Reference: Thessalonians, The Epistles To The
Fausets
FIRST EPISTLE. Authenticity. Ignatius, ad Polycarp 1, Ephesians 10, says "pray without ceasing" (1Th 5:17); so Polycarp, and Philippians 4. This epistle is in the Muratorian Canon, that of Marcion, and Laodicea, A.D. 364. Irenaeus (adv. Haer. 5:6, section 1) quotes 1Th 5:23; Clement of Alexandria (Paed. 1:88) quotes 1Th 2:7; Tertullian (de Resurr. Carnis 24) quotes 1Th 1:9-10; 5:1; Caius in Eusebius (Ecclesiastes Hist.) vi. 20, Origen (contra Celsus 3), also confirm it. Tertullian quotes this epistle 20 times.
AIM. After imprisonment and scourging at Philippi, Paul (1Th 2:2) passed on to Thessalonica. (See THESSALONICA.) With Silas (Ac 16:3; 17:1-9,14) and Timotheus he founded the church there (1Th 1:1; 3:1-6; 2Th 1:1). The Jews rejected the gospel when preached for three successive sabbaths; a few however "believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas, and of the devout (i.e. proselytes to Judaism) Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few." Amidst trials (1Th 1:6; 2:13) from their own countrymen and from the Jews (1Th 2:14-16) the converts "received the word with joy of the Holy Spirit."
His stay at Thessalonica was probably longer than the three weeks recorded in Ac 17:2, for some time is implied in his labouring there for support (1Th 2:9; 2Th 3:8), in his receiving supplies there more than once from Philippi (Php 4:16), in his receiving many converts from the Gentiles (1Th 1:9, and, according to the Alexandrinus manuscript of Ac 17:4, though not the Sinaiticus and Vaticanus manuscripts, "of the devout (and) of the Greeks a great multitude"), and in his appointing ministers. He probably (compare Ac 13:46; 18:6-7; 19:8-9) preached first to the Jews; then, when they rejected the message, to the Gentiles. Thenceforth he held the church assemblies in the house of Jason (Ac 17:5), his "kinsman" (Ro 16:21). His tender love and gentleness, like that of "a nurse cherishing children," disinterestedness, devotion even unto death, and zeal for individual souls, beautifully appear in 1Th 1:5; 2:1-11.
He laboured here with his own hands to further the gospel by giving an example to the idle. Contributions from Philippi also helped him at, Thessalonica (Php 4:15-16). Christ's coming and kingdom were his chief topic (1Th 1:10; 2:12,19; 3:13; 4:13-18; 5:1-11,23-24), that the Thessalonians should walk worthy of it (1Th 4:1). It is an undesigned coincidence confirming the authenticity of the history and of the epistles that the very charge which Jason's assailants brought against the brethren was "these do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus" (Ac 17:5-9). So in Jesus' own case they perverted His doctrine of His coming kingdom into a charge of treason against Caesar. So also the doctrine of the resurrection is prominent both in Luke's history (Ac 17:3) and in Paul's independent epistle (1Th 1:10; 4:14-16).
Paul and Silas had to flee by night to Berea; but the church and ministers had been constituted, and the Thessalonians became missionaries virtually themselves (for which the city's commerce gave facilities) both by word and by example, the report of which had reached Macedonia where Paul had been, and Achaia where he now was, at Corinth (1Th 1:7-8). From Berea Paul, after having planted a Scripture-loving church. was obliged to flee by the Thessalonian Jews who followed him there Timothy (who apparently came to Berea separately from Paul and Silas; compare Ac 17:10 with Ac 17:14) and Silas remained there still, when Paul proceeded by sea to Athens. While at Athens Paul longed to visit the Thessalonians again, and see their spiritual state, and "perfect that which was lacking in their faith" (1Th 3:10); but "Satan (through the instrumentality of the Thessalonian Jews probably, Joh 13:27) hindered" him (1Th 2:18; Ac 17:13).
