King James Version
1 Thessalonians 2
20 verses with commentary
Paul's Ministry in Thessalonica
For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain</strong>—<em>kenē</em> (κενή, 'empty/fruitless') negates any suggestion that Paul's ministry lacked substance or results. The Thessalonians themselves witnessed (<em>autoi gar oidate</em>, αὐτοὶ γὰρ οἴδατε, 'you yourselves know') the reality of apostolic ministry. This appeal to personal knowledge counters opp...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
**II.**
(1) **For yourselves brethren, know.**—The writers’ purpose is practical, not didactic; they there-fore animate their converts with the stirring memories of their conversion. “We need not go to these foreign witnesses for the tale of how we came to you; for *you* recollect it as if it were yesterday.” The “for*”* (as in 1Thessalonians 1:8) implies “for in fact,” “for after all.” The though...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
22. Rather as Greek, "But if to live in the flesh (if), this (I say, the continuance in life which I am undervaluing) be the fruit of my labor (that is, be the condition in which the fruit of my ministerial labor is involved), then what I shall choose I know not (I cannot determine with myself, if the choice were given me, both alternatives being great goods alike)." So Alford and Ellicott. Bengel...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
Exhortations to a kind, humble spirit and behaviour.
(1-4)
The example of Christ.
(5-11)
Diligence in the affairs of salvation, and to be examples to the world.
(12-18)
The apostle's purpose of visiting Philippi.
(19-30)
**Verses 1-4**
Here are further exhortations to Christian duties; to like-mindedness and lowly-mindedness, acco...
Read full commentary →But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi</strong>—<em>propathontes kai hybristhentes</em> (προπαθόντες καὶ ὑβρισθέντες, 'having previously suffered and been shamefully treated') references Paul and Silas's beating, imprisonment, and public humiliation (Acts 16:22-24). Roman citizens were illegally stripped, beaten with rods, and imp...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **Even after** “what was enough to have scared others” (Bengel). Such men were not likely to be “vain.” The marks of their ill-treatment at Philippi were fresh upon them at Thessalonica (*as ye know*)*.* See Acts 16 and Acts 17:1.
**In our God.**—These words give the ground of their boldness—“in reliance on the God whom we felt to be in union with us.”
**With much contention.**—Rather, *in the...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**23. For--**The oldest manuscripts read, "But." "I know not (Php 1:22), BUT am in a strait (am perplexed) betwixt the two (namely, 'to live' and 'to die'), having the desire for departing (literally, 'to loose anchor,' 2Ti 4:6) and being with Christ; FOR (so the oldest manuscripts) it is by far better"; or as the Greek, more forcibly, "by far the more preferable"; a double comparative. This refut...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
Exhortations to a kind, humble spirit and behaviour.
(1-4)
The example of Christ.
(5-11)
Diligence in the affairs of salvation, and to be examples to the world.
(12-18)
The apostle's purpose of visiting Philippi.
(19-30)
**Verses 1-4**
Here are further exhortations to Christian duties; to like-mindedness and lowly-mindedness, acco...
Read full commentary →For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile</strong>—Paul defends against three accusations. <em>Planē</em> (πλάνη, 'deceit/error') suggests doctrinal falsehood; <em>akatharsias</em> (ἀκαθαρσίας, 'uncleanness') implies moral impurity, particularly sexual immorality common among traveling 'religious' teachers; <em>en dolō</em> (ἐν δόλῳ, 'in guile/trickery') indic...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) “The reason that we were able to endure so much was our consciousness of the sincerity and purity of our attention.”
**Exhortation.**—Exhortation is an attempt to make men take a particular line of action. “*Our* efforts to get men to act as we wish,” St. Paul says, “do not spring from a desire to dupe them,” etc. It is a question whether “of deceit” is the right rendering, or “of error,” “all...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**24. to abide--**to continue somewhat longer.
**for you--**Greek, "on your account"; "for your sake." In order to be of service to you, I am willing to forego my entrance a little sooner into blessedness; heaven will not fail to be mine at last.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
Exhortations to a kind, humble spirit and behaviour.
