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

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

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

4 Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

Verse 1

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The faith, love, and patience of the Thessalonians, are evident tokens of their election which was manifested in the power with which the gospel came to them.
As all good comes from God, so no good can be hoped for by sinners, but from God in Christ. And the best good may be expected from God, as our Father, for the sake of Christ. We should pray, not only for ourselves, but for others also; remembering them without ceasing. Wherever there is a true faith, it will work; it will affect both the heart and life. Faith works by love; it shows itself in love to God, and love to our neighbour. And wherever there is a well-grounded hope of eternal life, this will appear by the exercise of patience; and it is a sign of sincerity, when in all we do, we seek to approve ourselves to God. By this we may know our election, if we not only speak of the things of God with out lips, but feel their power in our hearts, mortifying our lusts, weaning us from the world, and raising us up to heavenly things. Unless the Spirit of God comes with the word of God, it will be to us a dead letter. Thus they entertained it by the power of the Holy Ghost. They were fully convinced of the truth of it, so as not to be shaken in mind by objections and doubts; and they were willing to leave all for Christ, and to venture their souls and everlasting condition upon the truth of the gospel revelation.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Paul - In this epistle St. Paul neither uses the title of an apostle, nor any other, as writing to pious and simple - hearted men, with the utmost familiarity. There is a peculiar sweetness in this epistle, unmixed with any sharpness or reproof: those evils which the apostles afterward reproved having not yet crept into the church.
McArther Bible Commentary
Paul. Biographical details for the former Saul of Tarsus (Act 9:11) can be found in Act 9:1-30; Act. 11:19-28:31; see note on Rom 1:1. For autobiographical material, see 2Co. 11:16-12:10; Gal. 1:11-2:21; Php 3:4-6; and 1Ti 1:12-17. Silvanus. A companion of Paul on the second missionary journey (Acts 15-18), later a writer for Peter (1Pe 5:12), also called Silas. Timothy. Paul's most notable disciple (Php 2:17-23) who traveled on the second and third missionary journeys and stayed near Paul during his first Roman imprisonment (Php 1:1; Col 1:1; Phm 1:1). Later he served in Ephesus (1Ti 1:3) and spent some time in prison (Heb 13:23). Paul's first letter to Timothy, while he was ministering in the church at Ephesus, instructed him regarding life in the church (cf. 1Ti 3:15). In his second letter, Paul called Timothy to be strong (2Ti 2:1) and faithfully preach as he faced death and was about to turn his ministry over to Timothy (2Ti 4:1-8). God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Since Paul's initial converts were Jewish, he made it unmistakably clear that this "church" was not a Jewish assembly, but rather one which gathered in the name of Jesus, the Son of God (Act 17:2-3), who is both Lord God and Messiah. This emphasis on the equality between God and the Lord Jesus is a part of the introduction in all Paul's epistles (cf. 1Jn 2:23).
Bible Cross References
Acts 15:22 Acts 16:1 Acts 17:1 Romans 1:7 2 Corinthians 1:19 2 Thessalonians 1:1

Verse 2

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The faith, love, and patience of the Thessalonians, are evident tokens of their election which was manifested in the power with which the gospel came to them.
As all good comes from God, so no good can be hoped for by sinners, but from God in Christ. And the best good may be expected from God, as our Father, for the sake of Christ. We should pray, not only for ourselves, but for others also; remembering them without ceasing. Wherever there is a true faith, it will work; it will affect both the heart and life. Faith works by love; it shows itself in love to God, and love to our neighbour. And wherever there is a well-grounded hope of eternal life, this will appear by the exercise of patience; and it is a sign of sincerity, when in all we do, we seek to approve ourselves to God. By this we may know our election, if we not only speak of the things of God with out lips, but feel their power in our hearts, mortifying our lusts, weaning us from the world, and raising us up to heavenly things. Unless the Spirit of God comes with the word of God, it will be to us a dead letter. Thus they entertained it by the power of the Holy Ghost. They were fully convinced of the truth of it, so as not to be shaken in mind by objections and doubts; and they were willing to leave all for Christ, and to venture their souls and everlasting condition upon the truth of the gospel revelation.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
We give thanks to God. He praises, as he is wont, their faith and other virtues, not so much, however, for the purpose of praising them, as to exhort them to perseverance. For it is no small excitement to eagerness of pursuit, when we reflect that God has adorned us with signal endowments, that he may finish what he has begun, and that we have, under his guidance and direction, advanced in the right course, in order that we may reach the goal. For as a vain confidence in those virtues, which mankind foolishly arrogate to themselves, puffs them up with pride, and makes them careless and indolent for the time to come, so a recognition of the gifts of God humbles pious minds, and stirs them up to anxious concern. Hence, instead of congratulations, he makes use ofthanksgivings, that he may put them in mind, that everything in them that he declares to be worthy of praise, is a kindness from God.He also turns immediately to the future, in making mention of hisprayers. We thus see for what purpose he commends their previous life.
McArther Bible Commentary
our prayers. Paul and his companions prayed frequently for the entire flock and three of those prayers are offered in this letter (1Th 1:2-3; 1Th 3:11-13; 1Th 5:23-24).
Bible Cross References
Romans 1:8 Romans 1:9 1 Thessalonians 2:13 1 Thessalonians 3:9 2 Thessalonians 1:3