He therefore sent Timothy, who followed him apparently to Athens from Berea (Ac 17:15), and immediately on his arrival at Athens to Thessalonica (1Th 3:1). Much as he would have desired Timothy's help against his Athenian opponents, he determined to forego it for the sake of the Thessalonian church. Silas does not appear to have come to Paul at Athens at all, though Paul had desired him and Timothy to "come to him with all speed" (Ac 17:15), but with Timothy (who from Thessalonica called for him at Berea) joined Paul at Corinth first (Ac 18:1,5; "when Silas and Timothy were come from Macedonia".) The epistle mentions Timothy at Athens (1Th 3:12), but not Silas. Timothy "brought good tidings of the Thessalonian church's faith and love, and good remembrance of Paul, and desire to see him" as he desired to see them (1Th 3:6-10). Their defect was the exclusive dwelling of some on Christ's kingdom to such a degree as to neglect present duties (1Th 4:11-12).
Some who had lost relatives by death doubted whether they who died before Christ's coming would share with those found alive, in His kingdom then to be revealed. Some had been quarrelsome and revengeful (1Th 5:13,15); others had even relapsed into pagan lusts, fornication, and adultery (1Th 4:3-10). Some were insubordinate toward ministers, and slighted the manifestations of the Spirit in those possessing His gifts as "prophesyings" (1Th 5:12-13,19-20). To correct these defects, to praise their graces, and to testify his love, is Paul's aim in this epistle. The place of writing was Corinth, where Timothy, with Silas, rejoined Paul (Ac 18:5).
THE TIME OF WRITING. Soon after Timothy's arrival with tidings of their state (1Th 2:17; 3:6), in the autumn A.D. 52. Paul wrote in the winter of that year, or else early in A.D. 53 at the beginning of his stay of one year and a half at Corinth (Ac 18:11). (Timothy had been sent probably from Athens to inquire: 1Th 3:1-2). For it was written not long after the conversion of the Thessalonians (1Th 1:8-9), while Paul could speak of himself as only "taken from them for a short season" (1Th 2:17). Hence, it was first in date of all Paul's extant epistles. Paul, Silas, and Timothy, the three founders of the Thessalonion church, stand at its head in the inscription. "We" is written everywhere except in 1Th 2:18; 3:5; 5:27; "we" is the true reading in 1Th 4:13. The KJV "I" in 1Th 4:9; 5:1-23, is not in the original.
STYLE. Calm, practical, and uncontroversial, because he takes for granted the doctrinal truths, which were not yet controverted. Simple, less intense, and less marked by sudden turns of thought.
GROUPING OF PAUL'S EPISTLES. Impassioned argument and vehement feeling were reserved for subsequent epistles, which had to deal with fundamental errors of doctrine, as Judaizing legalism. The second group of epistles, Corinthians, Romans, and Galatians, five years later, in opposition to the latter, unfold the cardinal doctrines of grace and justification by faith. Still later, the epistles from his Roman prison, Ephesians, Colossians, and Philippians confirm the same. Last of all, the pastoral epistles suit the church's developed ecclesiastical constitution, and direct as to bishops and deacons, and correct abuses and errors of later growth. His opponents in 1 Thessalonians are Jews (1Th 2:16); but in the second group Judaizing Christians. The gospel preached in the epistles to the Thessalonians is that of Christ's coming kingdom rather than the cross; for the former best met the Messianic hopes which won Jewish believers to the Christian faith; it also especially comforted the infant church under trials, and in the sacrifice of worldly pleasure and gain. The healthy condition of all the Macedonian churches accounts for the close resemblance between this epistle and the epistle to Philippians, written ten years subsequently. Hence in both he begins with warm commendations, and drops the official title of "apostle" in the salutation.
DIVISION. The same prayer ("may God Himself," etc.) recurring at 1Th 3:11-13, and 1Th 5:24, (translated "may the God of peace Himself," etc.,) apparently marks the close of the two divisions.
