Even so, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you, not the Good News of God only, but also our own souls, because you had become very dear to us. For you remember, brothers, our labor and travail; for working night and day, that we might not burden any of you, we preached to you the Good News of God. You are witnesses with God how holy, righteously, and blamelessly we behaved ourselves toward you who believe. As you know, we exhorted, comforted, and implored every one of you, as a father does his own children,
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Even so, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you, not the Good News of God only, but also our own souls, because you had become very dear to us. For you remember, brothers, our labor and travail; for working night and day, that we might not burden any of you, we preached to you the Good News of God. You are witnesses with God how holy, righteously, and blamelessly we behaved ourselves toward you who believe. As you know, we exhorted, comforted, and implored every one of you, as a father does his own children, to the end that you should walk worthily of God, who calls you into his own Kingdom and glory. For this cause we also thank God without ceasing, that when you received from us the word of the message of God, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also works in you who believe. For you, brothers, became imitators of the assemblies of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus; for you also suffered the same things from your own countrymen, even as they did from the Jews who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and drove us out, and don’t please God, and are contrary to all men, forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved, to fill up their sins always. But wrath has come on them to the uttermost.
Parallel Translations
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Even so, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you, not the Good News of God only, but also our own souls, because you had become very dear to us.
For you remember, brothers, our labor and travail; for working night and day, that we might not burden any of you, we preached to you the Good News of God.
You are witnesses with God how holy, righteously, and blamelessly we behaved ourselves toward you who believe.
As you know, we exhorted, comforted, and implored every one of you, as a father does his own children,
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so was oure affeccion towarde you oure good will was to have dealte vnto you not the gospell of God only: but also oure awne soules because ye were deare vnto vs.
Ye remember brethren oure laboure and travayle. For we laboured daye and nyght because we wolde not be greveous vnto eny of you and preached vnto you the gospell of God.
Ye are witnesses and so is god how holyly and iustly and vnblameable we behaved oure selves amonge you that beleve:
as ye knowe how that we exhorted and comforted and besought every one of you as a father his children
Show all 3 translations
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Thus being affectioned toward you, our good will was to haue dealt vnto you, not the Gospel of God onely, but also our owne soules, because ye were deare vnto vs.
For ye remember, brethren, our labour and trauaile: for we laboured day and night, because we would not be chargeable vnto any of you, and preached vnto you the Gospel of God.
Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily, and iustly, and vnblameably we behaued our selues among you that beleeue.
As ye knowe how that we exhorted you, and comforted, and besought euery one of you (as a father his children)
Cross-references (113)
- 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9 (v9) For you know how you ought to imitate us. For we didn’t behave ourselves rebelliously among you, neither did we eat bread from anyone’s…
- 2 Corinthians 11:9 (v9) When I was present with you and was in need, I wasn’t a burden on anyone, for the brothers, when they came from Macedonia, supplied the…
- 1 John 3:16 (v8) By this we know love, because he laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.
- 1 Corinthians 4:14-15 (v11) I don’t write these things to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children. For though you have ten thousand tutors in Christ, you…
- 2 Corinthians 12:15 (v8) I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more abundantly, am I loved the less?
Show all 100 cross-references
- Acts 18:3 (v9) and because he practiced the same trade, he lived with them and worked, for by trade they were tent makers.
- Philippians 2:17 (v8) Yes, and if I am poured out on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice, and rejoice with you all.
- Romans 1:11-12 (v8) For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, to the end that you may be established; that is, that I with you may…
- 2 Corinthians 1:12 (v10) For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and sincerity of God, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of…
- 1 Thessalonians 1:5 (v10) and that our Good News came to you not in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and with much assurance. You know what kind…
- Hebrews 13:22 (v11) But I exhort you, brothers, endure the word of exhortation; for I have written to you in few words.
- 1 Peter 5:3 (v10) not as lording it over those entrusted to you, but making yourselves examples to the flock.
- 2 Corinthians 12:13-14 (v9) For what is there in which you were made inferior to the rest of the assemblies, unless it is that I myself was not a burden to you?…
- 2 Thessalonians 3:12 (v11) Now those who are that way, we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that they work with quietness and eat their own bread.
- 1 Timothy 5:21 (v11) I command you in the sight of God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the chosen angels, that you observe these things without prejudice, doing…
- 2 Timothy 4:1-2 (v11) I command you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at his appearing and his Kingdom:…
- Titus 2:7-8 (v10) In all things be showing yourself an example of good works. In your teaching, be showing integrity, seriousness, incorruptibility, and…
- Deuteronomy 3:28 (v11) But commission Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him; for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit…
- 1 Chronicles 28:20 (v11) David said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do it. Don’t be afraid, nor be dismayed; for Yahweh God, even my God, is with…
- Nehemiah 5:15 (v9) But the former governors who were before me were supported by the people, and took bread and wine from them, plus forty shekels of silver;…
- Nehemiah 5:18 (v9) Now that which was prepared for one day was one ox and six choice sheep. Also fowls were prepared for me, and once in ten days a store of…
- Acts 20:31 (v9) Therefore watch, remembering that for a period of three years I didn’t cease to admonish everyone night and day with tears.
- 1 Corinthians 9:6-7 (v9) Or have only Barnabas and I no right to not work? What soldier ever serves at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard, and doesn’t eat of…
- 1 Corinthians 9:15 (v9) But I have used none of these things, and I don’t write these things that it may be done so in my case; for I would rather die, than that…
- 1 Corinthians 9:18 (v9) What then is my reward? That when I preach the Good News, I may present the Good News of Christ without charge, so as not to abuse my…
- 1 Thessalonians 2:6 (v9) nor seeking glory from men (neither from you nor from others), when we might have claimed authority as apostles of Christ.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:7 (v11) But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother cherishes her own children.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (v11) Therefore exhort one another, and build each other up, even as you also do.
- 1 Timothy 4:10 (v9) For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we have set our trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men,…
- 1 Timothy 5:5 (v9) Now she who is a widow indeed and desolate, has her hope set on God, and continues in petitions and prayers night and day.
- 2 Timothy 1:3 (v9) I thank God, whom I serve as my forefathers did, with a pure conscience. How unceasing is my memory of you in my petitions, night and day
- Genesis 50:16-17 (v11) They sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father commanded before he died, saying, ‘You shall tell Joseph, “Now please forgive the…
- Numbers 27:19 (v11) Set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation; and commission him in their sight.
- Deuteronomy 31:14 (v11) Yahweh said to Moses, “Behold, your days approach that you must die. Call Joshua, and present yourselves in the Tent of Meeting, that I may…
- 1 Chronicles 22:11-13 (v11) Now, my son, may Yahweh be with you and prosper you, and build the house of Yahweh your God, as he has spoken concerning you. May Yahweh…
- 1 Chronicles 28:9 (v11) You, Solomon my son, know the God of your father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind; for Yahweh searches all…
- Psalms 32:4 (v9) For day and night your hand was heavy on me. My strength was sapped in the heat of summer.
- Psalms 34:11 (v11) Come, you children, listen to me. I will teach you the fear of Yahweh.
- Psalms 88:1 (v9) Yahweh, the God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before you.
- Proverbs 1:10 (v11) My son, if sinners entice you, don’t consent.
- Proverbs 1:15 (v11) My son, don’t walk on the path with them. Keep your foot from their path,
- Proverbs 2:1 (v11) My son, if you will receive my words, and store up my commandments within you,
- Proverbs 3:1 (v11) My son, don’t forget my teaching; but let your heart keep my commandments:
- Proverbs 4:1-12 (v11) Listen, sons, to a father’s instruction. Pay attention and know understanding; for I give you sound learning. Don’t forsake my law. For I…
- Proverbs 5:1-2 (v11) My son, pay attention to my wisdom. Turn your ear to my understanding, that you may maintain discretion, that your lips may preserve…
- Proverbs 6:1 (v11) My son, if you have become collateral for your neighbor, if you have struck your hands in pledge for a stranger,
- Proverbs 7:1 (v11) My son, keep my words. Lay up my commandments within you.
- Proverbs 7:24 (v11) Now therefore, sons, listen to me. Pay attention to the words of my mouth.
- Proverbs 31:1-9 (v11) The words of king Lemuel; the revelation which his mother taught him. “Oh, my son! Oh, son of my womb! Oh, son of my vows! Don’t give your…
- Jeremiah 9:1 (v9) Oh that my head were waters, and my eyes a spring of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people!
- Luke 2:37 (v9) and she had been a widow for about eighty-four years), who didn’t depart from the temple, worshiping with fastings and petitions night and…
- Luke 18:7 (v9) Won’t God avenge his chosen ones who are crying out to him day and night, and yet he exercises patience with them?
- Acts 20:2 (v11) When he had gone through those parts, and had encouraged them with many words, he came into Greece.
- Acts 20:18 (v10) When they had come to him, he said to them, “You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I was with you all the…
- Acts 20:34-35 (v9) You yourselves know that these hands served my necessities, and those who were with me. In all things I gave you an example, that so…
- Romans 1:1 (v9) Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the Good News of God,
- Romans 15:16 (v9) that I should be a servant of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, serving as a priest of the Good News of God, that the offering up of the…
- Romans 15:19 (v9) in the power of signs and wonders, in the power of God’s Spirit; so that from Jerusalem, and around as far as to Illyricum, I have fully…
- 1 Corinthians 4:12 (v9) We toil, working with our own hands. When people curse us, we bless. Being persecuted, we endure.
- 2 Corinthians 6:1 (v8) Working together, we entreat also that you do not receive the grace of God in vain,
- 2 Corinthians 6:5 (v9) in beatings, in imprisonments, in riots, in labors, in watchings, in fastings;
- Galatians 4:19 (v8) My little children, of whom I am again in travail until Christ is formed in you—
- Philippians 4:1 (v8) Therefore, my brothers, beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.
- Philippians 4:16 (v9) For even in Thessalonica you sent once and again to my need.
- 1 Thessalonians 1:3 (v9) remembering without ceasing your work of faith and labor of love and perseverance of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, before our God and…
- 1 Thessalonians 2:2 (v9) but having suffered before and been shamefully treated, as you know, at Philippi, we grew bold in our God to tell you the Good News of God…
- 1 Thessalonians 3:10 (v9) night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face, and may perfect that which is lacking in your faith?
- 1 Thessalonians 4:1 (v11) Finally then, brothers, we beg and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, that…
- 1 Timothy 1:11 (v9) according to the Good News of the glory of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.
