1 Thessalonians 5:9-15

1 Thessalonians 5:9

I. This passage, 1 Thessalonians 5:9, has its interest and value as showing us that the earliest and the latest of the Pauline Epistles are all at one in regard to the central doctrines of salvation through Christ. In this passage, we have, wrapped up in few words, indeed, but none the less really contained in them, his one uniform declaration of salvation through Christ, and His atoning death.

II. "Wherefore," seeing that such a future, such an inheritance of bliss is in store "comfort yourselves together" by lovingly meditating upon it, by reminding one another of it, by helping one another in preparing for it, and so "edify one another." The clause is added "even as also ye do." Lest the exhortation might appear to his friends to have some slight tinge of reproof in it, the Apostle closes it with words of praise, and this praise, this grateful, hearty recognition of their Christian conduct, is a further appeal to them yet more to abound in this good work.

III. And now, in accordance with his usual practice, the Apostle draws his epistle to a close with a series of general, but not miscellaneous directions exhortations as to details of conduct, suggested probably by the knowledge he had of certain defects in the Thessalonian community "ever follow that which is good." The aim set before the Christian is that which is good; good in the full compass of the word the spiritual and also the temporal good of others everything that in reality can be beneficial to them. Our following must be not only eager, it must be regular, persistent, ceaseless. The discharge of this duty is the Christian's highest privilege.

J. Hutchison, Lectures on Thessalonians,p. 201.

References: 1 Thessalonians 5:10. J. Angus, Christian World Pulpit,vol. xxiv., p. 289; Homilist,vol. iv., p. 117. 1 Thessalonians 5:12. T. L. Cuyler, Christian World Pulpit,vol. vii., p. 49. 1 Thessalonians 5:13. E. M. Goulburn, Thoughts on Personal Religion,p. 142. 1 Thessalonians 5:14. Clergyman's Magazine,vol. ix., p. 222.