I 3. THE OocAsroN OF THE ErrsTLL Paul, driven from Thei-salonica, had repaired to Bercea., but from this also he had been compelled to depart by the machinations of the Jews of Thl'ssa]onica (Acts nii. 13, 14). He had learned that the persecution which had arisen during bis presence was continued in his absence (ob. ii. 14). And henoe be was filled with anxiety about his Thessalonian converts. He knew that by reason of the shortness of his residence they were only partially instructed in Christianity, and he naturally feared t.hat they might fall from the faith. Twice he had planned to visit them; hut circumstances had prevented him (eh. ii. 18). Accordingly, no longer able to master his anxiety, he sent his fellow-labourer Timothy, either from Bercea or Athens, to ascertain their state (eh. iii. 1, 2). Paul, meanwhile, had repaired from Bercea to Athens, and thence to Corinth; and there Timothy joined him, and the information which he brought was the occasion of this Epistle. That information was upon the whole consolatory and satisfactory. Timothy brought good tidings of the faith and charity of the Thessalonians, of their affectionate regard for the apostle, and of their earnest desire to see him. The Thessalonians, in spite of the persecution which they endured., continued steadfast to the faith ; they were examples to all that believed in Thessalonica and Achaia ( eh. i. 7 ; iii. 6, 7). But, however favourable this report of Timothy, there were still many defects to supply, many erron to correct, and many evil practices to reform. The religious knowledge of the Thessalonians was defective; their religion had partially degenerated into fanaticism ; and especially they were filled with excitement under the persuasion of the immediate coming of Christ. Some of them had neglected their worldly duties and had sunk into an indolent inactivity (eh. iv. 11, 12). It would appear that some of the converts had died, and their friends were distressed on their account, lest th~y should forfeit the blessings to be bestowed at the advent of Christ ( eh. iv. 13). Nor had the Thessalonia.ns entirely detached themselves from the vices of their former heathen state. The apostle had to warn them against sensuality, that vice so prevalent among the Gentiles; and he had to rebuke t.he covetousness of some as well as the indolence of others ( eh. iv. 1-7). With regard to its contents, the Epistle is divided into two part.a: the first, comprehending the first three chapters, may be termed historical; the second, including the two last chapters, is practi,,al. 'l'he apostle, after saluting the Thessalonians, renders thanks to God for the entrance of the gospel among them, for the mighty efficacy with whioh it was accompanied, and for the steadfastness of their faith (eh. i.). He alludes to his demeanour when in Thessalonica; how, notwithstanding his shameful treatwent at Philippi, he had preached the gospel among them amid much 'IOnt.ention; bow he had sought neither their money nor their applause, but,. 'fHE FIRST EPISTLE 'fO THE THESBALONIANS. 'Iii
aotuated by the purest motives, had laboured incessantly for their spiritual welfare, and was ready to sacrifice himself for them (eh. ii.). He mentions the exlreme anxiety he had on their account, the mission of Timothy to them, and the great satisfaction he experienced at the information which Timothy brought of the steadfastness of their faith and the abundance of their charity (eh. iii.). He then exhorts them to continue in holiness, carefully to a.void the lusts of the Gentiles who knew not God, and, instead of being led a.way by excitement as if the advent of Christ was at hand, to be diligent in the performance of their earthly duties. He comforts them concerning the fate of their departed friends, and exhorts them to be watchful and prepared for the coming of the Lord (eh. iv.). Then follow a. series of detached exhortations to cultivate the virtues of Chri:stia.nity, and the Epistle concludes with the apostolic benediction (eh. v.).
f "· THE DATB 01' THE EPISTL& When Paul and Silas left Thessalonica, they came t.o Berma; Timothy probably remained behind, but he also soon joined them. Paul left them both at Berooa, and proceeded alone to Athens. Timothy was probably sent from Berooa back to Thessalonica to confirm the Church there, though some suppose thaL this mission took place from Athens. At Athens Paul intended to remain until his companions joined him; he sent a message to Silas and Timothy to come to him with all speed (Acts xvii. 14, 15). It would, however, appear that he left Athens without them ; unforeseen circum- stances had prevented them complying with his request, and they did not rejoin him until his arrival at Corinth. Now, as the Epistle is written in the joint names of Paul, Silvanus, and Timotheus, it is evident that it was not composed until all three met together at Corinth. Some time also must have elapsed between the planting of Christianity in Thessalonica and the writing of this Epistle. Paul had twice attempted to visit them; Timothy had been sent by the apostle and had returned from his mission ; and the faith of the Thessalonians had been spread a.broad throughout Macedonia and Achaia ( eh. i. 7, 8). The interval, however, could not have been long. Timothy returned at the commencement of Paul's residence at Corinth; and Lhe apostle's anxiety for the Thessalonians would induce him to write the Epistle immediately on his receiving the information. He speaks of his absence from them as having as yet lasted only a short time. "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" (eh. ii. 17). We may, therefore, safely fix the time of the composition of the Epistle toward the olose of the year 52 or the beginning of the year 53, and during the early part of Paul's residence at Corinth, a.bout six months after the planting ot' Christianity in Thessalonica. Accordingly tl111 place of writing was Corinth. In our New Testaiuent, viii I:-.TRODUCTION TO