- 1 Timothy 5:7 (v11) Also command these things, that they may be without reproach.
- 1 Timothy 6:2 (v11) Those who have believing masters, let them not despise them because they are brothers, but rather let them serve them, because those who…
- 1 Timothy 6:13 (v11) I command you before God, who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate testified the good confession,
- 1 Timothy 6:17 (v11) Charge those who are rich in this present world that they not be arrogant, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on the…
- 2 Timothy 3:10 (v10) But you followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, steadfastness,
- Titus 2:6 (v11) Likewise, exhort the younger men to be sober minded.
- Titus 2:15 (v11) Say these things and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one despise you.
- Hebrews 13:17 (v8) Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch on behalf of your souls, as those who will give account, that they may do this with…
- Numbers 16:15 (v10) Moses was very angry, and said to Yahweh, “Don’t respect their offering. I have not taken one donkey from them, neither have I hurt one of…
- 1 Samuel 12:3-5 (v10) Here I am. Witness against me before Yahweh, and before his anointed. Whose ox have I taken? Whose donkey have I taken? Whom have I…
- Job 29:11-17 (v10) For when the ear heard me, then it blessed me; and when the eye saw me, it commended me: Because I delivered the poor who cried, and the…
- Job 31:1-39 (v10) “I made a covenant with my eyes, how then should I look lustfully at a young woman? For what is the portion from God above, and the…
- Psalms 7:3-5 (v10) Yahweh, my God, if I have done this, if there is iniquity in my hands, if I have rewarded evil to him who was at peace with me (yes, I have…
- Psalms 18:20-24 (v10) Yahweh has rewarded me according to my righteousness. According to the cleanness of my hands, he has recompensed me. For I have kept the…
- Jeremiah 13:15-17 (v8) Hear, and give ear. Don’t be proud, for Yahweh has spoken. Give glory to Yahweh your God, before he causes darkness, and before your feet…
- Jeremiah 18:20 (v10) Should evil be recompensed for good? For they have dug a pit for my soul. Remember how I stood before you to speak good for them, to turn…
- Acts 20:24 (v9) But these things don’t count; nor do I hold my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I…
- Acts 20:26 (v10) Therefore I testify to you today that I am clean from the blood of all men,
- Acts 20:33-34 (v10) I coveted no one’s silver, gold, or clothing. You yourselves know that these hands served my necessities, and those who were with me.
- Acts 24:16 (v10) In this I also practice always having a conscience void of offense toward God and men.
- Romans 9:1-3 (v8) I tell the truth in Christ. I am not lying, my conscience testifying with me in the Holy Spirit that I have great sorrow and unceasing pain…
- Romans 10:1 (v8) Brothers, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God is for Israel, that they may be saved.
- Romans 15:29 (v8) I know that when I come to you, I will come in the fullness of the blessing of the Good News of Christ.
- 2 Corinthians 6:3-10 (v10) We give no occasion of stumbling in anything, that our service may not be blamed, but in everything commending ourselves, as servants of…
- 2 Corinthians 6:11-13 (v8) Our mouth is open to you, Corinthians. Our heart is enlarged. You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections.…
- 2 Corinthians 7:2 (v10) Open your hearts to us. We wronged no one. We corrupted no one. We took advantage of no one.
- 2 Corinthians 11:11 (v10) Why? Because I don’t love you? God knows.
- Ephesians 4:17 (v11) This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind,
- Philippians 2:20 (v8) For I have no one else like-minded, who will truly care about you.
- Philippians 2:25-26 (v8) But I counted it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, fellow soldier, and your apostle and servant of my need,…
- Colossians 1:7 (v8) even as you learned of Epaphras our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on your behalf,
100 distinct cross-references across this passage (113 total citations).
Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)
Explain this passage (22 sources)
Historical commentary, presented as a primary source — not an endorsement.
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John Calvin 1540 · Public Domain On vv9–11 9 For ye remember. These things tend to confirm…
9 For ye remember. These things tend to confirm what he had stated previously — that to spare them he did not spare himself. He must assuredly have burned with a wonderful and more than human zeal, inasmuch as, along with the labor of teaching, he labors with his hand as an operative, with the view of earning a livelihood, and in this respect, also, refrained from exercising his right. For it is the law of Christ, as he also teaches elsewhere, (1 Corinthians 9:14) that every church furnish its ministers with food and other necessaries. Paul, therefore, in laying no burden upon the Thessalonians, does something more than could, from the requirements of his office, have been required from him. In addition to this, he does not merely refrain from incurring public expense, but avoids burdening any one individually. Farther, there can be no doubt, that he was influenced by some good and special consideration in thus refraining from exercising his right, for in other churches he exercised, equally with others, the liberty allowed him. He received nothing from the Corinthians, lest he should give the false apostles a handle for glorying as to this matter. In the mean time, he did not hesitate to ask from other churches, what was needed by him, for he writes that, while he bestowed labor upon the Corinthians, free of charge, he robbed the Churches that he did not serve. (2 Corinthians 11:8) Hence, although the reason is not expressed here, we may, nevertheless, conjecture that the ground on which Paul was unwilling that his necessities should be ministered to, was — lest such a thing should put any hindrance in the way of the gospel. For this, also, ought to be matter of concern to good pastors — that they may not merely run with alacrity in their ministry, but may, so far as is in their power, remove all hindrances in the way of their course.
John Calvin's Commentaries (1540-1563) — public domain. Text from the Calvin Translation Society English edition (1840s-50s) via the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (ccel.org). Calvin's coverage is partial (roughly two-thirds of the Bible); uncommented books and verses are honest gaps, never fabricated. The 19th-century editor's footnotes and remarks are omitted so the notes are faithfully Calvin's own voice.
Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain On vv8–11 To have the flock that is committed unto him…
To have the flock that is committed unto him in more estimation than his own life.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On vv8–11 8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were…
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.
Ver. 8. So being affectionately desirous] Honing and hankering after you. The Greek word signifieth the most swaying heart passion, the most effectual affection. (ιμειρομενοι. Cupidine rapti.)
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But also our own souls] Greater love than this hath no man; and such a love ought there to be in every pastor toward his people. Love is liberal, charity is no churl.
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain On vv8–11 A further account of their behaviour among them. The…
A further account of their behaviour among them. The former verse showed their great gentleness, this their great love; expressed, first: In their affectionate desire of them; as the Latin phrase, cupidissimus fui, imports love to the person. And it was the desire of their salvation, first in their believing, and then perseverance and progress in faith. It was themselves, not their goods, they desired; as Paul elsewhere saith: We seek not yours, but you. Secondly, In the effect of it, which was imparting the gospel to them, whereby they might be saved; which is amplified by two things:
1. That they did this willingly, not out of mere necessity, with a backward mind; the word is ευδοκουμεν, we were well pleased to preach, and with complacence of mind.
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2. That they were willing to impart their souls to them; that is, to hazard their lives for them in preaching to them, as Act 16:1-40; the same word signifying both the soul and life, and he that dies for another gives his life to them. Or, it may refer to their labours and hardships, whereby they endangered their lives for them, labouring night and day, 1Th 2:9. Others understand the words only as an expression of their great affection to them; a man imparts his soul to the person whom he entirely loves, as Isa 58:10; when a man gives relief to a person in want out of love and compassion, he imparts his soul in what he gives. So did they in the gospel thus preached. And the word imparting is used to express relief to the wants of the body, Rom 12:8; and the gospel is the bread of life to give relief to the soul, and used in this sense also, Rom 1:11. The apostle may here futher allude to mothers that are nurses, who impart not only other food, but their milk, which is their blood, to cherish their children.
Ye were dear unto us; or, ye have been beloved of us; wherein the apostle more plainly declares their love to them as the ground of all their labours and perils in preaching to them; yea, it may reach to all that he had said before concerning their carriage among them, all was from love.
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
William Burkitt 1703 · Public Domain On vv9, 11 Notwithstanding our apostle was free, wholly free, from all…
Notwithstanding our apostle was free, wholly free, from all shadow and appearance of covetousness in the whole course of his ministry, yet it may seem as if some persons (probably the false apostles) did, though with the highest injustice, charge him with it; accordingly, to clear himself from that imputation, here he tells the Thessalonians, he laboured night and day in the business of his calling; making tents to maintain himself, that so he might not be chargeable or burdensome to any of them; or any ways retard or hinder the success of the gospel amongst them; labouring night and day, that we might not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God freely.
Yet observe, this was only a case of necessity; for at other times, and in other places, we find our apostle asserting his own right, and God’s appointment, that every one that preacheth the gospel should live of the gospel. 1Co 9:14
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Next our apostle calls upon them to remember his labour and travail, that is his pains and diligence in preaching the gospel; the words signify labour unto weariness, and labour after weariness, his painfulness, both in his preaching, and in his secular calling; and from his calling upon the Thessalonians to remember this, he learns us this lesson of instruction, namely, that it is the standing duty of a people to keep in their constant remembrance the great labour and pains which the faithful ministers of Christ do take amongst them, that so they may be duly thankful, both to God and them, and put a just value upon that spiritual good, which, at any time, that have experienced and received from them; Remember, brethren, our labour and travail.
Observe again, having asserted his laboriousness in preaching to them, he next puts them in remembrance of his exemplariness in conversation amongst them, how holily, justly, and unblameably we behaved ourselves amongst you; that is, performing his duty with great integrity and uprightness towards God and man, so that none justly could blame him for neglect amongst them; and for the truth of this, he appeals to God as a judge, and to themselves as witnesses; Ye are witnesses and God also.
Learn hence, that it is a great happiness, and unspeakable consolation, both to ministers and people, when the duties of religion, relating to both tables, are performed with such exactness, that they can and dare appeal to one another, as to their holy and unblameable conversation, and to God himself, as to the purity of their aim and sincerity of intention.
