemblies of saints. Worship implies a thankful frame. Nothing left outside of the range of this injunction, because to a true believer all things work together for good. Compare Eph 5:20; Col 3:17.
I. It is the fruit of faith. Natural gratitude is the natural pleasure felt in prosperity; gracious gratitude blesses God, like Job in adversity, because of faith in His wisdom and goodness.
II. It is one of the foremost of blessings, and parent of all other graces. So says Cicero. It disposes to contentment in all conditions, and puts a bridle on desire.
III. It finds blessings as a magnet finds steel.
IV. It fits for greater blessings. God gives more abundantly where previous gifts are properly valued (Psa 50:23). Chrysostom said There is but one calamity–sin; and after many sorrows died, exclaiming, God be praised for everything! (A. T. Pierson, D. D.)
Thankfulness
I. To whom must we give thanks? Only to God: because (Psa 100:4)–
1. It is only by Him we are preserved from evil (Psa 121:7).
2. It is only from Him that we have anything that is good (Jam 1:17).
3. He only is good in Himself (Psa 107:1; Psa 136:1; Luk 18:19).
II. How should we give thanks to Him?
1. By a humble confession of our own unworthiness (Gen 32:10; Eph 3:8), through sin (Psa 51:5; 1Co 15:9), and our abuse of Gods mercies (Jud 1:4).
2. By a humble acknowledgment of Him in all we have (Pro 3:6). His power (Psa 135:1; Psa 135:6); goodness (Psa 145:1-2; Psa 145:9); mercy (Psa 136:1-3).
3. By admiring Him in all we have, and praising (1Ch 29:12-13).
4. By improving all for His glory (Pro 3:9).
5. By walking before Him in all well pleasing (2Ti 1:3).
III. What must we thank Him for? For all things (Eph 5:20).
1. Our mercies.
(1) Spiritual.
(a) His sending Christ to die for us. (Luk 2:14).
(b) His quickening Spirit (2Co 9:15).
(c) His gospel (Mat 11:25)
(d) His restraining grace (1Co 15:57; Rom 7:25).
(e) His renewing and sanctifying grace.
(f) His comforts (Psa 147:1-3).
(g) His ordinances.
(2) Temporal
(a) Creation (Psa 95:6; Psa 100:1-3).
(b) Preservation (Act 17:28)
(c) Provision (Psa 147:7-9 1Ti 6:17).
(d) Health and strength (Psa 18:32).
(e) Gifts and parts (1Co 14:18).
(f) Life and liberty.
(g) Protection.
2. Our afflictions (Job 1:21).
(1) Because they are not so great as we have deserved (Ezr 4:13).
(a) Not spiritual (Psa 147:20).
(b) Not eternal (Lam 3:39).
(2) Because they are still mixed with mercies.
(3) Because they are really spiritual mercies (Rom 8:28; Heb 12:10).
(a) For the deadening of our sins (Job 36:8-10).
(b) For the quickening of our graces (Psa 119:67).
Uses–
1. Reproof.
(1) To such as never think of that God who gives them all things to enjoy (Psa 10:4).
(2) Who think upon Him, but are not thankful to Him.
(3) Who thank Him with their mouths, but not their hearts (Col 3:16).
(4) Who thank Him for some things but not for all (Eph 5:20).
2. Exhortation. Be thankful. Consider–
(1) This is all the requital God expects, or you can give (Psa 50:10; Psa 50:14; Psa 69:30-31).
(2) You cannot expect a blessing on your mercies except you are thankful.
(3) The more thankful you are for mercies received, the more ground you have to expect more. (Bp. Beveridge.)
The duty of thankfulness
I. Some Christians are not eminent for thankfulness.
1. Some are very selfish. Unless the blessing alight on their actual self it matters not where it comes down. They cannot joy in the graces of their brethren. There are some so grievously selfish that they take as matters of right and of course every good and perfect gift, and regard the withholding of them as a personal injury.
2. Others are remarkable for peevishness. There is an ingenious fretfulness, dexterous in detecting flaws, industrious in embittering its own comfort, and wearisome by its pertinacious fault finding. If the house be commodious, the situation is bad: if a friend be kind, he doesnt see you often enough; if a book be otherwise good, there is a word or two you dont like.
3. Many are unthankful from inadvertency. They are surrounded with blessings, but from pure heedlessness they do not perceive from whom they have issued. Gratitude does not depend on the amount of mercies received, but on the amount known and prized.
II. Materials for thankfulness.
1. Personal salvation. We have all felt the glow of returning health; but what is this compared to the joy of salvation.
2. The Bible. How thankful the Psalmists were for the scanty portion of the Word of God possessed by them: how much more grateful should we be for a completed revelation.
3. Devout and congenial society. Who can estimate the blessings of friendship; and if your friend has gone to God, few mercies call for more thankfulness than a friend in heaven.
4. Mercies in the disguise of affliction. These are topics which give scope for the holy ingenuity of loyal saints. In everything, because all things are working together for good.
