Notes on First Thessalonians
From the Original 1599 Geneva Bible Notes

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1Th 1:2

1:2 {1} We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;

(1) An example of proper Christian rejoicing, by which also we learn, that those who have great gifts in them, are in two ways governed: first, if they consider that they have received all from God, and second, that continuance must be desired at his hands. And to these things this whole epistle exhorts the Thessalonians.

1Th 1:3

1:3 {2} 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;

(2) He commends them for three special gifts: effectual faith, continual love, and patient hope. And he does this to the end that they might be ashamed, being endued with such excellent gifts, not to continue in God's election.

1Th 1:4

1:4 Knowing, brethren beloved, your {a} election of God.

(a) Literally, "that your election is of God".

1Th 1:5

1:5 {3} For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in {b} much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

(3) Another reason why they ought in no way start back but continue to the end, because they cannot doubt this doctrine which has been so many ways confirmed to them, even from heaven, as they themselves well knew.
(b) Paul shows by two things that there followed very great fruit from his preaching, that is, by these gifts of the Holy Spirit, and that certain assurance which was thoroughly settled in their minds, as appeared by their willingly bearing the cross.

1Th 1:6

1:6 {4} And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with {c} joy of the Holy Ghost:

(4) Another reason, because even to that day they embraced the Gospel with great cheerfulness, insomuch that they were an example to all their neighbours: so that it would be more shameful for them to faint in the middle of the race.
(c) With joy which comes from the Holy Spirit.

1Th 1:9

1:9 For {d} they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, {5} and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;

(d) All the believers.
(5) It is no true conversion to forsake idols, unless a man in addition worships the true and living God in Christ the only Redeemer.

1Th 1:10

1:10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, [even] Jesus, which delivered us from {e} the wrath to come.

(e) This word "the" is not put here without reason: and by "wrath" is meant that revenge and punishment with which the Lord will in time judge the world in his terrible wrath.

1Th 2:1

2:1 For {1} yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain:

(1) That which he mentioned before briefly concerning his apostleship, he handles now more at large, and to that end and purpose which we spoke of.

1Th 2:2

2:2 {2} But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in {a} our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.

(2) The virtues of a true pastor are freely without fear to preach the Gospel, even in the midst of dangers.
(a) Through God's gracious help.

1Th 2:3

2:3 {3} For our exhortation [was] not of deceit, nor of {b} uncleanness, nor in guile:

(3) To teach pure doctrine faithfully and with a pure heart.
(b) By any wicked and evil type of dealing.

1Th 2:4

2:4 {4} But as we were {c} allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which {d} trieth our hearts.

(4) To approve his conscience to God, being free from all flattery and covetousness.
(c) There is this difference between the judgments of God and the judgments of men, that when men choose, they give regard to the qualities of those things which stand before them, but God finds the reason of his counsel only in himself. Therefore, it follows that seeing as we are not able to think a good thought, that whoever he first chooses to those callings, he does not find them able but indeed makes them able. And therefore in that we are empowered of God, it depends upon his mercy.
(d) Who approves and allows them.

1Th 2:6

2:6 {5} Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor [yet] of others, when we might have been {e} burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.

(5) To submit himself even to the basest, to win them, and to avoid all pride.
(e) When I might lawfully have lived upon the expenses of the churches.

1Th 2:7

2:7 But we were {f} gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:

(f) We were rough, and yet easy and gentle as a nurse that is neither seeking glory, nor covetous, but who takes all pains as patiently as if she were a mother.

1Th 2:8

2:8 {6} 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.

(6) To consider the flock that is committed to him as more important than his own life.

1Th 2:9

2:9 {7} 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.

(7) To let go of his own rights, rather than to be a cost to his sheep.

1Th 2:10

2:10 {8} Ye [are] witnesses, and God [also], how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:

(8) To excel others in the example of a godly life.

1Th 2:11

2:11 {9} As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father [doth] his children,

(9) To exhort and comfort with a fatherly mind and affection.

1Th 2:12

2:12 {10} That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.

(10) To exhort all men diligently and earnestly to lead a godly life.

1Th 2:13

2:13 {11} 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] the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

(11) Having approved his ministry, he commends again (to that end and purpose that I spoke of) the cheerfulness of the Thessalonians which was due to his diligence in preaching, and their brave patience.

1Th 2:14

2:14 {12} For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in {g} Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own {h} countrymen, even as they [have] of the Jews:

(12) He strengthens and encourages them in their afflictions which they suffered among their own people, because they were afflicted by their own countrymen. And this happened, he says, to the churches of the Jews, as well as to them: and therefore they ought to take it in good part.
(g) Which Christ has gathered together.
(h) Even from those who are from the same country and the same town that you are from.

