Commendations of]

CHAP. IV.

MASTERS, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.

2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:

4 That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every

man.

7 All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:

8 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;

9 With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you.

10 Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him ;)

11 And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellow-workers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.

12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

13 For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.

14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.

15 Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.

16 And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and

phecy, or the interpretation of a prophecy. This seems to be what the apostle elsewhere calls speaking to themselves, or to one another," in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs;" each being anxious to contribute something to the general edifi. cation, and to advance the divine glory. Only he cautions them to admit no secular or profane mixtures in their religious meetings no worldly business-no politi

cal discussion-no secular odes, much less wanton or profane songs. But "whatsoever ye do, in word or deed (says he), do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God, even the Father, by him."

The concluding verses, exhorting to Christian and moral duties, are so similar to those in the last chapter to the Epistle to the Ephesians, that we shall only refer to our Exposition of that chapter.

CHAP. IV. Ver. 1. Masters, give, &c.-Dr.John Edwards justly remarks, that this verse should have been attached to the preceding chapter.

Ver. 3. A door of utterance.-See 1 Cor. xvi. 9, and the references there.

Ver. 5. Redeeming the time.-Compare Ephes. v. 15, 16.

Ver. 7. Tychicus.-See Ephes. vi. 21, 22. From comparing these passages, and the many parallel places between this Epistle and that to the Ephesians, it has been inferred that they were written about the same time, and probably sent together. See Doddridge.

Ver. 12. Labouring.-Marg. " striving;" a term evidently agonistic. Perfect and completeMarg."filled"—in all the will of God-which expression seems equivalent to that in 2-Tim, iii. 17 .

"Thoroughly furnished to every good work."

Ver. 16. From Laodicea.-Those who contend that Paul wrote to the Laodiceans, understand this of that Epistle, to be received from them, which seems an unnatural construction: Dr. John Edwards therefore suggests, that it was the first Epistle to Timothy to which the apostle refers, and which, by the superscription, appears to have been written from that city. This we consider as much the most easy and natural solution of the difficulty. The only material objection in the way of this is, that by the dates in our table (p. 469), this Epistle was written a year or two before that to Timothy; these dates are, however, in a great measure conjectural, and can by no means be ascertained within a year

or two.

Paul's farewell]

that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.

17 And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.

[salutation.

18 The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen. (E)

Written from Rome to the Colossians by Tychicus and Onesimus,

CHAP IV.

(E) Ver. 1-18. Exhortations to prayer and Christian conduct; with notice of several esteemed fellow-labourers.-Prayer is certainly one of the most important of Christian duties, and one of the most estimable of Christian privileges. It opens a communication between earth and heaven; drawing up the soul to God, and drawing down the blessings of his grace. It is a duty of universal interest; for even an apostle (and, for labours and talents, the chief of them,) was earnest in requesting an interest in the prayers of his brethren of Colosse. Until we get within the vail, we shall never know the efficacy of those odours (which are the prayers of saints) presented by the twenty-four elders to the Lamb (Rev. v. 8), and which doubtless owe their acceptability to their being presented through his hands, and from the incense which he offers with them.

The next exhortation is, to "walk in wisdom towards them that are without;" that is, without the pale of the church, meaning their Pagan neighbours and acquaintances; a most important precept, in the observance of which, two extremes are to be avoided. 1. We must not obtrude our religion unseasonably upon them "We must not cast our pearls before swine." (Matt. vii. 6.) Religion is not adapted for hours of gaiety, amusement, or conviviality. On the contrary, we must not disguise or conceal our religion, as if we were ashamed of it. We are intended to be lights to the world, and our light should so shine, that men may "see our good works," and knowing the principle from which they spring, glorify our Father who is in heaven." Our speech also should be always with grace," seasoned with salt," by which the heathen meant wit; but our speech is to be seasoned with wisdom, prudence, and the unction of the Saviour's name; for "his name is as ointment poured forth." Thus may Christians put to silence the ignorance and reproaches of the world.