(1-4)
The example of Christ.
(5-11)
Diligence in the affairs of salvation, and to be examples to the world.
(12-18)
The apostle's purpose of visiting Philippi.
(19-30)
**Verses 1-4**
Here are further exhortations to Christian duties; to like-mindedness and lowly-mindedness, acco...
Read full commentary →But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak</strong>—<em>dedokimasmetha hypo tou Theou pisteutheēnai to euangelion</em> (δεδοκιμάσμεθα ὑπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ πιστευθῆναι τὸ εὐαγγέλιον, 'we have been tested by God to be entrusted with the gospel'). <em>Dokimazo</em> (δοκιμάζω) means 'to test/examine/approve' (used of testing metals for purity); God examined and ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **Were allowed.**—Rather, *have been, *and in 1Thessalonians 2:3 *is, *not “was.” St. Paul is arguing from his habitual practice. “But we speak after the manner of men who remember that God Himself has tried them, and has been satisfied to entrust the gospel to them, making it our business to please, not men, but God who thus tries our hearts” (1Corinthians 4:1-2). The word translated “allowed...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
25. Translate, "And being confident of this."
**I know, &c.--**by prophetical intimations of the Spirit. He did not yet know the issue, as far as human appearances were concerned (Php 2:23). He doubtless returned from his first captivity to Philippi (He 13:19; Phm 22).
**joy of faith--**Greek, "joy in your faith."
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
Exhortations to a kind, humble spirit and behaviour.
(1-4)
The example of Christ.
(5-11)
Diligence in the affairs of salvation, and to be examples to the world.
(12-18)
The apostle's purpose of visiting Philippi.
(19-30)
**Verses 1-4**
Here are further exhortations to Christian duties; to like-mindedness and lowly-mindedness, acco...
Read full commentary →For neither at any time used we flattering words , as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness</strong>—<em>en logō kolakeias</em> (ἐν λόγῳ κολακείας, 'in word of flattery') describes insincere praise designed to manipulate. Ancient sophists flattered wealthy patrons for financial support; Paul flatly denies this practice. <em>Prophasis pleonexias</em> (πρόφασις πλεονεξίας, 'pre...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **At any time.**—Not only during the stay at Thessalonica, but neither at Thessalonica nor elsewhere, as the next verse shows. But as the Thessalonians can only be appealed to as evidence for their own experience, the writers therefore call God Himself to witness. At the same time, the absence of flattering words was a thing of which human witnesses could judge; the freedom from covetous desig...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
26. Translate, "That your matter of glorying (or rejoicing) may abound in Christ Jesus in me (that is, in my case; in respect to me, or for me who have been granted to your prayers, Php 1:19) through my presence again among you." Alford makes the "matter of glorying," the possession of the Gospel, received from Paul, which would abound, be assured and increased, by his presence among them; thus, "...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-11**
The example of our Lord Jesus Christ is set before us. We must resemble him in his life, if we would have the benefit of his death. Notice the two natures of Christ; his Divine nature, and human nature. Who being in the form of God, partaking the Divine nature, as the eternal and only-begotten Son of God, Joh 1:1, had not thought it a robbery to be equal with God, and to receiv...
Read full commentary →Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome , as the apostles of Christ. been: or, used authority
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others</strong>—<em>zētountes ex anthrōpōn doxan</em> (ζητοῦντες ἐξ ἀνθρώπων δόξαν, 'seeking glory from people') describes the fundamental temptation in ministry: using service for self-promotion. Paul didn't seek <em>doxa</em> (glory/honor/reputation) from the Thessalonians ('neither of you') or other churches ('nor yet of others'). T...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **Glory**—*i.e., recognition of our splendid position, *as in the phrase “giving glory to God,” *i.e., “*recognising Him for what He is,” John 5:44. (Comp. John 12:43; Romans 2:29; 1Corinthians 4:5.)
