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<center><h1>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary
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on the Whole Bible</h1>
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[<A HREF="MHC00000.HTM">Table of Contents</A>]<BR>
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Matthew Henry<BR><I>Commentary on the Whole Bible</I> (1721)
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<!-- (Begin Body) -->
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<CENTER>
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+3><B>F I R S T T H E S S A L O N I A N S.</B></FONT>
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<BR>
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+2>CHAP. II.</FONT>
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<HR SIZE=1 WIDTH=50>
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</CENTER>
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<FONT SIZE=-1>
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<P>
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In this chapter the apostle puts the Thessalonians in mind of the
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manner of his preaching among them,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Th+2:1-6">ver. 1-6</A>.
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Then of the manner of his conversation among them,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Th+2:7-12">ver. 7-12</A>.
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Afterwards of the success of his ministry, with the effects both on
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himself and on them
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Th+2:13-16">ver. 13-16</A>),
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and then apologizes for his absence,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Th+2:17-20">ver. 17-20</A>.</P>
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</FONT>
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<A NAME="1Th2_1"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Th2_2"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Th2_3"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Th2_4"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Th2_5"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Th2_6"> </A>
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<A NAME="Sec1"> </A>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>The Primitive Ministers.</I></FONT></TD>
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<TD ALIGN=RIGHT VALIGN=BOTTOM><FONT SIZE=-1>A. D.</FONT> 51.</TD></TR>
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<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
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</TABLE>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>1 For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that
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it was not in vain:
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2 But even after that we had suffered before, and were
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shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in
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our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.
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3 For our exhortation <I>was</I> not of deceit, nor of uncleanness,
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nor in guile:
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4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the
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gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which
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trieth our hearts.
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5 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know,
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nor a cloak of covetousness; God <I>is</I> witness:
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6 Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor <I>yet</I> of
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others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of
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Christ.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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Here we have an account of Paul's manner of preaching, and his
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comfortable reflection upon his entrance in among the Thessalonians. As
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he had the testimony of his own conscience witnessing to his integrity,
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so he could appeal to the Thessalonians how faithful he, and Silas, and
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Timotheus, his helpers in the work of the Lord, had discharged their
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office: <I>You yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you.</I>
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Note, It is a great comfort to a minister to have his own conscience
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and the consciences of others witnessing for him that he set out well,
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with good designs and from good principles; and that <I>his preaching
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was not in vain,</I> or, as some read it, <I>was not fain.</I> The
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apostle here comforts himself either in the success of his ministry,
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that it was not fruitless or in vain (according to our translation), or
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as others think, reflecting upon the sincerity of his preaching, that
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it was not vain and empty, or deceitful and treacherous. The
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subject-matter of the apostle's preaching was not vain and idle
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speculations about useless niceties and foolish questions, but sound
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and solid truth, such as was most likely to profit his hearers. A good
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example this is, to be imitated by all the ministers of the gospel.
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Much less was the apostle's preaching vain or deceitful. He could say
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to these Thessalonians what he told the Corinthians
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+4:2">2 Cor. iv. 2</A>):
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<I>We have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in
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craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully.</I> He had no
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sinister or worldly design in his preaching, which he puts them in mind
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to have been,</P>
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<P>
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I. With courage and resolution: <I>We were bold in our God to speak
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unto you the gospel of God,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Th+2:2"><I>v.</I> 2</A>.
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The apostle was inspired with a holy boldness, nor was he discouraged
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at the afflictions he met with, or the opposition that was made against
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him. He had met with ill usage at Philippi, as these Thessalonians
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well knew. There it was that he and Silas were shamefully treated,
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being put in the stocks; yet no sooner were they set at liberty than
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they went to Thessalonica, and preached the gospel with as much
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boldness as ever. Note, Suffering in a good cause should rather sharpen
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than blunt the edge of holy resolution. The gospel of Christ, at its
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first setting out in the world, met with much opposition; and those who
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preached it preached it <I>with contention,</I> with great agony, which
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denoted either the apostles' striving in their preaching or their
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striving against the opposition they met with. This was Paul's comfort;
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he was neither daunted in his work, nor driven from it.</P>
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<P>
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II. With great simplicity and godly sincerity: <I>Our exhortation was
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not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Th+2:3"><I>v.</I> 3</A>.
