1, TiauXo^ Paul) Paul, in this epistle, which was the first of all that he wrote, uses neither the title of an apostle, nor any other, because he writes most familiarly to the godly Thes- salonians, who did not require a preface regarding his apostolic authority, ch. ii. 6.
The divisions of the epistle are as follows : —
I. THE INSCRIPTION, i. 1.
II. In the course of the discussion, he celebrates
(makes honourable mention of) the grace of God towards the Thessalonians, ver. 2, et seqq. ; adding a notice of the sincerity of him self and his colleagues, ii. 1 ; and of the obedience of the Thessalonians, . . 13, 14
III. He then declares,
1. His desire, . . . . ii. 17
2. His solicitude, . . . . iii. 1
3. His joy, with his prayer, . 6, 7, 10, 11
IV. He exhorts them to progress,
1. In holiness, . . . . iv. 1, 2
2. In brotherly love, combined with pru dence, . . . 9, 10, 11, 12
V. He teaches and exhorts them,
1. Concerning them that are asleep, 13, 14
2. Concerning the times, . . v. 1, 2
VI. He adds miscellaneous exhortations, v. 12, 13,
14, 15 ; with prayer and consolation, . 23, 24
There is a kind of unmingled sweetness in this epistle, which, by a reader not accustomed to the expression of sweet affections, is less relished than the others, that act upon the palate with a certain degree of harshness. The expectation of the coming of Christ among the Thessalonians was unclouded. So exalted was their condition, and so clear of impediments and encum brances (unencumbered) was the state of Christianity among them, that they were able hourly to look for the Lord Jesus. The epistles to them were written before the others ; afterwards various evils crept into the churches. — ©sovraXov/xswy, of the Thes salonians) Jac. Mehrningius says, " In the memory of our fathers, there were two Greeks, first among the Moravian brethren, afterwards in Belgium, who asserted, that even now both of St Paul's epistles to the Thessalonians are well preserved by them in autograph." — Hist, baptismi, A. 1647, Germanice edita, p. 739. — ev, in) Union with God is indicated.
2. Mvsiav — ad/aXs/Vrwg, mention — unceasingly) Comp. Rom. i. 9 ; 2 Tim. i. 3.
3. 'Ypuv, your) This depends on rJjg T/crrtws, of faith) etc. — spyov — xoVou — virofjuniiS) work — labour — patience) These have the force of epithets, joined to i faith', i love,' ' hope.' Work is opposed to mere empty words \_lv Xoyy fjt,6w», in word only^ ver. 5], and in the singular signifies something lasting and efficacious, which faith has in itself, exercising itself in the very fact of be-