Verse 3

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The faith, love, and patience of the Thessalonians, are evident tokens of their election which was manifested in the power with which the gospel came to them.
As all good comes from God, so no good can be hoped for by sinners, but from God in Christ. And the best good may be expected from God, as our Father, for the sake of Christ. We should pray, not only for ourselves, but for others also; remembering them without ceasing. Wherever there is a true faith, it will work; it will affect both the heart and life. Faith works by love; it shows itself in love to God, and love to our neighbour. And wherever there is a well-grounded hope of eternal life, this will appear by the exercise of patience; and it is a sign of sincerity, when in all we do, we seek to approve ourselves to God. By this we may know our election, if we not only speak of the things of God with out lips, but feel their power in our hearts, mortifying our lusts, weaning us from the world, and raising us up to heavenly things. Unless the Spirit of God comes with the word of God, it will be to us a dead letter. Thus they entertained it by the power of the Holy Ghost. They were fully convinced of the truth of it, so as not to be shaken in mind by objections and doubts; and they were willing to leave all for Christ, and to venture their souls and everlasting condition upon the truth of the gospel revelation.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Remembering in the sight of God - That is, praising him for it. Your work of faith - Your active, ever - working faith. And labour of love - Love continually labouring for the bodies or souls of men. They who do not thus labour, do not love. Faith works, love labours, hope patiently suffers all things.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
Unceasingly remembering you. While the adverbunceasinglymight be taken in connection with what goes before, it suits better to connect it in this manner. What follows might also be rendered in this way:Remembering your work of faith and labor of love, etc.Nor is it any objection to this that there is an article interposed between the pronounὑμῶνand the nounἔργου,for this manner of expression is frequently made use of by Paul. I state this, lest any one should charge the old translator with ignorance, from his rendering it in this manner.As, however, it matters little as to the main pointwhich you may choose, I have retained the rendering of Erasmus.He assigns a reason, however, why he cherishes so strong an affection towards them, and prays diligently in their behalf — because he perceived in them those gifts of God which should stir him up to cherish towards them love and respect. And, unquestionably, the more that any one excels in piety and other excellences, so much the more ought we to hold him in regard and esteem. For what is more worthy of love than God? Hence there is nothing that should tend more to excite our love to individuals, than when the Lord manifests himself in them by the gifts of his Spirit. This is the highest commendation of all among the pious — this the most sacred bond of connection, by which they are more especially bound to each other. I have said, accordingly, that it is of little importance, whether you render it mindful of your faith, ormindful of you on account of your faithWork of faith I understand as meaning theeffectof it. This effect, however, may be explained in two ways —passivelyoractively, either as meaning that faith was in itself a signal token of the power and efficacy of the Holy Spirit, inasmuch as he has wrought powerfully in the exciting of it, or as meaning that it afterwards produced outwardly its fruits. I reckon the effect to be in the root of faith rather than in its fruits — “A rare energy of faith has strewn itself powerfully in you.”He adds labor of love, by which he means that in the cultivation of love they had grudged no trouble or labor. And, assuredly, it is known by experience, how laborious love is. That age, however, more especially afforded to believers a manifold sphere of labor, if they were desirous to discharge the offices of love. The Church was marvelously pressed down by a great multitude of afflictions:many were stripped of their wealth, many were fugitives from their country, many were thrown destitute of counsel, many were tender and weak.The condition of almost all was involved. So many cases of distress did not allowloveto be inactive.To hopehe assignspatience, as it is always conjoined with it, forwhat we hope for, we in patience wait for, (Romans 8:24) and the statement should be explained to mean, that Paul remembers their patience in hoping for the coming of Christ. From this we may gather a brief definition of true Christianity — that it is a faith that is lively and full of vigor, so that it spares no labor, when assistance is to be given to one’s neighbors, but, on the contrary, all the pious employ themselves diligently in offices of love, and lay out their efforts in them, so that, intent upon the hope of the manifestation of Christ, they despise everything else, and, armed with patience, they rise superior to the wearisomeness of length of time, as well as to all the temptations of the world.The clause, before our God and Father, may be viewed as referring to Paul’s remembrance, or to the three things spoken immediately before. I explain it in this way. As he had spoken of hisprayers, he declares that as often as he raises his thoughts to the kingdom of God, he, at the same time, recalls to his remembrance thefaith, hope, andpatience, of the Thessalonians, but as all mere presence must vanish when persons come into the presence of God, this is added,in order that the affirmation may have more weight. Farther, by this declaration of his goodwill towards them he designed to make them more teachable and prepared to listen.
McArther Bible Commentary
work of faith. The threefold combination of faith, hope, and love is a Pauline favorite (1Th 5:8; 1Co 13:13; Col 1:4-5). Paul refers here to the fulfillment of ministry duties which resulted from these three spiritual attitudes (cf. 1Th 1:9-10).
Bible Cross References
John 6:29 Romans 8:25 Romans 15:4 1 Corinthians 13:13 Galatians 1:4 Galatians 5:6 1 Thessalonians 3:6 2 Thessalonians 1:11 1 Timothy 1:14 Hebrews 6:10 James 2:22