**Been burdensome.**—The marginal reading is on the whole preferable. The original is, *might have been in weight*—*i.e., *“have dealt heavily with you,” in all the pomp of apostolic dignity, maki...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**27. Only--**Whatever happens as to my coming to you, or not, make this your one only care. By supposing this or that future contingency, many persuade themselves they will be such as they ought to be, but it is better always without evasion to perform present duties under present circumstances [Bengel].
**let your conversation be--**(Compare Php 3:20). The Greek implies, "Let your walk as citi...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-11**
The example of our Lord Jesus Christ is set before us. We must resemble him in his life, if we would have the benefit of his death. Notice the two natures of Christ; his Divine nature, and human nature. Who being in the form of God, partaking the Divine nature, as the eternal and only-begotten Son of God, Joh 1:1, had not thought it a robbery to be equal with God, and to receiv...
Read full commentary →But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children</strong>—<em>ēpioi</em> (ἤπιοι, 'gentle') contrasts sharply with potential harshness or authoritarianism. The metaphor shifts dramatically: <em>trophos thalpē ta heautēs tekna</em> (τροφὸς θάλπῃ τὰ ἑαυτῆς τέκνα, 'a nursing mother cherishes her own children'). <em>Trophos</em> indicates a wet nurse nursing her own infant,...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **Among you.**—Rather, *in the midst of you, *making the gentleness still more marked. “Her,” in the Greek emphatically *her own.* The contrast is drawn between the charlatan, licentious, sophistical, fawning, greedy, vainglorious teachers, to whom Greeks were well accustomed, and the Apostles, sitting familiarly like mothers amidst a group of their own children, folding them for warmth to the...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**28. terrified--**literally, said of horses or other animals startled or suddenly scared; so of sudden consternation in general.
**which--**your not being terrified.
**evident token of perdition--**if they would only perceive it (2Th 1:5). It attests this, that in contending hopelessly against you, they are only rushing on to their own perdition, not shaking your united faith and constancy.
...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-11**
The example of our Lord Jesus Christ is set before us. We must resemble him in his life, if we would have the benefit of his death. Notice the two natures of Christ; his Divine nature, and human nature. Who being in the form of God, partaking the Divine nature, as the eternal and only-begotten Son of God, Joh 1:1, had not thought it a robbery to be equal with God, and to receiv...
Read full commentary →So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls</strong>—<em>homeir omenoi hymōn</em> (ὁμειρόμενοι ὑμῶν, 'yearning affectionately for you') is an extremely rare verb (possibly coined by Paul) indicating intense longing, tender affection. The phrase <em>eudokoumen metadounai hymin ou monon to euangelion t...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **So** means hero *even so, *confirming the simile, and is not to be taken in the sense of “therefore.”
**Not the gospel of God only.**—The gospel was, as it were, the milk given to the young converts; but the nursing mothers were ready to let them draw their very life away, so dearly did they love them.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**29. For--**rather, a proof that this is an evident token from God of your salvation, "Because," &c.
**it is given--**Greek, "it has been granted as a favor," or "gift of grace." Faith is the gift of God (Ep 2:8), not wrought in the soul by the will of man, but by the Holy Ghost (Joh 1:12, 13).
**believe on him--**"To believe Him," would merely mean to believe He speaks the truth. "To bel...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-11**
The example of our Lord Jesus Christ is set before us. We must resemble him in his life, if we would have the benefit of his death. Notice the two natures of Christ; his Divine nature, and human nature. Who being in the form of God, partaking the Divine nature, as the eternal and only-begotten Son of God, Joh 1:1, had not thought it a robbery to be equal with God, and to receiv...
Read full commentary →For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God</strong>—<em>kopon kai mochthon</em> (κόπον καὶ μόχθον, 'labor and toil') indicates exhausting work unto weariness. Paul worked <em>nykta kai hēmeran ergazomenoi</em> (νύκτα καὶ ἡμέραν ἐργαζόμενοι, 'working night and day'...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **For.**—As in 1Thessalonians 2:1, the general principles of the foregoing verses are supported by facts which the Thessalonians will remember. If the word attaches itself to any particular phrase, it is to “impart our own souls,” “we were ready to die for you; indeed, you remember how we worked ourselves almost to death.”