III. Appropriate expressions of Christian gratitude.
1. It should occupy a prominent place in devotion whether secret or social.
2. Recount Gods mercies to others. In this way you will quicken your own soul to increasing fervour, and kindle the gratitude of others.
3. Sing praises. Few things are better fitted to dispel the evil spirit of censoriousness, selfishness, and sullenness than heart-sung hymns of thanksgiving.
4. Embody your gratitude in offerings of thankfulness. These are the only oblations for which room is left in our new economy. (J. Hamilton, D. D.)
The habit of thankfulness
We hear a great deal of the power of habit. I know there is power in good habits. Is there any in evil habits? Are good habits the greatest blessing in our life? One half of the best work performed by us is done largely through sheer force of habit. When a person is learning to play the piano, he or she goes over the keys awkwardly, and with difficulty, but soon becomes a good player through the force of habit. A man doing something that he is accustomed to will stand well the cares and anxieties which daily burden his mind. But put him at something which he knows nothing about, and they would kill him. Good habits enable one to resist temptation. The only way to conquer evil habits is to put good ones in their place. How often men discard their evil habits, but put nothing in place of them! The bad habits soon return like the unclean spirits of the parable. I wish to speak of the habit of thankfulness.
I. The value of such habit. It helps us to quell the repining over the ills of life. There is an old story of a young man who was walking along a road, full of life, but very poor, when, observing a carriage driven by containing an old man, he began to repine, saying; Oh, what a life I lead! Just look at the genuine, quiet comfort enjoyed by that old man; Oh, that I were in his place! The old man looked out of the window at the same time and sighed: Oh, that I had the youth and strength of that man with all his splendid possibilities, I would give everything that I possess. Now the habit of thankfulness secures us against all this. A child will give thanks to anyone who may make her a present of any kind, and shall we not return thanks to God for what He has given us? Some of us may have sore troubles; but when you remember the Lords goodness and His consolations, you are able to bear them. Paul and Silas sang praises in prison. Thats the way to do. Sing praises under all the ills of life. The Christian idea is to charge upon these ills.
II. The habit of thankfulness leads to deeper penitence. Repentance is the soundest, truest, and most acceptable thing in the eyes of God. All true penitence takes account of Gods goodness, and incites cheerfulness and thankfulness to God.
III. We ought to be thankful for everything painful as well as pleasant. In all things. We can always be thankful that a thing is not worse. If it were worse it would be no more so than our sins make us deserve. When trouble comes over us, we learn to appreciate that as a blessing which is gone. A man does not know the blessing of good health until he loses it. (J. A. Broadus, D. D.)
Thanksgiving to God
I. The duty enjoined. Give thanks–
1. With the soul (Psa 103:1-2).
(1) With the understanding, which weights the value of the benefit conferred.
(2) With the memory, which stores up the remembrance of benefits received.
(3) With the affections, by which benefits are warmly embraced.
2. With the voice: otherwise thanks will be buried. How many aids and witnesses did David summon to assist him in this duty; the mountains to leap, the floods to make a noise, etc. Nature and art have found out many helps and signs–bells, musical instruments, feasting, etc. Yet these are but poor and senseless sacrifices performed by unreasoning deputies, if thanks have no more significant expression; and cheer of the countenance, bodily gestures, dancing, are dumb shows. But by speech one mans heart conveys to another the cheery conceptions and passions of the soul, and so multiplies praise and sets on others to bless God with him.
3. With obedience, which God prefers to all our sacrifices. He that in the way of thankfulness bows and performs the mortification of one sin, the addition of one duty, pleases God better than Solomon with all his beeves and sheep. The life of thankfulness consists in the lives of the thankful; otherwise it is but as one who should sing a good song with his voice and play a bad one with his instrument.
II. The extent of the matter.
1. God will be praised in all His creatures whereof we have the sight or the use; for every one of us have no less benefit by the sun and air, than if we saw or breathed alone.
2. In all the works of His provident administration–public blessings–our countrys good.
3. In all personal favours. Every man that sees another stricken and himself spared is to keep passover for himself.
4. In all crosses, counting it an honour to suffer for Christs sake.
5. In all gifts: temporal or spiritual, and, above all, for Him who is all in all.
6. In all times and places.
III. The supreme motive. This is the will of God. A sufficient answer to the foolish question What addition shall I make to His honour who is self-sufficient? Gods will has binding authority enough, but the winning word is added, In Christ. I have so loved you as to give My Son; the return I expect and will is your thanks. An ingenuous child desires to know only what his father loves, and a grateful courtier only the pleasure of his sovereign. (S. Ward.)
The perpetual thanksgiving of a Christian life
These words form the last of a series of apparently impossible precepts–perpetual joy, perpetual prayer, united in a life of perpetual thanksgiving. Of course these do not refer to acts, but to a state of heart. Yet even then the difficulty is not removed, for toll and rest, success and failure, events that cheer or overshadow, are all to be received not only submissively but thankfully, and so are the tremendous sorrows which shatter the human heart. How can this precept be obeyed?