Verse 4

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The faith, love, and patience of the Thessalonians, are evident tokens of their election which was manifested in the power with which the gospel came to them.
As all good comes from God, so no good can be hoped for by sinners, but from God in Christ. And the best good may be expected from God, as our Father, for the sake of Christ. We should pray, not only for ourselves, but for others also; remembering them without ceasing. Wherever there is a true faith, it will work; it will affect both the heart and life. Faith works by love; it shows itself in love to God, and love to our neighbour. And wherever there is a well-grounded hope of eternal life, this will appear by the exercise of patience; and it is a sign of sincerity, when in all we do, we seek to approve ourselves to God. By this we may know our election, if we not only speak of the things of God with out lips, but feel their power in our hearts, mortifying our lusts, weaning us from the world, and raising us up to heavenly things. Unless the Spirit of God comes with the word of God, it will be to us a dead letter. Thus they entertained it by the power of the Holy Ghost. They were fully convinced of the truth of it, so as not to be shaken in mind by objections and doubts; and they were willing to leave all for Christ, and to venture their souls and everlasting condition upon the truth of the gospel revelation.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Knowing your election - Which is through faith, by these plain proofs.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
Knowing, brethren beloved. The participleknowingmay apply to Paul as well as to the Thessalonians. Erasmus refers it to the Thessalonians. I prefer to follow Chrysostom, who understands it of Paul and his colleagues, for it is (as it appears to me) a more ample confirmation of the foregoing statement. For it tended in no small degree to recommend them — that God himself had testified by many tokens, that they were acceptable and dear to him.Election of God. I am not altogether dissatisfied with the interpretation given by Chrysostom — that God had made the Thessalonians illustrious, and had established their excellence. Paul, however, had it in view to express something farther; for he touches upon their calling, and as there had appeared in it no common marks of God’s power, he infers from this that they had been specially called with evidences of a sureelection. For the reason is immediately added — that it was not a bare preaching that had been brought to them, but such as was conjoined with the efficacy of the Holy Spirit, that it might obtain entire credit among them.When he says, in power, and in the Holy Spirit, it is, in my opinion, as if he had said — in the powerofthe Holy Spirit, so that the latter term is added as explanatory of the former.Assurance, to which he assigned the third place, was either in the thing itself, or in the disposition of the Thessalonians. I am rather inclined to think that the meaning is, that Paul’s gospel had been confirmed by solid proofs,as though God had shewn from heaven that he had ratified their calling.When, however, Paul brings forward the proofs by which he had felt assured that the calling of the Thessalonians was altogether from God, he takes occasion at the same time to recommend his ministry, that they may themselves, also, recognize him and his colleagues as having been raised up by God.By the term powersome understand miracles. I extend it farther, as referring to spiritual energy of doctrine. For, as we had occasion to see in the First Epistle to the Corinthians, Paul places it in contrast withspeech— the voice of God, as it were, living and conjoined with effect, as opposed to an empty and dead eloquence of men. It is to be observed, however, that the election of God, which is in itself hid, is manifested by its marks—when he gathers to himself the lost sheep and joins them to his flock, and holds out his hand to those that were wandering and estranged from him. Hence a knowledge of our election must be sought from this source. As, however, the secret counsel of God is a labyrinth to those who disregard his calling, so those act perversely who, under pretext offaithandcalling, darken this first grace, from which faith itself flows. “By faith,” say they, “we obtain salvation: there is, therefore, no eternal predestination of God that distinguishes between us and reprobates.” It is as though they said — “Salvation is of faith: there is, therefore, no grace of God that illuminates us in faith.” Nay rather, as gratuitous election must be conjoined with calling, as with its effect, so it must necessarily, in the mean time, hold the first place. It matters little as to the sense, whether you connectὑπὸwith the participlebelovedor with the termelection