**Labour and travail**—not mere synonyms here: the first describes the ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**30. ye saw in me--**(Ac 16:12, 19, &c.; 1Th 2:2). I am "in nothing terrified by mine adversaries" (Php 1:29), so ought not ye. The words here, "ye saw ... and ... hear," answer to "I come and see you, or else ... hear" (Php 1:27).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-11**
The example of our Lord Jesus Christ is set before us. We must resemble him in his life, if we would have the benefit of his death. Notice the two natures of Christ; his Divine nature, and human nature. Who being in the form of God, partaking the Divine nature, as the eternal and only-begotten Son of God, Joh 1:1, had not thought it a robbery to be equal with God, and to receiv...
Read full commentary →Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe</strong>—Paul again appeals to dual witnesses: the Thessalonians (for observable conduct) and God (for heart motives). The adverbial trilogy describes comprehensive integrity: <em>hosiōs</em> (ὁσίως, 'holily') indicates piety toward God, keeping divine commandments; <em>dikaiōs...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) **Ye are witnesses.**—Abruptly, without conjunction, the writers add a summary description of their conduct at Thessalonica; before, they had dwelt on details, now, on the broad characteristics. As in 1Thessalonians 2:5, *God* is appealed to, because the readers could only judge of the outward propriety of their teachers’ conduct; and it is a moral law that (as Aristotle says) “the righteous ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-11**
The example of our Lord Jesus Christ is set before us. We must resemble him in his life, if we would have the benefit of his death. Notice the two natures of Christ; his Divine nature, and human nature. Who being in the form of God, partaking the Divine nature, as the eternal and only-begotten Son of God, Joh 1:1, had not thought it a robbery to be equal with God, and to receiv...
Read full commentary →As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you , as a father doth his children,
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children</strong>—the metaphor shifts from nursing mother (v. 7) to instructing father, revealing ministry's comprehensive nature. <em>Parakaloumen kai paramythoumenoi kai martyromenoi</em> (παρακαλοῦμεν καὶ παραμυθούμενοι καὶ μαρτυρόμενοι) describes threefold ministry: <em>parakaloun</em> (exhort/e...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **As** (emphatic):” *we* lived holily—just (in fact) as you remember we tried to induce each one of *you* to live.”
**Every one,—**Now they appeal to the *individual* recollection of the Thessalonians. It gives us an incidental glimpse of the apostolic method,—which was, to deal with individual souls. (Comp. Acts 20:20; Acts 20:31; Colossians 1:21.) St. Chrysostom exclaims: “Fancy! not one in...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 2 Php 2:1-30. Continued Exhortation: To Unity: To Humility after Christ's Example, Whose Glory Followed His Humiliation: To Earnestness in Seeking Perfection, that They May Be His Joy in the Day of Christ: His Joyful Readiness to Be Offered Now by Death, so as to Promote Their Faith. His Intention to Send Timothy: His Sending Epaphroditus Meantime.
1. The "therefore" implies that he is he...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-11**
The example of our Lord Jesus Christ is set before us. We must resemble him in his life, if we would have the benefit of his death. Notice the two natures of Christ; his Divine nature, and human nature. Who being in the form of God, partaking the Divine nature, as the eternal and only-begotten Son of God, Joh 1:1, had not thought it a robbery to be equal with God, and to receiv...
Read full commentary →That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory</strong>—<em>peripatein axiōs tou Theou</em> (περιπατεῖν ἀξίως τοῦ Θεοῦ, 'to walk worthily of God') summarizes Christian ethics: conduct corresponding to identity. <em>Peripatein</em> (walk) indicates lifestyle, not isolated acts; <em>axiōs</em> (worthily) means 'in a manner weighing equally,' like balancing s...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **Hath called.**—The right reading is, *was calling, *which has been altered because of the slight theological difficulty, on the analogy of Galatians 1:6, etc. The call is not simply a momentary act, but a *continual* beckoning upwards, until the privileges offered are actually attained. The Thessalonians at that time, though already by baptism members of the kingdom (Colossians 1:13), were ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2. Fulfil--**that is, Make full. I have joy in you, complete it by that which is still wanting, namely, unity (Php 1:9).
