An Exposition of Pauls Epistles, Letter 8
The First Epistle of Paul to the THESSALONIANS Analytically expounded.
The Contents.
THessalonica in times past was the Metropolis of all Macedonia, in which Paul and Silas (as it is supposed Act. 17.) converted many in a little time among the Iews, and also the Gentiles, to the Christian Faith: But afterwards a sedition being stirred up by them that beleeved not, they were by force cast out from thence; The Apostle first of all betook him to Berea, afterwards to Athens: And in the first place hee sends away Timothy to them, that hee might comfort the afflicted. Afterwards Timothy being returned, and hee understanding the constancy of the Thessalonians, sends this Epistle; in which he confirms them in the Faith, and exhorts them to a life worthy of their holy Profession. There are two principal parts of the Epistle: In the first, after his endeavour to confirm them in the Faith of Christ, and perswasion of his affection towards them, hee encourages them to constancy, Chap. 1, 2, 3. In the second part hee instructs and exhorts them to an holy life, inserting consolation touching the resurrection of the dead, Chap. 4, 5.
CHAP. I.
AFter his Apostolical salutation, vers. 1. In the rest of the Chapter hee confirms the Thessalonians in the Faith, by giving thanks to God for their sincere conversion.
Vers. 1. Paul, and Sylvanus, and Timotheus, unto the Church of the Thessalonians, which is in God the Father, and in the Lord Iesus Christ: Grace bee unto you, and Peace from God our Father, and the Lord Iesus Christ.
The persons saluting are Paul, Timotheus, and Sylvanus, who otherwise is called Silas, whom that the Thessalonians might know to bee those who had taught them, hee takes into the society of his testimony concerning the truth of this Doctrine, and his respects towards the Thessalonians. The Church which is saluted is described from its holy communion, no… onelyonly with God the Father, whom the unbeleeving Jews do falsely boast that they worship, but also with his Son Christ, whom the unbeleeving Heathens and Jews did reject: Furthermore hee praies for Grace and Peace, for them from God the Father, and Christ, signifying that true happiness which proceeds from the Grace of God, which as it is purchased for Beleevers by the merit of Christ, so it is applied by the intercession and efficacy.
Vers. 2. Wee give thanks to God alwaies for you all, making mention of you in our prayers.
In the remaining part of the Chapter, giving thanks for the sincere conversion of the Thessalonians, he confirm… them in the Faith by nine Arguments, which both prove that they ought to bee strengthened in Faith, and also contain the reasons of giving thanks.
Argum. 1. The remembrance of your conversion to the Faith, is exceeding pleasant to mee, for which I cannot but give thanks to God, and daily pray that yee may persevere: Therefore yee ought to bee strengthened in Faith.
Vers. 3. Remembring without ceasing your work of Faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Iesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father.
Argum. 2. Your sincere Faith, which hath shewed it self lively, and efficacious by works; your indefatigable charity visible in your daily labours, and diligence, especially in your liberality towards the Saints: And lastly, your lively hope shewn in patience and suffering afflictions for Christ, have left in mee an indeleble impression, that I cannot but make mention of them before God and man: Therefore it is meet that yee bee strengthened in Faith: But hee calls them the virtues of Christ, because they did spring from Christ, and tend to him, But hee saies in the sight of God, because they were of that sort which were in the sight of God, genuine and no waies counterfeit.
Vers. 4. Knowing, Brethren beloved, your Election of God.
Argum. 3. I know certainly by certain signs that yee are elected, and my genuine Brethren in Christ: Therefore it is that yee ought to bee strengthened in Faith.
Vers. 5. For our Gospel came not to you in word onelyonly, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance, as yee know what manner of men wee were among you for your sake.
Argum. 4. Confirming the former. I plainly perceive that my Gospel hath been efficacious amongst you, for there did accompany my preaching unto you, (1) Strength and spiritual virtue to the begetting of Faith in you. (2) The Holy Ghost by his inward testimony and gifts withal bestowed upon you, did seal the truth received by you. (3) Much assurance and perswasion in your hearts did ensue, which hath freed you from all doubting. (4) Such was the work and presence of God in you that heard, as was to bee seen in us Apostles that taught, as yee your selves have known: Therefore it is, that yee ought to bee strengthened in Faith.
Vers. 6. And yee became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the Word in much affliction with joy of the Holy Ghost.
Argum. 5. Illustrating the former. Yee, by imbracing the Gospel, and firmly retaining it with joy, are made in the midst of afflictions, both like unto the Lord Christ, and us his servants, preaching that Gospel with joy in the midst of oppressions: Therefore yee ought to bee strengthened in Faith.
