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1 Thessalonians 2

Hendriksen
‹ Chapter 1 1 Thessalonians — All Chapters Chapter 3 ›
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CHAPTER II ) 2:1 12 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0
2 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
1 Indeed, you yourselves know, brothers, our entering in among you, that it was not empty-handed. 2 On the contrary, though we had previously suffered and had been shamefully treated at Philippi as you know, still by the help of our God we summoned courage to tell you the good news��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
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43) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
�� of God with profound solicitude.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
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44) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
�� 3 For our appeal (does) not (spring) from delusion or from impurity nor (does it come) with deceit. 4 On the contrary, as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the good news, so we are accustomed to tell it, as pleasing not men but God who tests our hearts. 5 Indeed, we never came with flattering speech, as you (well) know, or with a pretext for greed God is witness! 6 or seeking honor from men, whether from yourselves or from others, although we were in a position to make ourselves formidable as apostles of Christ. 7 But we were gentle in the midst of you, as when a nurse cherishes her own children: 8 so, being affectionately desirous of you, we gladly shared with you not only the gospel of God but also our own souls, because you had become very dear to us. 9 For you remember, brothers, our toil and hardship: by night and by day (we were) working at a trade, in order not to be a burden to any of you while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. 10 You (are) witness and (so is) God, how piously��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
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45) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
�� and righteously and blamelessly we conducted ourselves in the estimation of you, believers; 11 just as you know how, like a father (dealing) with his own children (so we were) admonishing each and all of you, and encouraging and testifying 12 that you should live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0
2:1. Indeed, you yourselves know, brothers, our entering in among you, that it was not empty-handed.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
) 6 1 3 8 0 0
A careful study of Paul s Defence shows that the slander by means of which his enemies were trying to undermine the influence of his message amounted to this: Paul and his associates are deluded individuals who for selfish reasons and with trickery are trying to exploit the people. For the sake of the gospel this charge had to be answered, in order that suspicion might be swept aside. The opponents knew very well what they were doing. They reasoned thus: If we succeed in awakening distrust with respect to ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0
the messengers, the message) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
will die a natural death. Accordingly, Paul had no choice: love for the gospel necessitated self-defence. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
For the meaning of the expression our entering in see on 1:9. It is the apostle s contention that this entering in had not been ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0
empty) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
(����). The question is, Just what is meant by ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0
empty? ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
Does Paul mean, Our entering in has not been ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0
futile;) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
there were results ? Thus the term is explained by some. However, no one denied this. Every one knew that the work of the missionaries had borne fruit. Besides, if that should be the meaning here, it is very difficult to establish any connection between this verse and those which immediately follow. But the word used in the original may also mean ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0
empty-handed;) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.12.3|AUTODETECT|”
e.g., And they took him and beat him and sent him away empty-handed 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.12.3|AUTODETECT|”
Mark 12:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.1.53|AUTODETECT|”
; cf. ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.1.53|AUTODETECT|”
Luke 1:53) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.20.10|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.20.10|AUTODETECT|”
20:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.20.11|AUTODETECT|”
, ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.20.11|AUTODETECT|”
11) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
). According to this meaning of the word, what Paul is saying is this: Far from aiming to take something away from you, we ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0
brought) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
you something. When we came to you, our hands were not empty. We adopt this interpretation for the following reasons: ) 6 3 3 8 0 0
(1) It harmonizes beautifully with the preceding context; see 1:5: our gospel did not come to you in words only but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full assurance. The message had not been empty: it was filled with divine meaning, being the good news which came from God. It was accompanied by power and the Holy Spirit, and it was presented with firm conviction. ) (2) It also matches the following context, in which Paul stresses the fact that he (and his associates) had come to Thessalonica with the good news from God, with courage, and with real, deep-seated concern for the people. Truly, the hands of the missionaries had not been empty! They had something to bring, something to give away. ) (3) It is in keeping with the general trend of Paul s defence against the malicious insinuations coming from the camp of the evil one. Throughout the apostle represents himself as one who did ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0
not) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
come ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0
to take) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
but ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0
to give) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
(see especially 2:5, 8, 9). And what was true with respect to himself was true also with respect to Silas and Timothy. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
Once this interpretation of verse 1 is adopted, what follows is not difficult: ) 7 1 3 8 0 0
2. On the contrary, though we had previously suffered and had been shamefully treated at Philippi as you know, still by the help of God we summoned courage to tell you the good news of God with profound solicitude.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.16.11-44.16.40|AUTODETECT|”
For the treatment which the missionaries (especially Paul and Silas) had received at Philippi read ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.16.11-44.16.40|AUTODETECT|”
Acts 16:11 40) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
; also see on 1:6, 7. We do not share the view of those who think that when Paul spoke of having been ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0
shamefully treated) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
(insulted, abused), he was referring only to the fact that he and Silas, uncondemned men, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0
had been beaten publicly though they were Roman citizens) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
. That was ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0
part) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.14.5|AUTODETECT|”
of the shameful treatment but not all of it: the men Roman citizens, yes; apostles of Jesus Christ besides! had been arrested, dragged into the market-place before the rulers, slandered, robbed of their clothing, thrown into a prison with their feet made fast in the stocks, etc. The verb employed in the original 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.14.5|AUTODETECT|”
Acts 14:5) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.22.6|AUTODETECT|”
; then ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.22.6|AUTODETECT|”
Matt. 22:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.18.32|AUTODETECT|”
and ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.18.32|AUTODETECT|”
Luke 18:32) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
) is comprehensive enough in meaning to include ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0
all) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
this insolent treatment to which the missionaries had been exposed and which had caused them much suffering. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
Nevertheless (i.e., in spite of this suffering and shameful treatment), ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0
by virtue of their union with God) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
(� �� ���), hence, by his help, they had summoned courage��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
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46) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.10.23|AUTODETECT|”
�� to continue the work. They had done what Jesus had enjoined, When they persecute you in this city, flee into the next 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.10.23|AUTODETECT|”
Matt. 10:23) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
). Thus a journey of a hundred miles had brought them to Thessalonica. Their interest in this city did not spring from any selfish motive. They desired most eagerly to tell, in plain language and in a forthright manner, the good news of God, uttering (note the verb �������) the message which God himself had given them, and doing this with profound solicitude (deep anxiety) for the people involved. The phrase � ����� ���� has been interpreted variously, as follows: ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
a. in spite of heavy opposition -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
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A.V.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
with much contention ; ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
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A.R.V.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
in much conflict, which may also be linked with b.) ) 6 4 3 8 0 0
b. in great anguish ) c. with strenuous exertion ) d. with profound solicitude (deep concern or anxiety) ) The term (���) refers first to a gathering, especially for games or contests; then the contest itself, and finally the ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0
agony) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
(cf. the Greek word), anguish, or anxiety that is connected with it, or also any kind of agony, anguish, or anxiety, concern or solicitude. Hence, viewed by itself (apart from the context) it could have any of the four meanings listed above. The context, however, seems to favor c. and d. (there is not much difference between these two). The ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0
affectionate desire) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
or ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0
yearning) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
of the missionaries for the people of Thessalonica is mentioned also in verse 8 (and see verse 11). Paul and his companions had exerted themselves to the utmost, as an athlete who is aiming for the prize, in order that they might do the will of God (2:4) and might win these people for whom they yearned so earnestly. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
Now this profound solicitude or affectionate desire was, of course, the very opposite of the base selfishness of which their enemies accused them. Hence, Paul continues: ) 7 1 3 8 0 0
3. For our appeal (does) not (spring) from delusion or from impurity nor (does it come) with deceit.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
) 6 1 3 8 0 0
The noun and the verb ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0
appeal) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
-2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
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N.T.C.) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.14.16|AUTODETECT|”
on ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.14.16|AUTODETECT|”
John 14:16) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
), basically a calling to one s side, can have various meanings: appeal or entreat(y), exhort(ation), encourage(ment), comfort. The exact meaning depends on the context in each instance. Here ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0
appeal) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
or ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0
entreaty) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=47.5.20|AUTODETECT|”
12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=47.5.20|AUTODETECT|”
II Cor. 5:20) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
), fits as well as any. It was the message by means of which the missionaries, clothed with authority from God and with yearning sympathy, had pleaded with the hearers to forsake their wicked ways and to turn to God in Christ. ) 6 4 3 8 0 0
Now in connection with this appeal, the slur from the side of the opponents probably amounted to this: ) a. Their appeal springs from error. They are self-deluded importers. ) b. Their motives are not pure. ) Did these opponents ascribe sexual uncleanliness to Paul, Silas, and Timothy? Pagan religions were characterized by immorality . Did they perhaps insinuate that it was strange that so many ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0
women) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.17.4|AUTODETECT|”
were to be found among the converts? Cf. ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.17.4|AUTODETECT|”
Acts 17:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
. The context, however, does not point in that direction. Desire for ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0
money) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
and a hankering after ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0
honor,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
rather than sexual abberation, seem to have been the vices of which they accused the missionaries. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=53.2.9|AUTODETECT|”
c. They use trickery (guile, deceit) to capture their audience. The world of that day was full of roaming philosophers, jugglers, sorcerers, fakers, swindlers. In order to impress their audiences many tricks were used. See on ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=53.2.9|AUTODETECT|”
II Thess. 2:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.24.24|AUTODETECT|”
; then also ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.24.24|AUTODETECT|”
Matt. 24:24) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=66.13.14|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=66.13.14|AUTODETECT|”
Rev. 13:14) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
. ) 6 3 3 8 0 0
Now here in verse 3 Paul denies all three charges. Then he places the truth over against the lie. It is characteristic of Paul to employ this method of argumentation: direct refutation of the charge, followed by a positive assertion (see 1:5; 2:3, 4; 2:5 ff.). ) Paul is his own best commentator. Notice: ) Our appeal does not spring from delusion 9 1 -1 9 0 0
error) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
). Commentary: We have been approved by God to be entrusted with the good news (verse 4). ) 6 2 3 8 0 0
& or from impurity (impure motives). Commentary: We never came with flattery & a disguise for greed & seeking honor from men (verses 5, 6). The very opposite is the truth. Our motives were wholly unselfish: being affectionately desirous of you, we gladly shared with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves (verse 8). ) nor (does it come) with deceit. Commentary: You (are) witnesses and (so is) God, how piously and righteously and blamelessly we conducted ourselves (verse 10). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0
4. On the contrary, as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the good news, so we are accustomed to tell it, as pleasing not men but God who tests our hearts.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
) 9 1 3 8 0 0
Not error but truth,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
the good news that comes from God, had been the objective source of Paul s appeal to the Thessalonians. These three official ambassadors ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0
had been approved) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
by God and therefore ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0
stand approved) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
9 1 -1 9 0 0
to test;) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
perfect tense, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0
to have been tested,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
here: with favorable results; hence, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0
approved;) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.9.15|AUTODETECT|”
cf. II Macc. 4:3). For the divine approbation entrusting Paul, Silas, and Timothy with the gospel of salvation, the following passages come into consideration: ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.9.15|AUTODETECT|”
Acts 9:15) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.13.1-44.13.4|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.13.1-44.13.4|AUTODETECT|”
13:1 4) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.15.40|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.15.40|AUTODETECT|”
15:40) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.16.1|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.16.1|AUTODETECT|”
16:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.16.2|AUTODETECT|”
, ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.16.2|AUTODETECT|”
2) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=54.1.2|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=54.1.2|AUTODETECT|”
I Tim. 1:2) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=54.1.12|AUTODETECT|”
, ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=54.1.12|AUTODETECT|”
12) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=54.1.18|AUTODETECT|”
, ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=54.1.18|AUTODETECT|”
18) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=54.6.12|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=54.6.12|AUTODETECT|”
6:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=54.6.20|AUTODETECT|”
, ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=54.6.20|AUTODETECT|”
20) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=55.1.5|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=55.1.5|AUTODETECT|”
II Tim. 1:5) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=55.1.13|AUTODETECT|”
, ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=55.1.13|AUTODETECT|”
13) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=55.1.14|AUTODETECT|”
, ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=55.1.14|AUTODETECT|”
14) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=48.1.10|AUTODETECT|”
Now it was in strict accordance with God s directive, that these missionaries were always telling (note present continuative) the good news. Hence, their message was not an error, but truth springing from the highest source. And the motive in bringing it was not selfish for instance, pleasing men in order to gain favor; cf. ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=48.1.10|AUTODETECT|”
Gal. 1:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=53.2.4|AUTODETECT|”
but most commendable: pleasing God 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=53.2.4|AUTODETECT|”
II Thess. 2:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=24.17.10|AUTODETECT|”
), the One before whom nothing is hid, and who tests our hearts 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=24.17.10|AUTODETECT|”
Jer. 17:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=19.7.9|AUTODETECT|”
; then 11:20; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=19.7.9|AUTODETECT|”
Ps. 7:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=19.139.0|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=19.139.0|AUTODETECT|”
Ps. 139) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
). The human eye cannot discern the inner motive of his fellowman, whether good or bad; hence, Paul, as it were, appeals to God s omniscience. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0
5, 6. Indeed, we never came with flattering speech, as you (well) know, or with a pretext for greed God is witness! or seeking honor from men, whether from yourselves or from others, although we were in a position to make ourselves formidable as apostles of Christ.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
) 9 1 3 8 0 0
Not any impure but the purest possible motive) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
had been the subjective source of the entreaty. To prove this, Paul permits the facts to speak for themselves. By saying, as you (well) know, he appeals to the readers memory of these facts. Had the motive been impure and selfish (see verse 3), the missionaries would have copied the charlatans who roamed the country. Like these quacks they too would have made use of flattery. And their message would have amounted to nothing more than ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0
a pretext to cover up their greed) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
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47) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.5.41|AUTODETECT|”
�� But with an appeal to God the writer of this epistle solemnly affirms that they have never made use of either flattery or disguise. Their aim, moreover, had never been to seek human fame 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.5.41|AUTODETECT|”
John 5:41) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
), whether from the Thessalonians or from anybody else; and this in spite of the fact that they were in a position to make ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0
weighty) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
claims with respect to themselves, being Christ s apostles (used in the broader sense) commissioned to represent him, and therefore invested with authority over life and doctrine. For ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0
apostle) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.13.16|AUTODETECT|”
see N.T.C. on ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.13.16|AUTODETECT|”
John 13:16) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.20.21-43.20.23|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.20.21-43.20.23|AUTODETECT|”
20:21 23) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0
7. But we were gentle in the midst of you.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
) 6 1 3 8 0 0
Over against ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0
formidable) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
stands ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0
gentle) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
_ftnref9
8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn9”
48) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
�� The Thessalonians had discovered that these missionaries were affable, easy to speak to. They were mild, kind in their dealings. Paul s own commentary on this word ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0
gentle) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
is found in verses 8, 9, 11, as well as in the remainder of verse 7: ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
as when a nurse cherishes her own children.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
The sense, in all probability, is not as when a nurse takes care of the children of her mistress, namely, the children that had been entrusted to the care of this nurse; but as when a mother-nurse warms, fondles, cherishes the children that are ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0
her very own) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
(because she gave birth to them). This interpretation is in line with the more usual sense of the original for ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0
her own,) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=48.4.19|AUTODETECT|”
with Paul s language elsewhere 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=48.4.19|AUTODETECT|”
Gal. 4:19) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
), and with the immediate context (verse 11): the missionaries, far from trying to promote their own interests, had become both father and mother to the Thessalonians! Their love had reached a glorious climax of tenderheartedness, as is clear from the words which follow: ) 7 1 3 8 0 0
8. So, being affectionately desirous of you, we gladly shared with you not only the gospel of God but also our own souls.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
) 6 2 3 8 0 0
What a powerful combination: here is the true gospel combined with the most affectionate presentation! And all this in the service of the Holy Spirit! How then can it cause surprise that these missionaries had been so successful? ) It is probably impossible (except for the spacing of the letters of the pronoun) to improve on the rendering being affectionately desirous of you -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
_ftnref10
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R.S.V.) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=18.3.21|AUTODETECT|”
). Wyclif translates: desirynge you with greet loue. Others: yearning for (or yearning after) you. The word used in the original occurs only here in the New Testament. Cf. its use in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=18.3.21|AUTODETECT|”
Job 3:21) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
the bitter in soul long for death. In a sepulchral inscription the sorrowing parents are described as greatly desiring their son. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref11 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn11”
  1. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 It is very well possible that there is a bit of irony in this expression, as if Paul wanted to say, Those who slander us are saying that we were out to get you; well, they are right, we were indeed yearning for you, but the purpose was not to take something from you but to share something with you. And that something consisted of nothing less than these two treasures: ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 the gospel of God and our very souls) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 9 1 -1 9 0 0 selves) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.10.11|AUTODETECT|” as in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.10.11|AUTODETECT|” John 10:11) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ; see N.T.C. on that passage), our talents, time, energies; see on the next verse; and all this ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 because you had become very dear to us.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Paul, Silas, and Timothy have a vivid recollection of their work in Thessalonica. All those scenes of joyful acceptance of the good news, and this in spite of bitter persecution, pass in review once more. They recall how close had been the fellowship and how the bond between themselves and these people had become more and more strong and enduring. These believers who were God s beloved had also become very dear to God s special envoys. An appeal is made to their own memory: ) 7 1 3 8 0 0