I. Its difficulty. Why do we not trust God sufficiently to thank Him in every lot in life?
1. One source of the difficulty lies in the constant changes in the souls life produced by temperament and circumstances. There are periods when it is comparatively easy to be thankful–days of sunshine when bare existence is a joy–times of sorrow, too, when we can trace the hand of love–hours of meditation when we get some deeper vision into the Divine meaning of life. But there are other periods when thanksgiving is the hardest task–days of dreariness, coldness of spirit, doubt.
2. But apart from this there are two sources of difficulty which are permanent.
(1) Our fancied knowledge of life. We think we can tell what are great mercies, Whereas that which we pass by as a trifle or shudder as at a calamity maybe heavens greatest blessing in disguise. Constantly we are taught our ignorance, yet constantly we assume to know. Experience has revealed to us that what the child would have chosen the man passes by; and as we pass on in life we learn that the brightest rainbows of hope spring from the darkest clouds of trouble; and that in the deepest valleys of humiliation grow the fairest flowers of faith and love. Yet we forget the lesson, and fancy that we understand all.
(2) Unbelieving distrust of God.
(a) We are afraid to recognize His presence everywhere, acting through every little force in nature and through every trifling change in our careers.
(b) When we do discern the hand of God we are afraid to trust Him perfectly. In our submission we are tempted to bow to a kind of awful will that must have its way, rather than to believe that what God has chosen for us is most wise, just, and kind.
II. The motive. Gods will is so revealed in Christ that, believing in it, we can give thanks in all things. Christ showed–
1. That life was the perpetual providence of the Father. Not a sparrow falleth. Behold the lilies. His life was a ceaseless illustration of this. He went through the world whether men took up stones to stone him or shouted their hallelujahs, equally fearless as though He was sublimely safe, till His work was done. Realize that as true of your life, and if every moment and trifle of our history are under the Fathers providence, for what shall we refuse to be thankful!
2. That that providence is a discipline of human character. Christs teaching and life show us that not getting more, but being greater; not pleasure, but holiness; not success, but heaven is Gods purpose in disciplining the life of men. The learning obedience by the things which He suffered was the end for which the Fathers providence led the Divine man. And so with us.
3. That the discipline of life is explained by eternity alone. The life of Jesus, apart from the eternal glory which crowned it, seems only a failure and a mystery; and the Father, who ordained for Christ His strange dark way, is leading us by a way that must be dark till death lift the veil. We know not what we need for heavens splendour, but know this that the great multitude have come out of great tribulation.
III. The method of its attainment.
1. It is not to be reached by a single resolution, or in a day by an outburst of excited feeling. We may say sincerely, henceforth I resolve to trust God in everything. But little vexations soon shake our trust; greater troubles break down our resolution; the emotion has declined, and we say, No man can be always thankful.
2. It is the gradual result of a life of earnest fellowship with God–a life that in daily meditation realizes the presence of the Father; that by prayer feels the reality of Gods love–that comes at length to walk through all toils and temptations under a deep sense of the all-surrounding God. (E. L. Hull, B. A.)
The faculty of thankfulness
If one should give me a dish of sand, and tell me there were particles of iron in it, I might look for them with my eyes, and search for them with my clumsy fingers, and be unable to detect them; but let me take a magnet and sweep through it, and how it would draw to itself the almost invisible particles by the mere power of attraction! The unthankful heart, like my fingers in the sand, discovers no mercies; but let the thankful heart sweep through the day, and as the magnet finds the iron, so it will find in every hour some heavenly blessings; only the iron in Gods sand is gold. (H. W. Beecher.)
Thanksgiving with prayer
A child knelt at the accustomed time to thank God for the mercies of the day, and pray for His care during the coming night. Then, as usual, came the God bless mother and– But the prayer was stilled, the little hands unclasped, and a look of sadness and wonder met the mothers eye, as the words of helpless sorrow came from the lips of the kneeling child, I cannot pray for father any more. Since her lips had been able to form the dear name, she had prayed for a blessing upon it. It had followed close after her mothers name. But now he was dead. I waited for some moments, and then urged her to go on. Her pleading eyes met mine, and with a voice that faltered, she said, Oh, mother, I cannot leave him out all at once; let me say, Thank God that I had a dear father once, so I can still go on and keep him in my prayers. And so she still continues to do, and my heart learned a lesson from the loving ingenuity of my child. Remember to thank God for mercies past as well as to ask blessings for the future. (The Christian.)
Thankfulness and unthankfulness
At the dinner table in the cabin of a steamboat there sat a conceited young man, who thought he displayed his own importance by abusing everything placed before him. A clergyman present, remonstrated with him, but in vain. Even on deck he continued his complaints of the ill-cooked, unsavoury fare, until the clergyman thoroughly disgusted, turned away, and, walking toward the steerage, noticed an old man, in his home-spun and well-worn shepherds plaid, crouching behind the paddle box, where he thought himself unobserved. He took from his pocket a piece of dry bread and cheese, and laying them down before him, reverently took off his blue bonnet, his thin white hairs streaming in the wind, clasped his hands together and blessed God for his mercy. In the great Givers hands lie gifts of many kinds, and to the scantiest dole of this worlds fare we oftentimes see added that richer boon–a grateful heart. (Christian Age.)
