1 Thessalonians 1:3-5
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 1:3
Remembering without ceasing. Some attach the words, "without ceasing," or "unceasingly," to the previous clause; "making mention of you unceasingly in our prayers" (so Alford). Your work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope. These expressions are not to be weakened, as if they were a mere Hebraism for active faith, laborious love, and patient hope. We have here the three cardinal virtues—faith, love, and hope ( 1 Corinthians 13:13 ). Elsewhere these graces are combined. Thus... read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 1:3
The three cardinal virtues faith, love, and hope. 1. Their order. Faith is the commencement of the spiritual life, love its progress and continuance, and hope its completion; faith is the foundation, love the structure, and hope the top-stone of God's spiritual temple in the soul. 2. Their manifestations. Faith is seen by its works; love, by its self-denying exertions; and hope, by its patience and endurance. 3. Their reference to time. Faith refers to the past, love to... read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 1:3
In writing to the Corinthians St. Paul singles out three Christian graces for supreme honor—faith, hope, and love. Here he selects the same three graces, but not simply to praise them for their own inherent merits. They are now regarded in their energetic operation, as powers and influences; and the fruits of their activity are the subjects of the apostle's thankful recognition. He makes mention in prayer of the work of faith and labor of love and patience of hope. I. CHRISTIAN ... read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 1:4
Knowing ; that is, not the Thessalonians themselves, but we, Paul and Silvanus and Timotheus; knowing, being well assured of. Brethren beloved , your election of God; or rather, as it is in the margin and in the R.V., Knowing brethren, beloved of God, your election. By election is meant that act of free grace by which God destines individuals to become believers in Christ. Thus the Thessalonian converts were chosen or elected by God from among their heathen countrymen to become... read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 1:5
For ; or rather, how that (R.V.); or, because ; assigning the reasons for Paul's confidence in their election; and these reasons were two: first, the powerful entrance which the gospel had among them; and secondly, the joyful reception which was given to it by the Thessalonians. Our gospel ; that is, the gospel which was preached by us. Came not unto you in word only. The gospel came in word, for this was a necessary pre-requisite, but "not in word only," that is, it was not a bare... read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 1:5
The entrance of the gospel. 1. Negatively. " Not in word only." The preaching of the gospel will only add to our condemnation if we do not by faith accept it; not nominal, but real Christianity is the chief matter; the entrance must not be external, but internal. 2. Positively. "In power," arresting us in our worldly career; "in the Holy Ghost," being the Agent of our conversion; "in much assurance," so that we know from experience its truth and efficacy. read more
Albert Barnes
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Thessalonians 1:3
Remembering without ceasing - Remembering your faith and love whenever we pray. This is not to be understood literally, but it is language such as we use respecting anything that interests us much. It is constantly in our mind. Such an interest the apostle had in the churches which he had established.Your work of faith - That is, your showing or evincing faith. The reference is probably to acts of duty, holiness, and benevolence, which proved that they exercised faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.... read more
Albert Barnes
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Thessalonians 1:4
Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God - The margin here reads, “beloved of God, your election.” The difference depends merely on the pointing, and that which would require the marginal reading has been adopted by Hahn, Tittman, Bloomfield, and Griesbach. The sense is not materially varied, and the common version may be regarded as giving the true meaning. There is no great difference between “being beloved of God,” and “being chosen of God.” The sense then is, “knowing that you are... read more
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John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Thessalonians 1:5
Verse 5 5As ye know. Paul, as I have said before, has it as his aim, that the Thessalonians, influenced by the same considerations, may entertain no doubt that they were elected by God. For it had been the design of God, in honoring Paul’s ministry, that he might manifest to them their adoption. Accordingly, having said that they know what manner of persons they had been, (504) he immediately adds that he was suchfor their sake, by which he means that all this had been given them, in order that... read more