  1. For you remember, brothers, our toil and hardship: by night and by day (we were) working at a trade , in order not to be a burden to any of you while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 The trend of the connection between this passage and what precedes is: What we have just now affirmed with respect to the fact that we were not trying to receive anything from you (see verse 5 above) but rather to impart something to you, who had become very dear to us (see verse 8), is true, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 for) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 our toil and hardship in order not to burden any of you while we were with you proves it. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 The word of endearment ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 brothers) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.1.4|AUTODETECT|” is very fitting especially in the present connection: Paul, Silas, and Timothy had placed themselves on one level with the laborers of Thessalonica: they all worked for a living! See also on ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.1.4|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 1:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . Yet, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 more) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 is implied: the bond is spiritual! They are brothers ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 in Christ!) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 The expression ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 toil and hardship) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 or toil and moil (the words used in the original rhyme: ����� ������) refers not so much to the labor and weariness connected with tent-making as to the entire thought expressed in the sentence, namely, that the missionaries had been working by night and by day��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref12 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn12”
  1. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� (part of the night, part of the day; note the genitive), and had been preaching besides! It must have been very hard, indeed, to find time for all this, and not to break down under the load. Yet, for the sake of the gospel of God and out of love for the Thessalonians, most of whom were ordinary laborers, the burden had been gladly borne. Note: the gospel ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 of God. ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Had it been ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 from men,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 for example from traveling philosophers, the Thessalonians would not have been treated with such consideration. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Paul and his companions must have reflected very carefully on the question, Shall we accept financial remuneration for the work of bringing the gospel; particularly, shall we accept it from the converts themselves? Paul s stand may be summarized in the following ten propositions: ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.1.11|AUTODETECT|” (1) ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.1.11|AUTODETECT|” Titus 1:11) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 : He definitely does not want to give any occasion for being placed in a class with vain talkers who are interested in filthy lucre. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.9.6-46.9.15|AUTODETECT|” (2) ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.9.6-46.9.15|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 9:6 15) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 : He, nevertheless, emphatically asserts ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 the right) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 to receive remuneration from the church for performing spiritual work, and to receive it even from the converts themselves (see especially verse 11). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Nevertheless, as far as the latter group is concerned (the converts), ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 he has decided not to make use of that right) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (see verse 15). ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.20.33|AUTODETECT|” (3) ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.20.33|AUTODETECT|” Acts 20:33) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 : He will now be able to say, I coveted no man s silver, gold, or apparel. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.11.8|AUTODETECT|” (4) ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.11.8|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 11:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 : He does at times take wages from already established churches, while he is working in a new field. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.10-50.4.20|AUTODETECT|” (5) ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.10-50.4.20|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 4:10 20) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 : He accepts gifts from an already established church (Philippi). ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.20.34|AUTODETECT|” (6) ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.20.34|AUTODETECT|” Acts 20:34) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.20.35|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.20.35|AUTODETECT|”
  2. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.9|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 2:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.3.8|AUTODETECT|” and ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.3.8|AUTODETECT|” II Thess. 3:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 : Most of all, he provides for his own needs (and even for the needs of others) by laboring with his own hands. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.3|AUTODETECT|” (7) ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.3|AUTODETECT|” Acts 18:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 : He is tent-maker by trade. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.12|AUTODETECT|” (8) ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.12|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 6:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.8.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.8.9|AUTODETECT|” 8:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.8.13|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.8.13|AUTODETECT|”
  3. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.9.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.9.12|AUTODETECT|” 9:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.10.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.10.23|AUTODETECT|” 10:23) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 : The principle on which he insists again and again (applying it to various questions) is this: All things are lawful, but not all things are helpful: there are a good many things which I have a right to do, but that does not mean that I should therefore do them! The real question is always: What course of action will be most useful in promoting the work of the kingdom and the glory of God? ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.11.7|AUTODETECT|” (9) ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.11.7|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 11:7) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 : Even so, in spite of this carefully worked out plan with respect to work and wages, he does not escape criticism. If he takes money, or if his enemies suspect that he does, they are ready to charge him with selfishness, greed; if he does not, they accuse him of making a show of his humility. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.4.12|AUTODETECT|” (10) ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.4.12|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 4:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.28|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.28|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 4:28) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.9|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 2:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.3.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.3.8|AUTODETECT|” II Thess. 3:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.3.10|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.3.10|AUTODETECT|”
  4. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 : He (and the Holy Spirit through him!) dignifies labor, and proclaims the great principle: If any man will not work neither let him eat. Now in his day and age, laboring with the hands is not always and everywhere being held in honor. Cicero (Roman orator and writer, 106 43 b.c.) states that the general opinion was as follows: ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 The callings of hired laborers, and of all that are paid for their mere work and not for their skill, are unworthy of a free man and vulgar; for their wages are given for menial service.& All mechanics are engaged in vulgar business; for a workshop can have nothing respectable about it.& Commerce, if on a small scale, is to be regarded as vulgar; but if large and rich & it is not so very discreditable 9 1 -1 9 0 0 De Officiis) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 I. xlii). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 In sharp contrast with all this stands the gospel of God, the teaching of Paul and his companions! ) 7 1 3 8 0 0
  1. You (are) witnesses and (so is) God, how piously and righteously and blamelessly we conducted ourselves in the estimation of you, believers.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 The writers appeal to ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 the believers) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 to bear witness that in the latter s own estimation had some of them openly expressed it on occasion? Paul and Silas and Timothy had ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 carried on their work) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (����������) among them with devotion to God 9 1 -1 9 0 0 piously, holily) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , as men separated unto God and his service), ever striving to do what is ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 right) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 according to his law; hence, in an ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 irreproachable) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 manner. But inasmuch as man s judgment is, after all, fallible, for, Man looks on the outward appearance, but Jehovah looks on the heart the statement, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 You) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 are witnesses, is immediately followed by: and (so is) ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 God. ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 The idea here begun is amplified in verses 11, 12: ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 11, 12. just as you know how, like a father (dealing) with his own children, (so we were) admonishing each and all of you, and encouraging and testifying that you should live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref13 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn13”
  1. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Paul, Silas, and Timothy, while in Thessalonica, had loved these people like a mother loves and cherishes her own children (verse 7), and had admonished them as does a father. As Bengal points out, they had ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 admonished) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 them so that they would act ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 freely, encouraged) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 them, sothat they would act ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 gladly,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 testified,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 sothat they would act ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 reverently) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (with a proper sense of respect for the will of God as expressed in his Word; hence, with fear). They had dealt with ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 each one of them,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 having done individual pastoral work among them. (The stay in Thessalonica must have lasted more than three weeks.) They had also dealt with ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 all) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 of them as a group, addressing them collectively, teaching them, explaining the Word of God to them, and exhorting them to accept it by faith and to live in accordance with it.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref14 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn14”
  2. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� They had figured with the immaturity of these people, and had loved them dearly. Both of these ideas (immaturity, love) are implied in the term ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 children) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Now the object of all this fatherly exhortation was that the readers would ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 walk) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (pass their lives) in a manner ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 worthy of) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (in harmony with) their relation to God, who, by means of preaching and pastoral care, was calling them into that ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 future realm) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.1.5|AUTODETECT|” 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.1.5|AUTODETECT|” II Thess. 1:5) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.9|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 6:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.10|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.10|AUTODETECT|”
  3. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.21|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.21|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 5:21) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.5|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 5:5) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.4.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.4.1|AUTODETECT|” II Tim. 4:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.4.18|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.4.18|AUTODETECT|”