PERSONS ADDRESSED. The prevalence of the Gentile element in them appears from the entire absence of quotations from the Old Testament in these two epistles; also from the address being to pe
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and after he had taken the sop, Satan entred into him. then said Jesus to him, what you do, do quickly.
but Paul and Barnabas told them boldly, you indeed were the first, to whom the word of God was to be preach'd: but since you reject it, and judge your own selves unworthy of eternal life, be assur'd, we shall make the same offer to the Gentiles:
so he took him and had him circumcised, out of regard to the Jews of that country, who all knew his father was a Greek.
Having pass'd thro' Amphipolis and Apollonia, they arriv'd at Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue. Paul, as was his custom, us'd to go there, and for three sabbath-days discours'd to the Jews from the scriptures,
Paul, as was his custom, us'd to go there, and for three sabbath-days discours'd to the Jews from the scriptures, explaining them, and setting it to view, that the Messiah was to suffer and rise again from the dead: and that Jesus, whom he denounc'd to them, was that very Messiah.
explaining them, and setting it to view, that the Messiah was to suffer and rise again from the dead: and that Jesus, whom he denounc'd to them, was that very Messiah. Some of them believed, and join'd themselves to Paul and Silas, besides a great number of Greek proselytes, and several women of distinction.
Some of them believed, and join'd themselves to Paul and Silas, besides a great number of Greek proselytes, and several women of distinction. but the unbelieving Jews thro' envy, by the assistance of some loose strolers, rais'd a mob, set the whole city in an uproar, and attack'd Jason's house, thinking to find them there, and deliver them up to the populace.
but the unbelieving Jews thro' envy, by the assistance of some loose strolers, rais'd a mob, set the whole city in an uproar, and attack'd Jason's house, thinking to find them there, and deliver them up to the populace.
but the unbelieving Jews thro' envy, by the assistance of some loose strolers, rais'd a mob, set the whole city in an uproar, and attack'd Jason's house, thinking to find them there, and deliver them up to the populace. but not finding them, they dragg'd Jason and some of the brethren to the magistrates, crying out, these that have been every where the disturbers of the publick peace, are come hither also, and have been entertain'd by Jason.
but not finding them, they dragg'd Jason and some of the brethren to the magistrates, crying out, these that have been every where the disturbers of the publick peace, are come hither also, and have been entertain'd by Jason.
but not finding them, they dragg'd Jason and some of the brethren to the magistrates, crying out, these that have been every where the disturbers of the publick peace, are come hither also, and have been entertain'd by Jason. they all act in defiance of the edicts of Cesar, pretending there is another king, one Jesus.
they all act in defiance of the edicts of Cesar, pretending there is another king, one Jesus. the people, and the magistrates upon hearing this were alarm'd:
the people, and the magistrates upon hearing this were alarm'd: however having oblig'd Jason and the rest to give security, they let them go.
however having oblig'd Jason and the rest to give security, they let them go. Immediately the brethren sent away Paul and Silas by night to Berea, where being arriv'd, they went into the synagogue.
but when the Jews of Thessalonica were inform'd that Paul had preached the word of God at Berea, they went thither to stir up the populace. Upon this the brethren immediately sent Paul away to the sea-coast, but Silas and Timothy staid there.
Upon this the brethren immediately sent Paul away to the sea-coast, but Silas and Timothy staid there. however Paul's guides attended him to Athens: where they left him, after having received his orders for Silas and Timothy to come to him with all speed.
however Paul's guides attended him to Athens: where they left him, after having received his orders for Silas and Timothy to come to him with all speed.
and when Silas and Timothy were arriv'd from Macedonia, Paul with great concern remonstrated to the Jews, that Jesus was the Messiah:
and when Silas and Timothy were arriv'd from Macedonia, Paul with great concern remonstrated to the Jews, that Jesus was the Messiah: but as they oppos'd him with invectives, he shook his garment, and said, "you your selves be answerable for your own destruction, I am clear: and for the future I shall address my self to the Gentiles." read more. When he had left them, he went to the house of one Justus a proselyte to Judaism, who lived near the synagogue: however Crispus,
so he continued there a year and a half preaching the word of God among them.
so he continued there a year and a half preaching the word of God among them.