William Burkitt's Expository Notes on the New Testament (1700–1703) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain On vv8–11 So being affectionately desirous of you,.... Not of theirs…
So being affectionately desirous of you,.... Not of theirs but them; not of glory from them, nor a maintenance by them, but of their spiritual and eternal welfare; were as fond of them as a nursing mother is of her children, who, when absent from them but ever so little a while, longs to see them; see Th1 2:17 and Th1 3:1,
we were willing: took the utmost pleasure, delight, and complacency:
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to have imparted unto you, not the Gospel of God only; the sincere milk of the word, which they did freely, fully, and for their spiritual good and profit, without any regard to any advantage of their own:
but also our own souls, or "lives"; which is the highest expression and strongest proof of love that can be given; and respect is still had to the similitude of the nursing mother, who may be said to impart her blood, for such it her milk diversified, for the nourishment of her children: and such was the great concern of the apostles for the interest of Christ, the spread of the Gospel, and the good of souls, that their lives were not dear unto them, so that these ends might he answered: because ye were dear unto us; both because they were loved by God, redeemed by Christ, regenerated by the Spirit of Christ, and had the image of Christ stamped upon them; and also because that they were their spiritual children; and as children are dear to their parents, so were these to them, even to such a degree, as that, were there a necessity for it, they could freely have laid down their lives for them.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Wesley 1765 · Public Domain On vv8, 10, 11 To impart our own souls - To lay down…
To impart our own souls - To lay down our lives for your sake.
John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain On vv8–11 Verse 8. Being affectionately desirous of you] We had…
Verse 8. Being affectionately desirous of you] We had such intense love for you that we were not only willing and forward to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ to you, but also to give our own lives for your sake, because ye were dear, διοτι αγαπητοι ἡμιν, because ye were beloved by us. The words used here by the apostle are expressive of the strongest affection and attachment.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain On v9 1Th 2:9-12. Ye remember, brethren, our labour — In…
1Th 2:9-12. Ye remember, brethren, our labour — In the ministerial work; and travail — Μοχθον, toil, in our secular employment; for labouring night and day, &c. — It seems they often took from the rest of the night the hours which during the day they had spent in the exercise of their ministry: because we would not be chargeable — But might be able to maintain ourselves. The apostle often appealed to this proof of his disinterestedness. Indeed, in preaching the gospel, he had no view but to promote the glory of God, and the salvation of mankind. Ye are witnesses — For our conduct was well known to you; and God also — Who observes our most secret actions, desires, and designs; how holily — Toward God, and in the things respecting his worship and service; and justly — With regard to men; and unblameably — In respect of ourselves; we behaved ourselves among you that believe — Who were the constant observers of our behaviour. As ye know how — With what earnestness, and diligence, and importunity; we exhorted, comforted, and charged every one of you — As far as God gave us access to you. By exhorting, we are moved to do a thing willingly; by comforting, to do it joyfully; by charging, to do it carefully. As a father doth his children — The apostle (1Th 2:7) compared the gentleness with which he behaved toward the Thessalonian believers to the tenderness of a nursing mother toward her sucking children. Here he compares the affection and earnestness with which he recommended holiness to them, to the affection and earnestness of a pious father, who exhorts his own children. That ye would walk worthy of God — Conduct yourselves in such a manner as becomes those who know God, and profess to believe in, love, and serve him, and in a manner suitable to the relation in which it is your happiness to stand to him; who hath called you — By his gospel and his grace; unto his kingdom here, and glory hereafter.
Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain On vv8–11 So, being affectionately desirous of you - The word…
So, being affectionately desirous of you - The word here rendered “being affectionately desirous” - ὁμειρομενοι homeiromenoi - occurs nowhere else in the New Testament. It means to “long after, to have a strong affection for.” The sense here is, that Paul was so strongly attached to them that he would have been willing to lay down his life for them.
We were willing to have imparted unto you - To have given or communicated; Rom 1:11.
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Not the gospel of God only - To be willing to communicate the knowledge of the gospel was in itself a strong proof of love, even if it were attended with no self-denial or hazard in doing it. We evince a decided love for a man when we tell him of the way of salvation, and urge him to accept of it. We show strong interest for one who is in danger, when we tell him of a way of escape, or for one who is sick, when we tell him of a medicine that will restore him; but we manifest a much higher love when we tell a lost and ruined sinner of the way in which he may be saved. There is no method in which we can show so strong an interest in our fellow-men, and so much true benevolence for them, as to go to them and tell them of the way by which they may be rescued from everlasting ruin.
But also our own souls - Or rather “lives” - ψυχὰς psuchas; Mat 6:25; Mat 20:28; Luk 12:22, Luk 12:13; Mar 3:4. This does not mean that the apostle was willing to be damned, or to lose his soul in order to save them, but that if it had been necessary he would have been ready to lay down his life; see 1Jo 3:16. “We ought to lay down our lives for the brethren;” compare notes, Joh 15:13. His object seems to be to assure them that he did not leave them from any want of love to them, or from the fear of being put to death. It was done from the strong conviction of duty. He appears to have left them because he could not longer remain without exposing others to danger, and without the certainty that there would be continued disturbances; see Act 17:9-10.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary 1859 · Public Domain On vv8, 10 Because you were become most dear to us. Literally,…
Because you were become most dear to us. Literally, desiring you.[3] St. John Chrysostom admires the tender expressions of love in St. Paul. (Witham)
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[BIBLIOGRAPHY]
Desiderantes vos, Greek: imeiromenoi umon. See Legh’s Crit. Sacra.
George Leo Haydock (1774–1849), Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary, 1859 edition — public domain. Excludes Psalms (Douay-Rheims chapter numbering differs from Protestant) and Deuterocanonical books (Catholic canon only).
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain On vv8–11 So--to be joined to "we were willing"; "As a…
So--to be joined to "we were willing"; "As a nurse cherisheth . . . so we were willing," &c. [ALFORD]. But BENGEL, "So," that is, seeing that we have such affection for you.
being affectionately desirous--The oldest reading in the Greek implies, literally, to connect one's self with another; to be closely attached to another.
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willing--The Greek is stronger, "we were well content"; "we would gladly have imparted," &c. "even our own lives" (so the Greek for "souls" ought to be translated); as we showed in the sufferings we endured in giving you the Gospel (Acts 17:1-34). As a nursing mother is ready to impart not only her milk to them, but her life for them, so we not only imparted gladly the spiritual milk of the word to you, but risked our own lives for your spiritual nourishment, imitating Him who laid down His life for His friends, the greatest proof of love (Joh 15:13).
ye were--Greek, "ye were become," as having become our spiritual children.
dear--Greek, "dearly beloved."
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain On vv8–11 8. Desirous of you—Eager to get, not yours, but…
8. Desirous of you—Eager to get, not yours, but you.
Not the gospel only—As the mother imparts her milk.
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Our own souls—As in the milk the mother imparts her own life to her infant, sometimes at the expense of life.
Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain On vv8–11 8. so being affectionately desirous of you] R. V.,…
8. so being affectionately desirous of you] R. V., even so.
The rare and peculiar Greek verb (one word) rendered “being affectionately desirous” implies the fondness of a mother’s love—yearning over you.
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With this mother-like affection, he continues, we were well pleased to impart unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls (R. V.). The apostles were not merely willing (A.V.) to bestow themselves on the Thessalonians, they actually did so, and with the glad consent of a mother nourishing the babe from her own life. The same verb is rendered “thought-good” in ch. 1Th_3:1; and the corresponding noun is “good-pleasure” in 2Th_1:2 (see note).
For “souls” we might read “lives” (psyché is never the soul in general, but the individual soul, the personality)—our lives, our very selves. The Apostle sacrificed all personal aims and private interests—“what things were gains to me” (Php_3:7)—to the cause of the Gospel; his life was put in continual hazard in behalf of the Church; and for such people as the Macedonian Christians he did this with cordial satisfaction. “If I am made a libation over the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy and rejoice with you all” (Php_2:17). Even to the thankless Corinthians he says, “I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls” (2Co_12:15). This is the true way to “impart the gospel of God,” to give our own heart and soul with it. For it is to impart the Gospel in the spirit in which it came from God, “Who spared not His own Son, but gave Him up for us all” (Rom_8:32); and in the spirit of Christ, “Who gave Himself up for us” (Gal_1:4; Gal_2:20), Who “poured out His soul unto death” (Isa_53:12).
because ye were dear unto us] More adequately, ye became very dear (R. V.); lit., beloved, the word so often applied to Christ (in the Gospels) by the Father: “My Beloved,” “My Son, the Beloved” (comp. Eph_1:6, “accepted in the Beloved”). This Church had won upon St Paul’s affections in an especial degree. They were lovable people, dear to God and to the servants of God. Comp. ch. 1Th_1:3-4; 2Th_2:13; 2Th_2:16; see also Introd. pp. 34, 35, and notes on 1Th_2:19-20.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain On vv8–11 (8) So means hero even so, confirming the simile,…
(8) So means hero even so, confirming the simile, and is not to be taken in the sense of “therefore.”
Not the gospel of God only.—The gospel was, as it were, the milk given to the young converts; but the nursing mothers were ready to let them draw their very life away, so dearly did they love them.
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain On vv8–11 So being affectionately desirous of you; a strong expression…
So being affectionately desirous of you; a strong expression in the original: "being filled with earnest love for you." We were willing. The word denotes a predetermination of the will: "we esteemed it good." To have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls. An evident climax: not only were we willing to preach the gospel of God to you, but more than this, to sacrifice our own lives for your advantage. The word here rendered "souls" denotes lives; and the meaning is that the apostle was willing to submit to death for the sake of the Thessalonians. The plural "we" still implies Paul and Silas and Timothy. The thought is As a nursing mother not only nourishes tier children, but is also ready to sacrifice her life for them; so the apostle not only nourished his spiritual children with the pure milk of the gospel, but was ready to sacrifice his own life for their spiritual maintenance; thus expressing in the strongest manner the womanly tenderness of the apostle toward his converts. Because ye were dear unto us.
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain On v9 For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail
1Th_2:9-12
For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail
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Essential elements of success in preaching: Moral consistency
As time indicated on the dial answers to the perfect mechanism of the watch, so the personal example of the preacher must answer to the words he utters.
The most accomplished elocution, the most captivating style, will be fruitless unless backed with the strength of a complete, beautiful, spiritual character. Their moral consistency seen--
I. In the unselfish principle that governed them in their work (1Th_2:2). The apostle invariably asserted the right of ministerial maintenance. In another place he affirms that, not merely naked equity and the spirit of the Mosaic law, but also a positive ordinance of Christ requires this. In this early stage of the work, the apostle waived this claim. It might be on account of the poverty of the converts, or on account of the calumnious charge of covetousness. To crush all suspicion of interested motives, these noble missionaries refused to be chargeable unto any one of them, depending for their support upon the remittances of the Philippians, and on their own labour. Thus did they evidence their supreme desire to be, not gain, but the proclamation of the gospel; an example which has its counterpart in the brave, devoted, self-denying labours of many a modern missionary.