  4. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) where his kingship is fully recognized and his ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 glory) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.14|AUTODETECT|” 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.14|AUTODETECT|” John 1:14) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) is reflected in the hearts and lives of all his subjects. ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 2:13 6 ) 13 And for this reason we also thank God constantly, that when you had received from us the word which you heard, namely, God s word, you accepted it not as a word of men but as it really is, a word of God, which is also at work in you who believe. 14 For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus which are in Judea; for you suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they did from the Jews, 15 who killed both the Lord, namely, Jesus, and the prophets, and drove us out, and please not God, and we are contrary to all men 16 in that they try to prevent us from speaking to the Gentiles in order that they may be saved, so as always to fill up the measure of their sins. But upon them the wrath has come to the uttermost!��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref15 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn15”
  5. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 2:13. And for this reason we also thank God constantly, that when you had received from us the word which you heard, namely, God s word, you accepted it not as a word of men but as it really is, a word of God, which is also at work in you who believe.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 That in this section the Defence continues will become clear, the main point being, The enemy is trying to undermine your faith, but your willingness to suffer persecution for the sake of Christ proves that your faith is genuine, and that the foe will not succeed. ) In order to bring home this idea Paul states that not only the Thessalonians are grateful for the spiritual blessings which they have received, but so are the missionaries . Without ceasing they thank God for the manner in which the Thessalonians have accepted the message and for the influence which this word of God has exerted upon their lives. In other words, we have here a further elucidation and amplification of 1:6, just as 2:1 12 is an expatiation of the thought begun in 1:5. For that very reason we do not agree with those who would interpret the present passage as if it meant: We thank God that when you received our message, you actually obtained the Word of God, and not merely the word of men. The sense is: when you ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 received) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (external reception) from us the word of hearing (meaning: the word which you heard), which was nothing less than God s own word, you ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 accepted) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (inward welcoming) it ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 as such,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 that is, as a word of God and not as a word of men. The genuine character of this acceptance was proved by the fact that this divine word was actually bearing fruit in the lives of the people, as the passage 1:6 10 has already shown (they had turned away from idols toward God and toward the coming of his Son, and even amid much affliction they were joyfully proclaiming the new faith); and as verse 14 is going to show. The word, accordingly, was operating; it was at work, ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref16 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn16”
  6. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� effective in the lives of believers. And the reason why the word was at work, and this in a favorable sense, was that it was the word ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 of God:) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.13|AUTODETECT|” by means of that word, God himself was working 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.13|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 2:13) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). To substantiate this fact, namely, that the word was really at work, and that it was ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 God s) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 word, Paul continues: ) 7 1 3 8 0 0
  1. For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus which are in Judea; for you suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they did from the Jews.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Willingness to suffer for Christ is proof of discipleship. It shows that the word of God is at work in the heart. It unites believers, sothat they constitute a true brotherhood 9 1 -1 9 0 0 brothers ;) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 see on 1:4), to which no one belongs who is not willing thus to suffer. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.3.12|AUTODETECT|” Now the Thessalonians were not only willing to suffer but had actually experienced persecution. Hence, they had become imitators of other believers. The story is ever the same. It is repeated in every age and in every clime 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.3.12|AUTODETECT|” II Tim. 3:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.15.20|AUTODETECT|” and N.T.C. on ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.15.20|AUTODETECT|” John 15:20) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.16.33|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.16.33|AUTODETECT|” 16:33) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). For a true believer not to suffer persecution in some form is impossible. The readers had become imitators of the missionaries and of Christ himself (see on 1:6). Now another thought is added, namely, that they had also become imitators of the Judean believers. Now in Judea there were various ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 assemblies) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (see on 1:1), by no means all of them Christian. To indicate clearly that the assemblies here meant are ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Christian) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 assemblies or ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 churches) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 9 1 -1 9 0 0 assembly) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 or ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 church) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 is the same word in the original: �������) there is added: of God in Christ Jesus 9 1 -1 9 0 0 in) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.1.22|AUTODETECT|” in spiritual union with Christ Jesus, cf. ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.1.22|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 1:22) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). These Judean churches had suffered ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 from the Jews) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.1.13|AUTODETECT|” . Paul knew all about it, for he himself, while still unconverted, had taken part in it 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.1.13|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 1:13) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.9.1|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.9.1|AUTODETECT|” Acts 9:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.9.13|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.9.13|AUTODETECT|”
  1. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.6.0|AUTODETECT|” ) at the behest of the Jewish authorities. Moreover, think of Stephen, of James (the brother of the apostle John), and of Peter 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.6.0|AUTODETECT|” Acts 6) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 and 7; 12:1 9; note especially 12:3, it pleased ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 the Jews ) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.8.1|AUTODETECT|” ). Again and again persecution from the side of the Jews had flared up in Judea 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.8.1|AUTODETECT|” Acts 8:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.11.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.11.19|AUTODETECT|” 11:19) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.21.27-44.21.36|AUTODETECT|” ). And it was going to flare up again, as Paul himself was going to discover 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.21.27-44.21.36|AUTODETECT|” Acts 21:27 36) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.23.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.23.12|AUTODETECT|” 23:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.24.1-44.24.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.24.1-44.24.9|AUTODETECT|” 24:1 9) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.5-44.17.8|AUTODETECT|” Believers in Thessalonica had been similarly persecuted. However, the persecution which Paul has immediately in mind here in verse 14 is not (at least not primarily) the one recorded in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.5-44.17.8|AUTODETECT|” Acts 17:5 8) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.4|AUTODETECT|” but the one which just now had been reported by Timothy. This later persecution had taken place after the departure of the missionaries. That the Gentiles had taken a prominent part in it is clear. On any different interpretation the comparison: You suffered the same things from your fellow-countrymen as they did from the Jews would make no sense. Is it not altogether probable that the husbands of those many women who had become Christians 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.4|AUTODETECT|” Acts 17:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) these husbands being themselves leading men were making life hard for their wives? And is it not logical that these men and their friends would also subject other believers (both men and women) to scorn, ridicule, physical suffering, and even death? ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 Two important lessons are clearly implied: ) (1) Whether the persecution comes from the Jews or from the Gentiles, it is ever ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 the same) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 in character, because at bottom it is the age-old warfare of the devil against the Christ, the woman, and the rest of her seed. See my book ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 More Than Conquerors) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.3.15|AUTODETECT|” (Interpretation of the book of Revelation), Grand Rapids, Mich., seventh edition, 1954, pp. 162 188. This conflict goes back to ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.3.15|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 3:15) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 (2) Willingness to suffer such persecution reflects honor on the one who experiences it. It is as if Paul and his companions are saying, The church in Jerusalem is generally thought of as an example for others. Now you, Thessalonians, by your willingness to suffer as the mother-church suffered, have shown that you are equal to her in honor. ) When Paul mentions the Jews and the havoc which they had wrought in ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Judea,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 he realizes, of course, that they, too, as well as the Gentiles, had tried and were trying to destroy the faith of the ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Thessalonian) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 believers. It was as a result of ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 their) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.5-44.17.9|AUTODETECT|” instigation that the missionaries had been forced to leave the city 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.5-44.17.9|AUTODETECT|” Acts 17:5 9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.13|AUTODETECT|” ). In the beginning the Jews had aroused the Gentiles, including the magistrates, to take a stand against the Gospel and its messengers. There is no good reason to believe that their hostile attitude had ceased since that time 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.13|AUTODETECT|” Acts 17:13) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). It is for this reason that the apostle, having made specific mention of the persecution carried on by the Jews in Judea, and mindful of their sinister plotting in Thessalonica and elsewhere, continues: ) 7 1 3 8 0 0
  1. who killed both the Lord, namely, Jesus, and the prophets,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 and drove us out,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 and please not God,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 and are contrary to all men.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 In the original the words ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Lord) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Jesus) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.15|AUTODETECT|” are separated , thus stressing the fact that it was no one less than the exalted Lord whom the Jews had killed, the one who as to his earthly manifestation was Jesus, the Savior. For both names see on 1:1. All attempts (also modern attempts) to mitigate the guilt of the Jews in killing Jesus (by saying that not they but the Gentiles particularly Pilate committed this crime) are crushed by this passage: ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.15|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 2:15) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . Just as at Thessalonica the Jews had aroused the Gentile rabble, so also before this in Jerusalem the Jews had used Pilate as their tool in bringing about the crucifixion of the Lord (see N.T.C. on the Gospel of John, chapters 18 and 19). Note how Paul, having mentioned Jesus, reaches back in time to the Old Testament ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 prophets) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 and then forward to the New Testament ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 apostles,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 particularly to himself, Silas, and Timothy. Thus it becomes apparent that at bottom the hostility is ever directed against the central figure, namely, the Lord, even Jesus (see on 2:14). ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.37-40.23.39|AUTODETECT|” As will be indicated in connection with verse 16, it is probable that the apostle was thinking of the actual words of Jesus with respect to the Jews, for example, such words as those which are recorded in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.37-40.23.39|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 23:37 39) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.34|AUTODETECT|” (for similar passages see under verse 16). If this is correct, it also becomes evident that the prophets are not those of the New Testament but those of the Old 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.34|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 23:34) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.35|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.35|AUTODETECT|”