McArther Bible Commentary
your election by God. The church is commonly called "the elect" (cf. Rom 8:33; Col 3:12; 2Ti 2:10; Tit 1:1). In salvation, the initiating will is God's, not man's (cf. Joh 1:13; Act 13:46-48; Rom 9:15-16; 1Co 1:30; Col 1:13; 2Th 2:13; 1Pe 1:1-2; see notes on Eph 1:4-5). Man's will participates in response to God's promptings as Paul makes clear when he says the Thessalonians received the Word (1Th 1:6) and they turned to God from idols (1Th 1:9). These two responses describe faith and repentance, which God repeatedly calls sinners to do throughout Scripture (e.g., Act 20:21).
Bible Cross References
Romans 1:7 2 Thessalonians 2:13 2 Peter 1:10

Verse 5

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The faith, love, and patience of the Thessalonians, are evident tokens of their election which was manifested in the power with which the gospel came to them.
As all good comes from God, so no good can be hoped for by sinners, but from God in Christ. And the best good may be expected from God, as our Father, for the sake of Christ. We should pray, not only for ourselves, but for others also; remembering them without ceasing. Wherever there is a true faith, it will work; it will affect both the heart and life. Faith works by love; it shows itself in love to God, and love to our neighbour. And wherever there is a well-grounded hope of eternal life, this will appear by the exercise of patience; and it is a sign of sincerity, when in all we do, we seek to approve ourselves to God. By this we may know our election, if we not only speak of the things of God with out lips, but feel their power in our hearts, mortifying our lusts, weaning us from the world, and raising us up to heavenly things. Unless the Spirit of God comes with the word of God, it will be to us a dead letter. Thus they entertained it by the power of the Holy Ghost. They were fully convinced of the truth of it, so as not to be shaken in mind by objections and doubts; and they were willing to leave all for Christ, and to venture their souls and everlasting condition upon the truth of the gospel revelation.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
With power - Piercing the very heart with a sense of sin and deeply convincing you of your want of a Saviour from guilt, misery, and eternal ruin. With the Holy Ghost - Bearing an outward testimony, by miracles, to the truth of what we preached, and you felt: also by his descent through laying on of hands. With much assurance - Literally, with full assurance, and much of it: the Spirit bearing witness by shedding the love of God abroad in your hearts, which is the highest testimony that can be given. And these signs, if not the miraculous gifts, always attend the preaching of the gospel, unless it be in vain: neither are the extraordinary operations of the Holy Ghost ever wholly withheld, where the gospel is preached with power, and men are alive to God. For your sake - Seeking your advantage, not our own.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
As ye know. Paul, as I have said before, has it as his aim, that the Thessalonians, influenced by the same considerations, may entertain no doubt that they were elected by God. For it had been the design of God, in honoring Paul’s ministry, that he might manifest to them their adoption. Accordingly, having said that theyknow what manner of persons they had been,he immediately adds that he was such for their sake, by which he means that all this had been given them, in order that they might be fully persuaded that they were loved by God, and that their election was beyond all controversy.
McArther Bible Commentary
our gospel. Paul called his message "our gospel," because it was for him and all sinners to believe and especially for him to preach. He knew it did not originate with him, but was divinely authored; thus, he also called it "the gospel of God" (1Th 2:2, 1Th 2:9; Rom 1:1). Because the person who made forgiveness possible is the Lord Jesus, he also referred to it as "the gospel of Christ" (1Th 3:2). word only. It had to come in word (cf. Rom 10:13-17), and not word only, but in Holy Spirit power (cf. 2Co 2:4-5) and in confidence (cf. Isa 55:11). what kind of men. The quality of the message was confirmed by the character of the lives of the preachers. Paul's exemplary life served as an open book for all people to read, establishing the credibility of the power and grace of God essential to making the message of redemption believable to sinners (see note on 2Co 1:12).
Bible Cross References
Luke 1:1 Romans 15:13 Romans 15:19 1 Corinthians 9:14 2 Corinthians 6:6 Colossians 2:2 1 Thessalonians 2:10 2 Thessalonians 2:14