Exemplary thanksgiving
Objects seem large or little according to the medium through which they are viewed. In the microscope, what a remarkable change they undergo! The humble moss rises into a graceful tree; the beetle, armed for battle, flashes in golden or silver mail; a grain of sand swells into a mass of rock; and, on the other hand, a mountain looked at through the wrong end of a telescope sinks into a molehill, and the broad lake contracts into a tiny pool. Even so, according as we look at them, with the eyes of self-condemning humility, or of self-righteous pride, Gods mercies seem great or little. For example, a minister of the gospel, passing one day near a cottage, was attracted to its door by the sound of a loud and earnest voice. It was a bare and lonely dwelling; the home of a woman who was childless, old, and poor. Drawing near this mean and humble cabin, the stranger at length made out these words: All this, and Jesus too! All this, and Jesus too! as they were repeated over and over in tones of deep emotion, of wonder, gratitude, and praise. His curiosity was roused to see what that could be which called forth such fervent, overflowing thanks. Stealing near, he looked in at the patched and broken window; and there in the form of a gray, bent, worn-out daughter of toil, at a rude table, with hands raised to God, and her eyes fixed on some crusts of bread and water, sat piety, peace, humility, contentment, exclaiming, All this, and Jesus too!
Grounds for thankfulness
I cannot enumerate all the sweet mercies for which you should be thankful–the personal mercies, a sound mind and a healthy body; restorations from sickness; preservations in imminent peril; a good education, abundance of books, and, perhaps, some leisure to read them; a competent share of the good things of this life, a home, food, raiment, occasional rest and recreation, the enlivening of a journey, and the enlightenment of travel. Family mercies: parents that were kind when you were helpless, and wise when you were foolish; the endearing associations of early days; the gentleness of kindred, who, if a little more remote, were scarce less tender than father or mother were; the amenities and joys of your present home; the household lamp and the household hearth, with all the fond familiar faces on which they shine; the voices which make blythe music in your dwelling; the lives which you have got back from the gates of the grave, and those glorified ones whom you would not wish to bring back; with all those numberless indoor delights, those visits of kindness, and advents of gladness, and solacements of sympathy which He, whose home was heaven, loved to witness or create in the homes of earth. Spiritual mercies: the Bible, the Sabbath, the house of prayer, the closet, the family altar, the great congregation, prayer meetings, communion seasons, psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, Christian friends; perhaps a conscience void of offence towards man, and at peace with God through Jesus Christ; perhaps a victory over some temptation; perhaps progress in some grace; perhaps answers to prayer; along with what may either already be your own, or may as assuredly be made your own, as the Bible is already yours–the Comforter, peace in believing, hope in dying, a joyful resurrection, a home in heaven, a blood-bought harp, the inheritance of all things. These are a few of His mercies; but oh! how great is the sum of them! (J. Hamilton, D. D.)
Reasons for thankfulness
King George, at the close of the Revolutionary War, in which he had lost thirty colonies, proclaimed a day of thanksgiving because of the return of peace. His chaplain said to him, For what would your majesty have us give thanks? for the fact that you have lost thirteen of the brightest jewels of your crown? No, not for that, said the king. Because we have added millions to our national debt? No, not for that, said the king. Because tens of thousands of people of the same race and religion have been destroyed? No, not for that, said the king. Why, then, insisted the chaplain, and for what shall we give thanks? Thank God, said the king, with great vehemence–Thank God, because matters are no worse. (J. L. Nye.)
Unthankfulness
Like the Caspian Sea, which has some unseen way of disposing of its waters, so that whatever rains come down, and whatever rivers flow in, its great gulf never fills, and never a rill runs out from it again; so there is a greedy, all-devouring selfishness, which, whatever rivers of pleasure flow into it, and whatever mighty bursts of heaven-descended bounty exhaust their fulness over it, always contrives to dispose of the whole in the caverns and subterraneous passages of its capacious egotism–the vast mare iternum of self, without one drop of overflowing in kindness to man or gratitude to God. (J. Hamilton, D. D.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 18. In every thing give thanks] For this reason, that all things work together for good to them that love God; therefore, every occurrence may be a subject of gratitude and thankfulness. While ye live to God, prosperity and adversity will be equally helpful to you.