  1. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.5-44.17.9|AUTODETECT|” For the meaning of and drove us out see ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.5-44.17.9|AUTODETECT|” Acts 17:5 9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.10-44.17.15|AUTODETECT|” 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.10-44.17.15|AUTODETECT|” Acts 17:10 15) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ; then 9:29, 30). The clause and please not God is, of course, a typical understatement. To glorify God and ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 to please) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.8|AUTODETECT|” him is the purpose of man s existence 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.8|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.7.32|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.7.32|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 7:32) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.10.31|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.10.31|AUTODETECT|” 10:31) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). These Jews not only displease ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 God) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 but are also contrary to all ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 men, ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 and this not only in the sense that they are filled with terrible hatred against all others 9 1 -1 9 0 0 History) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 V. v), but in the sense indicated in verse 16: ) 7 1 3 8 0 0
  1. in that they try to prevent us from speaking to the Gentiles in order that they may be saved, & ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 The Jews are constantly interfering, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 hindering,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 though they cannot ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 actually prevent) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.6|AUTODETECT|” the progress of the Gospel. They are obstructionists, and their constant opposition marks them as the enemies of all men, for the more the Gospel spreads, the more are all men benefited. Right here in Corinth, the place where this epistle was being written, the work of the missionaries was being impeded, as is indicated very vividly in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.6|AUTODETECT|” Acts 18:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . And this in spite of the fact that Paul, Silas, and Timothy were trying to be the means in God s hand for bestowing upon the Corinthians the greatest gift of all, namely, salvation full and free. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 With respect to the Jews, the old story was being repeated: the story of rebellion against God. Again and again in times past this spirit of obstinacy had revealed itself: e.g., in the wilderness-journey from Egypt to Canaan, during the period of the judges, during the reigns of several kings, just before the Babylonian Captivity. In the ministry of Christ (especially on Golgotha) and in the period immediately following this it had risen to a climax. Hence, Paul is able to write ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 so as always to fill up the measure of their sins.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Note that adverb ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 always) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . However, God s wrath had over-taken the mass of the Jews. We read: ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 but upon them the wrath has come.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 We immediately understand that ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 the) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 wrath is God s wrath. (It is not necessary nor even advisable to adopt the weakly attested reading which would add these words: of God ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.16|AUTODETECT|” The explanation offered by several commentators, to the effect that when Paul wrote these words he was in a bad mood because his work at Corinth was being hampered by the Jews, is without any foundation. The theory which finds in events unfavorable to the Jews which had happened during the reign of Caligula and that of Claudius (who at first was kindly disposed to them) a complete commentary of Paul s statement about the arrival of God s wrath, is equally objectionable. Worst of all is the position of those who hold that ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.16|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 2:16) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 must refer to the fall of Jerusalem in the year a.d. 70, and that, accordingly, Paul cannot have written this epistle or at least that he cannot have written this passage, it being an interpolation. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 The true explanation is simple: Paul was well acquainted with the words which Jesus had spoken while still on earth. In very emphatic language the Lord had revealed that, as a punishment for the sin of rejecting him, God s displeasure 9 1 -1 9 0 0 vengeance) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.43|AUTODETECT|” ) was now resting upon the Jewish people, and that this wrath would manifest itself in woes to be visited upon them (which woes, in turn, would foreshadow those immediately preceding the end of the world). Anyone can see this for himself by reading such passages as the following: ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.43|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 21:43) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.38|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.38|AUTODETECT|” 23:38) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.15-40.24.28|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.15-40.24.28|AUTODETECT|” 24:15 28) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.27.25|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.27.25|AUTODETECT|” 27:25) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.14|AUTODETECT|” Mark 11:14) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.20|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.20|AUTODETECT|”
  1. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.21.5-42.21.24|AUTODETECT|” (in its context); ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.21.5-42.21.24|AUTODETECT|” Luke 21:5 24) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.23.27-42.23.31|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.23.27-42.23.31|AUTODETECT|” 23:27 31) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . In this connection it must not be overlooked that the apostle does not say that God s wrath has even now been fully poured out, or that it has become outwardly manifest in punishments. All he says is that ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 the wrath itself has come!) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 The woes will follow. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 This wrath, moreover, has come ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 to the uttermost.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 While ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 previously,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 whenever Israel sinned grievously it had been ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 punished, this time) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 it is not only punished but ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 rejected) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.25|AUTODETECT|” . This time God himself hardens Israel with a hardening which lasts until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.25|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 11:25) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Hence, this time God s wrath has come upon them ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 to the uttermost) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 .��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref17 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn17”
  2. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 What Paul teaches is in full harmony with Rom. 9 11. (See also p. 19.) However, in Romans there is additional revelation. He there shows that though this wrath to the uttermost has reached the Jewish ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 masses,) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.26|AUTODETECT|” there is, nevertheless, in every period of history, a remnant according to the election of grace. These remnants of all the ages, taken together, constitute all Israel which shall be saved 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.26|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 11:26) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 a).��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref18 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn18”
  3. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.16|AUTODETECT|” �� Hence, no one has a right to say, God is through with the Jews. Anti-Semitism, moreover, is very definitely anti-scriptural! In the present passage 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.16|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 2:16) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ), however, all the emphasis is on the curse which the Jews have called down upon themselves by rejecting the Christ and his ambassadors. ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 2:17 20 ) 17 Now we, brothers, having been torn away from you for a short time out of sight but not out of heart��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref19 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn19”
  4. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� endeavored all the more eagerly to see your face with intense longing; 18 for we did wish to come to you, I, Paul, myself once and again, but Satan stopped us. 19 For who is our hope or joy or glory-wreath or are not also you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? 20 Indeed, it is you who are our glory and (our) joy! ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 2:17. Now we, brothers, having been torn away from you for a short time out of sight but not out of heart endeavored all the more eagerly to see your face with intense longing.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 The Defence continues. Not inaptly what precedes verse 17 has been called Paul s ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 apologia pro vita sua) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ; while 2:17 3:5 (see also on 3:1) has been called ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 apologia pro absentia sua) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . Not only was it true that during their stay in Thessalonica the missionaries had conducted themselves in a most unselfish manner, as has now been shown, but also after the enforced departure from that city their loving concern for the ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 brothers) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (note that word in verse 17; and see on 1:4) whom they had left behind had asserted itself. At this point Paul s style becomes intensely emotional. The very words seem to tremble. The reason for the depth of feeling which comes to expression here is probably that the enemies of the faith were insinuating that the sudden departure of the missionaries proved lack of genuine concern for the people whom they had misled. Over against that charge Paul stresses the fact that by the missionaries the separation which had taken place was felt as being nothing less than a being ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 torn away from) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 those whom they loved so dearly. The verb (��������������) occurs only here in the New Testament 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Choephori) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 249; cf. for the form without prefix Theocritus, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Epigrammata) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 V. vi). Literally, the meaning is, first, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 to be orphaned;) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 then, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 to be bereaved) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . However, the meaning of the prefix 9 1 -1 9 0 0 from, away from) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) of the composite verb is brought out better in the rendering which we favor, namely, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 to be torn away from) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 .��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref20 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn20”
  5. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 The clause having been torn away from you a short time, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 may) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.20.1|AUTODETECT|” (but does not necessarily) convey the idea that Paul was convinced that he would soon revisit the Thessalonians. In all probability he actually revisited them on the third missionary journey 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.20.1|AUTODETECT|” Acts 20:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.20.2|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.20.2|AUTODETECT|”