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This, no doubt, was matter of the greatest comfort to the apostle--the
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consciousness of his own sincerity; and was one reason of his success.
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It was the sincere and uncorrupted gospel that he preached and exhorted
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them to believe and obey. His design was not to set up a faction, to
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draw men over to a party, but to promote <I>pure religion and undefiled
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before God and the Father.</I> The gospel he preached was without
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deceit, it was true and faithful; it was not fallacious, nor a
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cunningly-devised fable. Nor was it of uncleanness. His gospel was pure
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and holy, worthy of its holy author, tending to discountenance all
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manner of impurity. <I>The word of God is pure.</I> There should be no
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corrupt mixtures therewith; and, as the matter of the apostle's
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exhortation was thus true and pure, the manner of his speaking was
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without guile. He did not pretend one thing and intend another. <I>He
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believed, and therefore he spoke.</I> He had no sinister and secular
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aims and views, but was in reality what he seemed to be. The apostle
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not only asserts his sincerity, but subjoins the reasons and evidences
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thereof. The reasons are contained,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Th+2:4"><I>v.</I> 4</A>.</P>
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<P>
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1. They were stewards, <I>put in trust</I> with the gospel: and it is
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required of a steward that he be faithful. The gospel which Paul
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preached was not his own, but the gospel of God. Note, Ministers have a
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great favour shown them, and honour put upon them, and trust committed
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to them. They must not dare to corrupt the word of God: they must
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diligently make use of what is entrusted with them, so as God hath
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allowed and commanded, knowing they shall be called to an account, when
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they must be no longer stewards.</P>
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<P>
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2. Their design was to please God and not men. God is a God of truth,
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and requires truth in the inward parts; and, if sincerity be wanting,
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all that we do cannot please God. The gospel of Christ is not
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accommodated to the fain fancies and lusts of men, to gratify their
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appetites and passions; but, on the contrary, it was designed for the
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mortifying of their corrupt affections, and delivering them from the
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power of fancy, that they might be brought under the power of faith.
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<I>If I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ga+1:10">Gal. i. 10</A>.</P>
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<P>
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3. They acted under the consideration of God's omniscience, as in the
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sight of him who <I>tries our hearts.</I> This is indeed the great
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motive to sincerity, to consider that God not only seeth all that we
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do, but knoweth our thoughts afar off, and searcheth the heart. He is
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well acquainted with all our aims and designs, as well as our actions.
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And it is from this God who trieth our hearts that we must receive our
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reward. The evidences of the apostle's sincerity follow; and they are
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these:--
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(1.) He avoided flattery: <I>Neither at any time used we flattering
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words, as you know,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Th+2:5"><I>v.</I> 5</A>.
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He and his fellow-labourers preached Christ and him crucified, and did
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not aim to gain an interest in men's affections for themselves, by
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glorying, and fawning and wheedling them. No, he was far from this;
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nor did he flatter men in their sins; nor tell them, if they would be
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of his party, they might live as they listed. He did not flatter them
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with fain hopes, nor indulge them in any evil work or way, promising
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them life, and so <I>daubing with untempered mortar.</I>
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(2.) He avoided covetousness. He did not make the ministry <I>a
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cloak,</I> or a covering, for <I>covetousness, as God was witness,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Th+2:5"><I>v.</I> 5</A>.
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His design was not to enrich himself by preaching the gospel; so far
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from this, he did not stipulate with them for bread. He was not like
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the false apostles, who, <I>through covetousness, with feigned words
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made merchandise</I> of the people,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Pe+2:3">2 Pet. ii. 3</A>.