Vers. 7. So that yee were ensamples to all that beleeve in Macedonia and Achaia,
Argum. 6. Confirming the former. Yee were made exemplary to all inhabiting the neighbouring Countries, both of invincible Faith, and great alacrity and patience in receiving and holding fast the Gospel: Therefore it is, that yee ought to bee strengthened in Faith.
Vers. 8. For from you sounded out the Word of the Lord, not onelyonly in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your Faith to God-ward is spread abroad, so that wee need not to speak any thing.
Argum. 7. Your Faith became most famous, not onelyonly in the neighbouring Countries, but also in those that are far distant, that there is no need of any larger proof: Therefore it is, that yee ought to bee confirmed in the Faith.
Vers. 9. For they themselves shew of us, what manner of entring in wee had unto you, and how yee turned to God from Idols, to serve the living and true God.
Argum. 8. The wonderful power of God appeared in your conversion; that the faithful in every place have published the history of the Thessalonians conversion, viz. how the Apostle with manifest peril of his life preached the Gospel amongst you, and how yee hearing him, after a wonderful manner renounced feigned Idols, and addicted your selves to the service of the true and living God: Therefore it is, that yee ought to bee strengthened in Faith.
Vers. 10. And to wait for his Son from Heaven, whom hee raised from the dead, even Iesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
Argum. 9. Your conversion to God was not, without his Son Christ, as the unbeleeving Jews falsely boast of their conversion: But to God in Christ, or to the Father, and to Christ, as the incarnate Son of God, the Redeemer, dead, and risen for us: who shall come from Heaven, a Judge to destroy all unbeleevers, and to deliver his own from the wrath which is to come upon the rest; which Faith alone is saving: Therefore yee ought to bee confirmed in Faith, reminding those works of God in you.
CHAP. II.
HEE proceeds for the confirmation of their Faith, to commend the sincerity of his Ministery, and the efficacy of it amongst them, and to shew his kind affection towards them.
There are three parts of the Chapter. In the first hee puts them in mind of the manifest signs of his embassage to them, to vers. 13. In the second, hee shews the clear marks of divine Grace in their conversion, to vers. 17. In the third, hee confirms his kind affection toward them, lest they should think themselves not enough regarded by the Apostle.
Vers. 1. For your selves, Brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain.
Hee recites thirteen signs of his spiritual, sincere, and divine embassage to them, and the faithful administration of his office from the whole time wherein hee first of all preached the Gospel among them.
Sign 1. Yee your selves are witnesses that our entrance unto you, had nothing of vanity, nor my Ministery was not without fruit, when I began to preach the Gospel amongst you.
Vers. 2. But even after that wee had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as you know, at Philippi, wee were bold in our God to speak unto you the Gospel of God with much contention.
Sign 2. The great persecution, which not much before I suffered at Philippi, hath not hindred, but that I dare preach to you in this present danger: For I boldly use liberty of speech, trusting in the power of God alone, striving earnestly against all enemies.
Vers. 3. For our exhortation was not of deceit, not of uncleanness, or in guile
Sign 3. Confirming the former, The Doctrine, Exhortation, and Consolation administred by mee, was not like the Doctrine of the false Apostles, for (1) It was not adulterate and framed to deceive, but sincere, without any imposture. I did neither use nor suffer impurity (as the false Apostles in their Doctrine) but my Doctrine was without all mixture, not handled after a deceitful manner, as it uses to bee handled by them, which in their preaching endeavour their own glory and advantage.
Vers. 4. But as wee were allowed of God to bee put in trust with the Gospel, even so wee speak, not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.
Sign 4. From the knowledge of my Election, and Vocation to so excellent an office (wherein the preaching of the Gospel was committed unto mee) I have determined to preach the Word of God with an holy and sincere mind, and not to please men, but God, who searcheth the hearts, and doth bear mee witness as his faithful servant.
Vers. 5. For neither at any time used wee flattering words, as yee know, nor a cloak of covetousness, God is witness.
Sign 5. More especially explicating that which is before, I never used flattering words amongst you, of which thing I call you to witness.
Nor] Sign 6. I never did any thing for the sake of covetousness under the cloak of piety, as the false Apostles were wont, of which thing hee calls God to witness.
Vers. 6. Not of men sought wee glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when wee might have been burdensome, as the Apostles of Christ.
Neither] Sign 7. I was so far from ambition, and also covetousness, that I never required the honour due to mee, or an honourable stipend, either of you, or of others, when as an Apostle of Christ I could have lawfully been burdensome unto you.
Vers. 7. But wee were gentle among you, even as a Nurse cherisheth her children.
