1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Thessalonians 4:6

Verse 6 6Let no man oppress. Here we have another exhortation, which flows, like a stream, from the doctrine of sanctification. “God,” says he, “has it in view to sanctify us, that no man may do injury to his brother. ” For as to Chrysostom’s connecting this statement with the preceding one, and explaining ὑπερβαίνειν καὶ πλεονεκτεῖν to mean — neighing after the wives of others, (Jeremiah 5:8) and eagerly desiring them, is too forced an exposition. Paul, accordingly, having adduced one instance... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Thessalonians 4:7

Verse 7 7For God hath not called us. This appears to be the same sentiment with the preceding one — that the will of God is our sanctification. There is, however, a little difference between them. For after having discoursed as to the correcting of the vices of the flesh, he proves, from the end of our calling, that God desires this. For he sets us apart to himself as his peculiar possession. (570) Again, that God calls us to holiness, he proves by contraries, because he rescues us, and calls... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Thessalonians 4:8

Verse 8 8Who hath also given. That he may the more effectually turn away the Thessalonians from such contempt and obstinacy, he reminds them that they had been endowed with the Spirit of God, first, in order that they may distinguish what proceeds from God; secondly, that they make such a difference as is befitting between holiness and impurity; and thirdly, that, with heavenly authority, they may pronounce judgment against all manner of unchastity — such as will fall upon their own heads,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 4:1

Furthermore ; literally, finally ; for the rest—introducing the closing or practical part of the Epistle. The apostle uses the same word elsewhere at the close of his Epistles. Then ; or rather, therefore ; connecting this exhortation with the closing verses of the last chapter: In order that you may be established un-blamably in holiness at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, you must do your part, you must earnestly strive after holiness. We ; to be restricted to Paul. ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 4:1

This verse introduces a series of practical exhortations by an urgent entreaty to general Christian progress. The details of conduct must be considered. But the spirit and character of the whole life are of primary importance. First see to the health of the whole tree; then prune and train the several branches. I. THE GREAT OBLIGATION OF CHRISTIAN PROGRESS . 1. It requires a full, round development of spiritual graces. It is not satisfied with a shrunken, shriveled life... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2

The practical part of the Epistle begins at this point. I. MARK THE AFFECTIONATE MANNER OF THE APOSTLE 'S ADDRESS . "We beseech you and exhort by the Lord Jesus." He does not speak in the language of command, much less assume the air of a lord over God's heritage, but meekly and affectionately in the way of entreaty. But there was all the force of authority in the very entreaty because it was grounded in the Lord Jesus as its source and element. II. THE IMPORTANT ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2

ST . PAUL 'S AFFECTIONATE IMPORTUNITY . 1. He beseeches. He has finished the personal part of his letter; he has told them of his love, his constant remembrance of them, his prayers for them, his thanksgiving; he has reminded them of the close spiritual ties which bound them to him. Now he beseeches them to persevere. He knows the exceeding difficulty of maintaining a Christian life in this sinful world; he knows the momentous issues that depend on perseverance; he loves his... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 4:1-5

With this chapter commences the hortatory part of the Epistle. I. EXHORTATION TO ADVANCE IN ACCORDANCE WITH WHAT HAD BEEN DELIVERED TO THEM OF THE DIVINE WILL . "Finally then, brethren, we beseech and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that, as ye received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, even as ye do walk,—that ye abound more and more." The announcement which is made by "finally" of the close of the Epistle is to be taken as meaning that the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 4:1-18

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 4:2

For ye know ; appealing to their memory in confirmation of what he had said. What commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus ; or, through the Lord Jesus ; that is, not merely by his authority, but by means of him, so that these commandments did not proceed from Paul, but from the Lord Jesus himself. We have here, and indeed in this chapter throughout, an assertion of the inspiration of the apostle: the commandments which he gave to the Thessalonians were the commandments of the Lord... read more

Group of Brands