mersed in the world labour of their own accord. The admoni tion increases in force at 2 Thess. iii. 6, 7.
12. Evffxwovug, becomingly) Lest men should be able to say that Christianity leads to sloth and poverty. The opposite is the disorderly (unruly), v. 14 ; 2 Thess. iii. 6. — pvifavbs) of nothing, which you require to solicit from those without. This is the highest degree of svwopia, i.e. freedom from entanglement in matters of property, and is to be desired by a Christian, on account of the liberty which it bestows.
13.1 "Iva fj,fj Xucr3j<r0e, that ye sorrow not) for those who have lately died, being in the faith ; for hope in regard to them is well-grounded [is a valid hope]. The efficacy of the Christian religion is even in an especial degree evident from this circum stance, that it does not take away or embitter, but sweetly soothes (modifies), regret for the dead ; the finest of the affec tions, whether their death has taken place recently or in former times.2
14. r&p, for) The Scripture, from among so many topics of consolation in regard to death, generally brings forward this one concerning the resurrection, as principal and pre-eminent. — air'sQavt, died) This word is usually applied to Christ ; whereas to fall asleep is applied to believers, 1 Cor. xv. 3, 6, 18, 20, 51. — ourw) in like manner, as Jesus Himself rose, so we believe that we shall be conducted alive by the path of death. — dta roZ 'ijjtfoD, in Jesus) This is construed with xoifJLVjfevrasf who have fallen asleep. For the verb, will lead [bring], which follows, has accordingly the with Him standing in apposition, and answering to the words, dia rov 'l^jaoD, in Jesus.
15. 'YftTv) To you, who are worthy of knowing this. — Xeyo/Aw sv Xo'y^o Kvpiov, we say by the word of the Lord) The Lord, the Christ, has spoken to us ; we have spoken to you : comp. 1 Kings xx. 35, nirp "1113, lv xdy^ Kup/ou, by the word of the Lord. Phrases such as these are used in respect of a matter which is now for the first time opened up (disclosed). [Many
1 IIspl TUV xtxoifAYiptvuv, concerning those ivho have fallen asleep) This is consolation offered in a case of recent grief, — not for those who have been long dead. — Not. Grit.
2 'EXTT/Sa, hope) and joy. — V. g.
8 Lit. Those lulled to sleep by Jesus. — ED.