Sign 8. Whilst I was conversant amongst you, I did carry my self gently, as one of you, yea, as one equal to the lowest of you, laying aside all haughtiness, morosity, and imperiousness, and all respect either to the Nobility of my Kindred, or the excellency of my office and gifts vouchsafed to mee, and all other priviledges, the consideration whereof uses to bee accounted of in civil conversation.
Vers. 8. So being affectionately desirous of you, wee were willing to have imparted unto you, not the Gospel of God onelyonly, but also our own souls, because yee were dear unto us.
Sign 9. As a mother cherisheth her children, warmeth them with her breath, nourisheth them with her milk, and (if shee could) is ready to communicate her soul to them: So I affectionately taking care of all the concernments of the Church, with the greatest satisfaction, together with the preaching of the Gospel, I was willing to impart unto you, as it were my soul, because of my vehement love towards you.
Vers. 9. For yee remember, Brethren, our la…our and travel: for labouring night and day, because wee would not bee chargeable unto any of you, wee preached unto you the Gospel of God.
Sign 10. Explaining and confirming the former; the whole time which remains to mee from the preaching the Gospel, I did bestow labouring with my hands, lest any one of you bee burthened by allowing mee maintenance, as an Apostle.
Vers. 10. Yee are witnesses, and God also, how holily, and justly, and unblameably wee behaved our selves among you that beleeve.
Sign. 11. I carried my self amongst you in all things, justly, holily, and unblameably, whereof I call you to witness as to external things, and I call God to witness of my more inward sincere love to you in all things.
Vers. 11. As you know, how wee exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, (as a Father doth his children)
Sig. 12. As yee may remember, I did exhort and comfort privately every one of you, no otherwise than as a Father is wont to exhort and comfort his children.
Vers. 12. That yee would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his Kingdome and Glory.
Sig. 13. I left nothing undone that might shew greatest faithfulness and diligence, that yee might lead an holy life, and that yee might please God in all things, who hath called you by his grace to a participation of his Kingdome, and celestial Glory. These are the Signes of Pauls celestial Ambassage, and of his Apostolical Office faithfully administred by him amongst the Thessalonians.
The Second Part of the Chapter.
Vers. 13. For this cause also thank wee God without ceasing, because when yee received the Word of God which yee heard of us, yee received it not as the word of men, but (as it is in truth) the Word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that beleeve.
The Second part of the Chapter, in which are contained manifest Signes of the Divine grace towards the Thessalonians in their conversion, which afterwards hee publishes with Thanksgiving, and confirms them against the scandal of the Cross and persecution, which they suffered from the enemies of the Gospel, which were of the same Tribe. The Signes of the Divine grace towards the Thessalonians in their conversion are three.
Sign 1. That you have attentively heard (sayes hee) the word of the Gospel preached by mee, not as the word of man, but as the word of God, and yee have received it with a true faith.
Which also] Sign 2. That the word of God received by faith efficaciously works in you, and testifies it self to bee Divine by its efficacy, no less in you, than it hath manifested it self in other beleevers.
Vers. 14. For yee brethren, became followers of the Churches of God, which in Iudea are in Christ Iesus; for yee also have suffered like things of your own Country-men, even as they have of the Iews:
Sign 3. Confirming what was said before: That hitherto yee have been constant in bearing persecutions from your friends, kinsfolks, & those of the same Tribe, for the Gospels sake, and have shewn your selves like to the Christian Churches in Iudea, who did constantly suffer persecutions from the other unbeleeving Jews, of whom some are spiteful to you.
Vers. 15. Who both killed the Lord Iesus, and their own Prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men:
That hee may remove the scandal of persecution whereby the Christian Churches were vexed by the unbeleeving Jews, who called themselves the people of God, hee takes off the vizard from those perverse enemies of the Gospel, setting out their sins with a most severe accusation, whereof there are seven branches. (1) The unbeleeving Jews killed Christ himself. (2) They have not spared their own Prophets being their Country-men. (3) They persecute us Apostles which say that the Thessalonians should receive consolation from the fellowship of the sufferings of Christ, and the sufferings of his servants. (4) They are adversaries unto God, and then they think that they please God most, when they persecute his servants. (5) That as publick enemies of man-kinde, they hinder as much as they can, the common salvation of men.
Vers. 16. Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles, that they might bee saved, to fill up their sins alway: For the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.
(6) They are enemies to the Gentiles to their utmost, forbidding the Apostles to preach the Gospel of salvation to the Gentiles, lest they should bee saved, so far as it lyes in them. (7) By doing these and many other things, they daily more and more fill up the measure of their sins. Having recited their faults hee annexes the judgement and wrath of God, which now had come upon them even to the utmost.
