1 Thessalonians iii.
Notes & Commentary:
Ver. 1. Forbearing no longer. That is, not being able to be at rest, for not seeing you, nor hearing concerning you. (Witham) — Not bearing to be any longer uncertain and uninformed of your constancy, amidst the tribulations you had to endure, I sent Timothy to strengthen you, that you might not be moved in the difficulties to which we are destined, and which it is appointed for us to undergo. (Calmet)
Ver. 3. That we are appointed thereunto. That is, meet with trials and troubles in this world, as our Saviour Christ foretold. (Witham)
Ver. 8. We live. That is, we live in joy and comfort, if you stand firm in the faith of Christ, as you ought. (Witham) — The news that you stand steadfast in the Lord, reanimates me under all my sufferings, and as it were raises me to life again from the shadow of death, under which I am placed. O that I could see you, to complete the work of instructing you in the faith, which I have begun.
Ver. 10. That we may see you face. Though epistles in absence give great comfort, and help to confirm the faith once delivered, it is by preaching that the faith of Jesus Christ and true religion are both begun and accomplished. — And may accomplish those things that are wanting to your faith? That is, give you fuller instructions. (Witham)
Ver. 12. And may the Lord multiply you. That is, increase the number of Christians among you. (Witham)
Bible Text & Cross-references:
The apostle’s concern and love for the Thessalonians.
1 For which cause forbearing no longer, we thought it good to remain at Athens, alone:
2 *And we sent Timothy, our brother, and a minister of God in the gospel of Christ, to confirm you, and exhort you concerning your faith:
3 That no man should be moved in these tribulations: for yourselves know, that we are appointed thereunto.
4 For even when we were with you, we foretold you that we should suffer tribulations: as also it is come to pass, and you know.
5 For this cause also I forbearing no longer, sent to know your faith: lest perhaps he that tempteth, should have tempted you, and our labour should be made vain.
6 But now when Timothy came to us from you, and related to us your faith and charity, and that you have a good remembrance of us always, desiring to see us, as we also to see you:
7 Therefore we were comforted, brethren, in you, in all our distress and tribulation, by your faith;
8 For now we live, if you stand in the Lord.
9 For what thanks can we return to God for you, in all the joy wherewith we rejoice for you before our God.
10 Night and day, praying more abundantly, that we may see your face, and may accomplish those things that are wanting to your faith?
11 Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ direct our way unto you:
12 And may the Lord multiply you, and make you abound in charity towards one another, and towards all men: as we do also towards you,
13 To confirm your hearts without blame, in holiness, before God and our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints. Amen.
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2: Acts vi. 1.