Verse 6

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Its powerful and exemplary effects upon their hearts and lives.
When careless, ignorant, and immoral persons are turned from their carnal pursuits and connexions, to believe in and obey the Lord Jesus, to live soberly, righteously, and godly, the matter speaks for itself. The believers under the Old Testament waited for the coming of the Messiah, and believers now wait for his second coming. He is yet to come. And God had raised him from the dead, which is a full assurance unto all men that he will come to judgment. He came to purchase salvation, and will, when he comes again, bring salvation with him, full and final deliverance from that wrath which is yet to come. Let all, without delay, flee from the wrath to come, and seek refuge in Christ and his salvation.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Though in much affliction, yet with much joy.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
And ye became imitators. With the view of increasing their alacrity, he declares that there is a mutual agreement, and harmony, as it were, between his preaching and their faith. For unless men, on their part, answer to God, no proficiency will follow from the grace that is offered to them — not as though they could do this of themselves, but inasmuch as God, as he begins our salvation by calling us, perfects it also by fashioning our hearts to obedience. The sum, therefore, is this — that an evidence of Divine election shewed itself not only in Paul’s ministry, in so far as it was furnished with the power of the Holy Spirit, but also in the faith of the Thessalonians, so that this conformity is a powerful attestation of it. He says, however, “Ye were imitatorsof God and of us,” in the same sense in which it is said, thatthe people believed God and his servant Moses, (Exodus 14:13) not as though Paul and Moses had anything different from God, but because he wrought powerfully by them, as his ministers and instruments.While ye embraced.Their readiness in receiving the gospel is called animitationof God, for this reason, that as God had presented himself to the Thessalonians in a liberal spirit, so they had, on their part, voluntarily come forward to meet him.He says, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, that we may know that it is not by the instigation of the flesh, or by the promptings of their own nature, that men will be ready and eager to obey God, but that this is the work of God’s Spirit. The circumstance, thatamidst much tribulationthey had embraced the gospel, serves by way of amplification. For we see very many, not otherwise disinclined to the gospel, who, nevertheless, avoid it, from being intimidated through fear of the cross. Those, accordingly, who do not hesitate with intrepidity to embrace along with the gospel the afflictions that threaten them, furnish in this an admirable example of magnanimity. And from this it is so much the more clearly apparent, how necessary it is that the Spirit should aid us in this. For the gospel cannot be properly, or sincerely received, unless it be with a joyful heart. Nothing, however, is more at variance with our natural disposition, than to rejoice in afflictions.
McArther Bible Commentary
followers. The Thessalonians had become third generation mimics of Christ. Christ is the first; Paul is the second; and the Thessalonians are the third (1Co 4:16; 1Co 11:1). joy of the Holy Spirit. Cf. Rom 14:17. Joy in the midst of suffering evidenced the reality of their salvation, which included the indwelling Holy Spirit (1Co 3:16; 1Co 6:19).
Bible Cross References
Acts 13:52 Acts 17:5 1 Corinthians 4:16 1 Corinthians 11:1 1 Corinthians 11:2 2 Corinthians 6:10 Galatians 5:22 1 Thessalonians 2:14 2 Thessalonians 3:7 2 Timothy 4:2