The Third Part of the Chapter.
Vers. 17. But wee, brethren, being taken from you for a short time, in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.
The third part of the Chapter, wherein, lest they should think that they were neglected by the Apostle in their afflictions, because hee did not come to them in the midst of such afflictions, hee confirms his love and affection towards them in six Arguments.
Arg. 1. My absence from you was no less troublesome to mee, than the absence of any father uses to bee from his children: Truly I sympathized with you, as an orphane brother is wont to symphatize with his orphane brethren.
For a short] Arg. 2. I hope I shall not bee absent from you long, but onelyonly for a little time.
Not in heart] Arg. 3. I was not absent from you in heart and affection, although in body.
More abundantly] Arg. 4. By how much the more I am troubled for my absence from you, so much the more abundantly I desire to see you.
Vers. 18. Wherefore wee would have come unto you (even I Paul) once and again; But Satan hindred us.
Arg. 5. I was ready to come once and again that you might bee confirmed in faith; but Satan prevented my business, and cast many impediments in the way of my coming.
Vers. 19. For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoycing? Are not even yee, in the presence of our Lord Iesus Christ, at his coming?
20. For, yee are our glory and joy.
Arg. 6. Confirming the former. My hope concerning your perseverance is so great; my joy concerning your conversion is so great; the crown of my glorying in the fruits of my Ministry, and in you, is this, that yee may bee accounted with the chiefest Churches converted to the faith by my Ministry. And unless yee were to bee esteemed such, of whom, I pray you, could I hope well, rejoyce, or glory? Truly yee shall bee esteemed the chief amongst those that are converted by mee, in the sight of our Lord at his coming; which I confirm to you with a frequent affirmation: Therefore bee yee very fully perswaded of my friendly love towards you.
CHAP. III.
IN this Chapter hee goes on to confirm his love towards them, and to establish them in the faith which hee had taught them.
Vers. 1. Wherefore when wee could no longer forbear, wee thought it good to bee left at Athens alone:
For this end hee produces ten Arguments: All which prove that the Thessalonians were most dear to the Apostle.
Arg. 1. By reason of my desire of confirming you in the faith, I had rather tarry alone at Athens in many storms of afflictions, than that yee should be longer destitute of consolation and confirmation: Therefore yee are most dear to mee.
Vers. 2. And sent Timotheus our brother and Minister of God, and our fellow-labourer in the Gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your Faith:
Argum. 2. I have sent unto you Timothy my very familar friend, who although hee is my most intimate Brother, and a faithful Minister of God, and my fellow-labourer in the Gospel of Christ, yet I am willing to bee deprived of his company, That yee might receive comfort and confirmation in the Faith: Therefore yee ought to bee most dear unto mee.
Vers. 3. That no man should bee moved by these afflictions: for your selves know that wee are appointed thereunto:
Argum. 3. I was more affraid, lest yee should bee offended at my afflictions for the Gospel, than I regarded my own trouble: Therefore I would have you now strengthened against this scandal. (1) Because yee have learned out of the Gospel, how it is appointed of God, that wee Apostles before all others should suffer many afflictions for the truth of the Gospel.
Vers. 4. For verily when wee were with you, wee told you before, that wee should suffer tribulation, even as it came to pass, and yee know.
(2) Because I had told you before, that afflictions for the Gospel did abide for mee, as the event hath made it manifest.
Vers. 5. For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your Faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour bee in vain.
Argum. 4. I feared lest the Devil by some of his arts, had moved you from the Faith, and so my labour had been lost: Wherefore I have sent to you Timotheus, who might understand your constancy in the Faith: Therefore, &c.
Vers. 6. But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your Faith and Charity, and that you have good remembrance of us alwaies, desiring greatly to see us, as wee also to see you:
Argum. 5. I much rejoyce upon the message that Timotheus brought of your Faith towards Christ, of your love towards the Saints, and of your desire of seeing my face: Therefore, &c.
Vers. 7. Therefore, Brethren, wee were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress, by your Faith:
Argum. 6. The consolation arising to mee from your Faith, hath allayed, and excelled all my grief, which I took from the afflictions and necessities, either lying upon, or hanging over mee: Therefore, &c.
Vers. 8. For now wee live, if yee stand fast in the Lord.
Argum. 7. It shall bee certain happiness, if you abide constant: Therefore it is necessary that yee bee most dear to mee.