**likeminded--**literally, "that ye be of the same mind"; more general than the following "of one mind."
**having the same love--**equally disposed to love and be loved.
**being of one accord--**literally, "with united souls." This pairs with the following clause, thus, ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-18**
We must be diligent in the use of all the means which lead to our salvation, persevering therein to the end. With great care, lest, with all our advantages, we should come short. Work out your salvation, for it is God who worketh in you. This encourages us to do our utmost, because our labour shall not be in vain: we must still depend on the grace of God. The working of God's ...
Read full commentary →Thanksgiving for Reception of the Gospel
For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye 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 believe.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God</strong>—<em>paralabontes logon akoēs par' hēmōn tou Theou edexasthe ou logon anthrōpōn alla kathōs estin alēthōs logon Theou</em> (παραλαβόντες λόγον ἀκοῆς παρ' ἡμῶν τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐδέξασθε οὐ λόγον ἀνθρώπ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) The first part of this chapter draws attention to the *Apostles’* part in the conversion of Thessalonica. From this point (roughly speaking) to the end of 1 Thessalonians 3, the action of the *converts* is the chief subject.
This verse differs from the original in several particulars of more or less importance. Literally translated, it would run thus: *And for this cause we too thank God unce...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3. Let nothing be done--**The italicized words are not in the Greek. Perhaps the ellipsis had better be supplied from the Greek (Php 2:2), "Thinking nothing in the way of strife" (or rather, "factious intrigue," "self-seeking," see on Php 1:16). It is the thought which characterizes the action as good or bad before God.
**lowliness of mind--**The direct relation of this grace is to God alone; ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-18**
We must be diligent in the use of all the means which lead to our salvation, persevering therein to the end. With great care, lest, with all our advantages, we should come short. Work out your salvation, for it is God who worketh in you. This encourages us to do our utmost, because our labour shall not be in vain: we must still depend on the grace of God. The working of God's ...
Read full commentary →For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews</strong>—<em>mimētai egenēthēte</em> (μιμηταὶ ἐγενήθητε, 'became imitators') connects Thessalonian suffering with Jerusalem church persecution. <em>Ta auta epathete kai hymeis hypo tōn idiōn symphyletōn ka...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **For ye.**—“The effectual power of this word upon you is shown in your joining the Church in spite of such difficulties.”
**Followers.**—Better, *imitators.* The churches of Judæa are probably selected for example, not only as being the oldest and best-organised churches, but the most afflicted, both by want (Acts 11:29; Acts 24:17; Romans 15:26), and (chiefly) by persecution from the “Jews....
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
4. The oldest manuscripts read, "Not looking each of you (plural, Greek) on his own things (that is, not having regard solely to them), but each of you on the things of others" also. Compare Php 2:21; also Paul's own example (Php 1:24).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-18**
We must be diligent in the use of all the means which lead to our salvation, persevering therein to the end. With great care, lest, with all our advantages, we should come short. Work out your salvation, for it is God who worketh in you. This encourages us to do our utmost, because our labour shall not be in vain: we must still depend on the grace of God. The working of God's ...
Read full commentary →Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men: persecuted us: or, chased us out
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men</strong>—Paul indicts unbelieving Jews (not all Jews, but specifically those who reject Christ) with four charges: (1) killing Jesus (<em>kai ton Kyrion apokteninantōn Iēsoun</em>, καὶ τὸν Κύριον ἀποκτείνάντων Ἰησοῦν), (2) killing prophets (<em>kai tous proph...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **Who both killed.**—A tremendous invective against the Jews, the purpose of which is (1) to show the deep sympathy of St. Paul with the persecuted Thessalonians, and his indignation against the persecutors; (2) to make them see still more deeply the value of their faith by the efforts made to keep it from them. Objection is often made to St. John’s Gospel on the ground that no born Jew could...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
5. The oldest manuscripts read, "Have this mind in you," &c. He does not put forward himself (see on Php 2:4, and Php 1:24) as an example, but Christ, THE ONE pre-eminently who sought not His own, but "humbled Himself" (Php 2:8), first in taking on Him our nature, secondly, in humbling Himself further in that nature (Ro 15:3).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-18**
We must be diligent in the use of all the means which lead to our salvation, persevering therein to the end. With great care, lest, with all our advantages, we should come short. Work out your salvation, for it is God who worketh in you. This encourages us to do our utmost, because our labour shall not be in vain: we must still depend on the grace of God. The working of God's ...