Verse 7

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Its powerful and exemplary effects upon their hearts and lives.
When careless, ignorant, and immoral persons are turned from their carnal pursuits and connexions, to believe in and obey the Lord Jesus, to live soberly, righteously, and godly, the matter speaks for itself. The believers under the Old Testament waited for the coming of the Messiah, and believers now wait for his second coming. He is yet to come. And God had raised him from the dead, which is a full assurance unto all men that he will come to judgment. He came to purchase salvation, and will, when he comes again, bring salvation with him, full and final deliverance from that wrath which is yet to come. Let all, without delay, flee from the wrath to come, and seek refuge in Christ and his salvation.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
So that ye were. Here we have another amplification — that they had stirred up even believers by their example; for it is a great thing to get so decidedly the start of those who had entered upon the course before us, as to furnish assistance to them for prosecuting their course.Typus(the word made use of by Paul) is employed by the Greeks in the same sense asExemplaris among the Latins, andPatronamong the French. He says, then, that the courage of the Thessalonians had been so illustrious, that other believers had borrowed from them a rule of constancy. I preferred, however, to render itpatterns, that I might not needlessly make any change upon the Greek phrase made use of by Paul; and farther, because the plural number expresses, in my opinion, something more than if he had said that that Church as a body had been set forward for imitation, for the meaning is, that there were as manypatternsas there were individuals.
McArther Bible Commentary
examples. The Greek word was used to describe a seal that marked wax or a stamp that minted coins. Paul commended the Thessalonians for being model believers, leaving their mark on others. Macedonia and Achaia. The two Roman provinces which comprised Greece, Macedonia being to the north and Achaia to the south.
Bible Cross References
Acts 18:12 Acts 19:21 Romans 15:26 1 Thessalonians 4:10 1 Peter 5:3

Verse 8

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Its powerful and exemplary effects upon their hearts and lives.
When careless, ignorant, and immoral persons are turned from their carnal pursuits and connexions, to believe in and obey the Lord Jesus, to live soberly, righteously, and godly, the matter speaks for itself. The believers under the Old Testament waited for the coming of the Messiah, and believers now wait for his second coming. He is yet to come. And God had raised him from the dead, which is a full assurance unto all men that he will come to judgment. He came to purchase salvation, and will, when he comes again, bring salvation with him, full and final deliverance from that wrath which is yet to come. Let all, without delay, flee from the wrath to come, and seek refuge in Christ and his salvation.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
For from you the word sounded forth - (Thessalonica being a city of great commerce.) Being echoed, as it were, from you. And your conversion was divulged far beyond Macedonia and Achaia. So that we need not speak anything - Concerning it.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
For from you sounded forth. Here we have an elegant metaphor, by which he intimates that their faith was so lively,that it did, as it were, by itssound, arouse other nations. For he says that the word of Godsounded forth from them, inasmuch as their faith wassonorousfor procuring credit for the gospel. He says that this had not only occurred in neighboring places, but thissoundhad also extended far and wide, and had been distinctly heard, so that the matter did not require to be published by him.
McArther Bible Commentary
sounded forth. The idea is to reverberate. Wherever the Thessalonians went, the gospel given by the word of the Lord was heard. It resulted in a local outreach to Thessalonica, a national outreach to Macedonia and Achaia, and an international outreach to regions beyond. we do not need to say anything. Though it may appear that this church developed such a testimony in only three Sabbaths of preaching (cf. Act 17:2) spanning as little as fifteen days, it is better to understand that Paul preached three Sabbaths in the synagogue before he had to relocate elsewhere in the city. In all likelihood, Paul spent months, not weeks, which accounts for: (1) the two collections he received from Philippi (Php 4:16); (2) the time he worked night and day (1Th 2:9; 2Th 3:8); and (3) the depth of pastoral care evidenced in the letter (1Th 2:7-8, 1Th 2:11).
Bible Cross References
Acts 18:12 Romans 1:8 Romans 10:18 Romans 15:26 Romans 16:19 2 Corinthians 2:14 Colossians 3:16 2 Thessalonians 3:1 1 Timothy 2:8 2 Timothy 2:9