Vers. 9. For what thanks can wee render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith wee joy for your sakes before our God,
Argum. 8. Confirming the former; so great occasion was offered mee of sincere rejoycing in the presence of God for your perseverance, that I know not how great thanks to render to God: Therefore, &c.
Vers. 10. Night and day praying exceedingly that wee might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your Faith?
Argum. 9. I continually pray God, that I may see your faces, and amend the defects of your Faith, and encrease the measure of it, by opening to you more fully the mystery of the Gospel: Therefore, &c.
Vers. 11. Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Iesus Christ, direct our way unto you.
Argum. 10. How dear yee are to mee, yee may gather out of the summe of my prayer for you. There are three Articles of my prayer. (1) I alwaies pray that God would grant mee a prosperous journey to you, whereby I might confirm you in the Faith.
Vers. 12. And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one towards another, and towards all men, even as wee do towards you:
(2) Also I pray, that God would grant you encrease and abundance of love one towards another, and towards all, as my love abounds towards you.
Vers. 13. To the end hee may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the comming of our Lord Iesus Christ, with all his Saints.
(3) Lastly, I pray, that God would stablish your hearts, and make your consciences unblameable in true holiness, which is required before God, and our Father, that at length, at the comming of our Lord, with all his Saints (that is, Angels and men) yee may not bee ashamed: Therefore do none of you doubt, but that yee are most dear to mee.
CHAP. IV.
HEE passes from his praying to God, in the end of the former Chapter, to the second part of the Epistle, which containeth Exhortations and Precepts to duties of holiness. The Doctrine concerning the resurrection and last judgement being by the way taken in amongst them.
The parts of the Chapter are two: The former is Hortatory, to vers. 13. the other consolatory, to the end.
Vers. 1. Furthermore, then wee beseech you, Brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Iesus, that as yee have received of us how yee ought to walk, and to please God, so yee would abound more and more.
The first part of the Chapter containeth seven Exhortations. First Is general, That they bee mindful of those things which they heard from the Apostle, and daily more and more profit in the endeavour of living holily, and pleasing God, that they may daily, as it were, excel themselves; Hee adds four Reasons of the Exhortation.
Reas. 1. I an Apostle in the name of the Lord friendly desire that from you.
Yee ought] Reas. 2. This is necessary for those that are justified: For it behoves you so to walk.
Vers. 2. For yee know what Commandements wee gave you, by the Lord Iesus.
Reas. 3. Yee have already upon this account received commands from the Lord.
Vers. 3. For this is the Will of God, even your sanctification, that yee should abstain from fornication.
Reas. 4. This is the Will of God, that yee bee sanctified in soul as well as in body; which Will whosoever endeavoureth to obey, shall please God.
That yee abstain] Exhort. 2. Is special, whereof there are three branches. (1) That they abstain from all fornication or filthy lust.
Vers. 4. That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour:
(2) That every one taught of God, continually keep his body, as a vessel consecrated to the Lord, in chastity and honour, to uses sanctified by God, and do not defile themselves.
Vers. 5. Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:
(3) That they endeavour to extinguish the feverish heats and flames of inward concupiscence. Of which Exhortation there is a reason given, lest they bee like the Gentiles, which have not known God, and that they may bee distinguished from them by honesty, or purity and holiness.
Vers. 6. That no man go beyond and defraud his Brother in any matter, because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as wee also have fore-warned you, and testified.
Exhort. 3. Concerning the avoiding Covetousness, lest they by deceit, violence, or evil arts, purchase their own profits by others losses, in oppressing or deceiving their Brethren.
For a Revenger] Hee adds five Reasons.
Reas. 1. God will revenge such kind of injuries.
Reas. 2. As I have before admonished you, so I also again admonish you, and I beseech you for Gods sake, that yee take heed.
Vers. 7. For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
Reas. 3. From the end of our calling, to the Grace of Christ, which is not that wee defile our selves with any kind of sin, but that wee bee sanctified in all manner of virtue.
Vers. 8. Hee therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.
Reas. 4. Because hee that doth not obey this Exhortation, is guilty of rejecting divine authority.
Who also] Reas. 5. Because God hath given the Spirit to us true Christians, whereby wee may discern what is from God, what is an abomination to him, and what judgements hang over sinners.
Vers. 9. But as touching Brotherly love, yee need not that I write unto you: for yee your selves are taught of God to love one another.
Exhort. 4. To brotherly love, and to exercise, for the future, kindness towards all: The Reasons are three.
Reas. 1. Because yee are so propense to this brotherly love, that it is not much necessary to urge this duty.
Reas. 2. Yee are already taught, that yee love one another.