1Th 2:15

2:15 {13} Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; {14} and they please not God, and are contrary to {i} all men:

(13) He prevents an offence which might be taken, because the Jews especially above all others persecuted the Gospel. That is no new thing, he says, seeing that they slew Christ himself, and his Prophets, and have banished me also.
(14) He foretells the utter destruction of the Jews, lest any man should be moved by their rebellion.
(i) For the Jews would neither enter into the kingdom of God themselves, nor allow others to enter in.

1Th 2:16

2:16 Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to {k} fill up their sins alway: for the {l} wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.

(k) Until that wickedness of theirs which they have by inheritance as it were of their fathers, has grown so great, that the measure of their iniquity being filled, God may come forth to wrath.
(l) The judgment of God who was angry, which indeed appeared shortly after in the destruction of the city of Jerusalem, where many fled even out of various provinces, when it was besieged.

1Th 2:17

2:17 {15} But we, brethren, {m} being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.

(15) He meets with an objection, why he did not come to them immediately, being in such great misery: I often desired to, he says, and I was not able, but Satan hindered my endeavours, and therefore I sent Timothy my faithful companion to you, because you are most dear to me.
(m) Were kept apart from you, and as it were orphans.

1Th 3:3

3:3 That no man should be moved by these afflictions: {1} for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.

(1) The will of God, who calls his own on this condition, to bring them to glory by affliction, is a most sure remedy against all afflictions.

1Th 3:6

3:6 {2} But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also [to see] you:

(2) Because they have to this point gone so well forward, he exhorts them again to make an end of the rest of the journey, seeing that in doing so they will do him their apostle a great pleasure.

1Th 3:8

3:8 For now we {a} live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.

(a) For now you cannot otherwise think of me as at rest and in a good state of being, unless you go forward in religion and faith.

1Th 3:10

3:10 Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might {b} perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

(b) Paul was forced through the pressing dealing of the enemies to leave the building which he had just begun: and for that reason he had left Silas and Timothy in Macedonia, and when Timothy came to Athens to him, he sent him back again immediately. So that he desires to see the Thessalonians, that he may thoroughly perfect their faith and religion, that was as yet imperfect.

1Th 3:12

3:12 {3} And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all [men], even as we [do] toward you:

(3) Another part of the epistle, in which he speaks of the duties of a Christian life. And he shows that the perfection of a Christian life consists in two things, that is, in charity toward all men, and inward purity of the heart. And the accomplishment of these things is nonetheless deferred to the next coming of Christ, who will then perfect his work by the same grace with which he began it in us.

1Th 4:1

4:1 Furthermore {1} then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort [you] by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, [so] ye would {a} abound more and more.

(1) Various exhortations, the foundation of which is this, to be mindful of those things which they have heard from the apostle.
(a) That you labour to excel more and more, and daily surpass yourselves.

1Th 4:3

4:3 {2} For this is the will of God, [even] your {b} sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:

(2) This is the sum of those things which he delivered to them, to dedicate themselves wholly to God. And he plainly condemns all filthiness through lust, because it is altogether contrary to the will of God.
(b) See Joh 17:17 .

1Th 4:4

4:4 {3} That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;

(3) Another reason, because it defiles the body.

1Th 4:5

4:5 {4} Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:

(4) The third, because the saints are distinguished by honesty and purity from those who do not know God.

1Th 4:6

4:6 {5} That no [man] go beyond and defraud his brother in [any] matter: because that the Lord [is] the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.

(5) Secondly, he reprehends all violent oppression, and immoderate desire, and shows most severely as the Prophet of God, that God will avenge such wickedness.

1Th 4:8

4:8 He therefore that {c} despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.

(c) These commandments which I gave you.

1Th 4:9

4:9 {6} But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.

(6) Thirdly, he requires a ready mind to every manner of lovingkindness, and exhorts them to profit more and more in that virtue.

1Th 4:11

4:11 {7} And that ye study to be quiet, {8} and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;

(7) He condemns unsettled minds, and such as are curious in matters which do not concern them.
(8) He rebukes idleness and slothfulness: and whoever is given to these vices, fall into other wickedness, to the great offence of the Church.

1Th 4:13

4:13 {9} But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, {10} concerning them {11} which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

(9) The third part of the epistle, which is mixed in among the former exhortations (which he returns to afterwards), in which he speaks of mourning for the dead, and the manner of the resurrection, and of the latter day.
(10) We must take heed that we do not immoderately mourn for the dead, that is, as those do who think that the dead are utterly perished.
(11) A confirmation: for death is but a sleep of the body (for he speaks of the faithful) until the Lord comes.

1Th 4:14

4:14 {12} For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in {d} Jesus will God {e} bring with him.

(12) A reason for the confirmation, for seeing that the head is risen, the members also will rise, and that by the power of God.
(d) The dead in Christ, who continue in faith by which they are ingrafted into Christ, even to the last breath.
(e) Will call their bodies out of their graves, and join their souls to them again.

