_ST. PAUL TESTIFIETH HIS GREAT LOVE TO THE THESSALONIANS; PARTLY BY SENDING TIMOTHY UNTO THEM, TO STRENGTHEN AND COMFORT THEM; PARTLY BY REJOICING IN THEIR WELL-DOING; AND PARTLY BY PRAYING FOR THEM, AND DESIRING A SAFE COMING UNTO THEM._ _Anno Domini 52._ BY the reasoning in the beginning of this... [ Continue Reading ]
OUR FELLOW-LABOURER— It appears, from Acts 17:14 that Timothy had been in those parts before, as St. Paul's fellow-labourer; and as, doubtless, he was well known to the Thessalonians, his coming, on this occasion, would be the more agreeable to them.... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR YOURSELVES KNOW— Here seems to be a particular allusion to Acts 9:15; Acts 20:23. What Apostles, prophets, and even common Christians were to expect in the world, see Matthew 10:34. Acts 17:5.Romans 8:17. Ephesians 3:13. &c. &c.... [ Continue Reading ]
BUT NOW WHEN TIMOTHEUS CAME, &C.— This should rather be read, _But now that Timothy is come,—and hath brought,— therefore_ (1 Thessalonians 3:7.) _we are comforted._... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR NOW WE LIVE, IF, &C.— "For now I live, indeed; I relish and enjoy life, _seeing you continue steadfast_ in the profession, faith, and practice of the Christian religion, in which, through the favour of God,I was employed in initiating you." Here is a _pattern_ for all the pastors of the Christia... [ Continue Reading ]
DIRECT OUR WAY UNTO YOU.— This prayer of St. Paul was heard, and his request granted; for he had an opportunity to go over Macedonia again once or twice, and to _give them much exhortation,_ Acts 20:1. He then most probably perfected what was still wanting in their faith, and rectified or confirmed... [ Continue Reading ]
THE COMING OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST WITH ALL HIS SAINTS.— How often and how skilfully does St. Paul mention the Lord Jesus Christ, and his coming to judgment, to support and animate them both to do and to suffer, according to the good and holy and acceptable will of God! See Daniel 7:10. When our Lo... [ Continue Reading ]