he apostle expresses confidence in the Thessalonians, and
prays for them. (1-5) He charges them to withdraw from
disorderly walkers, particularly from the lazy and busybodies.
(6-15) And concludes with a prayer for them, and a greeting.
(16-18)
Verses 1-5: Those who are far apart still may meet together at the
throne of grace; and those not able to do or receive any other
kindness, may in this way do and receive real and very great
kindness. Enemies to the preaching of the gospel, and
persecutors of its faithful preachers, are unreasonable and
wicked men. Many do not believe the gospel; and no wonder if
such are restless and show malice in their endeavours to oppose
it. The evil of sin is the greatest evil, but there are other
evils we need to be preserved from, and we have encouragement to
depend upon the grace of God. When once the promise is made, the
performance is sure and certain. The apostle had confidence in
them, but that was founded upon his confidence in God; for there
is otherwise no confidence in man. He prays for them for
spiritual blessings. It is our sin and our misery, that we place
our affections upon wrong objects. There is not true love of
God, without faith in Jesus Christ. If, by the special grace of
God, we have that faith which multitudes have not, we should
earnestly pray that we may be enabled, without reserve, to obey
his commands, and that we may be enabled, without reserve, to
the love of God, and the patience of Christ.
Verses 6-15: Those who have received the gospel, are to live according
to the gospel. Such as could work, and would not, were not to be
maintained in idleness. Christianity is not to countenance
slothfulness, which would consume what is meant to encourage the
industrious, and to support the sick and afflicted. Industry in
our callings as men, is a duty required by our calling as
Christians. But some expected to be maintained in idleness, and
indulged a curious and conceited temper. They meddled with the
concerns of others, and did much harm. It is a great error and
abuse of religion, to make it a cloak for idleness or any other
sin. The servant who waits for the coming of his Lord aright,
must be working as his Lord has commanded. If we are idle, the
devil and a corrupt heart will soon find us somewhat to do. The
mind of man is a busy thing; if it is not employed in doing
good, it will be doing evil. It is an excellent, but rare union,
to be active in our own business, yet quiet as to other
people's. If any refused to labour with quietness, they were to
note him with censure, and to separate from his company, yet
they were to seek his good by loving admonitions. The Lords is
with you while you are with him. Hold on your way, and hold on
to the end. We must never give over, or tire in our work. It
will be time enough to rest when we come to heaven.
Verses 16-18: The apostle prays for the Thessalonians. And let us
desire the same blessings for ourselves and our friends. Peace
with God. This peace is desired for them always, or in every
thing. Peace by all means; in every way; that, as they enjoyed
the means of grace, they might use all methods to secure peace.
We need nothing more to make us safe and happy, nor can we
desire any thing better for ourselves and our friends, than to
have God's gracious presence with us and them. No matter where
we are, if God be with us; nor who is absent, if God be present.
It is through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that we hope
to have peace with God, and to enjoy the presence of God. This
grace is all in all to make us happy; though we wish ever so
much to others, there remains enough for ourselves.
he apostle expresses confidence in the Thessalonians, and
prays for them. (1-5) He charges them to withdraw from
disorderly walkers, particularly from the lazy and busybodies.
(6-15) And concludes with a prayer for them, and a greeting.
(16-18)