1 Thessalonians 3:1. WHEREFORE. Because of our vehement but thwarted desire to see you. WHEN WE COULD NO LONGER FORBEAR. When the longing to see or at least to hear of you became uncontrollable. TO BE LEFT BEHIND AT ATHENA ALONE. The natural interpretation of these and the following words is that... [ Continue Reading ]
_Paul describes the Feelings he had towards the Thessalonians after he had left them._ This paragraph is remarkable chiefly as a manifestation of the ardent affection which Paul felt for his churches. It was with pain he absented himself from them, with difficulty he was prevented from returning, w... [ Continue Reading ]
1 Thessalonians 3:2. OUR BROTHER AND FELLOW-LABOURER WITH GOD. This reading is doubtful, but is preferred by the most discriminating editors. The reading followed by the English version is more natural and presents less difficulty. But the expression ‘fellow-labourer with God is supported by 1 Corin... [ Continue Reading ]
1 Thessalonians 3:3. FOR YOURSELVES KNOW. Expected tribulations can be no trial to faith, however they may try our sincerity and integrity. From the first God declares to His people that they may count upon trial; and therefore when trial comes they cannot be inclined to suppose that God is forgetfu... [ Continue Reading ]
1 Thessalonians 3:4. WE TOLD YOU BEFORE. Paul had not sought to win adherents to the faith by veiling the hardships of the Christian life. It is better that beginners should count the cost and deliberately enter the Christian course, than that they should find themselves involved in difficulties the... [ Continue Reading ]
1 Thessalonians 3:5. FOR THIS CAUSE, _i.e._ on account of these afflictions which had fallen upon you.... [ Continue Reading ]
1 Thessalonians 3:6. BUT TIMOTHY HAVING JUST NOW COME. That this letter was written immediately after Timothy's return with the good news he brought regarding the Thessalonian Christians, might be gathered from the warmth of its tone. GOOD REMEMBRANCE, a remembrance which was hearty and spoke well... [ Continue Reading ]
1 Thessalonians 3:7. WE WERE COMFORTED. The tidings which Paul received of the stedfastness of his Thessalonians under trial, enabled him to endure his own troubles with greater equanimity. Their continued faith showed him that his former labours and trials had not been in vain, their affection and... [ Continue Reading ]
1 Thessalonians 3:8. FOR NOW. ‘ _Now_ refers to the change of feeling occasioned by the arrival of Timothy' (Jowett). It is equivalent to _in these circumstances, in this condition of things,_ that is to say, if ye stand fast in the Lord, we live. WE LIVE, _i.e._ we have the full strength and enjo... [ Continue Reading ]
1 Thessalonians 3:9. FOR. Paul goes on to explain the intensity of feeling and life produced in him by the news he had heard. It was ‘joy' that flooded his soul with fresh life: a joy so abundant that no thanksgiving could adequately express it. BEFORE OUR GOD. His was a joy which naturally carrie... [ Continue Reading ]
1 Thessalonians 3:10. The good tidings which Paul had received did not quench but rather intensified his desire to see them. From this intense longing we get a glimpse into the joys of the apostolic life; and see with what gladness and refreshment the first preachers must have turned to those with w... [ Continue Reading ]
1 Thessalonians 3:11. MAY GOD HIMSELF. _Himself_ is added to give emphasis to the appeal to God; may He whose power cannot be baffled by Satan as my efforts have been, may He whose purposes stand fast and who overrules all human affairs, bring me to you. AND OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. Christ is conjoi... [ Continue Reading ]
1 Thessalonians 3:12. BUT YOU MAY THE LORD MAKE TO INCREASE. Whatever becomes of us and of our prayer, whether we are allowed to come to you or not, may you be tended by the Lord. As the beginnings, so the increase of love is from the Lord. ‘Love is of God.' And because it is the ‘bond of perfectnes... [ Continue Reading ]
1 Thessalonians 3:13. THE COMING OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. This Paul looks forward to as the time when those who are holy shall be acknowledged and manifested as such; and beyond which there is no fear of falling away. His prayers for them reach to that point but not beyond. WITH ALL HIS SAINTS. Ch... [ Continue Reading ]