This epistle is generally considered to have been the first
of those written by St. Paul. The occasion seems to have been
the good report of the stedfastness of the church at
Thessalonica in the faith of the gospel. It is full of affection
and confidence, and more consolatory and practical, and less
doctrinal, than some of the other epistles.
he faith, love, and patience of the Thessalonians, are
evident tokens of their election which was manifested in the
power with which the gospel came to them. (1-5) Its powerful and
exemplary effects upon their hearts and lives. (6-10)
Verses 1-5: As all good comes from God, so no good can be hoped for by
sinners, but from God in Christ. And the best good may be
expected from God, as our Father, for the sake of Christ. We
should pray, not only for ourselves, but for others also;
remembering them without ceasing. Wherever there is a true
faith, it will work; it will affect both the heart and life.
Faith works by love; it shows itself in love to God, and love to
our neighbour. And wherever there is a well-grounded hope of
eternal life, this will appear by the exercise of patience; and
it is a sign of sincerity, when in all we do, we seek to approve
ourselves to God. By this we may know our election, if we not
only speak of the things of God with out lips, but feel their
power in our hearts, mortifying our lusts, weaning us from the
world, and raising us up to heavenly things. Unless the Spirit
of God comes with the word of God, it will be to us a dead
letter. Thus they entertained it by the power of the Holy Ghost.
They were fully convinced of the truth of it, so as not to be
shaken in mind by objections and doubts; and they were willing
to leave all for Christ, and to venture their souls and
everlasting condition upon the truth of the gospel revelation.
Verses 6-10: When careless, ignorant, and immoral persons are turned
from their carnal pursuits and connexions, to believe in and
obey the Lord Jesus, to live soberly, righteously, and godly,
the matter speaks for itself. The believers under the Old
Testament waited for the coming of the Messiah, and believers
now wait for his second coming. He is yet to come. And God had
raised him from the dead, which is a full assurance unto all men
that he will come to judgment. He came to purchase salvation,
and will, when he comes again, bring salvation with him, full
and final deliverance from that wrath which is yet to come. Let
all, without delay, flee from the wrath to come, and seek refuge
in Christ and his salvation.
he faith, love, and patience of the Thessalonians, are
evident tokens of their election which was manifested in the
power with which the gospel came to them. (1-5) Its powerful and
exemplary effects upon their hearts and lives. (6-10)