Vers. 10. And indeed yee do it towards all the Brethren, which are in all Macedonia: but wee beseech you, Brethren, that yee increase more and more,
Reas. 3. Confirming the former. Now yee have really shewn this kindness towards all your Brethren near about you: Therefore go forwards, and excel in this duty.
Vers. 11. And that yee study to bee quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, (as wee commanded you.)
12. That yee may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that yee may have lack of nothing.
There follows other three Exhortations briefly conjoyned in these two verses.
Exhort. 5. That yee bee not curious, looking into other mens businesses, but carry your selves quietly, and pleasingly.
To work] Exhort. 6. That yee bee not idle, but take care about your private matters, and do your businesses, work with your own hands, as I have commanded you before.
That yee] Exhort. 7. Carry your selves decently towards those, and before those, that are not in the Church, and in all these duties strive amongst your selves, as it were for matter of honour; for this end especially besides others, that yee may have no need to beg any thing from the houshold of Faith, or of those that are without.
The Second Part.
Vers. 13. But I would not have you bee ignorant, Brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that yee sorrow not, even as others which have no hope,
The second part of the Chapter containeth matter of consolation against the immoderate mourning for the death of friends, which hee disswades them from by two Arguments.
Arg. 1. Immoderate mourning belongs to Heathens and Infidels, who have no hope of the resurrection: Therefore immoderate mourning doth not become you.
Vers. 14. For if wee beleeve that Iesus died, and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Iesus, will God bring with him.
Arg. 2. How certain soever wee beleeve that Christ is risen from the dead, so certainly wee may also know that the faithful dead in Christ shall rise again, and bee presented alive in the company of Christ at the day of judgement: Therefore yee must have a care of immoderate mourning.
Vers. 15. For this wee say unto you by the word of the Lord, that wee which are alive, and remain unto the comming of the Lord, shall not prevent them which are asleep.
That this consolation may bee strong, by revelation from the Lord, hee fore-tells the manner of the comming of Christ, and the resurrection; which is contained in these six Articles.
Artic. 1. The faithful that are alive at the comming of Christ, shall not prevent the resurrection of those that are dead in Christ.
Vers. 16. For the Lord himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the Arch-Angel and with the Trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first.
Artic. 2. Christ shall descend from Heaven with all his Angels.
With the voice] Artic. 3. The manner of his comming shall bee with much expression of authority and majesty, for as the chief Judge hee shall command by his authority, that every element give up their dead, from whereupon all the dead shall bee gathered together to his Tribunal, but his command shall bee promulged by some chief Angel, the Trumpet shall sound, or a voice in stead of a Trumpet, and the sound shall bee heard in all places where the dead are to bee raised.
And they] Artic. 4. The dead in Christ shall arise, before the living shall bee changed.
Vers. 17. Then wee which are alive and remain, shall bee caught together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the Air; and so shall wee ever bee with the Lord.
Artic. 5. The faithful that are alive at the comming of the Lord, being changed suddenly, in a moment, in the twinckling of an eye, from mortality to immortality, shall bee caught up together with the Saints that are raised, to meet the Lord in the Air.
And so] Artic. 6. The Saints after judgement shall go with the Lord into Heaven, and shall remain with him to eternity. Hee speaks nothing concerning the Reprobates, because consolation doth not pertain to them; neither concerning them, when they dye, can any comfort bee taken.
Vers. 18. Wherefore comfort one another with th…se words.
Hee applies a Prophecy to the use of the Thessalonians, that from the Resurrection every Beleever should seek comfort in his grief, and also should administer it to other Beleevers.
CHAP. V.
HEE proceeds in the same Argument. There are three parts of the Chapter: In the first hee continues the Doctrine concerning Christs comming to the general judgement, to vers. 6. In the second hee brings divers Exhortations to all kind of Christian virtues, to vers. 13. In the third the Epilogue and Conclusion of the whole Epistle is contained.
Vers. 1. But of the times and seasons, Brethren, yee have no need that I write unto you.
There are added four other Articles concerning the Lords comming.
Art. 1. The time and hour of the Lords coming is not revealed, but lyeth hid in the secrets of God, neither is it expedient to inquire curiously, or write any thing concerning it.
Vers. 2. For your selves know perfectly, that the day of the Lord so cometh as a th…ef in the night.
Artic. 2. Containing the reason of the former. No less suddenly will Christ come, than a thief in the night is wont, suddenly to creep into other mens houses.
Vers. 3. For when they shall say peace and safety, then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travel upon a woman with childe, and they shall not escape.
Art. 3. Explicating the former, and applying it to impenitent. As unawares, certainly and necessarily the pains of travel ceize upon those that are with childe; so the unexpected day of the Lords anger shall ceize upon impenitent secure sinners on the sudden.