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(3.) He avoided ambition and vain-glory: <I>Nor of men sought we glory,
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neither of you nor yet of others,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Th+2:6"><I>v.</I> 6</A>.
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They expected neither people's purses nor their caps, neither to be
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enriched by them nor caressed, and adored, and called Rabbi by them.
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This apostle exhorts the Galatians
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ga+5:26"><I>ch.</I> v. 26</A>)
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<I>not to be desirous of vain glory;</I> his ambition was to obtain
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<I>that honour which comes from God,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+5:44">John v. 44</A>.
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He tells them that they might have used greater authority as apostles,
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and expected greater esteem, and demanded maintenance, which is meant
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by the phrase of <I>being burdensome,</I> because perhaps some would
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have thought this too great a burden for them to bear.</P>
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<A NAME="1Th2_7"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Th2_8"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Th2_9"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Th2_10"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Th2_11"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Th2_12"> </A>
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<A NAME="Sec2"> </A>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>The Primitive Ministers.</I></FONT></TD>
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<TD ALIGN=RIGHT VALIGN=BOTTOM><FONT SIZE=-1>A. D.</FONT> 51.</TD></TR>
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<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
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</TABLE>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>7 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her
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children:
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8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to
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have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our
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own souls, because ye were dear unto us.
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9 For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for
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labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto
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any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.
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10 Ye <I>are</I> witnesses, and God <I>also,</I> how holily and justly
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and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:
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11 As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every
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one of you, as a father <I>doth</I> his children,
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12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto
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his kingdom and glory.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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In these words the apostle reminds the Thessalonians of the manner of
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his conversation among them. And,</P>
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<P>
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I. He mentions the gentleness of their behaviour: <I>We were gentle
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among you,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Th+2:7"><I>v.</I> 7</A>.
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He showed great mildness and tenderness who might have acted with the
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authority of an apostle of Christ. Such behaviour greatly recommends
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religion, and is most agreeable to God's gracious dealing with sinners,
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in and by the gospel. This great apostle, though he abhorred and
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avoided flattery, was most condescending to all men. He accommodated
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himself to all men's capacities, <I>and became all things to all
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men.</I> He showed the kindness and care of a nurse that cherishes her
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children. This is the way to win people, rather than to rule with
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rigour. The word of God is indeed powerful; and as it comes often with
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awful authority upon the minds of men, as it always has enough in it to
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convince every impartial judgment, so it comes with the more pleasing
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power, when the ministers of the gospel recommend themselves to the
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affections of the people. And as a nursing mother bears with
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frowardness in a child, and condescends to mean offices for its good,
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and draws out her breast, cherishing it in her bosom, so in like manner
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should the ministers of Christ behave towards their people. The
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<I>servant of the Lord must not strive, but be gentle unto all men, and
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patient,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ti+2:24">2 Tim. ii. 24</A>.
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This gentleness and goodness the apostle expressed several ways.
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1. By the most affectionate desire of their welfare: <I>Being
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affectionately desirous of you,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Th+2:8"><I>v.</I> 8</A>.
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The apostle had a most affectionate love to their persons, and sought
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them, not theirs; themselves, not their goods; and to gain them, not to
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be a gainer by them, or to make a merchandise of them: it was their
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spiritual and eternal welfare and salvation that he was earnestly
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desirous of.
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2. By great readiness to do them good, willingly imparting to them,
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<I>not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Th+2:8"><I>v.</I> 8</A>.
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See here the manner of Paul's preaching. He spared no pains therein.
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He was willing to run hazards, and venture his soul, or life, in
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preaching the gospel. He was willing to spend and be spent in the
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service of men's souls; and, as those who give bread to the hungry from
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a charitable principle are said to impart their souls in what they give
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+18:10">Isa. xviii. 10</A>),
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so did the apostles in giving forth the bread of life; so dear were
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these Thessalonians in particular to this apostle, and so great was his
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love to them.