Read full commentary →Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.
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<strong>Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost</strong>—<em>kōlyontōn hēmas tois ethnesin lalēsai hina sōthōsin</em> (κωλυόντων ἡμᾶς τοῖς ἔθνεσιν λαλῆσαι ἵνα σωθῶσιν, 'hindering us from speaking to Gentiles that they might be saved'). Israel's covenant purpose was blessing nations (Gen 12:3); pr...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles.**—The Apostle indicates the special way in which their contrariety showed itself.
**To fill up.**—Literally, *unto the filling up.* Not exactly their *intention* in forbidding, but, the end to which such conduct was steadily (“alway”) tending. (Again comp. Acts 7:51, and Matthew 23:32.) St. Paul seems to mean that there may be a certain sum of wickedn...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
6. Translate, "Who subsisting (or existing, namely, originally: the Greek is not the simple substantive verb, 'to be') in the form of God (the divine essence is not meant: but the external self-manifesting characteristics of God, the form shining forth from His glorious essence). The divine nature had infinite BEAUTY in itself, even without any creature contemplating that beauty: that beauty was '...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-18**
We must be diligent in the use of all the means which lead to our salvation, persevering therein to the end. With great care, lest, with all our advantages, we should come short. Work out your salvation, for it is God who worketh in you. This encourages us to do our utmost, because our labour shall not be in vain: we must still depend on the grace of God. The working of God's ...
Read full commentary →Paul's Longing to See the Thessalonians
But we, 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.
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<strong>But we, 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</strong>—<em>hēmeis de, adelphoi, aporphanisthentes aph' hymōn pros kairon hōras proospō ou kardia</em> (ἡμεῖς δέ, ἀδελφοί, ἀπορφανισθέντες ἀφ' ὑμῶν πρὸς καιρὸν ὥρας προσώπῳ οὐ καρδίᾳ, 'but we, brothers, having been orphaned from you for a sh...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) **But we, brethren.**—Now comes a change of subject: no longer the memories of the time when St. Paul was among them, but his hopes and fears about them since he left.
“But while you were being persecuted by these reprobate Jews, we, who were driven away from you, were longing to come back to see whether your faith was such an effectual working faith as to support you through it all.”
**Taken...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7. made himself of no reputation, and ... and--**rather as the Greek, "emptied Himself, taking upon him the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men." The two latter clauses (there being no conjunctions, "and ... and," in the Greek) expresses in what Christ's "emptying of Himself" consists, namely, in "taking the form of a servant" (see on He 10:5; compare Ex 21:5, 6, and Psa 40:6, p...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-18**
We must be diligent in the use of all the means which lead to our salvation, persevering therein to the end. With great care, lest, with all our advantages, we should come short. Work out your salvation, for it is God who worketh in you. This encourages us to do our utmost, because our labour shall not be in vain: we must still depend on the grace of God. The working of God's ...
Read full commentary →Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.
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<strong>Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us</strong>—<em>dioti ēthelessamen elthein pros hymas, egō men Paulos kai hapax kai dis, kai enekopsen hēmas ho Satanas</em> (διότι ἠθελήσαμεν ἐλθεῖν πρὸς ὑμᾶς, ἐγὼ μὲν Παῦλος καὶ ἅπαξ καὶ δίς, καὶ ἐνέκοψεν ἡμᾶς ὁ Σατανᾶς, 'because we desired to come to you, even I Paul both once and twice, but Satan hin...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18) **We would.**—Not merely a conditional tense, but “we were ready to come—meant to come.”