For this is the will of God] That ye should be always happy; that ye should ever be in the spirit of prayer; and that ye should profit by every occurrence in life, and be continually grateful and obedient; for gratitude and obedience are inseparably connected.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
In every thing give thanks: when we have obtained mercy by prayer, then we are to give thanks, and whatever we may pray for, that we ought to give thanks for. And so by that understand and limit the general expression in the text. We are not to give thanks when we fall into sin, for that we ought not to pray for; yet if we have the pardon of it, or get any good by it, we should then give thanks: and so may be said concerning affliction; we are to give thanks in every condition, either of prosperity or adversity. And with all our supplications, we are to join thanksgivings, Phi 4:6; Col 4:2; and thanksgiving properly refers to some mercy received, whether privative or positive, temporal or spiritual, private or public, and we are in all these to give thanks. Though praising God may reach further, which is to adore the excellencies of his being as they are glorious in themselves, or the excellencies of his works as they are in themselves praiseworthy. And thanksgiving for mercy received is:
1. A taking notice of it as coming from God.
2. Setting a due value upon it.
3. A sense of Gods goodness and our own unworthiness.
4. Praising him for it.
For this is the will of God: some carry this as a motive to all the preceding duties; but rather to this last mentioned: as if this was in special the will of God, being a duty so much to his own glory and our good; and by will we must by a metonymy understand the thing willed, Eph 6:6; Col 4:12. It is required by the law of nature not written, which is part of Gods will. The heathen are reproved for not being thankful, Rom 1:21; and they made laws to punish it, and accounted it the greatest reproach, ingratum si dixeris omnia dixeris. And it is required by the law of God that is written. The moral law requires it; and the ceremonial law required offerings by way of thanksgiving, which we call gratulatory. And the gospel requires it, it being one of the gospel sacrifices, Heb 13:15, and pleaseth the Lord better than the greatest of the legal sacrifices, Psa 69:30,31; and it being said to be the will of God in the text, it must needs be pleasing to him.
In Christ Jesus; either meant as this will of his is signified to us by him, not only by the law of nature, of Moses, but by Christ Jesus; and so it may be of greater force upon Christians, and hereby it is to be looked upon as one of the commandments of Christ also. Or we may understand it, upon the attempt of Christ, and the great love of God in him. Though thanksgiving is due for the least mercy, yet Gods will especially requires it with respect to Christ. And so especially of Christians who partake of Christ, and the love of God in him; as the apostle here adds, .
Concerning you; or towards you in special: the heathens were obliged to thankfulness for rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, these common blessings; much more are Christians for the special blessings they receive by Christ Jesus.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
18. In every thingeven whatseems adverse: for nothing is really so (compareRom 8:28; Eph 5:20).See Christ’s example (Mat 15:36;Mat 26:27; Luk 10:21;Joh 11:41).
thisThat ye should”rejoice evermore, pray without ceasing, (and) in every thinggive thanks,” “is the will of God in Christ Jesus (as theMediator and Revealer of that will, observed by those who are inChrist by faith, compare Php3:14) concerning you.” God’s will is the believer’slaw. LACHMANN rightlyreads commas at the end of the three precepts (1Th5:16-18), making “this” refer to all three.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
In everything give thanks,…. That is, to God the Father, in the name of Christ; see Eph 5:20 thanks are to be given to him for all things, as the Ethiopic version renders it; for all temporal good things; for our beings, the preservation of them; for food and raiment, and all the mercies of life; for the means of grace, the word and ordinances, and the ministers of the Gospel; for spiritual blessings, for electing, redeeming, regenerating, adopting, pardoning, justifying, and persevering grace: for a meetness for heaven, a right unto it, and a good hope of it; and especially for Jesus Christ, for such an husband, such an head, such a surety and Saviour, and advocate with the Father, as he is; and for life, peace, joy, comfort, righteousness, and salvation in him: and thanks should be given to God in every circumstance of life; in adversity, as Job did; when not in so comfortable and agreeable a frame of soul as to be wished for, since it might be worse, and is not black despair; even under the temptations of Satan, since they might be greater and heavier, and since the grace of God is sufficient to bear up under them, and deliver out of them, and since there is such a sympathizing high priest and Saviour; and in afflictions of every kind, since they are all for good, temporal, or spiritual, or eternal.
For this is the will of God; which may refer either to all that is said from 1Th 5:11 to this passage, or particularly to this of giving thanks; which is the revealed and declared will of God, is a part of that good, perfect, and acceptable will of his, and what is well pleasing in his sight, and grateful to him; see Ps 69:30 and is
in Christ Jesus concerning you; either declared in and by him, who has made known the whole of the will of God, and so the Arabic version, “which he wills of you by Jesus Christ”; or which is exemplified in Christ, who for, and in all things, gave thanks to God, and had his will resigned to his in every circumstance of life; or, which being done, is acceptable to God through Christ. The Alexandrian copy reads, “for this is the will of God towards you in Christ Jesus”; that is, with respect to you who are in Christ secretly by election, and openly by the effectual calling; and who, of all men in the world, have reason to be thankful for everything, and in every circumstance.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
In everything give thanks ( ). There is a silver lining to every cloud. God is with us whatever befalls us. It is God’s will that we find joy in prayer in Christ Jesus in every condition of life.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
Will [] . In the sense of requirement. Comp. ch. 1Th 4:3.
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1) “In everything give thanks” (en panti eucharisteite) “in all (kind of things) give thanks”, and every kind of circumstance, give thanks or express gratitude for the goodness of God, Psa 34:1; Eph 5:20; Php_4:6; Col 3:17.
2) “For this is the will of God”; to pray, give thanks, offer petitions to God daily, continually, is the will of God for all His children, Luk 18:1; Mat 6:9-13; Col 3:17.