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3. By bodily labour to prevent their charge, or that his ministry might
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not be expensive and burdensome to them: <I>You remember our labour and
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travail; for, labouring night and day,</I> &c.,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Th+2:9"><I>v.</I> 9</A>.
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He denied himself the liberty he had of taking wages from the churches.
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To the labour of the ministry he added that of his calling, as a
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tent-maker, that he might get his own bread. We are not to suppose that
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the apostle spent the whole night and day in bodily labour, or work, to
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supply the necessities of his body; for then he would have had no time
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for the work of the ministry. But he spent part of the night, as well
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as the day, in this work; and was willing to forego his rest in the
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night, that he might have an opportunity to do good to the souls of men
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in the day time. A good example is here set before the ministers of the
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gospel, to be industrious for the salvation of men's souls, though it
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will not follow that they are always obliged to preach freely. There is
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no general rule to be drawn from this instance, either that ministers
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may at no time work with their hands, for the supply of their outward
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necessities, or that they ought always to do so.
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4. By the holiness of their conversation, concerning which he appeals
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not only to them, but to God also
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Th+2:10"><I>v.</I> 10</A>):
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<I>You are witnesses, and God also.</I> They were observers of their
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outward conversation in public before men, and God was witness not only
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of their behaviour in secret, but of the inward principles from which
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they acted. Their behaviour was holy towards God, just towards all men,
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and unblamable, without giving cause of scandal or offence; and they
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were careful to give no offence either to those who were without, or to
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those who believed, that they might give no ill example; that their
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preaching and living might be all of a piece. Herein, said this
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apostle, <I>do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of
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offence towards God, and towards men,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+24:16">Acts xxiv. 16</A>.</P>
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<P>
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II. He mentions their faithful discharge of the work and office of the
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ministry,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Th+2:11,12"><I>v.</I> 11, 12</A>.
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Concerning this also he could appeal to them as witnesses. Paul and his
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fellow-labourers were not only good Christians, but faithful ministers.
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And we should not only be good as to our general calling as Christians,
|
|
but in our particular callings and relations. Paul exhorted the
|
|
Thessalonians, not only informing them in their duty, but exciting and
|
|
quickening them to the performance of it, by proper motives and
|
|
arguments. And he comforted them also, endeavouring to cheer and
|
|
support their spirits under the difficulties and discouragements they
|
|
might meet with. And this he did not only publicly, but privately also,
|
|
and from house to house
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+20:20">Acts xx. 20</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>and charged every one</I> of them by personal addresses: this, some
|
|
think, is intended by the similitude of a father's charging his
|
|
children. This expression also denotes the affectionate and
|
|
compassionate counsels and consolations which this apostle used. He was
|
|
their spiritual father; and, as he cherished them like a nursing
|
|
mother, so he charged them as a father, with a father's affection
|
|
rather than a father's authority. As <I>my beloved sons, I warn
|
|
you,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+4:14">1 Cor. iv. 14</A>.
|
|
|
|
The manner of this apostle's exhortation ought to be regarded by
|
|
ministers in particular for their imitation, and the matter of it is
|
|
greatly to be regarded by them and all others; namely, that <I>they
|
|
would walk worthy of God, who hath called them to his kingdom and
|
|
glory,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Th+2:12"><I>v.</I> 12</A>.
|
|
|
|
Observe,
|
|
|
|
1. What is our great gospel privilege--that God has called us to his
|
|
kingdom and glory. The gospel calls us into the kingdom and state of
|
|
grace here and unto the kingdom and state of glory hereafter, to heaven
|
|
and happiness as our end and to holiness as the way to that end.
