_Paul, and Silvanus and Timotheus to the Church of the Thessalonians._ After the usual superscription in which St. Paul associates with himself his two missionary companions, we have I. The apostolic greeting. 1. “Grace and peace” blends the Greek and Hebrew modes of salutation, “that union of As... [ Continue Reading ]
_We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers _ MINISTERIAL THANKSGIVING I. Is expansive in its character. It is our duty to be grateful for personal benefits, but it displays a nobler generosity to be thankful for the good of others. Paul thanked God-- 1. Becaus... [ Continue Reading ]
Remembering without ceasing your work of faith THE THREE GRACES AT WORK I. The work of faith. Faith is an active principle, and St. James has dealt with it as such, and told Antinomians of every age that “faith without works is dead.” Some assert that he was antagonistic to St. Paul on this subjec... [ Continue Reading ]
_Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God _ ELECTION I. The election “of God” is not connected with “knowing” nor “election.” The meaning is that the Church was “beloved” of God, not merely of the missionaries. And the proof of their being the subject of the Divine love is their election. Th... [ Continue Reading ]
_For our gospel came not unto you in word only -_ THE COMING OF THE GOSPEL AND ITS EFFECTS I. The manner in which the gospel should come to a people. 1. In word. (1) In the word written. It is of no use without this. The preacher’s voice cannot reach where it can go. (2) In the word preached--s... [ Continue Reading ]
_And ye became followers of us and of the Lord _ FOLLOWERS OF THE APOSTLES AND OF THE LORD This is a very interesting and beautiful account of the triumph of the truth and the progress of religion in Thessalonica. The eye rests with gladness and gratitude upon the bright spots and periods, in the... [ Continue Reading ]
_So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia _ CHRISTIAN EXAMPLE AND CHARACTER I. Christian example. 1. Christians are first followers, then leaders; first imitators and then imitated (_cf._ 1 Thessalonians 1:6) . They first look to Him who is the Light of the world; th... [ Continue Reading ]