THANKSGIVING WITH PRAYER
A child knelt at the accustomed time to thank God for the mercies of the day and pray for His care during the coming night. Then, as usual, came the “God bless mother and but the prayer was stilled, the little hands unclasped, and a look of sadness and wonder met the mother’s eye, as the words of helpless sorrow came from the lips of the kneeling child, “I cannot pray for father any more.” Since her lips had been able to form the dear name, she had prayed for blessing upon it. It had followed close after her mother’s name. But now he was dead. I waited for some moments, and then urged her to go on. Her pleading eyes met mine, and with a voice that faltered, she said, ‘Oh, mother, I cannot leave him out all at once; let me say, “Thank God that I had a dear father once,’ so I can still go on and keep him in my prayers.”
–The Christian
3) “In Christ Jesus concerning you” (en Christo lesou eis humas) “in Jesus Christ in regard to you all”, in attitude of heart and life; 2Co 9:15; grateful people in Christ are seldom grouchy toward their friends, loved ones, and neighbors, and grouchy people are seldom either grateful people or generous people, Col 3:3; Eph 5:17.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
18 For this is the will of God — that is, according to Chrysostom’s opinion — that we give thanks. As for myself, I am of opinion that a more ample meaning is included under these terms — that God has such a disposition towards us in Christ, that even in our afflictions we have large occasion of thanksgiving. For what is fitter or more suitable for pacifying us, than when we learn that God embraces us in Christ so tenderly, that he turns to our advantage and welfare everything that befalls us? Let us, therefore, bear in mind, that this is a special remedy for correcting our impatience — to turn away our eyes from beholding present evils that torment us, and to direct our views to a consideration of a different nature — how God stands affected towards us in Christ.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
Text (1Th. 5:18)
18 in everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus to you-ward.
Translation and Paraphrase
18.
Give thanks in every thing (that happens to you), for (doing) this is the will of God for you in (your service to) the anointed one, Jesus.
Notes (1Th. 5:18)
1.
We should not only feel thankful for Gods benefits, but also always express our thanks. No doubt exists but that all ten of the lepers whom Jesus healed were thankful for their healing, but only one of them came back and expressed the thanks that were due. Luk. 17:15-18.
2.
It has been well observed that it is backwards to have only one day a year for Thanksgiving, and three hundred sixty-four for grumbling. We ought to have one day a year for expressing our grumbles, groans, grunts, and grouching, and three hundred sixty-four days a year for blessing the Lord who satisfies our mouth with good things.
3.
Eph. 5:20 : Giving thinks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Fuente: College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
(18) In every thing give thanks.To the Christian who really trusts his Fathers providence, and believes that his prayers are heard, every moments occurrence will be just that which he has prayed forthe fulfilment of our Fathers will. It is for this reason that thanksgiving is so inseparably joined with prayer. (See Php. 4:6; Col. 4:2.)
This is the will of Godi.e., that you should be always full of thanksgiving. This clause hardly enforces thanksgiving as a duty, Give thanks always, for you recognise the duty of doing Gods will, and this is His will; but rather encourages the Thessalonians to see that thankfulness is always possible. Give thanks always, for God has no wish to give you cause for sorrow: His will towards you is to fill you with thankfulness. Towards you seems here a more exact rendering than concerning you.
In Christ Jesus.This kind and loving will of God for our good was most abundantly manifested in the life and death and resurrection of Christ Jesus, and even to this day it is chiefly manifested in what Christ Jesus still is for us (e.g. Heb. 6:19-20).
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
18. In every thing In every condition, fact, and act. Let your rejoice, pray, and thanks, be simultaneous and ever instantaneous. Just because your loving God is always and everywhere.
Pessimism, the doctrine that we live in a scene of chance, where unintelligent causation rules, and remediless misery is predominant, teaches a different doctrine. This pessimism is the child of atheism and the mother of despair. The mental philosophy of Schopenhauer, and the physical philosophy of Tyndall, lead to the same sad deduction. So the founder of Buddhism was the preacher of misery and hopelessness, teaching that death was but a change and no relief, and that the only aim of man is to find the shortest route back to annihilation. But from Christ St. Paul learned and taught a different doctrine. He lays the foundation in God through Christ, he builds his structure of faith, hope, love; and its crowning minaret is pray, thanks, and rejoice evermore.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
1Th 5:18 . Christians ought not only to pray to God, but also to give thanks to Him, and that ] in everything , i.e. under every circumstance, in joy as well as in sorrow; which is different only in form, but not in meaning, from , for everything . Incorrectly Estius: in omnibus sc. bonis; and Flatt: , sc. .
] sc. . This is the most natural meaning. Yet it were not incorrect, with Grotius, Scholt, and Bloomfield, to refer to 1Th 5:17 , as prayer and thanksgiving form a closely connected unity; comp. Phi 4:6 ; Col 4:2 . Also to refer it even to 1Th 5:16 (Cornelius a Lapide, Alford) may be justified from the same reason. On the contrary, there is no reason to refer it to the whole passage from 1Th 5:14 onwards (Musculus, Calovius, and others), as then would require to have been written.