Vers. 4. But yee, Brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
Art. 4. In which hee further explains this Doctrine, and applies it to the consolation of the faithful; Yee beleevers need not fear that day, because yee lye not in the darkness of sin and ignorance: The last day cannot (as a Thief in the night) take hold of you.
Vers. 5. Yee are all the children of light, and the children of the day: wee are not of the night, nor of darkness.
Hee gives a reason, because as many as truly beleeve in Christ, are the sons of light, and of the day, living in the light of faith and godliness: And therefore none of us can bee in bondage to ignorance and sin.
The Second Part of the Chapter.
Vers. 6. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch, and bee sober.
The second part of the Chapter containeth thirteen Exhortations to Christian duties:
Exhort. 1. An Exhortation inferred from the Doctrine of the last Judgement, to watchfulness and sobriety, that wee may expect that day without fear. That wee may not (sayes hee) sleep or indulge our selves in our sins, as Infidels, but on the contrary, studying moderation in all earthly things, wee may earnestly endeavour after works of holiness.
Vers. 7. For they that sleep, sleep in the night, and they that bee drunken, are drunken in the night.
The Reasons of the Exhortation are six:
Reas. 1. Because they which sleep securely, and give themselves to drunkenness, use to do that in the night, and in darkness, which doth not become you.
Vers. 8. But let us who are of the day, bee sober, putting on the breast-plate of faith and love, and for an helmet the hope of salvation.
Reas. 2. Because Christians, who are the childr…n of the day, and live in the light of faith are engaged to endeavour after sobriety of body and minde.
Putting off] Reas. 3. Confirming the former. Because Christians ought to live as in a warfare, armed with spiritual Armour, putting on Faith and Love as a breast-plate, and the hope of salvation as an helmet: Hee adds Love to Faith, that wee may acknowledge that faith alone for a breast-plate, which worketh by love.
Vers. 9. For God hath not appointed us to wrath▪ bu… to obtain salvation by our Lord Iesus Christ,
Reas. 4. God hath not predestinated us to wrath: Therefore let us not indulge our lusts and vitious desires, for which the wrath of God cometh upon the children of disobedience.
By the Lord] Reas. 5. God hath chosen and predestinated us to salvation by Jesus Christ: Therefore let us strive unto salvation in the wayes of the Lord.
Vers. 10. Who dyed for us, that whether wee wake or sleep, wee should live together with him.
Reas. 6. Because Christ for this end dyed for us, not that wee should walk and live with the devil, and the world, in sin, but that wee should walk and live with him in the wayes of holiness, whether waking or sleep…ing, i. e. night and day, in obedience to him, and dying in the communion of his quickning life: Therefore wee must not sleep in sin, but awake in the works of holiness.
Vers. 11. Wherefore comfort your selves together, and edifie one another, even as also ye do.
Exhort. 2. Inferred from the former; That they mutually exhort, comfort, and build up one another in faith and holiness. In the mean while for the present their obedience to this precept is commended.
Vers. 12. And wee beseech you brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you:
Exhort. 3. Which appertains to the people; That they observe the Pastors and Presbyters, with the whole assembly of the Elders, teaching & governing those which laboured amongst them in the Word and Doctrine, and who were over them in the Lord, ruling in Ecclesiastical affairs, and according to their duty, did admonish, when there was need: Concerning these hee commands them, that as Saints, and as it became thankful persons, they acknowledge in heart, words, and deeds, all the Presbyters appointed for the Ministers of Christ to their salvation.
There are three Reasons of the Exhortation:
Reas. 1. Because I an Apostle do lovingly and earnestly desire this.
Did labour] Reas. 2. Because Ministers are worthy of this honour, in as much as they labour for your edification, and are over you, or govern you, in the name of Christ, in all Ecclesiastical matters, and those things which pertain to the worship of God, and do with authority admonish you of your duties both privately and publickly.
Vers. 13. And to esteem them very highly in love for their works sake. And bee at peace among your selves.
Reas. 3. Because the work of God for the salvation of beleevers, which the faithful Ministers earnestly endeavour, requireth, that after a singular manner they bee beloved by the people, and esteemed very highly,
And peace] E…rt. 4. Chiefly to the people; That they bee at peace both amongst themselves, and with the Pastors from whom the Devil is wont to alienate the mindes of the people, even when the Pastors deserve best at their hands.
Vers. 14. Now wee ex…ort you, brethren, warn them that are …ruly, comfort the fe…ble-minded, support the weak, bee patient toward all men.