|
|
|
|
2. What is our great gospel duty--that we walk worthy of God, that the
|
|
temper of our minds and tenour of our lives be answerable to this call
|
|
and suitable to this privilege. We should accommodate ourselves to the
|
|
intention and design of the gospel, and live suitably to our profession
|
|
and privileges, our hopes and expectations, as becomes those who are
|
|
called with such a high and holy calling.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="1Th2_13"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Th2_14"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Th2_15"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Th2_16"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec3"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Effects of the Christian Ministry.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TD ALIGN=RIGHT VALIGN=BOTTOM><FONT SIZE=-1>A. D.</FONT> 51.</TD></TR>
|
|
<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because,
|
|
when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye
|
|
received <I>it</I> not <I>as</I> the word of men, but as it is in truth,
|
|
the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that
|
|
believe.
|
|
14 For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God
|
|
which in Judæa are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered
|
|
like things of your own countrymen, even as they <I>have</I> of the
|
|
Jews:
|
|
15 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:
|
|
16 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.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Here observe,
|
|
|
|
I. The apostle makes mention of the success of his ministry among these
|
|
Thessalonians
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Th+2:13"><I>v.</I> 13</A>),
|
|
|
|
which is expressed,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. By the manner of their receiving the word of God: <I>When you
|
|
received the word of God, which you heard of us, you received it, not
|
|
as the word of men, but (as it is in truth) the word of God.</I> Where
|
|
note,
|
|
|
|
(1.) The word of the gospel is preached by men like ourselves, men of
|
|
like passions and infirmities with others: <I>We have this treasure in
|
|
earthen vessels.</I> The word of God, which these Thessalonians
|
|
received, they heard from the apostles.
|
|
|
|
(2.) However, it is in truth the word of God. Such was the word the
|
|
apostles preached by divine inspiration, and such is that which is left
|
|
upon record, written in the scriptures by divine inspiration; and such
|
|
is that word which in our days is preached, being either contained, or
|
|
evidently founded on, or deduced from, these sacred oracles.
|
|
|
|
(3.) Those are greatly to blame who give out their own fancies or
|
|
injunctions for the word of God. This is the vilest way of imposing
|
|
upon a people, and to deal unfaithfully.
|
|
|
|
(4.) Those are also to blame who, in hearing the word, look no further
|
|
than to the ministry of men, who are only, or chiefly, pleased with the
|
|
elegance of the style, or the beauty of the composition, or the voice
|
|
and manner in which the word is preached, and expect to receive their
|
|
advantage herein.
|
|
|
|
(5.) We should receive the word of God as the word of God, with
|
|
affections suitable to the holiness, wisdom, verity, and goodness,
|
|
thereof. The words of men are frail and perishing, like themselves, and
|
|
sometimes false, foolish, and fickle: but God's word is holy, wise,
|
|
just, and faithful; and, like its author, lives and abides for ever.
|
|
Let us accordingly receive and regard it.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. By the wonderful operation of this word they received: <I>It
|
|
effectually worketh in those that believe,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Th+2:13"><I>v.</I> 13</A>.
|
|
|
|
Those who by faith receive the word find it profitable. <I>It does good
|
|
to those that walk uprightly,</I> and by its wonderful effects
|
|
evidences itself to be the word of God. This converts their souls, and
|
|
enlightens their minds, and rejoices their hearts
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+19:1-14">Ps. xix.</A>);
|
|
|
|
and such as have this inward testimony of the truth of the scriptures,
|
|
the word of God, by the effectual operations thereof on their hearts,
|
|
have the best evidence of their divine original to themselves, though
|
|
this is not sufficient to convince others who are strangers
|
|
thereto.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. He mentions the good effects which his successful preaching
|
|
had,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. Upon himself and fellow-labourers. It was a constant cause of
|
|
thankfulness: <I>For this cause thank we God without ceasing,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Th+2:13"><I>v.</I> 13</A>.