] ( sc. ) denotes will, requirement , as in 1Th 4:3 : the article is here wanting, because the will of God comprehends more than : this is only one requirement among many . Otherwise Schott, who finds in the divine decree of salvation indicated. According to him, the meaning is: “Huc pertinet sive hoc secum fert decretum divinum (de vobis captum, itemque in Christo positum), ut gratias deo pro omnibus agere debeatis. Vos enim, huic servatori addictos, latere amplius non potest, quaecunque Christianis acciderint, deo volente, eorum saluti consulere aeternae, Rom 8:28 ff.” But (1) the to be supplied cannot denote: huc pertinet or hoc secum fert; (2) the article would not be wanting either before or before ; (3) the reason alleged is introduced contrary to the context, and so much the more arbitrarily, as . . . is a dependent clause which is founded on the preceding , not an independent point which requires a reason of its own . Storr also takes as the decree of redemption, but he understands in the sense of , which is contrary to the Greek.
] Christ is, as it were, the vehicle of this requirement, inasmuch as it is made known through Him.
Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary
18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Ver. 18. In everything give thanks ] If God give prosperity, praise him, and it shall be increased, saith Augustine. If adversity, praise him, and it shall be removed, or at least sanctified. Job blessed God as well for taking as giving, Job 1:20-22 . He knew that God afflicted him, non ad exitium, sed ad exercitium, to refine him, not to ruin him. But this is Christianorum propria virtus, saith Jerome, a practice proper to Christians, to be heartily thankful for crosses. Basil spends all his sermon upon this text in this theme. Every bird can sing in a summer’s day, and it is easy to swim in a warm bath; but in deep affliction to cover God’s altar, not with our tears, as Mal 2:13 , but with the calves of our lips, Hos 14:2 , this none can do but the truly religious.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
18 . ] in every thing, every circumstance : see reff., and cf. , Eph 5:20 ; , Col 3:22-23 . Chrys., al., explain it ‘ on every occasion ’ ( ); but 2Co 9:8 , , precludes this. perhaps refers back to the three ., ., ., or perhaps, as Ellic. and most modern expositors, to . alone.
After , supply , and understand , not ‘ decree ,’ but will , in its practical reference to your conduct.
. . ] in, as its medium; Christ being the Mediator.
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
1Th 5:18 . Chrysostom, who wrote: , , gave a practical illustration of this heroic temper by repeating, as he died in the extreme hardships of an enforced and painful exile, . For thanksgiving even in bereavement, cf. Aug., Conf. , ix. 12; and further, ibid ., ix. 7 (tunc hymni et psalmi ut canerentur, secundum morem Orientalium partium, ne populus maeroris taedio contabesceret, institutum est).
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
give thanks. Greek. eucharisteo. See 1Th 1:2.
will. App-102.
Christ Jesus. App-98.
concerning = in regard to. Greek. eis. App-104.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
18. ] in every thing,-every circumstance: see reff., and cf. , Eph 5:20; , Col 3:22-23. Chrys., al., explain it on every occasion (); but 2Co 9:8, , precludes this. perhaps refers back to the three-., ., ., or perhaps, as Ellic. and most modern expositors, to . alone.
After , supply , and understand , not decree, but will, in its practical reference to your conduct.
. .] in, as its medium; Christ being the Mediator.
Fuente: The Greek Testament
1Th 5:18. , in every thing) although it may seem adverse; [and that, too, not only generally, but, like David, in particular cases.-V. g.]-, this) that ye should give thanks.-, will) which is always good, always keeping in view your salvation in Christ Jesus.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
1Th 5:18
in everything give thanks:-The Christian, realizing what God in Christ has done for him and the world, and how transcendently greater are the glories of the eternal world than all the sorrows and misfortunes of this evil world, that amid the deepest misfortunes of earth, lifts his heart in praise and thanksgiving to God. [Failure in thanksgiving for blessings enjoyed is evidence of the alienation of man from God (Rom 1:21); thanksgiving under circumstances of adversity and sorrow was characteristic of the Lord Jesus. When the people of certain cities rejected him, he answered and said: I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou didst hide these things from the wise and understanding, and didst reveal them unto babes: yea, Father, for so it was well- pleasing in thy sight. (Mat 11:25-26.) And when he gave thanks for the bread, the symbol of his death, he knew that in his adversities the will of the Father was being accomplished.]
for this is the will of God-To do the will of God is to yield ourselves to the accomplishment of his designs for us.
in Christ Jesus-The servants of God are to do the will of God as expressed in the life of Christ Jesus in, his submission to God, which made his heart glad even in the face of death. (Psa 16:7-11.) [He not only taught his disciples to rejoice (Mat 5:12), pray (Luk 11:1-13), and to give thanks (Joh 6:11-23); but he was the perfect example of all these things (Act 1:1). His conduct (Joh 6:38; Heb 10:7; Heb 10:9) and his message (Joh 17:8; Joh 17:14) together were the revelation of the will of God to the world, and in these things Paul could say: Be ye imitators of me, even as I also am of Christ (1Co 11:1). For as to rejoicing (2Co 6:10; 2Co 7:4), prayer (Php 1:9), and thanksgiving (2Co 2:14) they were all expressed in his daily life.]
to you-ward.-[God not only desires that these things shall be in his children, but what is taught them may be made effectual in their daily conduct. To this end the apostle says: So then, my beloved, even as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who worketh in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure. (Php 2:12-13.)]