  6. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). However, the meaning might also be, When 9 1 -1 9 0 0 though) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) we had been torn away from you for a short time only, we already endeavored all the more eagerly to return to you. According to this second view the ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 short time) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref21 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn21”
  7. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.14|AUTODETECT|” �� is wholly antecedant to the action of the main verb. The attempt to revisit those left behind was given an added impetus by the enforced character of the separation. It is as if Paul were saying, The more Satan tried to effect a separation the harder we tried to effect a reunion. 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.14|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 1:14) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 .) With this interpretation agrees the final phrase: ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 with intense longing) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 9 1 -1 9 0 0 desire) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 The parenthetical in face not in heart ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref22 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn22”
  8. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.5.12|AUTODETECT|” �� 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.5.12|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 5:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.5|AUTODETECT|” Col. 2:5) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) must probably also be viewed as a refutation of the slander that the missionaries did not really care for those whom they had duped ; that they would know better than to try to return to them; in short, that for Paul and company out of sight meant out of heart. Thus interpreted, we can also understand what immediately follows, namely, ) 7 1 3 8 0 0
  1. for we did wish��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref23 11 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn23”
  1. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� to come to you, I, Paul, myself once and again, but Satan stopped us.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 We endeavored (verse 17), for we wished (verse 18): this sequence is logical. Far from being glad that we had an excuse to get away from Thessalonica, we Paul, Silas, and Timothy having been driven out, longed to come back. In view of the fact that the sinister attack of the enemy was directed against Paul more than against anyone else, the apostle adds, I, Paul, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 once and again ) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.16|AUTODETECT|” 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.16|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 4:16) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ), that is, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 repeatedly) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.9|AUTODETECT|” Satan, however, had prevented the missionaries from carrying out their ardent wish to return to Thessalonica. Just how did Satan do this? By influencing the minds of the politarchs at Thessalonica, sothat they would have caused Jason to forfeit his bond 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.9|AUTODETECT|” Acts 17:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.1.6-18.1.12|AUTODETECT|” ) in case the missionaries had returned? By bringing about a sufficient amount of trouble elsewhere sothat neither Paul alone nor all three were able to return? We just do not know. Moreover, it does not matter. The fact as such that Satan exerts a powerful influence over the affairs of men, especially when they endeavor to promote the interests of the kingdom of God, is sufficiently clear from other passages 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.1.6-18.1.12|AUTODETECT|” Job 1:6 12) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.3.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.3.1|AUTODETECT|” Zech. 3:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.12.7-47.12.9|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. Daniel, chapter 10). Nevertheless, God ever reigns supreme, over-ruling evil for good 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.12.7-47.12.9|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 12:7 9) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ; the book of Job). Even when the devil tries to ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 chop up) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 the road that lies ahead, thus apparently blocking our advance, God s hidden plan is never wrecked. Satan may ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 cut in on) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 us, preventing us from doing what, for the moment, seems best ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 to us,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 God s ways are always better than ours. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 The reason why Paul and his companions were so eager to revisit the Thessalonians is now stated: ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 19, 20. For who is our hope or joy or glory-wreath or are not also you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? Indeed, it is you who are our glory and (our) joy!) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 Paul and his companions love these Thessalonians, and are proud of them. It must be borne in mind that amid severe persecution these people had turned away from their idols and had turned to God, the living and true One, and that they are now waiting for the glorious coming of the Lord. ) At this ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 coming) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 of ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 the Lord Jesus Christ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (for this full title see on 1:1) for the purpose of blessing his people with his abiding ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 presence) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 the missionaries will see the ultimate realization of their ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 hope,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 and will experience supreme ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 joy) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 when they behold the fruits of their missionary efforts standing there, with gladness, thanksgiving, and praise, at Christ s right hand. For these missionaries this will be the ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 glory-wreath,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 the prided victor s chaplet.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref24 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn24”
  2. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 The term ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 coming) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 9 1 -1 9 0 0 at his coming) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) is Parousia (��������). This word is sometimes used in the non-technical sense of a. ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 presence;) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.17|AUTODETECT|” for the use of the term in that sense the following passages come in for consideration: ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.17|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 16:17) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.10.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.10.10|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 10:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.26|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.26|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 1:26) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (?); 2:12; or of b. ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 a coming, advent,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 or ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 arrival:) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.7.6|AUTODETECT|” ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.7.6|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 7:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.7.7|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.7.7|AUTODETECT|”
  3. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.26|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.26|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 1:26) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.2.9|AUTODETECT|” (?); ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.2.9|AUTODETECT|” II Thess. 2:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.19|AUTODETECT|” . In other passages and ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.19|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 2:19) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 is one of them it definitely refers to the ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Return) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 or ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Advent of the Lord,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 his coming ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 in order to bless his people with his presence) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.9.9|AUTODETECT|” . See ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.9.9|AUTODETECT|” Zech. 9:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.19|AUTODETECT|” . In addition to ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.19|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 2:19) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.3.13|AUTODETECT|” to illustrate this meaning, the following should be studied: ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.3.13|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 3:13) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.4.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.4.15|AUTODETECT|” 4:15) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.5.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.5.23|AUTODETECT|” 5:23) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.2.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.2.1|AUTODETECT|” II Thess. 2:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.2.8|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.2.8|AUTODETECT|”
  4. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.3|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 24:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.27|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.27|AUTODETECT|”
  5. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.37|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.37|AUTODETECT|”
  6. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.39|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.39|AUTODETECT|”
  7. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.23|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 15:23) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.5.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.5.7|AUTODETECT|” Jas. 5:7) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.5.8|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.5.8|AUTODETECT|”
  8. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.1.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.1.16|AUTODETECT|” II Peter 1:16) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.3.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.3.4|AUTODETECT|” 3:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.3.12|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.3.12|AUTODETECT|”
  9. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.2.28|AUTODETECT|” ; and ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.2.28|AUTODETECT|” I John 2:28) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . This meaning may be viewed as a modification of the sense: the arrival or the visit of the king or emperor.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref25 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn25”
