1 Thessalonians 3

1 Thessalonians 3:1

COuld no longer forbear] Before he compared himself to a Father, Chap. 2. vers. 11. and here he sheweth how his bowels yearned towards the Thessalonians, as his children; and because he would not leave them comfortlesse, he left himself helplesse, sending his fellow-labourer Timotheus unto them, and staying himself alone at Athens.

1 Thessalonians 3:2

to establish you] The troubles and afflictions which befell the Apostle their teacher were likely to unsettle the faith of the weake, and discourage them in their holy course he had set them in; therefore out of wisdome and love he sendeth Timotheus seasonably unto them, both to strengthen them in their faith, and comfort them in their fears, and arme them against the temptations of Satan.

1 Thessalonians 3:3

for your selves know] From my mouth, for at one and the same time that I preached unto you Christ crucified, I forwarned you that you were to bear his crosse.

appointed thereunto] The word in the Originall 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, is the same with that which Simeon used when he blessed our Saviour, saying, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many. (Luke 2:34.) The godly are set as a mark, at which the arrowes of persecution are shot: for in the Decree of their predestination to life, God hath so ordered, that they be conformable to the image of his Sonne; first in their sufferings, and after in glory, Romans 8:17; Romans 8:29.

tempter have tempted you] Or, had. By tempter he meaneth the devill. See Matthew 4:1.

be in vain] Or, had been.

1 Thessalonians 3:8

For now we live] Notwithstanding all our crosses and afflictions, and that death doth hunt us continually; yet are we glad, and joyfull, and our spirit is revived when we heare of your constancie in the truth.

1 Thessalonians 3:9

our God] See 1 Thess. 2. 2.

1 Thessalonians 3:10

perfect that which is lacking in your faith] The word in the Originall 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. signifieth to make even, and consequently to perfect: for an even number is a perfect number, and an odde number imperfect. The Apostle before commended them for their stedfastnesse in the faith; they wanted not constancie therefore; what they knew they stedfastly beleeved, and constantly professed: but it seems they were not fully instructed in all points, but needed either a farther information in some doctrines of faith, which they had not yet learned; or a resolution of some doubts which might trouble and perplex their conscience: these lackings in their faith were partly supplied by Timothie his sending unto them; and partly by the Apostle in this Epistle: and it is very probable, that what he prayed for so earnestly day and night, God granted unto him, a prosperous journey to the Thessalonians, that he might water where before he had planted; and finish the building where he had so happily laid the foundation.

1 Thessalonians 3:11

direct] Or, guide.

1 Thessalonians 3:13

stablish your bearts] See 1 Corinthians 1:8. Chap. 5. 23.

unblameable] See 1 Corinthians 1:8.

holinesse] Gr. Tec. righteousnesse.