1 Thessalonians1
King James Version · Public Domain
1Paul, and Silvanus, and Timothy, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;
3Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;
4Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.
5For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.
6And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:
7So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.
8For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.
9For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;
10And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for 1 Thessalonians 1.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: The faith, love, and patience of the Thessalonians, are evident tokens of their election which was manifested in the power with which the gospel came to them. (1–5). Its powerful and exemplary effects upon their hearts and lives. (6–10).
vv1-5
As all good comes from God, so no good can be hoped for by sinners, but from God in Christ. And the best good may be expected from God, as our Father, for the sake of Christ. We should pray, not only for ourselves, but for others also; remembering them without ceasing. Wherever there is a true faith, it will work; it will affect both the heart and life. Faith works by love; it shows itself in love to God, and love to our neighbour. And wherever there is a well-grounded hope of eternal life, this will appear by the exercise of patience; and it is a sign of sincerity, when in all we do, we seek to approve ourselves to God. By this we may know our election, if we not only speak of the things of God with out lips, but feel their power in our hearts, mortifying our lusts, weaning us from the world, and raising us up to heavenly things. Unless the Spirit of God comes with the word of God, it will be to us a dead letter. Thus they entertained it by the power of the Holy Ghost. They were fully convinced of the truth of it, so as not to be shaken in mind by objections and doubts; and they were willing to leave all for Christ, and to venture their souls and everlasting condition upon the truth of the gospel revelation.
vv6-10
When careless, ignorant, and immoral persons are turned from their carnal pursuits and connexions, to believe in and obey the Lord Jesus, to live soberly, righteously, and godly, the matter speaks for itself. The believers under the Old Testament waited for the coming of the Messiah, and believers now wait for his second coming. He is yet to come. And God had raised him from the dead, which is a full assurance unto all men that he will come to judgment. He came to purchase salvation, and will, when he comes again, bring salvation with him, full and final deliverance from that wrath which is yet to come. Let all, without delay, flee from the wrath to come, and seek refuge in Christ and his salvation.
Key Words
Σιλουανός (Silouanós): "silvan"; Silvanus, a Christian
καί (kaí): and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Τιμόθεος (Timótheos): dear to God; Timotheus, a Christian
ἐκκλησία (ekklēsía): a calling out, i.e. (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both)
Θεσσαλονικεύς (Thessalonikeús): a Thessalonican, i.e. inhabitant of Thessalonice
ἐν (en): "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.
θεός (theós): figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very
πατήρ (patḗr): a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
κύριος (kýrios): supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful title)
Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs): Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites
Cross References
1 Thessalonians 1Identical salutation structure from Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy to the Thessalonians in God and Christ.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Explicit structural triplet grouping the foundational Christian virtues of faith, love, and hope.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Parallel designation of the Thessalonian brethren as beloved by God and chosen/elected for salvation.
Supported by JFB
The historical account of Paul, Silas, and Timothy's initial ministry and planting of the Thessalonian church.
Supported by JFB
Identifies Silas (Silvanus) as a chief man among the brethren sent from the Jerusalem council.
Supported by JFB
Thematic parallel of a church's faith being so exemplary that it is spoken of throughout the world.
Supported by Matthew Poole
The parallel opening thanksgiving for the Thessalonians' exceeding growth in faith and abounding charity.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Demonstrates the practical, self-denying 'labor of love' through Paul's own manual labor among them.
Supported by JFB
Reflects how they received the gospel, not as the word of men, but in truth as God's word.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Paul exhorts believers to become followers (imitators) of him, even as he follows Christ.
Supported by Matthew Henry
A parallel exhortation to turn from vain idols to serve the living God.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Reiterates that God has not appointed believers to wrath, but to obtain salvation through Christ.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Paul’s standard epistolary formula of making mention of his converts in prayer without ceasing.
Supported by JFB
Parallels God remembering the saints' work and labor of love shown toward His name.
Supported by JFB
Verbal link showing that true faith is active, operating and working through love.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Confirms that the kingdom of God is not in word only, but in power.
Supported by Matthew Henry
The connection between tribulation/affliction, patient endurance, hope, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
Supported by John Calvin
An example of Paul boasting/glorying in the zeal of Achaia to provoke others.
Supported by Matthew Poole