Bible Commentary

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 … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Thessalonians 5:18”

Pray without ceasing. 17. Pray without ceasing ] Twice the Apostle has used this adverb (ch. 1Th 1:3, 1Th 2:13), referring to his own constant grateful remembrance of his readers before God. Numberless other objects occupied his mind during the busy hours of each day; and the Thessalonians could not be distinctly present to his … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Thessalonians 5:17”

Rejoice evermore. 16. Rejoice evermore ] alway (R. V.) same as in ch. 1Th 1:2 . 1Th 2:16, &c. This seems a strange injunction for men afflicted like the Thessalonians (see ch. 1Th 1:6 , 1Th 2:14, 1Th 3:2-4; 2Th 1:4). But the Apostle had learnt, and taught the secret, that in sorrow endured for … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Thessalonians 5:16”

See that none render evil for evil unto any [man]; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all [men.] 15. See that none render evil for evil unto any man] The stress lies not on the personal object, as in the former clause ( all, any), but on the quality … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Thessalonians 5:15”

Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all [men.] 14. Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly ] More strictly, But we exhort, &c. The Apostle is not passing to a new topic. His exhortation to “peace” needs to be … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Thessalonians 5:14”

And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. [And] be at peace among yourselves. 13. and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake ] exceeding highly (R. V.) the same Greek adverb as in ch. 1Th 3:10, the strongest Intensive possible to the language. So deep and … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Thessalonians 5:13”

And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 12. And we beseech you, brethren ] For “beseech” (or “ask”) see note to ch. 1Th 4:1. The Apostle resumes the line of exhortation which he there commenced, and which was interrupted by … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Thessalonians 5:12”

Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. 11. Wherefore comfort yourselves together ] exhort (or encourage) one another same verb as in ch. 1Th 4:18 (see note, and on ch. 1Th 3:2). While “encouragement” would be drawn especially from 1Th 5:9-10, as from the closing vv. of ch. 4, … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Thessalonians 5:11”

Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. 10. (through our Lord Jesus Christ,) who died for us ] It has been said that the gospel which Paul preached at Thessalonica was “not the gospel of the Cross of Christ, but of the Coming of Christ.” But … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Thessalonians 5:10”

For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 9. For God hath not appointed us to wrath ] In the strict order of the words, appointed us not unto wrath, but (to something very different) unto the obtaining of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. “Obtaining” … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Thessalonians 5:9”