1Th 2 | MHCC | e4.org | 1-6 The apostle had no wordly design in his preaching. Suffering in a good cause should sharpen holy resolution. The gospel of Christ at first met with much opposition; and it was preached with contention, with striving in preaching, and against opposition. And as the matter of the apostle's exhortation was true and pure, the manner of his speaking was without guile. The gospel of Christ is designed for mortifying corrupt affections, and that men may be brought under the power of faith. This is the great motive to sincerity, to consider that God not only sees all we do, but knows our thoughts afar off, and searches the heart. And it is from this God who trieth our hearts, that we must receive our reward. The evidences of the apostle's sincerity were, that he avoided flattery and covetousness. He avoided ambition and vain-glory.

‏ 1 Thessalonians 2

* The apostle reminds the Thessalonians of his preaching and

behaviour. (1-12) And of their receiving the gospel as the word

of God. (13-16) His joy on their account. (17-20)

1-6 The apostle had no wordly design in his preaching.

Suffering in a good cause should sharpen holy resolution. The

gospel of Christ at first met with much opposition; and it was

preached with contention, with striving in preaching, and

against opposition. And as the matter of the apostle's

exhortation was true and pure, the manner of his speaking was

without guile. The gospel of Christ is designed for mortifying

corrupt affections, and that men may be brought under the power

of faith. This is the great motive to sincerity, to consider

that God not only sees all we do, but knows our thoughts afar

off, and searches the heart. And it is from this God who trieth

our hearts, that we must receive our reward. The evidences of

the apostle's sincerity were, that he avoided flattery and

covetousness. He avoided ambition and vain-glory. 7-12 Mildness and tenderness greatly recommend religion, and

are most conformable to God's gracious dealing with sinners, in

and by the gospel. This is the way to win people. We should not

only be faithful to our calling as Christians, but in our

particular callings and relations. Our great gospel privilege

is, that God has called us to his kingdom and glory. The great

gospel duty is, that we walk worthy of God. We should live as

becomes those called with such a high and holy calling. Our

great business is to honour, serve, and please God, and to seek

to be worthy of him. 13-16 We should receive the word of God with affections

suitable to its holiness, wisdom, truth, and goodness. The words

of men are frail and perishing, like themselves, and sometimes

false, foolish, and fickle; but God's word is holy, wise, just,

and faithful. Let us receive and regard it accordingly. The word

wrought in them, to make them examples to others in faith and

good works, and in patience under sufferings, and in trials for

the sake of the gospel. Murder and persecution are hateful to

God, and no zeal for any thing in religion can excuse it.

Nothing tends more to any person or people's filling up the

measure of their sins, than opposing the gospel, and hindering

the salvation of souls. The pure gospel of Christ is abhorred by

many, and the faithful preaching of it is hindered in many ways.

But those who forbid the preaching it to sinners, to men dead in

sin, do not by this please God. Those have cruel hearts, and are

enemies to the glory of God, and to the salvation of his people,

who deny them the Bible. 17-20 This world is not a place where we are to be always, or

long together. In heaven holy souls shall meet, and never part

more. And though the apostle could not come to them yet, and

thought he might never be able to come, yet our Lord Jesus

Christ will come; nothing shall hinder that. May God give

faithful ministers to all who serve him with their spirit in the

gospel of his Son, and send them to all who are in darkness