66

Of the brethren here mentioned, several have been named before; as Tychicus, the close of the last Epistle. Of Onesimus, we shall have a full account in the Epistle to Philemon. Aristarchus was a Macedo nian of Thessalonica, who accompanied Paul into Greece, into Asia, and to Rome, and who is said to have been beheaded by Nero, at the same time with Paul. (Acts xix. 29; xx. 4; xxvii. 2.) Murens, or Mark, here mentioned, should be distin guished from Mark the Evangelist; but Jesus, called Justus, is believed to be the same as Joseph Barsabas, one of the seventy disciples, and whom Peter proposed as a candidate for the vacant apostleship after the death of Judas. Acts i. 23. The name Justu was doubtless added, in respect to the remarkable uprightness of his character. These were all of the circumcision," that is, Jews; but the following are considered as Gentiles:-Of Luke, see the introduc tion to that Evangelist, where we have considered him as a physician of Antioch. Of Epaphras, who was a minister of their own, Paul speaks most affectionately, both here and in the opening of the Epistle; but of Nymphas we know nothing, as he is only here named. The hint to Archip pus seems to imply, that he needed such an admonition: but Demas has a black mark upon his character, in 2 Tim. iv. 10.

Whether or not Paul wrote any distinct Epistle to the Laodiceans, or from Laodicea, as our present text reads (ver. 16), we may draw from this passage the following fact that it was customary, even from the beginning, to read the apostolical Epistles in the churches, and that the churches who received such Epistles were in the habit of handing them for perusal to their sister churches; which shows the high esteem in which they were then held as inspired writings, since it is an honour allowed, as we believe, to no private writings, except some few of the apostolis cal fathers. (See 1 Thess. v. 27.)

CHAP. I.

PAUL, and Silvanus, and Timo

theus, unto the church of the Thessalonians, which is in God the Father, and in the Lord Jesus Christ : Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;

3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;

4 Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.

5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner

CHAP. I.

of men we were among you for your sake.

6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:

7 So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.

8 For from you sounded out the word of the Lord, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.

9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;

10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come. (A)

(A) Ver. 1-10. Paul's prayers and thanksgiving for the Thessalonians.-The Epistles to this church, though placed so late by our translators, are generally allowed to have been the first written, and not later than A. D. 52, or, at the latest,

54, which is about ten years earlier than most of the preceding. "Silas and Timothy, with St. Paul, had preached the gospel to the Jews at Thessalonica," a considerable seaport town, and the metropolis of Macedonia. (Acts xvii. 1.) But they were interrupted in this work, and compel

"All these are plainly Hebraisms for active faith, CHAP. 1. Ver. 3. Your work of faith, &c.laborious love, and patient hope." Doddr. Ver. 8. In Macedonia and Achaia.-These were

the parts he travelled through in his way to Corinth. Ver. 9. What manner of entering in.-Doldridge, "What kind of entrance."

led to leave the city, by the persecution there raised against them: they then proceeded to Berea, whither they were followed by the same unbelieving Jews. St. Paul then went to Athens; but Silas and Timo. thy remained at Berea, till they received orders from Paul to follow him to that city. (Acts xvii. 15.) Timothy, we learn (1 Thes. i. 2), was then immediately dispatched to Thessalonica, and it is most probable (that) Silas accompanied him .... It is not, however, expressly stated how Silas was employed at this time: they both rejoined Paul at Corinth, and it is natural to suppose they there gave him a full account of their labours and their sufferings. (Acts xviii. 5.)

That this Epistle was written from Corinth in the year 51, or soon after, may be considered as almost the unanimous opinion of commentators, although the particular occasion is disputed. The general object of the Epistle is certainly to confirm the Thessalonians in their faith, by enforcing the evidences of the Christian religion, while Paul opposes some opinions held by the heathen." (Preb. Townsend's New Test. Arranged, vol. ii. p. 252.)