II. In the maintenance of a blameless deportment (1Th_2:10). A Roman prince of the celebrated house of Colonna, whose virtues had sustained him alike in prosperous and adverse times, was once driven into exile, and when reduced to extremity he was asked, Where is now your fortress? He laid his hand upon his heart, and answered, Here! A conscious sense of integrity threw a strength and majesty around him in his sufferings. An inward consciousness of purity prompted these workers to appeal to those who were best acquainted with them. They behaved holily toward God, justly toward men, and unblameably in every regard. Among you that believe. Believers could best understand the secret of their whole life, its aims and motives, its tendencies and issues; and on them it would have an irresistible impression. It is often the fate of the public teacher, while blameless, to be unmercifully blamed by those who are outside the circle of his work. The world retains all its historic enmity to the truth, and is as venomous as ever in its expression.
III. In their endeavours to stimulate their converts to the highest attainments (1Th_2:11-12). Observe--
1. The lofty standard set, up. That ye would walk worthy of God. How sublime and dignified the Christian character may become--to walk worthily of God! in harmony with His nature, His law--with our profession of attachment to Him. To the production of this grand result all their efforts were bent. As a father doth his children, so they exhorted with all earnestness, comforted with all loving sympathy, and charged with all fidelity and authority. The preacher must be master of every art necessary to success.
2. The motive to reach the standard. Who hath called you unto His kingdom and glory--His own glorious kingdom. We are invited to enter this kingdom on earth, and participate in its blessings; but the full splendours of that kingdom are reserved for the heavenly world. How brief and insignificant will the sufferings and sorrows of the present appear, contrasted with the ineffable bliss of the future state! Do you want anything? eagerly asked the loved ones who surrounded the dying couch of Melancthon. Nothing but heaven, was the gentle response, and he went smiling on his way.
Lessons
1. That in order to success in preaching, moral consistency of life must accompany and sustain the faithful declaration of the truth.
2. That the greatest success is achieved when the highest experience of the Christian life is constantly enforced by both precept and example. (G. Barlow.)
An unmercenary teacher
The Evangelist told the story of a young minister in whom the true spirit of his calling was evidently present. He went from a Congregational seminary to a Missouri town. His church was the feeblest one in the place, and soon men said, No Congregational element in this town. He created one. Through many discouragements he remained at his post, never once complaining or craning his neck for a richer church, a larger field, or a more conspicuous position. At last he began to get influence, and to use it aright. He had a call to a stronger church at £1,500 salary. He quietly refused. Then a call came from a great church east of the Alleghanies, with a larger offer of salary and moving expenses. None of these things stirred him. He never even told of it in his parish. The call was repeated. He said, No, my work is here till God shuts the door. And a goodly inheritance was his.
St. Pauls labours in Thessalonica
The narrative in the Acts, if very strictly pressed, might lead us to suppose that the apostle had only spent at Thessalonica twenty-seven days at the utmost--perhaps only twenty-one or twenty-two (Act_17:1-2; Act_17:10); but it does not absolutely demand such narrow limits of time, and two circumstances seem to require its extension--the conversion of many idolaters (1Th_1:9), and Pauls own expressed statement that he remained long enough in Thessalonica to receive assistance once and again from Philippi (Php_4:16). In any case, the spectacle of such an one as Paul so working, even for something less than a month, would be a memorable one--a thing to attract attention, and to be long remembered and discussed. This would especially be the case n the Church of Thessalonica. A shopkeeping and industrial community would instinctively know whether such an exhibition was a piece of charlatanism or a reality. Even if St. Pauls stay was cut short by a riot, they might be perfectly aware whether these few weeks were a fair representation of the frame and mould of his general life. It is certainly strange to think how far the idea which we instinctively form of the great apostle, as one utterly absorbed in theological thought or seraphic devotion, when not employed in preaching or missionary work, must be modified by such a passage as this. The language here used about working night and day, would show that in Thessalonica, at least, one unbroken day in the week only could be undividedly given to directly apostolic labour. It is vain to conjecture how much time may have been at his disposal upon the other days of the week. It has been added to the list of St. Pauls difficulties that he thus worked manually at an age when the bodily frame refuses to perform a new office. This is surely not so. Men of station and education among the Jews diligently learned trades. The same obligation has been imposed by custom upon persons even of royal birth in different nations and countries. Eginhard tells us that Charlemagne had his sons taught mechanic trades, and his daughters spinning and weaving. Each member of the Prussian royal family at the present time is apprenticed, and enters into a guild of tradesmen. St. Pauls motives in continuing to work were three--
I. Independence, the being able to take what has been ingenuously called a lay position.
II. Example. (2Th_3:8-9).
III. Charity, having something to give in alms (Act_20:34). (Bp. Alexander.)
Ye are my witnesses, and God also, how nobly, and justly, and unblameably we behaved--
Apostolic behaviour and methods
The apostle had previously made an appeal to his readers, and an appeal also to God; he now blends the two into one.
I. Apostolic behavior (1Th_2:10).
1. Holily, a word which looks specially towards God. A common Biblical phrase is holy to the Lord. The Divine command is Be ye holy towards your God, and the announcement is made, The Lord will show who are His, and who is holy. The word is applied to--
(1) God, the Father, Son, and Spirit, as infinitely holy above His creatures--the Holy One, the source and end of all purity.
(2) To angels.
(3) To saints, as being sanctified, consecrated to a holy life, by the renewing of the Spirit of holiness. All believers in this sense live holily. With varying degrees of conformity to the will of God, they are all true men. Their devotion is sincere; their hearts turn towards God as the flower opens itself and turns toward the light of heaven.
2. Justly represents the side of the apostles behaviour towards men. It means righteously, and defines the believers conduct as upright in all its connections and dealings with others. He is just in Gods sight, through the imputation of Christs righteousness; and, standing in a new relation to God, he strives to live in obedience to Gods law of love. We often use the word in a narrower sense, as when we say of a man that he is just but not generous. But that is an unwarrantable limitation. According to Gods law, no man is just who is not generous, kind, forbearing, helpful. Love is a debt we owe to our neighbour, and we are not just if we neglect to pay it. Owe no man anything, but to love one another.
3. Unblameably is a negative word, but on that account all the more comprehensive. As servants of Jesus Christ, they gave no offence in anything, that the ministry be not blamed. In applying these three words to himself and his companions, Paul could speak not merely of a good heart and a good life, but also of a good name--better than precious ointment. He who keeps his life free from sin does good to himself; he who keeps it clear of suspicion is merciful to others. The apostle is here a pattern to pastors and people; but we must ever rise from human examples to Divine. Christ is set before us as the Holy One, the Just One; and as to blamelessness, He could say, Which of you convinceth me of sin; and the Roman governor could testify, I find no fault in Him. It is when we stedfastly and lovingly look towards Him that we come at length to be holy and without blame before Him in love. Note that this was the light that Paul and his associates appeared in the estimation of those that believed. More than this could not be said, for by Jews and Gentiles their character and conduct were furiously assailed (Act_17:1-34). Paul represents himself, therefore, as turning aside from the reproaches and enmity of the world to the judgment of his fellow believers. In their hands his reputation was safe.
II. Apostolic methods (1Th_2:11). Already he had used the figure of a nursing mother in the tenderness of her self-sacrificing devotion to her children. He now shifts the figure, and is a father. Two points are to be noticed in the latter comparison--
1. As a wise father suits his training and teaching to the case of each child, so he acted towards his converts--every one of you. It was the apostles invariable procedure to deal with individuals. He ceased not to warn every one of the Ephesian elders. To the Colossian she says, Warning every man, etc. Christianity has brought out into clearest light, and assigned the greatest prominence to, the worth of the individual soul. The rulers and teachers of heathen society thought of men as a body, and used or influenced them in the mass, but seldom thought of the individual. But the religion of Christ takes account of each. Its foundation rests on individual conviction. Individualism, not multitudinism, is the law of its growth, until it comes to leaven the whose mass of humanity.
2. As a father is intensely earnest in giving his children right guidance and instruction, so was Paul in his yearning care of his converts. As he had described his behaviour in threefold way, so he describes his ministry.
(1) Exhortation is the more general term, and describes apostolic teaching as influencing the mind and will; in other words, instruction.
(2) Comforting is friendly persuasion, touching the feelings, and so leading the heart to Christ and His truth--consoling and inspiriting those who, in the midst of tribulation, were doubting and desponding.
(3) Charging or testifying is adjuring them with all solemnity, as in the sight of God.
III. Apostolic aim (1Th_2:12). The method was necessarily diverse: some needing exhortation, others comfort, others charging; but the end was one, because they all needed to walk worthy.
1. By walking we are to understand the whole character and conduct.
(1) The figure implies energetic movement in the way of progress.
(2) It is worthy walking only when the command has been heard and obeyed. Walk before Me, and be thou perfect. As ye have received the Lord Jesus, so walk in Him.
(3) Such walking is worthy of God, being with God.
2. Calling means not merely Gods invitation, but that invitation as accepted; hence effectual calling. His Church is called out of bondage and corruption into the light and liberty of the gospel. We must, then, walk worthy of the dignity of Gods freed men. This calling is unto--
(1) His kingdom. We are, then, to walk worthy of the duties of this kingdom, to exhibit--
(a) Faithful allegiance to its King.
(b) Joyful obedience to its laws.
(c) Affectionate interest in all its subjects.
(d) Valiant fighting in its service.
(e) Cooperation in all good work.
(2) His glory--not simply to His glorious kingdom; but while God calls His people to dignities and duties, He is also calling them to future rewards. Their destiny is glory. This glory is the prize of our high calling; but even here we know something of it. It consists of--
(a) Likeness to Christ (1Jn_3:2). Our glory will be the beauty of holiness.
(b) Sharing Christs sovereignty. To him that overcometh, etc.
Believers walk worthy of this destiny when they share it as fully as may be here, and when they lovingly look forward to its perfection hereafter. (J. Hutchison, D. D.)
The faithful pastor
I. In his personal character, as an example to the flock. Consider him as behaving
1. Holily before God. He was made a new creature in Christ Jesus. Throughout life he exhibited the evidences of, and made continual advancement in, the graces of the new creation. Notice some of the characteristics of Pauls holiness, which are always in some degree in every holy character.