Paul still continued a considerable time at Corinth, and then taking his leave of the brethren, he set sail for Syria, with Priscilla and Aquila, who had his head shav'd in Cenchrea upon account of a vow.
At length Paul went to the synagogue, where he spoke with great freedom, and for three months he conferr'd with them to persuade them of the truth of the evangelical kingdom. but some of them being such obdurate infidels as to inveigh against the institution before the populace, he retired, and taking the disciples with him, he instructed them daily in the school of one Tyrannus.
he sent therefore Timothy and Erastus, two of his assistants in the ministry, before to Macedonia; but stay'd himself in Asia for some time.
Aristarchus and Secundus of Thessalonica, Gaius of Derby and Timothy, Tychicus and Trophimus both Asiatics, all accompanied him to Asia,
a cohort in Augustus's legion. we embark'd in a vessel of Adramyttium, designing to coast it along Asia, and set sail with Aristarchus a Macedonian of Thessalonica.
there the divine wrath is revealed from heaven against all impiety, and injustice of men, who wickedly suppress the truth.
Timotheus my collegue, Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you.
and you yourselves know, O Philippians, that when I first preach'd the gospel, at my departure from Macedonia, I receiv'd no manner of assistance from any other church but yours; for you sent more than once to Thessalonica to supply my occasions.
beware lest any one seduce you by the vain illusions of philosophy, founded upon human traditions, and meer shadows, and not upon Christ:
Let no man therefore condemn you for meats or drinks, or in respect of feasts, or new moons, or sabbaths:
Aristarchus my companion in bonds salutes you. and so does Mark, nephew to Barnabas, for whom you have receiv'd recommendations. if he come to you, give him a kind reception.
Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy to the church of the Thessalonians, who believe in God the father, and in our Lord Jesus Christ. grace and peace be with you from God our father, and from Jesus Christ our Lord.
for we are persuaded, my brethren, that you are the peculiar objects of divine favour; since the gospel we preach'd, did not consist only of words, but was fully confirm'd by miracles and gifts of the holy spirit, you yourselves being witnesses, what we did among you and for you. read more. and you imitated us, and were imitators of the Lord, having receiv'd the word, notwithstanding all your afflictions, with that alacrity, which the holy spirit inspires. so that you became examples to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. for the gospel has made so favourable a progress not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every other place, where the reputation of your divine faith has spread, that 'tis needless to mention any thing of it; since they all relate of us,
for the gospel has made so favourable a progress not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every other place, where the reputation of your divine faith has spread, that 'tis needless to mention any thing of it; since they all relate of us, how successful our arrival was among you, and how you renounc'd your idols to serve the living and true God,
how successful our arrival was among you, and how you renounc'd your idols to serve the living and true God,
how successful our arrival was among you, and how you renounc'd your idols to serve the living and true God,
how successful our arrival was among you, and how you renounc'd your idols to serve the living and true God, and to expect his son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, who delivers us from impending ruin.
and to expect his son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, who delivers us from impending ruin.
and to expect his son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, who delivers us from impending ruin.
