14:5; 20:6; Deut. ▣ "Timothy" He was Paul's convert from Lystra on his first missionary journey. Often believers most powerful testimony is during times of trial, pain, and persecution. Thanksgiving should be often repeated; and not only should we be thankful for the favours we ourselves receive, but for the benefits bestowed on others also, upon our fellow-creatures and fellow-christians. Note, As there is much that we ought to be thankful for on the behalf of ourselves and our friends, so there is much occasion of constant prayer for further supplies of good. Acts 19:32). 2 We always thank God for all of you e and continually mention you in our prayers. Perhaps this made the word more precious, being dear - bought; and the examples of the apostles shone very bright under their afflictions; so that the Thessalonians embraced the word cheerfully, and followed the example of the suffering apostles joyfully, with joy in the Holy Ghost - such solid and spiritual and lasting joy as the Holy Ghost is the author of, who, when our afflictions abound, makes our consolations much more to abound. 1:10 This verse is like a summary of the gospel (cf. II. ▣ "a living and true God" This reflects God's covenantal name, YHWH (cf. The persons from whom this epistle came, or by whom it was written. 1-2). Another ground or reason of the apostle's thanksgiving is the success of his ministry among them. v. 8). See Special Topic at Gal. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. "Faith," in this context, does not refer to doctrine (cf. It comes to be used for those who trust Him by faith and are now also the beloved by the Father (cf. Verse 1. Of the object and efficient cause of these graces, namely, our Lord Jesus Christ. Faith is always a response to God's initiating activity. Copy. The Thessalonian believers' joy and perseverance under testing and trial was a source of great encouragement to other believers. Rom. The inscription, where we have, 1. Copyright © 2012 Bible Lessons International, Bob was born in 1947 in Houston, Texas. Notice that each chapter ends discussing this very subject. It is the Hebrew term for God's Special, Promised, Coming One, "Messiah" (cf. Intro. God is the object of all religious worship, of prayer and praise. The NT is thoroughly eschatological (cf. As you read the text, ask yourself which translation fits your understanding of the subject and verse divisions. This results in a new life of faithfulness and holiness. At the end of each chapter in 1 Thessalonians an allusion to the Second Coming is prominent (cf. 2 We always thank God for all of youe and continually mention you in our prayers.f 3 We remember before our God and Fatherg your work produced by faith,h your labor prompted by love,i and your endurance inspired by hopej in our Lord Jesus Christ. Every paragraph has one central topic, truth, or thought. They quitted their idolatry; they turned from their idols, and abandoned all the false worship they had been educated in. Why do Christians suffer? Of all of Paul's churches Thessalonica and Philippi were the most supportive. Christlikeness is God's goal for every believer (cf. He mentions the particulars for which he was so thankful to God; namely. The election of God is of his own good pleasure and mere grace, not for the sake of any merit in those who are chosen. ▣ "making mention of you" This is a present middle participle indicating a purposeful decision by Paul to continue to pray. The focus is on active, faithful believers. 1:9; Eph. 11:5; 12:11; 15:10). 8:28-29; Gal. As the apostle took care to demean himself well, not only for his own credit's sake, but for the benefit of others, by a conversation suitable to his doctrine, that he might not pull down with one hand what he built up with the other, so the Thessalonians, who observed what manner of men they were among them, how their preaching and living were all of a piece, showed a conscientious care to be followers of them, or to imitate their good example. Each of these three phrases is in a grammatical construction that asserts that the work is produced by faith, the labor is produced by love, and the steadfastness is produced by hope. 1:9 "turned to God from idols" This refers to their repentance from pagan idolatry. They entertained the gospel, notwithstanding the troubles and hardships which attended the preachers and professors of it too. This grace is compared to the soldier's helmet and sailor's anchor, and is of great use in times of danger. Get your church set-up with online giving, sermon streaming, and more in under 24 hours.