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
every: Eph 5:20, Phi 4:6, Col 3:17, Job 1:21, Psa 34:1, Heb 13:15
for: 1Th 4:3, 1Pe 2:15, 1Pe 4:2, 1Jo 2:17
Reciprocal: Deu 8:10 – thou hast Rth 4:14 – Blessed Neh 11:17 – thanksgiving Psa 50:14 – Offer Psa 106:1 – O give Dan 6:10 – gave Dan 6:20 – servest Mat 6:10 – Thy will Mat 7:21 – that Luk 22:19 – gave thanks Joh 6:11 – when 1Co 1:14 – thank Eph 5:4 – but Eph 5:17 – understanding Col 2:7 – with Col 3:15 – and be Col 4:2 – Continue
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
1Th 5:18. This verse gives one specific form of prayer, namely, giving of thanks for every thing. Of course it means things that are good, and we should give thanks to God for them, since all such gifts come from Him (Jas 1:17). Paul is still more specific in 1Ti 4:5, where he shows we should give thanks to God for our food. Since this is the will of God, it follows that if disciples fail to give thanks for their necessities of life, they are failing to do the will of the Father.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
1Th 5:18. In every thing give thanks. For example, (1) in the use of Gods gifts: Act 27:35, He took bread and gave thanks to God in presence of them all (2) In the enjoyment of social converse: Act 28:15, whom when Paul saw, he thanked God and took courage. (3) In acknowledgment of special blessings: 2Co 1:11, that for the gifts bestowed upon us by the means of many persons, thanks may be given by many on our behalf (4) Generally in reference to Gods dealings with us both in providence and grace: Eph 5:20, giving thanks always for all things unto God (Vaughan).
For this is the will of God. It is doubtful whether these words refer to the three foregoing clauses or only to the last-mentioned. Nor is it obvious why Paul makes the remark. Had he meant that everything that happens to us is Gods will in Christ Jesus towards us, this would have been a good reason for our giving thanks for it. Could we learn to see in each hardship and disappointment another step towards the perfect fulfilment of Gods gracious purposes towards us, we could then give thanks for all that happens. But his words will hardly bear this meaning. Probably therefore he reminds his readers that it is Gods will they should be thankful because he was impressed both with the supreme importance of the duty and with the prevalent neglect of it. If we had to name any one thing which seems unaccountably to have fallen out of most mens practical religion altogether, it would be the duty of thanksgiving. It would not be easy to exaggerate the common neglect of this duty. . . .To most of us there is hardly a quarter of an hour in our lives more tedious, idle, aimless, unsatisfactory, than what we call our thanksgiving (Fabers All for Jesus, pp. 216, 254).
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
Observe here, 1. The duty required, and that is, thanksgiving.
2. The extent of the duty, In every thing give thanks, that is be thankful in every condition, and for every providential dispensation, both prosperous and adverse.
Quest. “Should Christians be thankful for afflictions?”
Yes, because they are fruits of fatherly love, because they conform us unto Christ, because they prevent sin, and purge out sin, because they fit us for glory, and will add to our crown of glory at the great day.
Quest. “But should Christians be thankful for sin, or when they fall into sin?”
By no means. Rule, What we must not pray for, we may not give thanks for: we must pray to be kept from sin, therefore may not give thanks when we fall into sin; sin dishonours God, disrobes ourselves, exposes to God’s wrath and curse, is the ground of our just detestation, therefore cannot be the ground of thanksgiving; yet when we obtain pardon of sin, or get any good by sin we may and ought to rejoice at it.
Observe, 3. The grounds and reasons of the duty.
1. It is the will of God, his revealed will; this the law of nature directs to, and the light of scripture calls for; and he that performs it spiritually, glorifies God abundantly.
2. It is the will of God in Christ Jesus, that is, this part of Gods’s will is especially revealed to you by the doctrine of Christ Jesus, and by the example of Christ Jesus: Christ was both a great pattern and precedent of thankfulness all his life long: he thanked God frequently and fervently, and has made thankfulness a considerable part of our gospel service, Heb 13:15.
Fuente: Expository Notes with Practical Observations on the New Testament
in everything give thanks [not for peace and prosperity only, but also for affliction and persecution (Act 5:41), and as did Paul and Silas at Philippi– Act 16:25]: for this [the discharge of the three duties just named] is the will [desire] of God in Christ Jesus to you-ward.
Fuente: McGarvey and Pendleton Commentaries (New Testament)
5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the {f} will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
(f) An acceptable thing to God, and such as he approves well of.
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes
We need to give thanks about everything knowing that God is working all things together for good for His people who love Him (Rom 8:28). Paul said all of these commands are definitely God’s will for every believer.