(1) Tenderness of conscience.
(2) Deep humility.
(3) Lively gratitude.
(4) Prayerfulness.
(5) Realization of the presence of God.
(6) Living upon the promises of God.
(7) Profitableness of conversation.
2. Justly before man--
(1) In thought.
(2) In word.
(3) In deed.
3. Unblameable in general deportment. Free from minor (so-called) imprudences; abstaining from all appearance of evil. Blamed indeed he was, as all who live holily will be, but only as concerning the law of His God like Daniel. With regard to everything that involved duty and faithfulness he was firm as an oak, but in everything relating to personal convenience and benefit yielding in any way he could for the glory of God and the good of man.
II. As the instructor and guardian of the flock.
1. He exhorted, setting forth the whole truth, not simply as a matter of theory but practically. There was no reserve in his doctrine, pandering to individual tastes or to the fashion of the day. Hence his preaching afforded tests--
(1) To the unregenerate by means of which they might discover the absence of spiritual life and be led to repentance.
(2) To the lukewarm, so that they should not be allowed to rest satisfied with mere profession.
(3) To the believer, teaching him not to rest in present attainments, but to press forward.
2. He comforted. His own heart was full of love to God and man, and rejoiced in the experience of Divine consolations, so that he was duly qualified to sympathize with others (2Co_1:3-5). Cold is the comfort which arises from the mere theoretical statement of points calculated to give comfort; but when that consolation flows from a heart that can say, I have tried it myself and know its power, then God works by means of the minister, and the heart receives comfort indeed.
3. With holy authority and deep solemnity. Paul charged the Thessalonians--
(1) With discrimination, in language that was not vague and general, but such as enabled him to apply the different parts of his message to the conscience of everyone.
(2) With tender affection as a father.
III. The object he had in view--That ye would walk, etc. The arguments by which he enforced this charge were three-fold.
1. God had called them not only generally but effectually, and as He who had called them was holy so He urged them to be holy.
2. God had given them a place in His kingdom. That kingdom was one of--
(1) Righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost; its members there fore must glorify the King by righteousness and true holiness, and by joy and peace through believing.
(2) Liberty: its subjects are delivered from the thraldom of sin and Satan, and must live in loyalty to the royal law of liberty.
(3) Light: its citizens must, therefore, walk as children of the light.
3. God had prepared for them a state of glory. The heirs of that glory, therefore, must live--
(1) In expectation of it.
(2) In preparation for it. (J. Hill, B. D.)
The power of a Christian life
This does not sound like Christian modesty, but Paul frequently talked like this; yet he was one of the humblest of men, less than the least of all saints. The fact is, that Paul felt it incumbent upon him to bear witness for Christ by his life as well as his lips, and there were circumstances which constrained him to vindicate the excellence of his life as well as the truth of his doctrine.
I. The power of a Christian life as it serves to vindicate and recommend a Christians doctrine.
1. Mens principles have ever been tried by their practices. If we find Mohammedans or Mormons living good lives we feel sure that there must be some truth in what they believed. In this way men judge in relation to the gospel. When the life of a believer is bad it is taken as an evidence against the truth of the gospel; when good it is taken as a proof of its truth. And no wonder; for it is easier to judge of a doctrine in a mans life than in abstract forms. And then the gospel comes not as a speculation that the intellect may be gratified, but that mans heart and life my be transformed, and professes that it can be brought to the test of experiment. It follows, then, that when the lives of Christians are bad they are the worst enemies of the gospel; when good its best friends.
2. Examples open on all bands.
(1) What an argument for the truth of Christs doctrine was Christs own life! How often has it silenced those who assailed His teaching. That perfection could hardly have come from falsehood or delusion. How often has that same life strengthened the faith of the doubting. We have been oppressed by the mysteries of His doctrine, but when we have looked at His life we have felt that He must have uttered what was true, that He can be trusted, and may be followed in spite of difficulties.
(2) The same thing appears in the examples of the early Christians. The apostles and the great master were anxious that the lives of converts should be in harmony with their belief, because the world was to believe the Christian doctrine because of what they saw of the Christian life. And that life in its purity, love, resignation, heroism struck both Jew and heathen. Nothing was harder to be answered than that, and it is that which contributed more than anything else to the triumphs of the Church.
(3) The same thing is illustrated by the power of the biographies of good men. Have we not felt in reading them that there is no religion that could have produced such characters but that of Christ, and that the religion that could produce them must be of God. Nothing better can be placed in the hands of a sceptic than the record of a Christian life which has been in accord with Christian profession.
(4) The same is illustrated by living examples. The life of many a father and mother has been a greater inspiration than all their instruction. So with friends, business acquaintances, etc.
II. The power of a Christian life as it serves to enforce a Christian speech. There are some in every Christian mans sphere to whom he ought to speak on the subject of Christian faith and practice. To do this effectually it is necessary that there should be wisdom in the choice of time, circumstances, manner, subject, etc., but more than all a life in harmony with what is spoken. The want of this is the real reason why professing Christians speak so little to others on these subjects. There are other reasons it is true--a humble estimate of self, delicacy and reserve, but the true reason is because they feel that they would be acting in a way that would bring condemnation on themselves. How can a man speak against bad tempers, if his children and servants see him indulging them? or speak about the Bible if he neglects it? Or about extravagance if he is expensive? Or about the value of the soul, if he cares little about his own? He cannot speak, because he is ashamed, and because he feels that it would be little use. But let the life speak as well as the words, and then the words will be effectual as witnessing to the sincerity and earnestness of the speaker. It is better not to talk at all about religion, if we do not live it; and if we live it religion will often speak when we are silent.
III. The power of a Christians life in blessing his death.
1. Inasmuch as because of the death, the power of the life is more forcibly brought before the mind. Often we do not know the value of our blessings until we lose them. When we do appreciate the worth of a Christian friend while living it is not as we do when he is dead. We were sufficiently alive to his imperfections, but now he is gone we think only of his excellence, and yield to the influence of that.
2. In its influence in drawing the Christians affections upward. When our friends are with us shining in their consistent life this world satisfies us more than when they are gone. Their life is a force of attraction to this earth where they are: but their death attracts us to the heaven whither they have gone. If they had not lived Christian lives we should be thinking of them as somewhere we know not where, but recalling their lives as being Christian we are compelled to look upward for them in glory.
Conclusion: Seeing that the power of a Christian life is thus great, it becomes us--
1. To inquire very earnestly whether we have experienced it and yielded to it. We have all known some true Christians, and also some false professors. In regard to the latter many like well enough to see and condemn them, but with satisfaction as furnishing an excuse for irreligion. It is poor work to use Christian inconsistency for that end. If all Christians were inconsistent there might be something in it. But there are some who do lead Christian lives, and when near them we feel their power. What use are you making of them? Are you accepting their Saviour and imitating their example? And now if they are gone are you following them to heaven? You have to answer for the gift of every Christian man made unto you and not only for sermons, etc.
2. To inquire whether we are putting forth the power of a Christian life. Are we commending Christs doctrine by our lives? When we are gone will men be remembering us to their advantage?
3. A Christian life is such a life that Christ requires and that Christ lived, and that Christ enables those who really follow Him to live. Without Him we cannot live it (Gal_2:20). (D. Thomas, B. A., of Bristol.)
Consistency at home
The son and biographer of Caesar Malan, after describing the openness and impulsiveness of his fathers nature, and the close intimacy in which he had always lived with him, remarks: I never saw anything in him which did not renew the impression that he lived as seeing Him who is invisible. Never was I witness of a gesture, never did I hear a word, with respect to which I had to feel that it would become to him the subject of serious regret.
Holy instruments
How diligently the cavalry officer keeps his sabre clean and sharp! Every stain he rubs off with the greatest care. Remember you are Gods sword, His instrument, I trust, a chosen vessel unto Him to bear His name. In great measure, according to the purity and perfectness of the instrument will be success. It is not great talents God blesses so much as likeness to Jesus. (R. McCheyne.)
The influence of a holy life
About the mere presence and person of good men there hangs a charm and a spell of good which makes them do good even when they are not consciously thinking of doing good at all. Their very presence does good as if there were an angel there, and from their mere silence there spreads an influence, a flowing in of higher motives and purer thoughts into the souls of men. It was said of the ancient Cato that when he entered, the young Roman nobles blushed for their base amusements. It is said of one of old that even as a boy all bad words were hushed at once when he joined a crowd of his companions. (F. W. Farrar.)
A holy life recognized
It was said of McCheyne, of Scotland, that people felt him when he entered a meeting or private home. Although not a stern, sanctimonious man, but a very cheerful one, yet people recognized him as a man of God who carried the atmosphere of heaven with him, and lived out the gospel of Christ. The inward spirit shone out from him, in his language, and conduct, just as a blazing lamp always reports itself.
Sixty years of pure life
Citizens, exclaimed Lamartine to a Parisian populace during the revolution of 1848, as he introduced an honest man to them--Citizens! listen! for a sixty years of pure life is about to address you. The mob stood silent. And so the unconverted world will listen to a godly life in which the Divine Spirit dwells, when such a life comes in close contact with them.
That ye would walk worthy of God--It has often been charged upon Christianity that it is a narrow and belittling system, and that there is no scope in it for the highest development, and for the finest and most commanding type of character. If this be so it can only be because there is no fit conception of God, a thing which might have been affirmed with propriety at the foot of Olympus, but which it calls for a good deal of rashness to avow at the foot of that mountain on which the preacher said, Be ye perfect as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. And here Paul adjures men to acquit themselves in a way to reflect and magnify the excellencies of Him in whom all excellencies meet and harmonize. There are two general thoughts involved in the idea of walking worthy of God.
I. Men are to keep always in mind that they bear Gods image on their souls.
1. There are those who tell us that our creation in the Divine likeness is a myth; that mind is only a function of matter; that what we are pleased to call the soul is only the outcome of physical organs in a certain state of adjustment and action; and that we have simply struggled up through lower forms and survive because the fittest. There may be some truth in evolution. Subsequent to the great creative acts, and within the sweep of laws and orders established by God, something like the principle of evolution does come into play. But there is nothing in this to disturb our faith in a distinguishing creation of man in the image of the Maker. Gods stamp is on the human heart and brain. Man is separated in his moral nature and boundless aspirations from all other orders because he has something of God in him. In virtue of this he is an evidence of God. His soul is a mirror which reflects God. Through this likeness our relation to Him is that of a child to a Father.
