1 Thessalonians 1

They are the descendants of Jews who were banished from Spain in the time of Ferdinand and Isabella and found a refuge under Turkish rule in Macedonia.

This letter is now generally regarded as the first of St. Paul’s Epistles and was written from Corinth in A.D. 51 or 52, very soon after his visit to Thessalonica. The same persecutors who had “shamefully entreated” Paul during his visit there (ii. 2) ill-treated the Christian residents there also (ii. 14), and Paul had sent Timothy to encourage and help them (iii. 2).

Timothy had brought back a cheering account of their stedfastness in trial, their faith and Christian activity (iii. 6-9), and the opening verses of the Epistle are an expression of thanks to God for this (i. 2-6). High praise is bestowed upon them when the apostle says that they were an example to all believers in Macedonia and Achaia, and wherever the Gospel was known (i. 7, 8). This is all the more remarkable as they were converts from heathenism (i. 9).

In chapter ii. Paul vindicates himself against insinuations and attacks. He declares his sincerity and honesty (3, 5), and calls them to witness to his unselfishness, labouring as he did with his own hands that he might not be a burden to others (ii. 9). He reminds them of his faithfulness in seeking earnestly their spiritual welfare (ii. 11, 12), and assures them that they, who are the fruits of his ministry, are his joy and “crown of rejoicing” (ii. 19, 20), his very life (iii. 8).

From iii. 12 to the end the apostle gives practical exhortations—to love (iii. 12); to purity (iv. 3-8); to quietness and industry (iv. 11); to sympathy and patience (v. 14); and to the avoidance even of the appearance of evil (v. 22). The reminder that they are children of light is a favourite thought with St. Paul, combined with the exhortation to put on the armour of light (cp. v. 5-8 with Rom. xiii. 11, 12).

The most distinctive feature of the Epistle is the great passage about the Lord’s second coming (iv. 13-18). It is evident that it was mainly intended to comfort those whose dear ones had died without seeing the Saviour’s return (iv. 13, 18). But it is also used as motive to activity (iii. 2, 6, 8). This was apparently necessary in view of the attitude of some who thought that, as the Lord was coming soon, He would put all right and they need not make any effort.

The passage does not speak of times and seasons (v. 1). “The chief topic,” says Archdeacon Buckland (Devotional Commentary), “is not the when of the Coming, but the manner. . . . The Lord’s own warning as to watchfulness may not be interpreted to mean morbid speculation as to times and seasons, or constant unrest, or the dismissal of all earthly responsibilities for a state of passive waiting.”

“Let us, who are of the day, be sober.”

1. Silvanus.** The full form of the name Silas (Acts xv. 40, etc.). The apostle joins Silvanus and Timothy with himself, as having laboured with him in founding the church at Thessalonica: see Acts xvii. 1, 4.

2. We,** “We” is sometimes used for Paul alone (ii. 18); but it here probably includes Silvanus and Timothy.

3 your work of faith, etc. “The work of your faith, and the labour of your love, and the constancy of your hope, in respect of our Lord Jesus Christ”; showing the practical, operative nature of their faith in Christ, the painstaking, energetic character of their love to Him, and the unswerving constancy of their hope in Him, amid all trials and sufferings. Here is the first grouping of the “faith, hope, and love” of 1 Cor. xiii. 13.

4 knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. Rather, “knowing, brethren beloved of God, your election.” They were known to be “elect” by their reception of the gospel (6), and by the fruits of faith in their lives.

5 in much assurance. Much confidence. Referring to the use of the same Greek word in Col. ii. 2, Heb. vi. 11, and x. 2. Archdeacon Buckland (Devotional Commentary) says: “Thus the Apostle suggests to us hearers who were profoundly moved, were soundly convinced, and manifestly experienced the influence of the Holy Spirit.”

6 in much affliction. See Acts xvii. 5-9.

7. Macedonia and Achaia. Macedonia and Achaia were the two provinces into which the whole of Greece was divided by the Romans.

8. For from you sounded out, etc. By public report, and by your missionary efforts.

9 they themselves. The people of those countries (8).

what manner of entering in we had. Cp. ii. 1.

10 which delivered us. Rather, “who delivereth us”; i.e., our Deliverer. On “the wrath to come,” see ii. 16.