And you are satisfied, my brethren, that our address to you was not fallacious: on the contrary, notwithstanding the outrages, you know we suffer'd at Philippi, we had still the resolution, by the divine assistance, to preach the gospel of God to you without reserve against all opposition.
on the contrary, notwithstanding the outrages, you know we suffer'd at Philippi, we had still the resolution, by the divine assistance, to preach the gospel of God to you without reserve against all opposition. for our doctrine was free from all imposture, avarice, and fraud. read more. we preach the gospel just as God thought fit to intrust it with us, not being studious to please men, but God, who approves our sincerity. our address to you was without any flattery, as you yourselves can witness, and God is witness that we had no avarice to disguise. we never courted you nor any others, from an affectation of human applause. instead of making our apostolical character any ways expensive to you, as we might; we behav'd to you with a tender regard, even as a mother, who nurses her own children.
we behav'd to you with a tender regard, even as a mother, who nurses her own children. Our affection therefore to you being so great, we were as ready to give our lives for you, as we were to communicate the divine gospel to you, so much did you engage our love. read more. for you remember, my brethren, our labour and toil: how we worked day and night, that in preaching the gospel of God, we might not be chargeable to any of you.
for you remember, my brethren, our labour and toil: how we worked day and night, that in preaching the gospel of God, we might not be chargeable to any of you. you are witnesses, and God is so too, how holy, how just and irreproachable our behaviour was to you, who believe. read more. you likewise know, that we exhorted and encouraged every one of you, as a father doth his children, conjuring you to live suitably to the favour of God, who has called you to his kingdom and glory. nor do we fail of giving thanks to God continually, that, when you received the word of God, which we preach, you did not receive it as the doctrine of men, but as a doctrine that appears to be truly divine, by the influences it displays in you, who believe. for, my brethren, you have followed the example of the christian churches in Judea; by having suffer'd the same persecutions from your own nation, as the churches have suffer'd from the Jews, the very men who have persecuted the Lord Jesus, and the prophets even to death; who have persecuted us; they who are regardless of pleasing the deity, and are enemies to all mankind;
the very men who have persecuted the Lord Jesus, and the prophets even to death; who have persecuted us; they who are regardless of pleasing the deity, and are enemies to all mankind; who by obstructing our endeavours to save the Gentiles, continue to fill up the measure of their enormities; for which consummate vengeance is falling upon them.
who by obstructing our endeavours to save the Gentiles, continue to fill up the measure of their enormities; for which consummate vengeance is falling upon them.
who by obstructing our endeavours to save the Gentiles, continue to fill up the measure of their enormities; for which consummate vengeance is falling upon them. As for me, my brethren, having been so abruptly separated from you, in person, tho' not in affection, I have the more ardently endeavour'd to see you again.
As for me, my brethren, having been so abruptly separated from you, in person, tho' not in affection, I have the more ardently endeavour'd to see you again. this I Paul have frequently attempted, but Satan has been my obstacle.
this I Paul have frequently attempted, but Satan has been my obstacle.
this I Paul have frequently attempted, but Satan has been my obstacle. for what can be our hope, or joy, what can crown our pretensions, unless it be you, when we shall appear before the Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
Being therefore impatient to hear of you, we judg'd it proper to stay at Athens alone, and send you our brother Timothy,
Being therefore impatient to hear of you, we judg'd it proper to stay at Athens alone, and send you our brother Timothy,
Being therefore impatient to hear of you, we judg'd it proper to stay at Athens alone, and send you our brother Timothy, a minister of God, and our collegue in preaching the gospel of Christ, that by establishing you in the faith, and by his exhortations,
a minister of God, and our collegue in preaching the gospel of Christ, that by establishing you in the faith, and by his exhortations, none of you might be stagger'd by these persecutions: for you know that we are destin'd to suffer. read more. and even when we were with you, we foretold you, that we should be persecuted, as you know it happen'd. not being able therefore to wait any longer, I sent Timothy to know the state of your faith, for fear the tempter should have seduc'd you, and all our labour have prov'd abortive.
not being able therefore to wait any longer, I sent Timothy to know the state of your faith, for fear the tempter should have seduc'd you, and all our labour have prov'd abortive.