|
|
|
|
The apostle expressed his thankfulness to God so often upon this
|
|
account that he seemed to think he never could be sufficiently thankful
|
|
that God had counted him faithful, and put him into the ministry, and
|
|
made his ministrations successful.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. Upon them. The word wrought effectually in them, not only to be
|
|
examples unto others in faith and good works (which he had mentioned
|
|
before), but also in constancy and patience under sufferings and trials
|
|
for the sake of the gospel: <I>You became followers of the churches of
|
|
God, and have suffered like things as they have done</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Th+2:14"><I>v.</I> 14</A>),
|
|
|
|
and with like courage and constancy, with like patience and hope. Note,
|
|
The cross is the Christian's mark: if we are called to suffer we are
|
|
called only to be followers of the churches of God; <I>so persecuted
|
|
they the prophets that were before you,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+5:12">Matt. v. 12</A>.
|
|
|
|
It is a good effect of the gospel when we are enabled to suffer for its
|
|
sake. The apostle mentions the sufferings of the churches of God, which
|
|
<I>in Judea were in Christ Jesus.</I> Those in Judea first heard the
|
|
gospel, and they first suffered for it: for the Jews were the most
|
|
bitter enemies Christianity had, and were especially enraged against
|
|
their countrymen who embraced Christianity. Note, Bitter zeal and fiery
|
|
persecution will set countrymen at variance, and break through all the
|
|
bonds of nature, as well as contradict all the rules of religion. In
|
|
every city where the apostles went to preach the gospel the Jews
|
|
stirred up the inhabitants against them. They were the ringleaders of
|
|
persecution in all places; so in particular it was at Thessalonica:
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+17:5">Acts xvii. 5</A>,
|
|
|
|
<I>The Jews that believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain
|
|
lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the
|
|
city in an uproar.</I> Upon this occasion, the apostle gives a
|
|
character of the unbelieving Jews
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Th+2:15"><I>v.</I> 15</A>),
|
|
|
|
enough to justify their final rejection and the ruin of their place,
|
|
and church, and nation, which was now approaching.
|
|
|
|
(1.) They <I>killed the Lord Jesus,</I> and impudently and
|
|
presumptuously wished that his blood might be on them and their
|
|
children.
|
|
|
|
(2.) They killed <I>their own prophets:</I> so they had done all along;
|
|
their fathers had done so: they had been a persecuting generation.
|
|
|
|
(3.) They hated the apostles, and did them all the mischief they could.
|
|
They persecuted them, and drove and chased them from place to place:
|
|
and no marvel, if they killed the Lord Jesus, that they persecuted his
|
|
followers.
|
|
|
|
(4.) They <I>pleased not God.</I> They had quite lost all sense of
|
|
religion, and due care to do their duty to God. It was a most fatal
|
|
mistake to think that they did God service by killing God's servants.
|
|
Murder and persecution are most hateful to God and cannot be justified
|
|
on any pretence; they are so contrary to natural religion that no zeal
|
|
for any true or only pretended institution of religion can ever excuse
|
|
them.
|
|
|
|
(5.) They were <I>contrary to all men.</I> Their persecuting spirit was
|
|
a perverse spirit; contrary to the light of nature, and contrary to
|
|
humanity, contrary to the welfare of all men, and contrary to the
|
|
sentiments of all men not under the power of bigotry.
|
|
|
|
(6.) They had <I>an implacable enmity to the Gentiles,</I> and envied
|
|
them the offers of the gospel: <I>Forbidding the apostles to speak to
|
|
the Gentiles, that they might be saved.</I> The means of salvation had
|
|
long been confined to the Jews. <I>Salvation is of the Jews,</I> says
|
|
our Saviour. And they were envious against the Gentiles, and angry that
|
|
they should be admitted to share in the means of salvation. Nothing
|
|
provoked them more than our Saviour's speaking to them at any time
|
|
concerning this matter; this enraged the Jews at Jerusalem, when, in
|
|
his defence, Paul told them, <I>he was sent unto the Gentiles,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+22:21">Acts xxii. 21</A>.
