CHAPTER 12 THE DAY OF THE LORD 1 Thessalonians 5:1 (R.V.) THE last verses of the fourth chapter perfect that which is lacking, on one side, in the faith of the Thessalonians. The Apostle addresses himself to the ignorance of his readers: he instructs them more fully on the circumstances of Christ'... [ Continue Reading ]
CHAPTER 13 RULERS AND RULED 1 Thessalonians 5:12 (R.V.) AT the present moment, one great cause of division among Christian churches is the existence of different forms of Church government. Congregationalists, Presbyterians, and Episcopalians are separated from each other much more decidedly by di... [ Continue Reading ]
CHAPTER 14 THE STANDING ORDERS OF THE GOSPEL 1 Thessalonians 5:16 (R.V.) THE three precepts of these three verses may be called the standing orders of the Christian Church. However various the circumstances in which Christians may find themselves, the duties here prescribed are always binding upo... [ Continue Reading ]
CHAPTER 15 THE SPIRIT 1 Thessalonians 5:20 (R.V.) THESE verses are abruptly introduced, but are not unconnected with what precedes. The Apostle has spoken of order and discipline, and of the joyful and devout temper which should characterise the Christian Church; and here he comes to speak of tha... [ Continue Reading ]
CHAPTER 16 CONCLUSION 1 Thessalonians 5:23 (R.V.) THESE verses open with a contrast to what precedes, which is more strongly brought out in the original than in the translation. The Apostle has drawn the likeness of a Christian church, as a Christian church ought to be, waiting for the coming of... [ Continue Reading ]