Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 2:17-20
In these words the apostle apologizes for his absence. Here observe, 1. He tells them they were involuntarily forced from them: We, brethren, were taken from you, 1 Thess. 2:17. Such was the rage of his persecutors. He was unwillingly sent away by night to Berea, Acts 17:10. 2. Though he was absent in body, yet he was present in heart. He had still a remembrance of them, and great care for them. 3. Even his bodily absence was but for a short time, the time of an hour. Time is short, all our... read more
Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 2:13-16
Here observe, I. The apostle makes mention of the success of his ministry among these Thessalonians (1 Thess. 2:13), which is expressed, 1. By the manner of their receiving the word of God: When you received the word of God, which you heard of us, you received it, not as the word of men, but (as it is in truth) the word of God. Where note, (1.) The word of the gospel is preached by men like ourselves, men of like passions and infirmities with others: We have this treasure in earthen vessels.... read more