not being able therefore to wait any longer, I sent Timothy to know the state of your faith, for fear the tempter should have seduc'd you, and all our labour have prov'd abortive. but Timothy, upon his arrival here from you, brings us the agreeable news of the perseverance of your faith and charity, that you always make honourable mention of us, and that you desire to see us as ardently as we do to see you.
but Timothy, upon his arrival here from you, brings us the agreeable news of the perseverance of your faith and charity, that you always make honourable mention of us, and that you desire to see us as ardently as we do to see you.
but Timothy, upon his arrival here from you, brings us the agreeable news of the perseverance of your faith and charity, that you always make honourable mention of us, and that you desire to see us as ardently as we do to see you. Thus, my brethren, your conduct has given us great consolation, under all our persecutions and distress. read more. for now I am reviv'd, since you continue stedfast in the christian profession. how can I be sufficiently thankful to God upon your account, for all the joy, which by your means we have been affected with, whilst night and day we make our ardent requests to him, that we may once more be present with you, that nothing may be wanting to the perfection of your faith?
whilst night and day we make our ardent requests to him, that we may once more be present with you, that nothing may be wanting to the perfection of your faith? now may God our father, and our Lord Jesus Christ remove all the obstructions of our journey to you. read more. may the Lord make you increase and abound in mutual love, in love towards all men, as we do towards you:
may the Lord make you increase and abound in mutual love, in love towards all men, as we do towards you: that by the sanctity of your affections, you may stand unreprov'd in the presence of God our father, when our Lord Jesus Christ shall come with all his holy angels.
that by the sanctity of your affections, you may stand unreprov'd in the presence of God our father, when our Lord Jesus Christ shall come with all his holy angels.
that by the sanctity of your affections, you may stand unreprov'd in the presence of God our father, when our Lord Jesus Christ shall come with all his holy angels.
Finally, my brethren, we intreat and conjure you by the Lord Jesus Christ, to observe the instructions we gave you about your religious conduct, and to make continual progress therein.
and such is the will of God, that you should be holy, and avoid licentiousness; that every one of you should take care to preserve the dignity of his read more. person unsullied by the vices of the Gentiles, who know not God:
person unsullied by the vices of the Gentiles, who know not God: that no man should be exorbitant, and behave contumeliously to his brother: because the Lord is the avenger of all such crimes, as we have formerly remonstrated to you. read more. for God has not called us to impurity, but to holiness: he therefore that violates these precepts, does not despise man, but God, who has endued me with his holy spirit. As to brotherly love, I have no occasion to write about it, God himself having instructed you to love one another.
As to brotherly love, I have no occasion to write about it, God himself having instructed you to love one another. this indeed you practise towards all our brethren in Macedonia; and we only exhort you to advance more and more therein: read more. to study your own quiet, to mind your own affairs, and follow some handicraft trade, as we recommended it to you: so that your way of life may stand fair to the world, and prevent your being dependent upon any man. Now I would not have you, my brethren, be mistaken about the state of the dead, lest you should be as greatly afflicted as those, who have no hope.
Now I would not have you, my brethren, be mistaken about the state of the dead, lest you should be as greatly afflicted as those, who have no hope.
Now I would not have you, my brethren, be mistaken about the state of the dead, lest you should be as greatly afflicted as those, who have no hope. for if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, we must believe that God by Jesus will raise the dead, and assemble them with him.
for if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, we must believe that God by Jesus will raise the dead, and assemble them with him. for one thing I have in charge to tell you from the Lord, that we, who shall be found still alive at the coming of the Lord, shall not get the advance of those that are dead:
for one thing I have in charge to tell you from the Lord, that we, who shall be found still alive at the coming of the Lord, shall not get the advance of those that are dead: for the Lord himself will descend from heaven, and by the voice of the archangel, with the trumpet of God, resound the summons: they who died christians shall rise first:
for the Lord himself will descend from heaven, and by the voice of the archangel, with the trumpet of God, resound the summons: they who died christians shall rise first: then we, who shall be still alive, shall be convey'd together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall ever be with the Lord. read more. therefore comfort one another with this information.