This first chapter is thought to have particular reference to the evidence of miracles which St. Paul wrought amongst them; we cannot, however, conceive that his expression, "Our gospel came unto you, not in word only, but in power," refers merely to miraculous powers, though they certainly must be included. The influence of the Holy Ghost was apparent, not only in the miracles which Paul wrought, but also, as Doddridge expresses it, in the very deep and powerful impressions" it made upon their hearts, and in that "full as

surance" with which it was attended; being received "in much affliction" by the persecution of the Jews, and with that spiritual joy, with which the Holy Ghost supported them, and rendered them triumphant over all the malice of their enemies. So that they became in these respects examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia, through which they rapidly spread abroad the good tidings of salvation; and these were rendered the more efficacious, from the evidence which the Thessalonians gave of its power and efficacy in their own lives and conversations; being turned from the worshipping of dumb idols," to serve the living and true God;" and waiting for the return from heaven of his Sou Jesus, who delivereth from the wrath to come.

"We see here (says the excellent Ded dridge) a compendious view of the Christian character. It is to turn from idols, from every thing which we have loved and esteemed, pursued and trusted, in an irregular degree, to serve the living and true God, under a real sense of his infinite perfections and glories. It is turning also to Jesus, his Son, as saving us " from the wrath to come;" from a deep conviction of our being justly exposed to wrath, by our transgressions against God, to seek rescue and refuge in Christ, as delivering us from it by his atonement and grace, and com pleting that deliverance by almighty power in the day of his final triumph....

.....

"If this be the effect of our receiving the gospel, it will evidently prove that it is come to us, not in word only, but in power, and in the Holy Ghost; and it may give us abundant assurance of our interest in God, aud cause us, by the happiest tokens, to know our election in him.'

CHAP. II. Ver. 1. Not in vain.-" Not without important consequences and effects." Doddr.

Ver. 2. With much contention-Macka, "Amidst a great combat." See Note on Col. ii. 1.

Ver. 6. We might have been burdensome.-Marg, "Used authority." The apostle evidently refers to the right he had of being maintained at their charge. See verse 9, and compare 1 Cor. ix. throughout.

The cruel]

neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.

7 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:

8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.

9 For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.

10 Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that

believe:

11 As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children,

12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.

13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as

[opposition of the Jews.

the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

14 For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:

15 Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men :

16 Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.

17 But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.

18 Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.

19. For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?

20 For ye are our glory and joy. (B)

CHAP. II.

(B) Ver. 1-20. Paul recapitulates his labours among the Thessalonians, and blesses God for his success.-In this recapitulation, St. Paul adverts to the shameful treatment he had received at Philippi, merely for curing a female slave, of whom her owners had made a gain by fortunetelling, as endowed with a spirit of Python. (See on Acts xvi. 1-24.) He then appeals to them for the upright, tender, and disinterested conduct, which he and his brethren had shown toward them; and, at the same time, commends them for the cordial manner in which they received the message of

salvation; "" not (indeed) as the word of men, but (as it is in truth) the word of God," which effectually worketh in (all) that believe." He next commends them for becoming followers (or imitators) of the other churches, who had believed before them, and had ornamented their profession by a consistent conversation.

St. Paul then adverts to the cruel and outrageous conduct of the Jews, his own nation, who having "both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets," now hunted the preachers of the gospel as if they were wild beasts, from city to city, and from one country to another; as we have seen

Ver. 15. And have persecuted us.-Marg. "Chased us out;" hunting the preachers of the gospel, like wild beasts. See Matt. xxiii. 34; Acts vii. 52.

Ver. 16. That they might.-Mackn. "(So that) they might, &c.-Fill up their sins.-See Matt. Xxii, 32, Expos. and Note. For the wrath is

come.-Doddr. "But wrath is coming," &c. Compare Matt. xxiii. 32-36.

Ver. 17. Being taken.-Doddr. "separated from yon for a very little season;" literally, "the time of an hour."

Ver. 19. What is—our rejoicing.—Margin, “glorying."