|
|
|
|
They heard him patiently till he uttered these words, but then could
|
|
endure no longer, but <I>lifted up their voices, and said, Away with
|
|
such a fellow from the earth, for it is not fit that he should
|
|
live.</I> Thus did the Jews fill up their sins; and nothing tends more
|
|
to any person or people's filling up the measure of their sins than
|
|
opposing the gospel, obstructing the progress of it, and hindering the
|
|
salvation of precious souls. For the sake of these things <I>wrath has
|
|
come upon them to the uttermost;</I> that is, wrath was determined
|
|
against them, and would soon overtake them. It was not many years after
|
|
this that Jerusalem was destroyed, and the Jewish nation cut off by the
|
|
Romans. Note, When the measure of any man's iniquity is full, and he
|
|
has sinned to the uttermost, then comes wrath, and that to the
|
|
uttermost.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="1Th2_17"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Th2_18"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Th2_19"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Th2_20"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec4"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Effects of the Christian Ministry.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TD ALIGN=RIGHT VALIGN=BOTTOM><FONT SIZE=-1>A. D.</FONT> 51.</TD></TR>
|
|
<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>17 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.
|
|
18 Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and
|
|
again; but Satan hindered us.
|
|
19 For what <I>is</I> our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? <I>Are</I>
|
|
not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his
|
|
coming?
|
|
20 For ye are our glory and joy.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
In these words the apostle apologizes for his absence. Here observe,
|
|
|
|
1. He tells them they were involuntarily forced from them: <I>We,
|
|
brethren, were taken from you,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Th+2:17"><I>v.</I> 17</A>.
|
|
|
|
Such was the rage of his persecutors. He was unwillingly sent away by
|
|
night to Berea,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+17:10">Acts xvii. 10</A>.
|
|
|
|
2. Though he was absent in body, yet he was present in heart. He had
|
|
still a remembrance of them, and great care for them.
|
|
|
|
3. Even his bodily absence was but for a short time, the time of an
|
|
hour. Time is short, all our time on earth is short and uncertain,
|
|
whether we are present with our friends or absent from them. This
|
|
world is not a place where we are always, or long, to be together. It
|
|
is in heaven that holy souls shall meet, and never part more.
|
|
|
|
4. He earnestly desired and endeavoured to see them again: <I>We
|
|
endeavoured more abundantly to see your face with great desire,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Th+2:17"><I>v.</I> 17</A>.
|
|
|
|
So that the apostle at least intended his absence should be but for a
|
|
short time. His desire and endeavour were to return again very soon to
|
|
Thessalonica. But men of business are not masters of their own time.
|
|
Paul did his endeavour, and he could do no more,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Th+2:18"><I>v.</I> 18</A>.
|
|
|
|
5. He tells them that Satan hindered his return
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Th+2:18"><I>v.</I> 18</A>),
|
|
|
|
that is, either some enemy or enemies, or the great enemy of mankind,
|
|
who stirred up opposition to Paul, either in his return to
|
|
Thessalonica, when he intended to return thither, or stirred up such
|
|
contentions or dissensions in those places whether he went as made his
|
|
presence necessary. Note, Satan is a constant enemy to the work of God,
|
|
and does all he can to obstruct it.
|
|
|
|
6. He assures them of his affection and high esteem for them, though he
|
|
was not able, as yet, to be present with them according to his desire.
|
|
They were his <I>hope, and joy, and crown of rejoicing; his glory and
|
|
joy.</I> These are expressions of great and endeared affection, and
|
|
high estimation. And it is happy when ministers and people have such
|
|
mutual affection and esteem of each other, and especially if they shall
|
|
thus rejoice, if those that sow and those that reap shall rejoice
|
|
together, <I>in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his
|
|
coming.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
The apostle here puts the Thessalonians in mind that though he could
|
|
not come to them as yet, and though he should never be able to come to
|
|
them, yet our Lord Jesus Christ will come, nothing shall hinder this.
|
|
And further, when he shall come, all must appear in his presence, or
|
|
before him. Ministers and people must all appear before him, and
|
|
faithful people will be the glory and joy of faithful ministers in that
|
|
great and glorious day.</P>
|
|
|
|
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