2. True this image is marred, but it is still on the soul. To be a man, no matter how low down or far away, is to have some trace of ancestry in God. It is the work of Christ to restore this image and bring men back to a filial acknowledgment of the Father. In every one who has accepted Him and is sincerely trying to do His will, this image is emerging into more and more of prominence, and by and by it will be complete.
3. To walk worthy of God this dignifying fact must be kept to the forefront. Princes are taught that they are sons of kings and must, therefore, conduct themselves in royal fashion. By every man it should be kept in perpetual remembrance that he is a child of the King of kings. What an uplifting power! What a help in the struggle to do the right! What a shield against evil assaults! Is there anything which gives us a larger notion of manliness, or supplies us with higher motive forces?
II. The new relations, privileges, and outlooks into which one is introduced by faith in Christ.
1. This is the central argument here. Men are to walk worthy because of the call into Gods kingdom and glory. They have come into a new estate, and are expected not only to show gratitude for it, but to feel its inspiration and advance into a grander mood of life. It is a thing of immense import that a man should be taken out of the kingdom of sin and set down securely in the kingdom of God. Pardon is a great thing, conversion is greater, but heirship to all the wealth of the heavenly inheritance is greater still.
2. Being called by God into His own kingdom and glory means much more than a standing in the Church, and a hope of admission into heaven. It means a fellowship with God in His blessedness now and forever. At present it is incomplete, but real. We see through a glass darkly; we know only in part; but we do see and know, and these experiences are prophetic of a seeing and knowing that shall one day be perfect.
3. No man can take this in without feeling that his walk ought to be very close with God and wholly in the line of His will. We are told that we are heirs of all the ages, that poets have sung, philosophers taught, legislators ruled, and martyrs suffered, etc., and that to us has fallen the precious fruitage of all this sacrifice and toil. But they who, through faith in Christ, have a standing in the kingdom and glory of God are heirs to something more than all this. Surely the thought that he is heir to the measureless riches of Divine favour is to put heart into a man and to stir him to the utmost stretch of endeavour. Within the sweep of these general thoughts there are some specific requirements.
(1) The spirit and habit of loyalty to God. He is to be the first and final reference of all our actions. His will must be the rule and test of living. This loyalty was illustrated by Peter and John. Whether it be right in the sight of God, etc. Front to front with prison doors they would be true to Him. Daniel is another example. Fidelity might cost him his life, but he would not swerve from it. So in the case of the heroes in Heb_11:1-40. The trouble with us is that God has not this regnant place in our lives. Secular codes are permitted to regulate our actions--political, social, professional, domestic--and which are allowed to determine what is right and wrong.
(2) A very high degree of purity. The most careless reader must notice the stress laid upon this in the Bible; but we lay too little on it, and too much on sensationalism and aestheticism. Yet a higher measure of purity is one of the most pressing demands of our time. How iniquity still abounds.
(3) A walk full of love--to God and man, for love is Godlike. (F. A. Noble, D. D.)
Walking worthy of God
I. The kingdom and glory to which God has called us. He calls to possess--
1. Himself--to take Him by the spirit, the heart, and the knowledge which is love.
2. Ourselves--we are lost if we lose God.
3. Our brethren. If we possess God we must possess as our brethren all who are His children.
4. All things All are ours for we are Christs.
II. God has called us to His kingdom and glory.
1. The ground of this call--His own character.
2. The methods.
(1) The Gospel.
(2) Christ.
(3) The Sacraments.
III. Our duty with reference to this call--to walk worthy of God, by contemplating the life and following the example of the only man who walked worthy of God--Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us. (N. Macleod, D. D.)
Not to disgrace religion
It was the custom among the old Greeks that every Athenian youth, as soon as he could carry weapons, should take this oath--I will not disgrace the sacred arms entrusted to me by my country, and I will not desert the place committed to me to defend. (W. Buxton.)
A walk worthy of God
1. Letters disclose the character of the writer. No two persons write exactly alike because no two persons have precisely the same character. In many cases we should know the writer even if the handwriting were concealed. There is a difference of tone and thought which either helps to form, or corresponds with our idea of the character of the writer. Some letters soothe, others irritate; some elevate us, others draw us down.
2. Letters disclose the character of the receivers. We write differently to different persons, and in the very act of revealing our own we indicate not obscurely our conception of anothers character.
3. These remarks are appropriate to this epistle. Paul is writing to a Church about which he is particularly anxious and hopeful. He gives us a graphic picture of himself and of his mode of dealing with his congregations. It is a beautiful portrait of a Christian pastor. And how much does the letter tell us of the persons addressed. We seem to learn from the Acts that St. Paul had been but a short time at Thessalonica, and yet he is able to record a work of faith, etc., and to speak to them throughout not only as persons interested in the gospel, but exemplifying its rules of life and acquainted with its deepest doctrines. We are taught--
(1) That there is nothing to prevent any one from becoming, within a very short time, a Christian indeed. It only needs that we should receive Christs message with prayer and watchfulness and try to act upon it. Then, the fruits of the spirit will speedily show themselves. Gods work is not tied by rules of time and system.
(2) The precariousness of Christian life. The more rapidly it grows the greater are its dangers; but whether it grows quickly or slowly, we have a watchful enemy, and if he succeeds in driving us back from our life of faith and labour of love, the labour bestowed upon us will have been in vain. Let us consider this worthy walk.
I. In general. The words are like, yet in one point different from, several other expressions elsewhere. The worthy walk in Ephesians is of the calling; in Philippians, of the Gospel; in Colossians, of the Lord; here, of God.
1. This, in all ages, must be the aim of all Christian teaching. Sometimes it may be done by giving details of duty; sometimes by laying down principles; sometimes, best of all, by touching the spring of motive, and dwelling upon that love of God which alone can make us love Him. But the object is ever the same.
2. Walk is a lively figure, and suggests--
(1) That our life is a state of motion. There is no resting here.
(2) It is motion within limits. The motion of today does not carry us out of the region of yesterday, and tomorrow will find us moving up and down the same area as today. And thus, as in our point of view, life is a journey; a journey of successive stages, no one of which is taken twice over; so, in another aspect, it is rather a walk, in which we start from our own door and return to it, traverse time after time the same space, and are still the same persons in the same region and home.
(3) That region and home is not local, but personal. We may change our abode, but we carry our sameness with us wherever we go--the same habits, infirmities, affections, tastes and interests. We are the same, and so is the reality of life; its accidents vary, but the deep inner life changes not.
3. But though life be a walk rather than a journey, inasmuch as it traverses over and over the same ground, there is all the difference in the world in our mode of exercising it. We may live at random with no rule or guidance; we may live on a principle not the right one; we may live according to the direction or example of others which may lead us quite astray. Pauls is a very short rule--Walk worthy of God. My conduct, then, in the little affairs of my daily life, so insignificant as they may appear, are in some way capable of high and glorious uses; capable of bringing honour upon, or detracting from the honour of God. We may help others to forget or to remember God. If we live in one way we show that we think God of importance; if we live in another, we show that we think He may be disregarded and no harm come of it.
II. In particular. There are some ways in which we could not, if we would, walk worthily of God. We could never so live as to remind men of the creative power, eternal existence, absolute sovereignty of God: but in the following ways we may, and can, walk worthily of Him.
1. By the cultivation of reverence. No one walks worthily of God who takes His name on his lips lightly, or refers in a trifling spirit to the solemn realities of His word or judgment. These are the ways in which wicked or thoughtless persons put God out of sight amongst their companions. Let, then, those about you be aware that though you may be merry and amusing about other things, you are always grave and reverent when God is concerned, and that you are shocked at the slightest allusion to Him in any but a serious spirit.
2. The cultivation of thankfulness. The thankful spirit is that of one who gives God the glory for all he has, and looks not at what He withholds.
3. The cultivation of holiness. As He which hath called you is holy, etc. He whose conversation is impure, whose heart cherishes impure thoughts, is doing the greatest dishonour to the God of holiness. On the other hand no one witnesses for God as one who is noticed for his perfect purity of speech and conduct.
4. The cultivation of kindness. When our Lord said, Be ye perfect as your Father, etc., He said it, with regard to kindness. This is what tells while a man lives, and is remembered when he is gone. (Dean Vaughan.)
Walking worthily
Here we have the whole law of Christian conduct in a nutshell. There may be many detailed commandments, but they can all be deduced from this one. We are lifted up above the region of petty prescriptions, and breathe a bracing mountain air. Instead of regulations, very many and very dry, we have a principle which needs thought and sympathy, in order to apply, it, and is to be, carried out by the free action of our own judgments. We are told in our text to walk worthy of God. Then again, we are enjoined, in other places, to walk worthy of the Lord, who is Christ. Or again, of the Gospel of Christ. Or again, of the calling wherewith we were called. Or again, of the name of saints. And if you put all these together, you will get many sides of one thought, the rule of Christian life as gathered into a single expression--correspondence with, and conformity to, a certain standard.
I. We have this passage of my text, and the other one to which I have referred, Walking worthy of the Lord, by whom we are to understand Christ. We may put these together and say that the whole sum of Christian duty lies in conformity to the character of a Divine person with whom we have loving relations. The Old Testament says, Be ye holy, for I the Lord your God am holy. The New Testament says, Be ye imitators of God, and walk in love. So then, whatever in that Divine nature of flashing brightness and infinite profundity is far beyond our apprehension and grasp, there are in that Divine nature elements--and those the best and divinest in it--which it is perfectly within the power of every man to copy.
II. The next form of this all-embracing precept. The whole law of our Christian life may be gathered up in another correspondence, Walk worthy of the gospel (Php_1:27), in a manner conformed to that great message of Gods love to us. That covers substantially the same ground as we have already been going over, but it presents the same ideas in a different light. It presents the gospel as a rule of conduct. The Cross is your pattern, as well as the anchor of your hope and the ground of your salvation, if it is anything at all to you. And it is not the ground of your salvation and the anchor of your hope unless it is your pattern. It is the one in exactly the same degree in which it is the other. So all self-pleasing, all harsh insistence on your own claims, all neglect of suffering and sorrow and sin around you, comes under the lash of this condemnation. They are not worthy of the gospel. And all unforgivingness of spirit and of temper in individuals and in nations, in public and in private matters, that, too, is in flagrant contradiction of the principles that are taught on the Cross to which you say you look for your salvation.