**Even I Paul.**—Rather, *that is to say, I; Paul, *not as if it were a great thing that one like *him* should have such a wish, but showing that Silas and Timothy had not shared his intention. Why had they not? The answer shows the minute truthfulness of the Acts. Timothy, apparently, did not at first *l...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8. being found in fashion as a man--**being already, by His "emptying Himself," in the form of a servant, or likeness of man (Ro 8:3), "He humbled Himself (still further by) becoming obedient even unto death (not as English Version, 'He humbled Himself and became,'&c.; the Greek has no 'and,' and has the participle, not the verb), and that the death of the cross." "Fashion" expresses that He...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-18**
We must be diligent in the use of all the means which lead to our salvation, persevering therein to the end. With great care, lest, with all our advantages, we should come short. Work out your salvation, for it is God who worketh in you. This encourages us to do our utmost, because our labour shall not be in vain: we must still depend on the grace of God. The working of God's ...
Read full commentary →For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? rejoicing: or, glorying
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<strong>For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?</strong>—<em>tis gar hēmōn elpis ē chara ē stephanos kauchēseōs ē ouchi kai hymeis emprosthen tou Kyriou hēmōn Iēsou en tē autou parousia</em> (τίς γὰρ ἡμῶν ἐλπὶς ἢ χαρὰ ἢ στέφανος καυχήσεως ἢ οὐχὶ καὶ ὑμεῖς ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ ἐν τῇ αὐτοῦ παρουσίᾳ; 'For ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19) “We were most anxious to come and stablish you for we should lose all our hope and joy and honours if Christ should come and we should have lost you.”
**Our hope**—*i.e., *the object on which our hopes are centered.
**Crown of rejoicing.**—Or, *of boasting;* “crown that we are proud to wear,” like victors in the games For the meaning of such phrases, see Note on 1Thessalonians 1:3
**Even ye**...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**9. Wherefore--**as the just consequence of His self-humiliation and obedience (Psa 8:5, 6; 110:1, 7; Mt 28:18; Lu 24:26; Joh 5:27; 10:17; Ro 14:9; Ep 1:20-22; He 2:9). An intimation, that if we would hereafter be exalted, we too must, after His example, now humble ourselves (Php 2:3, 5; Php 3:21; 1Pe 5:5, 6). Christ emptied Christ; God exalted Christ as man to equality with God [Bengel].
**hig...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-30**
It is best with us, when our duty becomes natural to us. Naturally, that is, sincerely, and not in pretence only; with a willing heart and upright views. We are apt to prefer our own credit, ease, and safety, before truth, holiness, and duty; but Timothy did not so. Paul desired liberty, not that he might take pleasure, but that he might do good. Epaphroditus was willing to go...
Read full commentary →For ye are our glory and joy.
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<strong>For ye are our glory and joy</strong>—<em>hymeis gar este hē doxa hēmōn kai hē chara</em> (ὑμεῖς γάρ ἐστε ἡ δόξα ἡμῶν καὶ ἡ χαρά, 'for you are our glory and our joy'). This emphatic declaration (note the Greek word order emphasizing 'you') summarizes Paul's pastoral affection. <em>Doxa</em> (glory) indicates honor, splendor, radiance—the Thessalonians' faithful perseverance brought honor t...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10. at the name--**rather as Greek, "in the name."
**bow--**rather, "bend," in token of worship. Referring to Is 45:23; quoted also in Ro 14:11. To worship "in the name of Jesus," is to worship Jesus Himself (compare Php 2:11; Pr 18:10), or God in Christ (Joh 16:23; Ep 3:14). Compare "Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord (that is, whosoever shall call on the Lord in His revealed char...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-30**
It is best with us, when our duty becomes natural to us. Naturally, that is, sincerely, and not in pretence only; with a willing heart and upright views. We are apt to prefer our own credit, ease, and safety, before truth, holiness, and duty; but Timothy did not so. Paul desired liberty, not that he might take pleasure, but that he might do good. Epaphroditus was willing to go...
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