Bible Commentary

For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God; 9. For what thanks can we render to God again for you ] “Again” belongs to the verb “render;” and “thanks” is strictly “thanksgiving.” So we may translate, more freely: what … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Thessalonians 3:9”

For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord. 8. for now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord ] “if ye stand fast:” the pronoun bears the emphasis. St Paul felt as though his life was wrapped up in this Church. A load of apprehension was lifted from his mind, … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Thessalonians 3:8”

Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith: 7. therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you ] for this cause (R. V.), the Greek phrase being identical with that of 1Th 3:5. But while its reference there was to the peril of the tempted Thessalonians causing the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Thessalonians 3:7”

But now when Timothy came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also [to see] you: 6. But now when Timotheus came from you unto us ] But when Timothy came even … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Thessalonians 3:6”

For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labor be in vain. 5. For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith ] Rather, I also, no longer enduring it, sent, … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Thessalonians 3:5”

For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know. 4. For verily, when we were with you, we told you before ] More precisely, used to tell you; this was no single warning, but one repeated and familiar. For … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Thessalonians 3:4”

That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. 3. that no man should be moved by these afflictions ] Better, that no mam be moved (R. V.). “Objective sentence, explaining and specifying the subject-matter of the exhortation” (Ellicott). “That” means “to the effect that.” With “moved” … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Thessalonians 3:3”

And sent Timothy, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith: 2. and sent Timotheus ] Timothy: see note on this name, ch. 1Th 1:1. The Acts of the Apostles traces St Paul’s footsteps from Thessalonica to Bera, … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Thessalonians 3:2”

Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone; 1. Wherefore when we could no longer forbear ] Wherefore (i.e. because of our longing to see you) no longer bearing it (the frustration of our attempts to return to Thessalonica). “Bear” is the same word as in … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Thessalonians 3:1”

For ye are our glory and joy. 20. For ye are our glory and joy ] Or: Yea, verily, you are our glory and joy (Ellicott). Emphasis rests both on “ye” and “are.” This delight was not matter of hope alone (1Th 2:19), but of present fact. See ch. 1Th 1:2-4, and 1Th 3:9: “The … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Thessalonians 2:20”