_CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES_ 2 Thessalonians 3:1. HAVE FREE COURSE AND BE GLORIFIED.—Probably St. Paul took this image from the Old Testament. In Psalms 147:15 the word of the Lord is said to “run very swiftly.” 2 Thessalonians 3:2. UNREASONABLE AND WICKED MEN.—The word for “unreasonable” only... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES_ 2 Thessalonians 3:3. AND KEEP YOU FROM EVIL.—“Keep” here is a military word reminding of the psalmist’s name for his God—“Shield.” The Revisers add “one” after “evil,” as in the Lord’s Prayer. _MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— 2 Thessalonians 3:3_ The Faithfulne... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES_ 2 Thessalonians 3:5. DIRECT YOUR HEARTS.—The same word for “direct” again occurs only in 1 Thessalonians 3:11 and Luke 1:79. A similar phrase in the LXX. of 1 Chronicles 29:18 (R.V. “prepare”). INTO THE PATIENT WAITING FOR CHRIST.—A.V. margin and R.V. text, “into th... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES_ 2 Thessalonians 3:6. WALKETH DISORDERLY.—Falling out of the ranks and desertion of the post of duty are grave faults, which if the _esprit de corps_ do not prevent it must be punished by treating the defaulter as one who has discredited his comrades in arms. 2 Thes... [ Continue Reading ]
_MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— 2 Thessalonians 3:8_ Self-denying Labour. Pioneer work involves hard toil and much patience and self-denial. The character and surroundings of the people whose highest good is sought must be studied. The apostle took his measure of the Thessalonian converts, and,... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES_ 2 Thessalonians 3:10. IF ANY WOULD NOT WORK, NEITHER SHOULD HE EAT.—“A stern, but necessary and merciful rule, the neglect of which makes charity demoralising” (_Ibid._). It is parasitism which is condemned. 2 Thessalonians 3:11. WORKING NOT AT ALL, BUT ARE BUSYBOD... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES_ 2 Thessalonians 3:13. BE NOT WEARY IN WELL-DOING.—Such bad behaviour under cover of the Christian name is abhorrent to St. Paul. “The loveliness of perfect deeds” must be worthily sustained. Well-doing here points to that which is admirable in conduct rather than th... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES_ 2 Thessalonians 3:14. HAVE NO COMPANY WITH HIM.—The difference between this treatment of a delinquent and excommunication may be more in idea than fact. He would feel himself tabooed in either case. But this agrees better with the notion of Christians as being separ... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES_ 2 Thessalonians 3:16. NOW THE LORD OF PEACE HIMSELF GIVE YOU PEACE ALWAYS.—The Church at Thessalonica had been passing through stormy waters. The apostle prays that God may give them to “Feel His halcyon rest within Calming the storms of dread and sin.” 2 Thessalo... [ Continue Reading ]