1 Thessalonians 3

But to forbid the apostles ‘to speak to the Gentiles, that they might be saved”’—this is not only inhuman, but also diabolical: it is attempting to subvert the designs of God, as well as the happiness of men! Would that none but Jews were chargeable with this! but that Christians should be guilty of such an offence, is indeed truly horrible, and would seem times but what was the meaning of the opposition made, but a few years ago, to sending the gospel to India? It was literally forbidding any to speak to the Gentiles of India, that they should be saved! And is there nothing like this nearer home? Are there none who oppose, and endeavour to prevent, persons from preaching the gospel to the Gentiles in our own country?

Alas! that such men should pretend to the name of Christians! What would Paul have said in such a case? Just what he said in the case before us—‘* Satan hindered us.” Chap. III. Ver. 1—13. Paul refreshed by the intelligence he received by Timothy from the Thessalonians, the more desires to visit them.—In the close of the preceding chapter, Paul had expressed his regret at not having been able to visit them: and so great was his anxiety to hear of their welfare, that, sooner than continue in suspense, he agreed to remain alone in Athens, and to send Timothy to visit them; to inquire into their welfare, and their progress in the Christian course, and, at the same time, to encourage and animate them therein.

And when he returned, the account which he brought with him was so gratifying, that he became still more desirous to visit them; and prayed, therefore, that all impediments might be removed, and his way directed towards them. In the mean time, however, he feels some apprehension, lest, hearing of his troubles and afflictions, they might be discouraged and distressed on his account; he reminds them that troubles are inseparable from the present life; and that * through much tribulation we must enter into the kingdom of God.” ((Acts 14:22).) The short prayer which concludes this chapter, exhibits a happy specimen of pure and undefiled religion. St. Paul prays that they might “increase and abound;”

or, (as Macknight expresses it,) ‘overflow with love, one towards another, and towards all men, even (says the apostle) as we do toward you;” after expressing towards them an attachment the most ardent and sincere.

Notes on the verses

Ver. 6. We might have been burdensome.—The Apostle evidently refers to the right he had of being maintained at their charge. See verse 9, and compare (1 Corinthians 9)throughout. Ver. 13. Which effectually worketh.—See (Philippians 2:12-13). Ver. 15. And have persecuted us.—Margin, * Chased us out;” hunting the preachers of the gospel, like wild beasts. See (Matthew 23:34). (Acts 7:52). Ver. 16. That they might.—Macknight, (‘so that) they might,” &c.—— Fill up their sins.—See (Matthew 23:32), For the wrath is come.— Doddridge, ‘‘ But wrath is coming,”’ &c. Compare (Matthew 23:32-36). Ver. 17. Being taken.—Doddridge, ‘‘ separated from you for a very little season;” literally, “the time of an hour.” Ver.

18. Satan hindered us.—(By raising such a storm of persecution against him at Berea and other places, that it was deemed prudent to delay his visit till the storm was somewhat allayed. Some, apparently with less propriety suppose Satan may mean some adversary or powerful opponent, as the word denotes; others refer a bad wicked men, who are the instruments of Satan; and others, by a very usual figure which substitutes the concrete for the abstract, understand wickedness, i. e. the wickedness of his enemies and persecutors.)—Bagster. Ver. 19. For what, &c.—[Macknight connects this verse with the renting by adding, ‘‘ These things ye may believe; for what,” &c. The fervour of affection, and the animation with which it is expressed, in this chapter, are incomparable.

—Bagster. Chap. III. Ver. 1. To be left at Athens alone—That is, having no other fellow-labourer in whom he could so well confide; for it appears Silas was also absent, and, as it should seem from (Acts 18:5), that he went, or at least returned, with Timothy. Ver. 8. Now we live.—To live indeed, is to be useful and happy. Ver 9. For all the joy—That is, ‘ For the exceeding great joy.” See Ja. i. 2, Ver. 11. Now God himself and—Doddridge, ‘‘ even,” &c.— Diresi.— Doddridge, “ Clear," Macknight, ‘‘ Make straight.” See Isaiah x. 3, 4. Ver. 13. With all his saints—Or ‘‘ holy ones.’’ See Chap. iv, 14.