1_Wherefore, when we could no longer endure_. By the detail which follows, he assures them of the desire of which he had spoken. For if, on being detained elsewhere, he had sent no other to Thessalonica in his place, it might have seemed as though he were not so much concerned in regard to them; but... [ Continue Reading ]
2_Our brother_. He assigns to him these marks of commendation, that he may shew the more clearly how much inclined he was to consult their welfare: for if he had sent them some common person, it could not have afforded them much assistance; and inasmuch as Paul would have done this without inconveni... [ Continue Reading ]
3_For ye yourselves know_. As all would gladly exempt themselves from the necessity of bearing the cross, Paul teaches that there is no reason why believers should feel dismayed on occasion of persecutions, as though it were a thing that was new and unusual, inasmuch as this is our condition, which... [ Continue Reading ]
5_Lest perhaps the tempter has tempted you_. By this term he teaches us that temptations are always to be dreaded, because it is the proper office of Satan to _tempt_. As, however, he never ceases to place ambushes for us on all sides, and to lay snares for us all around, so we must be on our watch,... [ Continue Reading ]
He shews here, by another argument, by what an extraordinary affection he was actuated towards them, inasmuch as he was transported almost out of his senses by the joyful intelligence of their being in a prosperous condition. For we must take notice of the circumstances which he relates. He was in _... [ Continue Reading ]
8_For now we live_. Here it appears still more clearly that Paul almost forgot himself for the sake of the Thessalonians, or, at least, making regard for himself a mere secondary consideration, devoted his first and chief thoughts to them. At the same time he did not do that so much from affection t... [ Continue Reading ]
9_For what thanksgiving_. Not satisfied with a simple affirmation, he intimates how extraordinary is the greatness of his joy, by asking himself _what thanks he can render to God; _for by speaking thus he declares that he cannot find an expression of gratitude that can come up to the measure of his... [ Continue Reading ]
10_Praying beyond measure_. He returns to an expression of his _desire_. For it is never allowable for us to congratulate men, while they live in this world, in such unqualified terms as not always to desire something better for them. For they are as yet in the way: they may fall back, or go astray,... [ Continue Reading ]
11_Now God himself_. He now prays that the Lord, having removed Satan’s obstructions, may open a door for himself, and be, as it were, the leader and director of his way to the Thessalonians. By this he intimates, that we cannot move a step with success, (562) otherwise than under God’s guidance, bu... [ Continue Reading ]
12_And the Lord fill you_. Here we have another prayer — that in the mean time, while his way is obstructed, the Lord, during his absence, may confirm the Thessalonians in holiness, and fill them with love. And from this again we learn in what the perfection of the Christian life consists — in love... [ Continue Reading ]
13_That he may confirm your hearts_. He employs the term _hearts _here to mean _conscience_, or the innermost part of the soul; for he means that a man is acceptable to God only when he brings holiness of heart; that is, not merely external, but also internal. But it is asked, whether by means of ho... [ Continue Reading ]