Verse 9

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Its powerful and exemplary effects upon their hearts and lives.
When careless, ignorant, and immoral persons are turned from their carnal pursuits and connexions, to believe in and obey the Lord Jesus, to live soberly, righteously, and godly, the matter speaks for itself. The believers under the Old Testament waited for the coming of the Messiah, and believers now wait for his second coming. He is yet to come. And God had raised him from the dead, which is a full assurance unto all men that he will come to judgment. He came to purchase salvation, and will, when he comes again, bring salvation with him, full and final deliverance from that wrath which is yet to come. Let all, without delay, flee from the wrath to come, and seek refuge in Christ and his salvation.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
For they themselves - The people wherever we come.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
He says that the report of their conversion had obtained great renown everywhere. What he mentions as to his entering in among them, refers to that power of the Spirit, by which God had signalized his gospel.He says, however, that both things are freely reported among other nations, as things worthy of being made mention of. In the detail which follows, he shews, first, what the condition of mankind is, before the Lord enlightens them by the doctrine of his gospel; and farther, for what end he would have us instructed, and what is the fruit of the gospel. For although all do not worship idols, all are nevertheless addicted to idolatry, and are immersed in blindness and madness. Hence, it is owing to the kindness of God, that we are exempted from the impostures of the devil, and every kind of superstition. Some, indeed, he converts earlier, others later, but as alienation is common to all, it is necessary that we be converted to God, before we can serve God. From this, also, we gather the essence and nature of true faith, inasmuch as no one gives due credit to God but the man, who renouncing the vanity of his own understanding, embraces and receives the pure worship of God.To the living God. This is the end of genuine conversion. We see, indeed, that many leave off superstitions, who, nevertheless, after taking this step, are so far from making progress in piety, that they fall into what is worse. For having thrown off all regard to God, they give themselves up to a profane and brutal contempt.Thus, in ancient times, the superstitions of the vulgar were derided by Epicurus, Diogenes the Cynic, and the like, but in such a way that they mixed up the worship of God so as to make no difference between it and absurd trifles. Hence we must take care, lest the pulling down of errors be followed by the overthrow of the building of faith. Farther, the Apostle, in ascribing to God the epithetstrue and living, indirectly censures idols as being dead and worthless inventions, and as being falsely called gods. He makes the end of conversion to be what I have noticed — that they mightserve God. Hence the doctrine of the gospel tends to this, that it may induce us to serve and obey God. For so long as we are theservants of sin, we arefree from righteousness, (Romans 6:20) inasmuch as we sport ourselves, and wander up and down, exempt from any yoke. No one, therefore, is properly converted to God, but the man who has learned to place himself wholly under subjection to him.As, however, it is a thing that is more than simply difficult, in so great a corruption of our nature, he shews at the same time, what it is that retains and confirms us in the fear of God and obedience to him — waiting for Christ.For unless we are stirred up to the hope of eternal life, the world will quickly draw us to itself. For as it is only confidence in the Divine goodness that induces us to serve God, so it is only the expectation of final redemption that keeps us from giving way.Let every one, therefore, that would persevere in a course of holy life, apply his whole mind to a expectation of Christ’s coming. It is also worthy of notice, that he uses the expressionwaiting for Christ, instead of the hope of everlasting salvation. For, unquestionably, without Christ we are ruined and thrown into despair, but when Christ shews himself, life and prosperity do at the same time shine forth upon us.Let us bear in mind, however, that this is said to believers exclusively, for as for the wicked, as he will come to be their Judge, so they can do nothing but tremble in looking for him.This is what he afterwards subjoins — that Christ delivereth us from the wrath to come. For this is felt by none but those who, being reconciled to God by faith, have conscience already pacified; otherwise,his name is dreadful. Christ, it is true, delivered us by his death from the anger of God, but the import of that deliverance will become apparent on the last day.This statement, however, consists of two departments. Thefirstis, that the wrath of God and everlasting destruction are impending over the human race, inasmuch asall have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23) Thesecondis, that there is no way of escape but through the grace of Christ; for it is not without good grounds that Paul assigns to him this office. It is, however, an inestimable gift, that the pious, whenever mention is made of judgment, know that Christ will come as a Redeemer to them.In addition to this, he says emphatically, the wrath to come, that he may rouse up pious minds, lest they should fail from looking at the present life. For as faith is alooking at things that do not appear, (Hebrews 11:1) nothing is less befitting than that we should estimate the wrath of God, according as any one is afflicted in the world; as nothing is more absurd than to take hold of the transient blessings which we enjoy, that we may from them form an estimate of God’s favor. While, therefore, on the one hand, the wicked sport themselves at their ease, and we, on the other hand, languish in misery, let us learn to fear the vengeance of God, which is hid from the eyes of flesh, and take our satisfaction in the secret delights of the spiritual life.
McArther Bible Commentary
turned. This word describes what the Bible elsewhere calls repentance (Mat 3:1-2; Mat 4:17; Act 2:38; Act 3:19; Act 5:31; Act 20:21). Salvation involves a person's turning from sin and from trusting in false gods to Christ. See notes on 2Co 7:8-11. to serve the living and true God. Those converted to Christ abandoned the worship of dead idols to become willing slaves to the living God.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 3:10 Psalm 42:2 Matthew 16:16 Acts 14:15 1 Corinthians 12:2 1 Thessalonians 2:1 1 John 5:21

