Bible Commentaries
1 Thessalonians 1

Verse 1

Paul . In all his other Epistles, except Philemon, 2 Thessalonians, and Philemon, apostolos is added. He was held in terms of tender regard and affection by the converts at Philippi and Thessalonica, and there was no need to assert his authority.

Silvanus . Same as Silas. A leader of the church at Jerusalem (Acts 15:22 ), and a prophet ( 1Th 1:32 ), he accompanied Paul on his second missionary journey, and took part in the founding of the churches of Macedonia. Acts 15:40 -- 1Th 18:18 .

Timotheus . See 2 Corinthians 1:1 .

unto = to.

church . App-186 .

Thessalonians . This and the Second Epistle are the only ones addressed in this form. Romans, Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians are addressed to "saints". The two Epistles to the Corinthians to "the church of God at Corinth", and Galatians to the "churches of Galatia".

God . App-98 .

Father . App-98 .

Lord . App-98 .

Jesus Christ . App-98 .

Grace . App-184 . Compare Romans 1:7 .

from . App-104 . This last clause is omitted in most texts.

Verse 2

give thanks . Greek. eucharisteo. See Acts 27:35 .

always . App-151 .

for . App-104 .

making mention. See Romans 1:9 .

in . App-104 .

prayers . App-134 .

Verse 3

without ceasing . Greek. adialeiptos. Only here, 1Th 2:13 ; 1 Thessalonians 5:17 . Romans 1:9 .

of = proceeding from. Genitive of origin. App-17 .; or, it may be Genitive of character. App-17 ., and would read "faithful work, loving labour, and hopeful patience".

faith . App-150 .

love . App-135 . Compare 1 Thessalonians 5:8 . Colossians 1:4 , Colossians 1:8 . Revelation 2:4 .

in = of. App-17 .

Lord . App-98 .

and = even.

Verse 4

Knowing . App-132 .

beloved . App-135 .

election . Greek. ekloge. See Acts 9:15 .

Verse 5

gospel . App-140 .

word . App-121 .

also, &c . = in power also.

power . App-172 .

Holy Ghost = Divine power. App-101 .

assurance . Greek. plerophoria. See Colossians 2:2 .

were = became.

among . App-104 .

for your sake = on account of ( App-104 . 1 Thessalonians 1:2 ) you.

Verse 6

followers = imitators. Greek. mimetes. See 1 Corinthians 4:16 .

affliction . Greek. thlipsis. See Acts 7:10 .

Verse 7

ensamples . Greek. tupos. See Philippians 1:3 , Philippians 1:17 , and compare 2 Timothy 2:7; 2 Timothy 2:7 . 1 Peter 5:3 .

believe . App-150 .

Verse 8

sounded out . Greek. execheomai. Only here. Compare Luke 4:37 , and 1 Corinthians 13:1 .

also . The texts omit.

to God-ward = towards ( App-104 .) God.

is spread abroad = has gone forth.

speak . App-121 .

Verse 9

shew = report.

of . App-104 .

entering in . Greek. eisodos. See Acts 13:24 .

unto . App-104 .

to . Same as "unto", above.

idols . This shows that these converts were mainly Gentiles. The Jews were bitterly hostile. Acts 17:4-6 , Acts 17:13 .

serve . App-190 .

the = a.

true . App-175 .

Verse 10

wait for . Greek. anameno. Only here in N.T. In Septuagint of Job 7:2 .Isaiah 59:11 . A much stronger word than meno , p. 1511.

Son . App-108 .

heaven = the heavens. See Matthew 6:9 , Matthew 6:10 .

raised . App-178 .

from the dead . App-139 .3 but with the texts App-139 .4.

Jesus . App-98 .

delivered = rescueth.

us . Paul and the brethren are intended, being Jews. See 1 Thessalonians 1:9 .

from . App-104 .iv but texts read App-104 .vii.

wrath, &c . = the coming wrath. See 1 Thessalonians 2:16 .