It is not necessary, my brethren, to specify the exact time:
It is not necessary, my brethren, to specify the exact time:
It is not necessary, my brethren, to specify the exact time: for you very well know, that the day of the Lord steals on like a thief in the night.
for you very well know, that the day of the Lord steals on like a thief in the night.
for you very well know, that the day of the Lord steals on like a thief in the night. whilst they flatter themselves with peace and safety, destruction shall fall upon them, like the pangs of a woman in travail, and they shall not escape.
whilst they flatter themselves with peace and safety, destruction shall fall upon them, like the pangs of a woman in travail, and they shall not escape. but you, my brethren, are too well inform'd to be surpriz'd by that day, as by a thief.
but you, my brethren, are too well inform'd to be surpriz'd by that day, as by a thief. you inherit the advantages of meridian light: we are not involv'd in the obscurity of night.
you inherit the advantages of meridian light: we are not involv'd in the obscurity of night. therefore let us not sleep away our time like others, but be vigilant and temperate.
therefore let us not sleep away our time like others, but be vigilant and temperate. they that are sober take their rest in the night, whilst they that are sots, are drunk in the night:
they that are sober take their rest in the night, whilst they that are sots, are drunk in the night: but let us, who enjoy the light, be temperate; let us be arm'd with the breast-plate of faith and charity, and for an helmet, with the hope of salvation.
but let us, who enjoy the light, be temperate; let us be arm'd with the breast-plate of faith and charity, and for an helmet, with the hope of salvation. for God did not design to make us the objects of his displeasure, but to effect our felicity by the Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us,
for God did not design to make us the objects of his displeasure, but to effect our felicity by the Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we happen to be alive or dead, we may be secure of living with him.
that whether we happen to be alive or dead, we may be secure of living with him. wherefore comfort and edify one another, as you have hitherto done.
wherefore comfort and edify one another, as you have hitherto done. We entreat you, brethren, to respect those, who labour in the ministry, who by divine appointment preside over you, and instruct you.
We entreat you, brethren, to respect those, who labour in the ministry, who by divine appointment preside over you, and instruct you. maintain an intire affection for them, upon account of their office, and don't form any brigues against them.
maintain an intire affection for them, upon account of their office, and don't form any brigues against them.
maintain an intire affection for them, upon account of their office, and don't form any brigues against them. and we exhort you, brethren, reprove the disorderly, comfort the pusillanimous, support the weak, and be patient toward all men.
and we exhort you, brethren, reprove the disorderly, comfort the pusillanimous, support the weak, and be patient toward all men. Don't allow any one to return evil for evil, but strive to do all the good you can to one another, and to all the world.
Don't allow any one to return evil for evil, but strive to do all the good you can to one another, and to all the world. be always chearful. read more. pray upon all occasions.
pray upon all occasions. be thankful to God for every thing, for so christians are oblig'd to be. read more. don't abuse the gifts of the spirit.
don't abuse the gifts of the spirit. don't despise the prophetic gift.
don't despise the prophetic gift. bring every thing to the test: if it be proof, abide by that: read more. if it has the least appearance of evil, reject it. Now may the God of peace make you intirely holy: may every part of you, your spirit, soul, and body be preserved irreprovable at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Now may the God of peace make you intirely holy: may every part of you, your spirit, soul, and body be preserved irreprovable at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Now may the God of peace make you intirely holy: may every part of you, your spirit, soul, and body be preserved irreprovable at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. he that has called you, is faithful, and this he will effect.
he that has called you, is faithful, and this he will effect.
I conjure you by the Lord, that this epistle may be read to all our christian brethren.
We are oblig'd, my brethren, to render thanks to God continually upon your account, as it is but just; since your faith still improves, and your mutual love is always increasing.
in flaming fire, to take vengeance on those, who know not God, and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
in flaming fire, to take vengeance on those, who know not God, and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: the Lord shall punish them with everlasting destruction, when he shall appear in the glory of his power, read more. and come to be glorified by his saints, and to be the object of admiration to all who believed, that the testimony we gave you, would be justified in that day.
