THE First, and, probably, the Second Epistle to the church at Thessalonica, were written some time before those which precede them as they stand arranged in the sacred volume. Thessalonica was a city of Macedonia, on the north-western shore of the Egean Sea. The circumstances under which the gospel was first preached there are recorded in Acts 17:1-10. When Paul had been driven away from Thessalonica, as there stated, and afterwards from Berea, he proceeded to Athens, expecting that Timothy would join him there. (v. 15.) No mention is made, however, in the Acts, of Timothy's rejoining Paul, until he had gone on to Corinth. (18:1, 5.) The allusion to Timothy's return, in this Epistle, (3:6,) is supposed to refer to this occasion of his arrival at Corinth; and it has accordingly been generally supposed that it was at the latter named city that this Epistle was written,--the statement in the subscription, at the end of the Epistle, that it was written from Athens, being thought erroneous. It would appear, however, from 3:1, 2, that Timothy must have joined Paul first at Athens, according to the directions given him in Acts 17:15, and that he was sent again to Thessalonica from that place, for the purposes mentioned in 1 Thess. 3:2. Then, on his return from this mission, he joined the apostle at Corinth, and soon afterwards this Epistle was written.

      1. Silvanus, Silas. He was with Timothy, the companion of Paul, in preaching the gospel at Thessalonica, and had since joined him at Corinth (Acts 17:14. 18:5.) [452]

      4. Knowing--your election; having abundant evidence of it by the proofs mentioned above.

      5. In power; with great effect.--In much assurance; with convincing evidence.

      6. In much affliction, with joy, &c.; that is, having joyfully received the word, though in circumstances of great trial and affliction. For the nature of these circumstances, see Acts 17:5-10.

      9. What manner of entering in we had, &c.; that is, what was the effect of our labors. The meaning is, that although Paul had been violently driven away from Thessalonica, so that he had no opportunity personally to witness the fruits of his labor, still the successful results which followed, had been fully made known to him by general report.

      2. At Philippi. The circumstances here referred to are related in Acts 16:12-40.--Contention; referring to the difficulties and dangers with which they had to contend.

      3. Uncleanness; impurity of motive and design.

      4. To be put in trust with; to be intrusted with.--Even so; that is, in accordance with the source of the commission,--namely, one received from God.

      6. We might have been burdensome; we might have expected of you supplies for our wants.

      7. Gentle; benevolent and kind. [453] The meaning is, that their labors were freely given, prompted, like the care and attention bestowed upon infancy, by feelings of disinterested affection, and not by hope of reward.

      9. Laboring night and day, &c. It would seem from this passage that Paul labored with his hands to provide the means of support in Thessalonica, as he did in Corinth. (Acts 18:3.)

      15. Contrary to all men; contending against what would be for the welfare and happiness of all men.

      16. The wrath is come upon them; they are utterly abandoned to sin, and their destruction is impending and sure.

      18. Satan; referring to the opposition and threatening of his enemies instigated by Satan.

      1. To be left at Athens. It would seem from this and the following verses, that Timothy came to Paul at Athens, as Paul had directed, (Acts 17:15,) and that Paul sent him back from that city to Thessalonica for the purposes mentioned in v. 2 of this chapter. His returning to Paul again, [454] as mentioned in v. 6, was probably at Corinth, as stated Acts 18:5.

      5. I sent; referring to the mission of Timothy alluded to above.

      10. Night and day; very frequently and earnestly.

      11. Direct our way unto you, open the way for us to visit you at such a time as shall be in accordance with the divine will.

      1. Abound more and more; that is, follow the directions and exhortations which they had received more and more fully.

      4. His vessel, his body.

      7. Unto uncleanness; to sin or moral impurity of any kind.

      8. Despiseth; that is, the preaching [455] and instructions of Paul.--Given unto us his Holy Spirit; as proofs that our commission is from him.

      12. Honestly; reputably.--Them that are without; unbelievers.

      13. Them which are asleep; which are dead,--referring, perhaps, to some who had lost their lives in the persecutions.

      15. We which are alive and remain; those who shall be alive at the coming of Christ.--Prevent; precede; that is, go before them in entering into glory.

      17. In the clouds; in heaven. From the form of the expression used repeatedly in this passage, "We which are alive and remain," and from phraseology analogous to it, occurring in other places, it has been supposed by some that the time of Christ's final coming was one of the things not revealed even to the apostles, and that they shared with the church at large in the expectation that that event was to take place in their own day. Such an interpretation of his language, however, as this supposition implies, seems to be distinctly disavowed by the apostle in his Second Epistle to this church. (2 Thess. 2:2.)

      1. Of the times and the seasons, relating to the final coming of Christ.

      2. As a thief in the night; suddenly and unexpectedly. [456]

      12. To know them; to acknowledge and remember them.

      16. Rejoice evermore; be contented and happy in spirit, confiding always in God.

      19. Quench not the Spirit; do not repulse its influences by indifference and neglect.

      20. Prophesyings; preaching. The meaning is, Do not neglect and disregard the instructions which you receive.

      24. Will do it; will faithfully fulfil what he has undertaken to perform. [457]

[AINT 452-457]