5:1 But 1 of the times and the a seasons, brethren, ye have
no need that I write unto you.
(1) The day that God has appointed for this judgment we do not
know. But this is sure, that it will come upon men when
they are not expecting it.
(a) See (Ac 1:7).
5:42 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day
should overtake you as a thief.
(2) Returning to exhortations, he warns us who are enlightened
with the knowledge of God, that it is our duty not to live
securely in pleasures, lest we be suddenly taken in a dead
sleep in pleasures. But contrary to this we are to have an
eye to the Lord, and not allow ourselves to be oppressed
with the cares of this world, for pleasures are fitting for
the darkness of the night, and having an eye to the Lord is
fitting for the light.
5:83 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the
breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope
of salvation.
(3) We must fight with faith and hope, and therefore we should
certainly not lie snoring.
5:94 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain
salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
(4) He urges us forward by setting a most certain hope of
victory before us.
5:105 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we
should live together with him.
(5) The death of Christ is a pledge of our victory, for he died
so that we might be partakers of his life of power, indeed
even while we live here.
5:116 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one
another, even as also ye do.
(6) We must not only watch ourselves, but we are also bound to
stir up, and to strengthen and encourage one another.
5:127 And we beseech you, brethren, to b know them which
labour among you, and are over you in the c Lord, and
admonish you;
(7) We must have consideration of those who are appointed to
the ministry of the word, and the government of the church
of God, and who do their duty.
(b) That you acknowledge and take them for such as they
are, that is to say, men worthy to be greatly esteemed
of among you.
(c) In those things which pertain to God's service: so is
the ecclesiastical function distinguished from civil
authority, and true shepherds from wolves.
5:13 And to esteem them very highly in love for d their work's
sake. 8 [And] be at peace among yourselves.
(d) So then, when this reason ceases, then must the honour
cease.
(8) The maintenance of mutual harmony, is to be especially
guarded.
5:149 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are e
unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be
patient toward all [men].
(9) We must have consideration of every man, and the remedy
must be applied according to the disease.
(e) That keep not their rank or standing.
5:1510 See that none render evil for evil unto any [man]; but
ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and
to all [men].
(10) Charity ought not to be overcome by any injuries.
5:1611 Rejoice evermore.
(11) A quiet and appeased mind is nourished with continual
prayers, giving regard to the will of God.
5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the f will of God
in Christ Jesus concerning you.
(f) An acceptable thing to God, and such as he approves
well of.
5:1912 Quench not the Spirit.
(12) The sparks of the Spirit of God that are kindled in us,
are nourished by daily hearing the word of God: but true
doctrine must be diligently distinguished from false.
5:20 Despise not g prophesyings.
(g) The explaining and interpreting of the word of God.
5:2213 Abstain from all h appearance of evil.
(13) A general conclusion, that we waiting for the coming of
Christ, do give ourselves to pureness in mind, will, and
body, through the grace and strength of the Spirit of God.
(h) Whatever has but the very show of evil, abstain from
it.
5:23 And the very God of peace i sanctify you wholly; and [I
pray God] your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved
blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(i) Separate you from the world, and make you holy to
himself through his Spirit, in Christ, in whom alone
you will attain to that true peace.
5:2414k Faithful [is] he that calleth you, who also will
l do [it].
(14) The good will and power of God is a sure strengthening and
encouragement against all difficulties, of which we have a
sure witness in our calling.
(k) Always one, and ever like himself, who indeed performs
whatever he promises. And an effectual calling is
nothing else but a right declaring and true setting
forth of God's will: and therefore the salvation of
the elect, is safe and sure.
(l) Who will also make you perfect.
5:2515 Brethren, pray for us.
(15) The last part of the epistle, in which with most
authoritative charge he commends both himself and this
epistle to them.