Now we conjure you, brethren, that with respect to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our being assembled with him, you would not by any pretended revelation, by any discourse or epistle ascrib'd to us, be immediately perplex'd in your minds, or under any concern for the approach of the day of the Lord.
you would not by any pretended revelation, by any discourse or epistle ascrib'd to us, be immediately perplex'd in your minds, or under any concern for the approach of the day of the Lord.
you would not by any pretended revelation, by any discourse or epistle ascrib'd to us, be immediately perplex'd in your minds, or under any concern for the approach of the day of the Lord. don't be led into any mistake, because the previous rebellion does not yet appear, nor the man of sin throw off the disguise, that offspring of perdition:
and then the lawless will be discover'd, whom the Lord will extirpate by the spirit of his mouth, and at his glorious advent, will intirely abolish him, who by the instigation of satan will make his parade with various arts, with fallacious signs and prodigies,
To conclude, pray for us, my brethren, that the doctrine of the Lord may make its progress, and be respected every where as it is among you: and that we may be delivered from vexatious wicked men; for all have not the faith.
and that we may be delivered from vexatious wicked men; for all have not the faith.
and that we may be delivered from vexatious wicked men; for all have not the faith. but as for you, the Lord, who is faithful, will establish you, and protect you from the malicious one. read more. and we have this hope in the Lord, that you will still continue to observe the directions we give you. may the Lord qualify your hearts with divine affection, and a patient expectation of Jesus Christ. We direct you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to withdraw from all those of your brethren, whose conduct is irregular, and not agreeable to the instructions they received from us.
We direct you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to withdraw from all those of your brethren, whose conduct is irregular, and not agreeable to the instructions they received from us.
We direct you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to withdraw from all those of your brethren, whose conduct is irregular, and not agreeable to the instructions they received from us. for you know what an example we have given for your imitation: that our conduct among you was regular:
for you know what an example we have given for your imitation: that our conduct among you was regular: that we did not eat any man's bread for nothing: but with toil and fatigue work'd night and day to avoid being chargeable to any of you:
that we did not eat any man's bread for nothing: but with toil and fatigue work'd night and day to avoid being chargeable to any of you: not, that we had no just claim, but to present ourselves as a pattern, which you should imitate,
not, that we had no just claim, but to present ourselves as a pattern, which you should imitate, pursuant to the maxim, which we laid down, when among you, "he that refuses to work should be deny'd food."
pursuant to the maxim, which we laid down, when among you, "he that refuses to work should be deny'd food." now being inform'd, that there are among you people of an irregular conduct, who neglect their own business, and busy themselves with the affairs of others:
now being inform'd, that there are among you people of an irregular conduct, who neglect their own business, and busy themselves with the affairs of others: we command these persons, and exhort them by the Lord Jesus Christ, to stay at home, and earn their bread by labour.
we command these persons, and exhort them by the Lord Jesus Christ, to stay at home, and earn their bread by labour. As for you, my brethren, be not weary of your commendable industry:
As for you, my brethren, be not weary of your commendable industry: and if any one should disregard what we have prescrib'd, signify it to us by letter, and don't converse with him, that he may be put to shame.
and if any one should disregard what we have prescrib'd, signify it to us by letter, and don't converse with him, that he may be put to shame.
and if any one should disregard what we have prescrib'd, signify it to us by letter, and don't converse with him, that he may be put to shame. however, don't treat him as an enemy, but reprove him as a brother.
however, don't treat him as an enemy, but reprove him as a brother. Now the Lord of peace grant you continual peace in all respects. the Lord be with you all. read more. I Paul salute you, this salutation being my own hand writing, which is the distinguishing mark of all my letters, so I write.