Verse 10

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Its powerful and exemplary effects upon their hearts and lives.
When careless, ignorant, and immoral persons are turned from their carnal pursuits and connexions, to believe in and obey the Lord Jesus, to live soberly, righteously, and godly, the matter speaks for itself. The believers under the Old Testament waited for the coming of the Messiah, and believers now wait for his second coming. He is yet to come. And God had raised him from the dead, which is a full assurance unto all men that he will come to judgment. He came to purchase salvation, and will, when he comes again, bring salvation with him, full and final deliverance from that wrath which is yet to come. Let all, without delay, flee from the wrath to come, and seek refuge in Christ and his salvation.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Whom he hath raised from the dead - In proof of his future coming to judgment. Who delivereth us - He redeemed us once; he delivers us continually; and will deliver all that believe from the wrath, the eternal vengeance, which will then come upon the ungodly.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
Whom he raised up. He makes mention here of Christ’s resurrection, on which the hope of our resurrection is founded, for death everywhere besets us. Hence, unless we learn to look to Christ, our minds will give way at every turn. By the same consideration, he admonishes them that Christ is to bewaited for from heaven, because we will find nothing in the world to bear us up,while there are innumerable trials to overwhelm us. Another circumstance must be noticed;for as Christ rose for this end — that he might make us all at length, as being his members, partakers of the same glory with himself, Paul intimates that his resurrection would be vain, unless he again appeared as their Redeemer, and extended to the whole body of the Church the fruit and effect of that power which he manifested in himself.
McArther Bible Commentary
to wait. This is a recurring theme in the Thessalonian letters (1Th 3:13; 1Th 4:15-17; 1Th 5:8, 1Th 5:23; 2Th 3:6-13; cf. Act 1:11; 2Ti 4:8; Tit 2:11-13). These passages indicate the imminency of the deliverance; it was something Paul felt could happen in their lifetime. delivers us from the wrath to come. This can mean to evacuate out of a current distress (Rom 7:24; Col 1:13) or to exempt from entering into a distress (Joh 12:27; 2Co 1:10). The wrath can refer either to God's temporal wrath to come on the earth (Rev 6:16-17; Rev 19:15) or to God's eternal wrath (Joh 3:36; Rom 5:9-10). First Thessalonians 1Th 5:9 develops the same idea (see note there). The emphasis in both passages on Christ's work of salvation from sin favors this being understood as the deliverance from the eternal wrath of God in hell because of salvation.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 3:7 Matthew 16:27 Matthew 16:28 Acts 2:24 Acts 2:32 Romans 5:9 1 Corinthians 1:7 1 Thessalonians 2:16 1 Thessalonians 4:16 1 Thessalonians 5:9