1Th 4:15

4:15 {13} For this we say unto you by the {f} word of the Lord, that {g} we which are alive [and] remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

(13) The manner of the resurrection will be in this way: the bodies of the dead will be as it were raised out of sleep at the sound of the trumpet of God. Christ himself will descend from heaven. The saints (for he is referring to them) who will then be found alive, together with the dead who will rise, will be taken up into the clouds to meet the Lord, and will be in perpetual glory with him.
(f) In the name of the Lord, as though he himself spoke to you.
(g) He speaks of these things, as though he should be one of those whom the Lord will find alive at his coming, because the time of his coming is uncertain: and therefore every one of us ought to be in such a readiness, as if the Lord were coming at any moment.

1Th 4:16

4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a {h} shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

(h) The word which the apostle uses here, properly signifies that encouragement which mariners give to one another, when they altogether with one shout put forth their oars and row together.

1Th 4:17

4:17 Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be {i} caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

(i) Suddenly and in the twinkling of an eye.

1Th 5:1

5:1 But {1} of the times and the {a} seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.

(1) The day that God has appointed for this judgment we do not know. But this is sure, that it will come upon men when they are not expecting it.
(a) See Ac 1:7 .

1Th 5:4

5:4 {2} But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.

(2) Returning to exhortations, he warns us who are enlightened with the knowledge of God, that it is our duty not to live securely in pleasures, lest we be suddenly taken in a dead sleep in pleasures. But contrary to this we are to have an eye to the Lord, and not allow ourselves to be oppressed with the cares of this world, for pleasures are fitting for the darkness of the night, and having an eye to the Lord is fitting for the light.

1Th 5:8

5:8 {3} But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.

(3) We must fight with faith and hope, and therefore we should certainly not lie snoring.

1Th 5:9

5:9 {4} For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

(4) He urges us forward by setting a most certain hope of victory before us.

1Th 5:10

5:10 {5} Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

(5) The death of Christ is a pledge of our victory, for he died so that we might be partakers of his life of power, indeed even while we live here.

1Th 5:11

5:11 {6} Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

(6) We must not only watch ourselves, but we are also bound to stir up, and to strengthen and encourage one another.

1Th 5:12

5:12 {7} And we beseech you, brethren, to {b} know them which labour among you, and are over you in the {c} Lord, and admonish you;

(7) We must have consideration of those who are appointed to the ministry of the word, and the government of the church of God, and who do their duty.
(b) That you acknowledge and take them for such as they are, that is to say, men worthy to be greatly esteemed of among you.
(c) In those things which pertain to God's service: so is the ecclesiastical function distinguished from civil authority, and true shepherds from wolves.

1Th 5:13

5:13 And to esteem them very highly in love for {d} their work's sake. {8} [And] be at peace among yourselves.

(d) So then, when this reason ceases, then must the honour cease.
(8) The maintenance of mutual harmony, is to be especially guarded.

1Th 5:14

5:14 {9} Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are {e} unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all [men].

(9) We must have consideration of every man, and the remedy must be applied according to the disease.
(e) That keep not their rank or standing.

1Th 5:15

5:15 {10} See that none render evil for evil unto any [man]; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all [men].

(10) Charity ought not to be overcome by any injuries.

1Th 5:16

5:16 {11} Rejoice evermore.

(11) A quiet and appeased mind is nourished with continual prayers, giving regard to the will of God.

1Th 5:18

5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the {f} will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

(f) An acceptable thing to God, and such as he approves well of.

1Th 5:19

5:19 {12} Quench not the Spirit.

(12) The sparks of the Spirit of God that are kindled in us, are nourished by daily hearing the word of God: but true doctrine must be diligently distinguished from false.

1Th 5:20

5:20 Despise not {g} prophesyings.

(g) The explaining and interpreting of the word of God.

1Th 5:22

5:22 {13} Abstain from all {h} appearance of evil.

(13) A general conclusion, that we waiting for the coming of Christ, do give ourselves to pureness in mind, will, and body, through the grace and strength of the Spirit of God.
(h) Whatever has but the very show of evil, abstain from it.

1Th 5:23

5:23 And the very God of peace {i} sanctify you wholly; and [I pray God] your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

(i) Separate you from the world, and make you holy to himself through his Spirit, in Christ, in whom alone you will attain to that true peace.

1Th 5:24

5:24 {14} {k} Faithful [is] he that calleth you, who also will {l} do [it].

(14) The good will and power of God is a sure strengthening and encouragement against all difficulties, of which we have a sure witness in our calling.
(k) Always one, and ever like himself, who indeed performs whatever he promises. And an effectual calling is nothing else but a right declaring and true setting forth of God's will: and therefore the salvation of the elect, is safe and sure.
(l) Who will also make you perfect.

1Th 5:25

5:25 {15} Brethren, pray for us.

(15) The last part of the epistle, in which with most authoritative charge he commends both himself and this epistle to them.