  10. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.1|AUTODETECT|” Paul and his companions, stirred by the slanders of those who insinuate that the missionaries are people who do not care a whit about their converts, express the deepest conviction of their hearts in the form of a question, but that question requires an affirmative answer. It may be paraphrased as follows: For who is our hope or joy or glory-wreath? Others only? Or are not also you 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.1|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 4:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? And that there may be no doubt about it, Paul himself supplies the answer: Indeed (this is the meaning of ��� here) it is you (note the emphatic position of Q����) who are our ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 glory) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (that is, our reason for glorying in the Lord) and (our) joy! ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 Synthesis of Chapters 1 and 2) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 See p. 36. ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Defence. Paul writes to the Thessalonians, reminding them how the Gospel had come to Thessalonica, as a genuine work of God and not as a product of human deception.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 chapter 1 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 This chapter contains the names of the senders (Paul and his companions Silvanus and Timothy) and of the addressee (the church of the Thessalonians), the salutation, and the thanksgiving together with its grounds. ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 The reasons why Silvanus (or Silas) and Timothy are mentioned in one breath with Paul as authors and senders is that they have been associated with the great apostle in bringing the gospel to Thessalonica and are with him now in Corinth where this letter is written. ) Upon the readers the missionaries pronounce ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 grace) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (God s unmerited favor in operation) and its result, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 peace) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (the conviction of reconciliation through the blood of the cross, spiritual prosperity). ) 6 3 3 8 0 0 They inform the Thessalonians that they never allow a day to go by without giving thanks for them, in view of their work resulting from faith, exertion prompted by love, and endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. The ultimate reason for this thanksgiving is the conviction that the readers have been chosen from eternity unto salvation. The writers base this conviction on two facts: ) a. the message which the readers had received and the messengers who had brought it are trustworthy. ) b. the manner in which the readers had responded is proof positive of the operation of the Spirit of God in their hearts. They had welcomed God s word with Spirit-imparted joy even in the midst of great tribulation. They had cast away their idols, to serve God, the living and real One, and to await his Son out of the heavens. From ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 imitators) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 they had become ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 examples) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . Their faith was being broadcast and was having its blessed effect everywhere. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Paul (i.e., Paul, Silvanus and Timothy, but Paul is chiefly responsible) gives evidence of deep concern for his readers. Probably as an answer to malicious slander he declares, You well know what kind of men we became among you for your sake. Thus, even in the first chapter there is an undertone of ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 defence) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . This gains strength in the next chapter. ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 chapter 2 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 The apologetic tone continues and becomes predominant. First, the missionaries defend their ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 manner of life) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 while still at Thessalonica (verses 1 16); then, their ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 departure and continued absence) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 from Thessalonica (2:17 20, or even 2:17 3:5). As the charges were hurled especially against ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Paul,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 this may be considered ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 his) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 defence even more than ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 theirs) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . Accordingly, we have: ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 Apologia pro vita sua) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 The key-passage is verse 3, For our appeal does not spring from delusion or from impurity nor does it come with deceit. It may probably be inferred from this that the slanderers had directed their attack against Paul s ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 m) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 essage, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 m) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 otive, and ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 m) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ethod. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Accordingly, in this section Paul points out that his ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 message) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 was the good news which had come directly from God; that the ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 motive) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 in presenting it was most unselfish, even the motive of self-sacrificing love, the attitude of a father or of a mother toward his (her) own children; and that the ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 method) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 was above reproach ( You are witnesses and so is God, how piously and righteously and blamelessly we conducted ourselves in the estimation of you, believers ). Paul shows that the willingness of the readers to suffer persecution for the sake of Christ proves that the word is at work in them, and that they are equal in honor with the mother-church in Judea. In a passage filled with deep emotion he reveals that upon the Jewish instigators of persecution God s wrath has come to the uttermost. ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 Apologia pro absentia sua) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 The enemy seems also to have insinuated that Paul s departure from Thessalonica and his failure to return had not been entirely unplanned, or that, while he complained about tribulation, he had not been entirely unhappy about finding an excuse to get away. The apostle definitely and with much feeling denies this, ardently and unequivocally avowing his love for the readers, whom he calls our hope or joy or glory-wreath in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming. He states that he and his companions had been torn away from the readers, and had repeatedly endeavored all the more eagerly to see their face with intense longing, but had been stopped by Satan. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn1 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref1” 43 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 We generally speak of proclaiming (or preaching) the gospel and of telling good news. As the verb which is used here in the original is ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 telling) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 rather than ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 proclaiming,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 I have here given as the English equivalent: to tell you the good news. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn2 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref2” 44 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Or with deep anxiety (concern) or with strenuous exertion. Not, however, in spite of heavy opposition. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn3 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref3” 45 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Or ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 holily) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn4 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref4” 46 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 In this context the ingressive or inceptive aorist seems the most natural. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn5 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref5” A.V. ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Authorized Version (King James) ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn6 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref6” A.R.V. ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 American Standard Revised Version ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn7 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref7” N.T.C. ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 W. Hendriksen, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 New Testament Commentary) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn8 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref8” 47 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 It makes little difference whether of greed is viewed as objective genitive: ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 a pretext for greed) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (to cover up greed) or as subjective genitive: ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 a pretext of greed) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (produced by greed, used by greed as a cover-up). The resultant idea is about the same. The rendering ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 a cloke (cloak) of covetousness) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 9 1 -1 9 0 0 a cloak for greed) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) is also excellent, though ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 pretext) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 9 1 -1 9 0 0 in front) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) or ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 pretense) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 9 1 -1 9 0 0 in front) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) hence, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 a disguise) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 brings out more precisely the meaning of the prefix in the Greek word. Note also that while the older Dutch rendering is ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 bedeksel) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (i.e., cloak or cover), the new translation, Amsterdam, 1951, has ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 voorwendsel) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (pretext). ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn9 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref9” 48 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 This is the correct word, not ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 infants,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 though that has considerable textual support. But the change from ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 gentle) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 to ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 infants) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (the difference is just one letter in the original: $���� to ������) may have arisen from the fact that ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 gentle) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.2.24|AUTODETECT|” is rare 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.2.24|AUTODETECT|” II Tim. 2:24) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . See also M.M., p. 281). This is better than to say 9 1 -1 9 0 0 infants) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) that the first letter of ������ was omitted by scribal error because the same letter ends the preceding word. After all, the context very definitely argues for ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 gentle: gentle) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 stands over against in weight 9 1 -1 9 0 0 formidable, weighty) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ); it also matches the description which immediately follows: as when a nurse cherishes her own children. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn10 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref10” R.S.V. ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Revised Standard Version ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn11 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref11” 49 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.62.2|AUTODETECT|” See @�������� in M.M., p. 447. Cf. the use of the word in Symm. ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.62.2|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 62:2) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn12 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref12” 50 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.3.8|AUTODETECT|” Night and day (instead of day and night) is the order also in 3:10; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.3.8|AUTODETECT|” II Thess. 3:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.5.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.5.5|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 5:5) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.1.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.1.3|AUTODETECT|” II Tim. 1:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.14.17|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.14.17|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 14:17) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ; contrast 16:13. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn13 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref13” 51 ) 6 4 3 8 0 0 The attempts at constructing this difficult sentence are legion. The one which looks the best to us is as follows: ) (1) Literal translation: just as you know how each one of you as a father his own children admonishing you and encouraging and testifying for you to walk worthy of God, the One calling you into his own kingdom and glory. ) (2) The statement beginning with just as you know runs parallel with the one beginning with you are witness and (so is) God (verse 10); hence, how each one of you is co-ordinate in thought with how piously, etc. The thought with reference to the holy, righteous, and blameless manner in which these three had carried on their work (verse 10) is elaborated in the statement that they had dealt with the Thessalonians as does a father with his children, admonishing them, encouraging and testifying that they should live lives worthy of God, etc. ) (3) The participles ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 admonishing, encouraging, and testifying) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 should be combined with the imperfect of the verb ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 to be) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (understood), forming the imperfect periphrastic. The use of the periphrastic has the effect of making the sentence more vivid, as if to say, We ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 were doing) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.7.5|AUTODETECT|” so and so; don t you remember? The omission of the copula in such cases is not at all unusual 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.7.5|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 7:5) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) and may be due to Aramaic influence. ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 (4) The words his own children are to be considered the object of the main idea in the participles. Had the sentence been more fully expressed, the participles would have been repeated. ) (5) The pronoun ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 you) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 after ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 admonishing) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (see literal translation above, under 1) is resumptive, resuming the idea expressed in ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 each one of you) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . This repetition of the pronoun may also be due, in part, to Aramaic influence. However, in Koine Greek (as well as in other languages, even today) such redundance is not rare. It should not be viewed as superfluous repetition: the missionaries, while in Thessalonica, had administered to each person ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 individually,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 and had also dealt with the people ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 collectively) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 (6) More fully expressed, the sentence, accordingly, would run somewhat as follows: (after verse 10: You are witnesses and so is God, how piously, etc., verse 11 continues) just as you know how, like a father admonishing his own children, and encouraging and testifying, so we were admonishing each and all of you, and encouraging and testifying that you should live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory. In slightly abbreviated form this is the rendering which we have adopted in the text. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn14 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref14” 52 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 As Calvin says so strikingly 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Corpus Reformatorum) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , vol. LXXX, Brunsvigae, 1895, p. 150): Et certe nemo unquam bonus erit pastor, nisi qui patrem se ecclesiae sibi creditae praestabit. Nec vero se universo modo corpori talem fuisse asserit, sed etiam singulis. Neque enim satis est, si pastor omnes pro suggestu in commune doceat, nisi particularem quoque adiungat doctrinam, prout vel necessitas postulat, vel occasio se offert. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn15 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref15” 53 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Or ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 at last;) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 or ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 to the end) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn16 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref16” 54 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Paul is fond of this verb ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 is at work) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.5|AUTODETECT|” (������). He uses it again and again 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.5|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 7:5) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.12.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.12.6|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 12:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.12.11|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.12.11|AUTODETECT|”
  11. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.1.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.1.6|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 1:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.4.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.4.12|AUTODETECT|” 4:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.8|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 2:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.11|AUTODETECT|” twice; 3:5; 5:6; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.11|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 1:11) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.20|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.20|AUTODETECT|”
  12. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.2|AUTODETECT|” 2:2) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.3.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.3.20|AUTODETECT|” 3:20) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.13|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 2:13) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.29|AUTODETECT|” twice; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.29|AUTODETECT|” Col. 1:29) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.13|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 2:13) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.2.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.2.7|AUTODETECT|” II Thess. 2:7) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Of the twenty-one instances in which this verb occurs in the N.T., no less than eighteen are to be found in Paul. In addition to this he alone employs the corresponding nouns 9 1 -1 9 0 0 energy) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.5|AUTODETECT|” ). In Paul s way of thinking principles are never dead; they are always doing something; though not always something good 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.5|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 7:5) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.4.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.4.12|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 4:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.2.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.2.7|AUTODETECT|” II Thess. 2:7) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn17 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref17” 55 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.13.1|AUTODETECT|” Though to the uttermost 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.13.1|AUTODETECT|” John 13:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) would seem to be the meaning that best suits the context, it is not certain. The phrase �0� ����� can also mean ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 at last) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.18.5|AUTODETECT|” 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.18.5|AUTODETECT|” Luke 18:5) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.16|AUTODETECT|” ; here in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.16|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 2:16) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 it is so rendered by R.S.V., Berkeley Version, Williams, Robertson, Frame); or ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 to the end) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.9.27|AUTODETECT|” 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.9.27|AUTODETECT|” Dan. 9:27) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.22|AUTODETECT|” ; see the use of the phrase in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.22|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 10:22) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.13|AUTODETECT|” 24:13) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.13.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.13.13|AUTODETECT|” Mark 13:13) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.16|AUTODETECT|” ; here in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.16|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 2:16) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 it is so rendered by the New Dutch Version, by Van Leeuwen in ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Korte Verklaring) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , etc.). ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn18 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref18” 56 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 See my booklet ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 And So All Israel Shall be Saved) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , Grand Rapids, Mich. (Baker Book House), 1945. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn19 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref19” 57 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Literally ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 in face not in heart) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn20 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref20” 58 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.17|AUTODETECT|” For this translation of the verb as used here in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.17|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 2:17) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 we are indebted to H. G. Liddell and R. Scott, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 A Greek-English Lexicon) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , Oxford, 1940, Vol. I, p. 216. Words, in the course of their history, often acquire a slightly modified meaning. Thus the word ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 orphan) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.18|AUTODETECT|” in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.18|AUTODETECT|” John 14:18) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 tends in the direction of ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 friendless) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . Even in English the adjective ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 orphan) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 may have the wider meaning ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 bereaved) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . So also here in 2:17 the basic element of the verb has attained a somewhat modified meaning. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn21 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref21” 59 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.8.13|AUTODETECT|” The expression ��x� ����x� e��� combines ��x� ������ 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.8.13|AUTODETECT|” Luke 8:13) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.7.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.7.5|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 7:5) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.7.8|AUTODETECT|” ) and ��x� e��� 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.7.8|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 7:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.5|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 2:5) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn22 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref22” 60 ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 We) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 say out of sight out of ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 mind ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , but the Greek has ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 heart;) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 cf. the Dutch: ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 uit het oog, uit het hart) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn23 11 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref23” 61 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Those who favor the rendering, We made deliberate plans, fail to show a solid reason why the verb ���� rather than �������� was used. The enemy denied that Paul and his companions 9 1 -1 9 0 0 especially) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Paul) ever even ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 wished) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 to return to Thessalonica! ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn24 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref24” 62 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.16.31|AUTODETECT|” We take the genitive ��������� to be adjectival in nature. This is in harmony with similar expressions in other passages: ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.16.31|AUTODETECT|” Prov. 16:31) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.28.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.28.5|AUTODETECT|” Is. 28:5) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.13.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.13.8|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 13:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.16.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.16.12|AUTODETECT|” Ezek. 16:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.23.42|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.23.42|AUTODETECT|” 23:42) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . Besides, the New Testament has many genitives of this kind, the frequency of their occurrence being due, perhaps, to Aramaic influence (see also on 1:3). Hence, the main concept here is not ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 boasting) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (or glorifying) but ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 wreath) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . The new Dutch translation has ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 erekrans) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ; cf, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 roemkrans) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . That is correct. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn25 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref25” 63 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 See A. Deissmann, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Light From The Ancient East) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , fourth edition, New York, 1922, p. 368; G. Milligan, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 St. Paul s Epistles to the Thessalonians) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , London, 1908, p. 145 ff. )
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