Exhort. 5. To the P…sbyters (which in the former verse hee distinguished from the people, and here hee describes them from their Offices, which especially belong to the Government of the Church▪ from the authority of their Office) That they diligently execute their Office, by admonishing those that live dissolutely, of their duty, by comforting the feeble, by supporting the weak in their love; lastly by shewing a gentle minde towards all: Lest if they should do otherwise, abusing their authority, they hinder the work of the Lord which they intend.
Vers. 15. See that none render evil for evil unto any m…n, but …ver follow that which is good; both among your selves and to all men.
Exhort. 6. Promiscuously to all: That they abstaining from … revenge, follow that which is good, as well mutually among themselves as towards … tha… are without.
Vers. 16. Rejoyce evermore.
Exhort. 7. That rooted by faith in the free love of God towards them, they endeavour through Christ and his Righteousness imputed to life eternal, to rejoyce and advance Peace in their hearts, both in prosperity and adversity.
Vers. 17. Pray without ceasing.
Exhort. 8. That they look towards God in every condition, prosperity and adversity, and in every business, praying as the matter required.
Vers. 18. In every thing give thanks: For this is the Will of God in Christ Iesus concerning you.
Exhort. 9. That seeing they know that all things fall out for good to those that love God, they should in every condition, but chiefly in adversity, seek for matter of thanksgiving to God.
For this] The Reason of the Exhortation is, because God requireth this duty from all, and chiefly from Christians, upon whom hee hath poured forth his grace and love in Christ.
Vers. 19. Quench not the Spirit.
Exhort. 10. That they stifle not the gifts of the holy Spirit whatsoever, either by negligence, or by evil-doing; but on the contrary, that they continually stir up, and daily encrease them by labour, prayer, or all other means sanctified by God.
Vers. 20. Despise not prophesyings.
Exhort. 11. That they contemn or neglect not the holy publick exercises, wherein the Ministers of the Churches do interpret the Scripture.
Vers. 21. Prove all things: hold fast that which is good.
Exhort. 12. That they do not rashly embrace every thing in matters of Religion, but that they examine every thing by the Rule of the Divine Word, or by the analogy of Faith, and that they constantly hold, and strongly defend that which is sound and good, and found acceptable unto God.
Vers. 22. Abstain from all appearance of evil.
Exhort. 13. That they take heed not onelyonly of that which is evil in the worship of God, or their conversations, but also of every thing that hath the appearance of evil: of which sort are dangerous phrases in Doctrine, and indifferency in practice, which because of the appearance of evil, may yeeld offence to others.
The Third Part.
Vers. 23. And the very God of Peace sanctifie you wholly, and I pray God your whole Spirit, soul, and body bee preserved blameless unto the comming of our Lord Iesus Christ.
The third part of the Chapter containeth the Epilogue or Conclusion, whereof there are six Articles. In the first hee praies the God of Peace, or the fountain of holiness and happiness, that hee would more and more sanctifie them. (1) As to the Spirit or mind (already illuminated by the Spirit of God) which is the supream faculty of the rational soul. (2) As to the soul, or will and affections, and (3) As to the body or outward actions, that so at the comming of the Lord, when the holiness of the faithful is to bee perfected, there may bee nothing found, but that which is blameless and commendable.
Vers. 24. Faithful is hee that calleth you, who also will do it.
Artic. 2. In which hee certifies them, concerning Gods hearing the preceding prayer. (1) From Gods preceding efficacious vocation. (2) From the faithfulness of God, whereby hee performs that in them, to which hee calls them, and doth not de…rt a good work begun.
Vers. 25. Brethren, pray for us.
Artic. 3. Wherein the Apostle doth not disdain to ask the help of the prayers of the least amongst the faithful.
Vers. 26. Greet all the Brethren with an holy kiss.
Artic. 4. Wherein hee salutes all the Brethren in his own name, by this Epistle, no less lovingly, than if hee had saluted them, being present, with the ordinary sign of salutation, (i. e. with a kiss, not counterfeited, but proceeding from Christian love.)
Vers. 27. I charge you by the Lord, that this Epistle bee read unto all the holy Brethren.
Artic. 5. Wherein hee commands and charges in the Name of God, that the Ministers or Governours of the Church (to whom immediately it appears that this Epistle was sent) would produce this part of Scripture for the common use of the Church, and take care, that it might bee publishly, read threatning divine revenge, except they published it to the whole Church.
Vers. 28. The Grace of our Lord Iesus Christ bee with you. Amen.
Artic. 6. And lastly, wherein hee concludes the whole Epistle, by wishing to them the Grace of Christ, which containeth in it self all good things. Amen.