He now, leaving out of view the testimony of other Churches, reminds the Thessalonians of what they had themselves experienced, (520) and explains at large in what way he, and in like manner the two others, his associates, had conducted themselves among them, inasmuch as this was of the greatest imp... [ Continue Reading ]
3_For our exhortation_. He confirms, by another argument, the Thessalonians in the faith which they had embraced — inasmuch as they had been faithfully and purely instructed in the word of the Lord, for he maintains that his doctrine was free from all deception and uncleanness. And with the view of... [ Continue Reading ]
4_As we have been approved_. He goes even a step higher, for he appeals to God as the Author of his apostleship, and he reasons in this manner: “God, when he assigned me this office, bore witness to me as a faithful servant; there is no reason, therefore, why men should have doubts as to my fidelity... [ Continue Reading ]
5_For neither have we ever_. It is not without good reason that he repeats it so frequently, that the Thessalonians knew that what he states is true. For there is not a surer attestation, than the experience of those with whom we speak. And this was of the greatest importance to them, because Paul r... [ Continue Reading ]
6] _When we might have exercised authority_. Some interpret it—_when we might have been burdensome_, that is, might have loaded you with expense, but the connection requires that τὸ βαρὺ should be taken to mean _authority_. For Paul says that he was so far removed from vain pomp, from boasting, from... [ Continue Reading ]
What we have rendered _mild_, the old translator renders _Fuimus parvuli _, (_we have been little_,) (525) but the reading which I have followed is more generally received among the Greeks; but whichever you may take, there can be no doubt that he makes mention of his voluntary abasement. (526) _As... [ Continue Reading ]
9_For ye remember_. These things tend to confirm what he had stated previously — that to spare them he did not spare himself. He must assuredly have burned with a wonderful and more than human zeal, inasmuch as, along with the labor of teaching, he labors with his hand as an operative, with the view... [ Continue Reading ]
10_Ye are witnesses_. He again calls God and them to witness, with the view of affirming his integrity, and cites, on the one hand, God as a witness of his conscience, and them, (532) on the other hand, as witnesses of what they had known by experience. _How holily_, says he, _and justly_, that is,... [ Continue Reading ]
11_Every one as a father_. He insists more especially on those things which belong to his office. He has compared himself to a _nurse: _he now compares himself to a _father_. What he means is this — that he was concerned in regard to them, just as a _father _is wont to be as to his sons, and that he... [ Continue Reading ]
12_Exhorted_. He shews with what earnestness he devoted himself to their welfare, for he relates that in preaching to them respecting piety towards God and the duties of the Christian life, it had not been merely in a perfunctory way, (534) but he says that he had made use of exhortations and _adjur... [ Continue Reading ]
13_Wherefore we give thanks_. Having spoken of his ministry, he returns again to address the Thessalonians, that he may always commend that mutual harmony of which he has previously made mention. (537) He says, therefore, that he gives thanks to God, because they had _embraced the word of God which... [ Continue Reading ]
14_For ye became imitators_. If you are inclined to restrict this to the clause in immediate connection with it, the meaning will be, that the power of God, or of his word, shews itself in their patient endurance, while they sustain persecutions with magnanimity and undaunted courage. I prefer, howe... [ Continue Reading ]
15_Who killed the Lord Jesus_. As that people had been distinguished by so many benefits from God, in consequence of the glory of the ancient fathers, the very name (544) was of great authority among many. Lest this disguise should dazzle the eyes of any one, he strips the Jews of all honor, so as t... [ Continue Reading ]
16_Who hinder us from speaking to the Gentiles_. It is not without good reason that, as has been observed, he enters so much into detail in exposing the malice of the Jews. (546) For as they furiously opposed the Gospel everywhere, there arose from this a great stumblingblock, more especially as the... [ Continue Reading ]
17_But we, brethren, bereaved of you_. This excuse has been appropriately added, lest the Thessalonians should think that Paul had deserted them while so great an emergency demanded his presence. He has spoken of the persecutions which they endured from their own people: he, in the mean time, whose... [ Continue Reading ]
18_Satan hindered us_. Luke relates that Paul was in one instance hindered, (Acts 20:3) inasmuch as the Jews laid an ambush for him in the way. The same thing, or something similar, may have occurred frequently. It is not without good reason, however, that Paul ascribes the whole of this to Satan, f... [ Continue Reading ]
19_For what is our hope_. He confirms that ardor of desire, of which he had made mention, inasmuch as he has his happiness in a manner treasured up in them. “Unless I forget myself, I must necessarily desire your presence, _for ye are our glory and joy_. ” Farther, when he calls them his _hope and t... [ Continue Reading ]