III. Then again, there is another form of this same general prescription which suggests to us a kindred and yet somewhat different standard. We are also bidden to bring our lives into conformity to, and correspondence with, or, as the Bible has it, to walk worthy of the calling wherewith we are called (Eph_4:1). God summons or invites us, and summons us to what? The words which follow our text answer, Who hath called us unto His kingdom and glory. Men that are called to high functions prepare themselves therefor, If you knew that you were going away to Australia in six months, would you not be beginning to get your outfit ready? You Christian men profess to believe that you have been called to a condition in which you will absolutely obey Gods will, and be the loyal subjects of His kingdom, and in which you will partake of Gods glory. Well, then, obey His will here, and let some scattered sparklets of that uncreated light that is one day going to flood your soul lie upon your face today. Do not go and cut your lives into two halves, one of them all contradictory to that which you expect in the other, but bring a harmony between the present, in all its weakness and sinfulness, and that great hope and certain destiny that blazes on the horizon of your hope, as the joyful state to which you have been invited. Walk worthy of the calling to which you are called. And again, that same thought of the destiny should feed our hope, and make us live under its continual inspiration. A walk worthy of such a calling and such a Caller should know no despondency, nor any weary, heartless lingering, as with tired feet on a hard road. Brave good cheer, undimmed energy, a noble contempt of obstacles, a confidence in our final attainment of that purity and glory which is not depressed by consciousness of present failure--these are plainly the characteristics which ought to mark the advance of the men in whose ears such a summons from such lips rings as their marching orders. And a walk worthy of our calling will turn away from earthly things. If you believe that God has summoned you to His kingdom and glory, surely, surely, that should deaden in your heart the love and the care for the trifles that lie by the wayside.
IV. And the last of the phases of this prescription which I have to deal with is this. The whole Christian duty is further crystallized into the one command, to walk in a manner conformed to, and corresponding with, the character which is impressed upon us. In Rom_16:2, we read about a very small matter, that it is to be done worthily of the saints. It is only about the receiving of a good woman that was travelling from Corinth to Rome, and extending hospitality to her in such a manner as became professing Christians; but the very minuteness of the details to which the great principle is applied points a lesson. The biggest principle is not too big to be brought down to the narrowest details, and that is the beauty of principles as distinguished from regulations. Like the fabled tent in the old legend that could contract so as to have room for but one man, or extend wide enough to hold an army; so this great principle of Christian conduct can be brought down to giving Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the Church at Cenchrea, good food and a comfortable lodging, and any other little kindnesses, when she comes to Rome. And the same principle may be widened out to embrace and direct us in the largest tasks and most difficult circumstances. Worthily of saints--the name is an omen, and carries in it rules of conduct. The root ides of saint is one separated to God, and the secondary idea which flows from that is one who is pure. All Christians are saints. They are consecrated and set apart for Gods service, and in the degree in which they are conscious of and live out that consecration, they are pure. So their name, or rather the great fact which their name implies, should be ever before them, a stimulus and a law. Walk worthily of saints is another way of saying, Be true to your own best selves. Work up to the highest ideal of your character. That is far more wholesome than to be always looking at our faults and failures, which depress and tempt us to think that the actual is the measure of the possible, and the past or present of the future. There is no fear of self-conceit or of a mistaken estimate of ourselves. The more clearly we keep our best and deepest self before our consciousness, the more shall we learn a rigid judgment of the miserable contradictions to it in our daily outward life, and even in our thoughts and desires. It is a wholesome exhortation, when it follows these others of which we have been speaking (and not else), which bids Christians remember that they are saints and live up to their name. (A. Maclaren, D. D.)
Walk worthy of God
I. By cheerfulness. Nothing is more Christlike and winsome. Every flower, even, tries to make itself as pleasant as possible. Let us copy the flowers. Our cheerfulness honours God, and shows that He is a good Master, and make him a blessing to his neighbours. When your lose comes do not dishonour God by fretting. Do not draw your joy from the worlds broken cisterns, but from the inexhaustible fountain of happiness.
II. By not being afraid of the truth. Many would be willing to follow the truth if it were fashionable; but if we would walk worthy of God we shall follow it not only at the risk of popularity but of life. Let the example of Christ and the martyrs and reformers nerve you to uphold and proclaim the truth. Show by your life that you dare rest your life on the word of Christ. This needs a new heart and a right spirit.
III. By earnestness in all we do. Our Divine trusts will not bear trifling with, and there is but a short time in which to discharge them. How energetic all have been who have walked worthy of God--Christ, the Apostles, etc. We work hard for our worldly employers, shall we work less for our heavenly?
IV. By genuine discipleship. Our practice should, like a good sovereign, ring properly when it is sounded. God is foully dishonoured when we are inconsistent. Be Christlike--
1. In word: truthful, clean, sympathetic.
2. In deed: pure, kind, helpful. (W. Birch.)
The dignity and duty of God
s called ones:--
I. This vocation is an act of Gods grace whereby we are invited to fellowship with Christ (1Co_1:9; Luk_14:16).
1. It is therefore opposed to works (Rom_9:11; 2Ti_1:9).
2. This invitation may be regarded two ways: barely by the word, or as implying our consent. When a man is called to an office in Church or State, he is said to be called though he declines; but when election and acceptation meet together, then there is a call. This distinction is necessary in Divine things (Mat_22:14; Rom_8:30). In a strict sense men are called only when they accept Gods invitation.
3. This calling implies that men are afar off. We call men that are afar, we speak to those who are near (Act_2:14; Act_2:39).
II. The duty of those who are called is to walk worthy of God.
1. There is a fourfold worthiness.
(1) In regard of merit: so only Christ is worthy (Rev_5:9).
(2) In regard of acceptation: so the saints are worthy (Rev_3:4).
(3) In regard of proportion (2Co_4:17).
(4) In regard of meekness (Mat_3:8). This is the sense here.
2. We should walk worthy of God because--
(1) Dignity calls for duty. What higher dignity than to be called to Gods kingdom and glory?
(2) The more dismal a mans condition is the more is he obliged to walk answerably to God who hath called him out of that condition (Eph_5:14).
(3) The more comfortable and glorious the condition a man is called unto, the more he is engaged to God who has called him to that condition. What is good or desirable but we are called to it in being called to Gods kingdom and glory? Is light desirable? We are called out of darkness into His marvellous light. Holiness? (1Th_4:7). Peace? (1Co_7:5). Communion with Christ? (1Co_1:9).
III. When may we be said to be called, and how may we know it?
1. God ordinarily calls men by the preaching of the Word; but also by direct impressions made by the Holy Spirit on the heart, and by afflictions, etc.
2. A man may know that he is called when he is--
(1) constrained by the love of Christ.
(2) Begotten by the word of promise (Rom_9:7-8).
(3) Separated from the world (1Pe_2:9).
(4) Apt and willing to be ruled by the Word in all things (Act_9:6; Act_10:29).
(5) When he can say, all things work together for my good (Rom_8:28).
(6) When he celebrates Gods praises (1Pe_2:9).
IV. What shall we do to walk worthy of God?
1. Observe the excellencies of God and let them shine forth.
(1) God is a great God; do something great for Him.
(2) He is a sovereign Lord, and absolutely free; do what He commands with a free spirit.
(3) He is infinitely holy: Be ye holy (1Pe_1:15-16).
(4) He is God all sufficient (Gen_17:1-27.); trust Him fully.
(5) He is faithful (1Th_5:24; 1Co_1:9); believe all His promises.
(6) He is our chief good and last end; in all your affairs begin with Him, rest in Him, desire after Him.
2. Observe what the great design of God is, and labour all you can to advance the same.
(1) Your sanctification.
(2) The worlds salvation.
(3) The glorifying of Christ (Joh_14:13).
3. Israel sacrificed to God the gods of other nations, and herein they honoured God; and so shall we if we surrender our idols to Him.
4. Take heed of sinning in secret, and be much in private duty because God sees you. Walking in the eye of an all-seeing God is most worthy walking. (W. Bridge, M. A.)
Christian magnanimity
I. The principles of magnanimity in general as a natural quality. As there is a difference between bodies as to size, so there is a real character of greatness or meanness applicable to the mind. It belongs to magnanimity--
1. To attempt great and difficult things. Those who from love of ease neglect the improvement of their powers, or who apply them, however assiduously, to things of small consequence, are destitute of this quality, as are those also who fall below their rank in life.
2. To aspire after great and valuable possessions. A great mind has great capacities of enjoyment, and will not be satisfied with trifles.
3. To encounter danger with resolution. No weakness is more contemptible than cowardice.
4. To struggle against difficulties with steadiness and perseverance. Few things are more contrary to magnanimity than fickleness. We commonly identify weakness and changeableness.
5. To bear sufferings with fortitude and patience. This virtue has always had the greatest reputation.
II. What is necessary to give it real value as a moral virtue.
1. The object of our desires must be just as well as great. Some of the noblest powers of the human mind have been exerted in invading the rights, instead of promoting the benefit of mankind. Some of the ablest men have borne the most detestable of characters.
2. Our desires must be governed by wisdom and prudence, as well as justice. Exertion in feats, which have little value except their difficulties or rareness, is no more the operation of magnanimity than rope dancing is the work of a hero. To spend a whole life in the accumulation of a vast fortune is of small merit.
3. The principle of action must be honourable, as well as the achievement illustrious. If a man does extraordinary things merely to make his name famous, it is mean; but the sacrifice of name and riches to duty and usefulness is glorious.
4. Every attempt must be possible and rational; otherwise it is only extravagant, not great.
III. Not only is there nothing in real religion contrary to it, but there only it appears in its beauty and perfection.
1. Religion calls us to the greatest and most noble attempts.
(1) In a private view it bids us subdue every sinful passion, and to nurture every excellence.
(2) In a public view, every good man is called to live for the glory of God and the good of others. What sphere of activity wider or nobler than this?
2. The truly pious man aspires after the greatest and most valuable possessions. He despises the unsatisfying enjoyments of time, and reaches out after God and heaven.
3. True piety encounters the greatest dangers with resolution. The fear of God is the only effectual antidote to the fear of man.
4. The Christian perseveres in opposition to continued trial. This is what distinguishes Christian warfare from every other. It lasts through life.
