1 Thessalonians 5:17 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22

Here we have divers short exhortations, that will not burden our memories, but will be of great use to direct the motions of our hearts and lives; for the duties are of great importance, and we may observe how they are connected together, and have a dependence upon one another. 1. Rejoice evermore, 1 Thess. 5:16. This must be understood of spiritual joy; for we must rejoice in our creature-comforts as if we rejoiced not, and must not expect to live many years, and rejoice in them all; but, if... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22

5:12-22 We ask you, brothers, to give due recognition to those who labour among you and to those who preside over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to hold them very highly in love because of the work that they are doing. Be at peace among yourselves. We urge you brothers, warn the lazy, comfort the fearful, cling to the weak, be patient with all. See that no one pays back evil for evil. Always pursue the good for each other and for all. Always rejoice. Never stop praying. In... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Pray without ceasing. Not that saints should be always on their knees, or ever lifting up their hands, and vocally calling upon God; this is not required of them, and would clash with, and break in upon other parts of religious worship, and the duties of civil life, which are to be attended to, as well as this, and besides would be impracticable; for however willing a spiritual man might be to be engaged in this work always, yet the flesh is weak, and would not be able to bear it; and it... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Pray without ceasing - Ye are dependent on God for every good; without him ye can do nothing; feel that dependence at all times, and ye will always be in the spirit of prayer; and those who feel this spirit will, as frequently as possible, be found in the exercise of prayer. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 5:1-28

Now follows a series of short admonitions. The Thessalonians were to love and honor their ministers, to live in peace among themselves, to admonish the disorderly, to encourage the faint-hearted, to support the weak, and to exercise forbearance toward all men. They were to be on their guard against revenge, to preserve Christian joyfulness, to be constant in prayer, and to maintain a thankful disposition. They were not to quench the Spirit, nor despise prophesyings, but were to test all... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Pray without ceasing. The means of promoting religious joy is prayer. This prayer is to be "without ceasing," implying constancy ( Colossians 4:2 ) and perseverance ( Romans 12:12 ; Ephesians 6:18 ; Luke 18:1 ). This is not a mere precept "capable of fulfillment in idea, rather than in fact" (Jowett); but it is an exhortation to live in a devotional frame of mind. It is impos sible to be always on our bended knees, but we may be in the spirit of prayer when engaged in the duties of... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Pray without ceasing - See the notes on Romans 12:12. The direction here may be fairly construed as meaning:(1) That we are to be regular and constant in the observance of the stated seasons of prayer. We are to observe the duty of prayer in the closet, in the family, and in the assembly convened to call on the name of the Lord. We are not to allow this duty to be interrupted or intermitted by any trifling cause. We are so to act that it may be said we pray regularly in the closet, in the... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. Rejoice evermore In your present privileges and future hopes. See note on Romans 14:17; Php 4:4 ; 1 Peter 1:6. Pray without ceasing In order to maintain and improve this holy joy, be always in a spirit of prayer, that is, retain a continual sense of your spiritual wants, and of your dependance on God, through Christ, for the supply of those wants, and let your desires for that supply be frequently offered up to God in faith: let your heart aspire after him, and... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28

5:12-28 ADVICE ON OTHER MATTERSMinor difficulties had arisen in the Thessalonian church, and the church leaders had the responsibility to see that these matters were put right. Paul therefore reminds the church members to respect those who have the duty of guiding the church, and not to be offended when the church leaders find it necessary to give corrective instruction (12-13). The leaders, on their part, must always act with patience and understanding (14).All Christians should live in a... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Pray . Greek. prqseuchomai. App-134 . without ceasing . See 1 Thessalonians 1:3 . read more