1 Thessalonians 5:17-18

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

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 5:18

In everything give thanks ,.... That is, to God the Father, in the name of Christ; see Ephesians 5:20 thanks are to be given to him for all things, as the Ethiopic version renders it; for all temporal good things; for our beings, the preservation of them; for food and raiment, and all the mercies of life; for the means of grace, the word and ordinances, and the ministers of the Gospel; for spiritual blessings, for electing, redeeming, regenerating, adopting, pardoning, justifying, and... 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

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Thessalonians 5:18

In every thing give thanks - For this reason, that all things work together for good to them that love God; therefore, every occurrence may be a subject of gratitude and thankfulness. While ye live to God, prosperity and adversity will be equally helpful to you. For this is the will of God - That ye should be always happy; that ye should ever be in the spirit of prayer; and that ye should profit by every occurrence in life, and be continually grateful and obedient; for gratitude and... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Verse 18 18For this is the will of God — that is, according to Chrysostom’s opinion — that we give thanks. As for myself, I am of opinion that a more ample meaning is included under these terms — that God has such a disposition towards us in Christ, that even in our afflictions we have large occasion of thanksgiving. For what is fitter or more suitable for pacifying us, than when we learn that God embraces us in Christ so tenderly, that he turns to our advantage and welfare everything that... 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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 5:18

In everything give thanks. In every circumstance—in joy and in sorrow; for everything—for prosperity and for adversity; in every place—in the house of God and on the bed of sickness; Christians should not only be engaged in constant prayer, but in constant thanksgiving; indeed, their prayers should partake largely of the nature of thanksgiving. For this ; this thankful spirit. Is the will of God ; his desire. In Christ Jesus ; the sphere in which this will of God is displayed.... read more

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