5. He endures suffering with patience and fortitude. Witness the martyrs.
IV. Practical improvement. Learn from what has been said--
1. That whenever honour differs from conscience, it is a treacherous guide.
2. That as Christian magnanimity is more excellent than that of the world, it is also more practicable and universal. It is open to all. (J. Witherspoon, D. D.)
Eagles and flies
Says Manton on this text: Live as kings, commanding your spirits, judging your souls to be above ordinary pursuits. It is not for eagles to catch flies. As of old it was said, Cogita te Caesarem esse--Remember that thou art Caesar--so say we to each believer, Remember that thou shalt one day be a king with God in glory, and therefore walk becomingly. This is important teaching, and much needed in these days. Many who declare themselves to be eagles spend the most of their lives in hawking for flies; we even hear of professing Christians frequenting the theatre. Instead of acting like kings, many who claim to be the sons of God act as meanly as if they were scullions in the kitchen of Mammon. They do not judge themselves to be Caesars, but they demean themselves as if they were Caesars slaves, living upon his smile, and asking his leave to move. What separation from the world, what brave holiness, what self-denial, what heavenly walking with God ought to be seen in those who are chosen to be a peculiar people, the representatives of God on earth, and courtiers of the new Jerusalem above! As the world waxes worse and worse, it becomes men of God to become better and better. If sinners stoop lower, saints must rise higher, and show them that a regenerate life cannot share in the general corruption. O Lord, I know that in Christ Jesus thou hast made me a king, help me, then, to live a right royal life. Lay home to my conscience that question, What manner of persons ought we to be? and may I so answer it that I may live worthy of my high calling. (C. H. Spurgeon.)
Preaching while walking
The good St. Francis of Assist once stepped down into the cloisters of his monastery, and laying his hand on the shoulder of a young monk, said, Brother, let us go down into the town and preach. So they went forth, the venerable father and the young man. And they walked along upon their way, conversing as they went. They wound their way down the principal streets, round the lowly alleys and lanes, and even to the outskirts of the town, and to the village beyond, till they found themselves back at the monastery again. Then said the young monk, Father, when shall we begin to preach? And the father looked kindly down upon his son, and said, My child, we have been preaching; we were preaching while we were walking. We have been seen, looked at; our behaviour has been remarked; and so we have delivered a morning sermon. Ah! my son, it is of no use that we walk anywhere to preach unless we preach as we walk. (Paxton Hood.)
The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
B. W. Johnson 1891 · Public Domain On vv8–11 8. But also our own souls. You were so…
8. But also our own souls. You were so dear to us that we not only were willing to impart the gospel, but would have given our lives to you and for you.
B. W. Johnson's The People's New Testament with Notes (1889–1891) — public domain. Electronic text from the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (CCEL) ThML edition.
The Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary 1892 · Public Domain On v9 1Th_2:9. Labour and travail.—The same words occur together at…
CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES
1Th_2:9. Labour and travail.—The same words occur together at 2Co_11:27. The former is used some twenty times, the latter only three in the New Testament. One marks the fatigue of the work, “the lassitude or weariness which follows on this straining of all his powers to the utmost” (Trench). The other gives prominence to the hardship or difficulty of the task. That we might not burden any of you (see 1Th_2:6).—Any support that could have been given would have been a trifle indeed (1Co_9:11) as compared with the self-sacrifice of the apostolic toilers.
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1Th_2:10. Ye are witnesses, and God also.—A solemn reiteration (see 1Th_2:5). Holily and justly and umblameably.—“The holy man has regard to the sanctities, the righteous man to the duties of life; but duty is sacred and piety is duty. They cover the whole field of conduct regarded in turn from the religious and moral standpoint, while unblamably affixes the seal of approval both by God and man” (Findlay).
1Th_2:11. Exhorted and comforted.—As the former points to the stimulation in the apostolic addresses, so the latter to the soothing element. The noun related to the latter verb is found in Php_2:1, and is translated by R.V. “consolation.” As a father with his own children.—The maternal tenderness is united with the discipline of a true father.
1Th_2:12. Walk worthy of God.—St. Paul’s “Noblesse oblige.”
MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.—1Th_2:9-12
Essential Elements of Success in Preaching. IV. Moral Consistency.
The writer, in dwelling on the manner and spirit of preaching, has shown the necessity of boldness, sincerity, and gentleness as powerful instrumentalities in achieving success. In these verses he insists on the moral consistency of the individual life and conduct. As the time indicated on the dial answers to the perfect mechanism of the watch, so the personal example of the preacher must answer to the words he utters. The most accomplished elocution, the most impassioned and captivating utterance will be fruitless unless backed with the strength of a complete, well-rounded, all-beautiful spiritual character. Paul and his co-helpers could fearlessly appeal to their hearers, and in all humility to God, in attestation of the moral consistency of their private and public action.
I. Their moral consistency seen in the unselfish principle that governed them in their work.—“For ye remember, brethren, our labours and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable to any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God” (1Th_2:9). The apostle invariably asserted the obligation of ministerial maintenance by the Church. In another place he emphatically affirms that, not merely naked equity and the spirit of the Mosaic law, but also a positive ordinance of Christ requires that just as “they which ministered about holy things lived of the things of the temple, and they which waited at the altar were partakers with the altar, even so they which preach the gospel shall live of the gospel.” In the special circumstances and early stage of the work at Thessalonica, the apostle waived this righteous claim. It might be on account of the poverty of the majority of the converts, or more probably on account of the charge of covetousness their enemies had diligently circulated. To crush all suspicion of interested motives and self-seeking, those noble missionaries refused “to be chargeable unto any one of them,” depending for their support upon the occasional remittances of the liberal Philippians, and on their own manual labour. Thus did they evidence their supreme desire to be, not mercenary gain, but the proclamation of the gospel of God—an example which has its counterpart in the brave, devoted, self-denying labours of many a modern missionary.
II. Their moral consistency seen in the maintenance of a blameless deportment.—“Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe” (1Th_2:10). A Roman prince of the celebrated house of Colonna, whose virtues had sustained him alike in prosperous and adverse times, was once driven into exile, and when reduced to extremity was asked, “Where is now your fortress?” He laid his hand upon his heart, and answered, “Here!” A conscious sense of integrity threw a strength and majesty around him in the midst of poverty and suffering. It was an inward consciousness of purity that prompted these Christian workers to appeal to those who were best acquainted with their walk and conversation. They behaved holily toward God, justly toward men, and unblamably in all things. “Among them that believe.” Believers could best understand the secret of their whole life, its aims and motives, its tendencies and issues, and on them it would have an irresistible impression. It is often the fate of the public teacher, while blameless, to be unmercifully blamed by those who are outside the circle of his work. The world retains all its historic enmity to the truth, and is as venomous as ever in its expression.
No might, nor greatness in mortality
Can censure ’scape: back-wounding calumny
The whitest virtue strikes.”
III. Their moral consistency seen in their persistent endeavours to stimulate their converts to the highest attainments.—
1. This is evident in the lofty standard set up. “That ye walk worthy of God” (1Th_2:12). How sublime and dignified the Christian character may become—to walk worthily of God!—in harmony with His nature, His law, with our profession of attachment to Him. To the production of this grand result all their efforts were bent. “As a father doth his children,” so they “exhorted” with all earnestness, “comforted” with all loving sympathy, and “charged” with all fidelity and authority. The preacher must be master of every art necessary to success.
2. This is evident in the sublime motive that should animate us in reaching the standard.—The divine, heavenly calling. “Who hath called you unto His kingdom and glory” (1Th_2:12)—His own glorious kingdom. We are invited to enter this kingdom on earth, and participate in its blessings; but the full splendours of that kingdom are reserved for the heavenly world. How brief and insignificant will the sufferings and sorrows of the present appear, contrasted with the ineffable bliss of the future state! “Do you want anything?” eagerly asked the loved ones who surrounded the dying couch of Melancthon. “Nothing but heaven,” was the gentle response, and he went smiling on his way.
Lessons.—
1. In order to success in preaching moral consistency of life must accompany and sustain the faithful declaration of the truth.
2. That the greatest success is achieved when the highest experience of the Christian life is constantly enforced by both precept and example.
GERM NOTES ON THE VERSES
1Th_2:9-12. The High Moral Feeling that should influence the Preacher.—Illustrated by Paul’s work and conduct.
I.In preaching the gospel.
II.In labouring for his own support.
III.In his behaviour.—
1. Towards God. “Holily.”
2. Towards others. “Justly.”
3. Unblamable. Prudent and inoffensive. He could appeal to man and God.—Stewart.
The Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary (gen. ed. Joseph S. Exell; Funk & Wagnalls, c. 1892) — public domain (pre-1929). A full-Bible homiletical/sermon-outline anthology covering 65 of 66 books (2 John is absent from the source module). Text from a community e-Sword module.
J. W. McGarvey 1914 · Public Domain On vv8–11 even so, being affectionately desirous of you [not yours,…
even so, being affectionately desirous of you [not yours, but you], we were well pleased to impart unto you, not the gospel of God only [as the sincere milk of the Word], but also [as mothers often do for their new-born babes] our own souls [lives-- 1Jo_3:16 ], because ye were become very dear to us .
J. W. McGarvey (with Philip Y. Pendleton), Commentaries on the New Testament (The Fourfold Gospel, 1914; Acts; and the epistles) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On v10 holy, righteous, and blameless
holy, righteous, and blameless
Paul uses three words that describe their good behavior toward the Thessalonian believers.
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as a father deals with his own children
Paul compares how he encouraged the Thessalonians to a father gently teaching his children how to behave. (See: Metaphor)
We were begging you and encouraging and urging you
The words "begging," "encouraging," and "urging" are used together to express how passionately Paul's group encouraged the Thessalonians. AT: "We were strongly encouraging you" (See: Doublet)
into his own kingdom and glory
The word "glory" describes the word "kingdom." AT: "into his own glorious kingdom" (See: Hendiadys)
to walk in a manner that is worthy of God
"Walk" here is an metaphor for "live." AT: "live so that people will think well of God" (See: Metaphor)
translationWords
testimony
God
holy
righteous
blameless
believe
exhort
testimony
walk
worthy
call
kingdom
glory
unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.
Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv9–11 2:9 Paul and his associates engaged in manual labor…
2:9 Paul and his associates engaged in manual labor to support themselves while in the city (cp. Acts 18:1-4; 1 Cor 9:12-18) as an example to the Thessalonians (2 Thes 3:8-9) and to avoid becoming an economic burden to them.
Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.