+I. It is Divine in its bestowal.+--"Received in the Lord."
+II. It is personal in its responsibility.+--"Which thou hast
received."
+III. It involves the communication of good to others.+--"Ministry."
+IV. It has a special aspect of importance to the individual
minister.+--"The ministry."
"That thou fulfil it." _The Christian Ministry demands Unswerving
Fidelity in accomplishing its Lofty Mission._
+I. Divine truth must be clearly apprehended and profoundly
realised.+
+II. The whole truth must be declared.+
+III. The declaration of the truth must be full and courageous.+
"Take heed." _The Christian Ministry is surrounded by Peculiar
Perils._--A shrewd and ever-wakeful vigilance is needed--
+I. Against the stealthy encroachments of error.+
+II. Against the pernicious influences of the world.+
+III. Against the subtle temptations to unfaithfulness.+
_MAIN HOMILETICS OF VERSE_ 18.
_Words of Farewell._
Last words have in them a nameless touch of pathos. They linger in
the memory as a loved familiar presence, they soothe life's sorrows,
and exert upon the soul a strange and irresistible fascination. As
the years rush by, how rich in meaning do the words that have fallen
from dying lips become, as when Cæsar said sadly, "And thou,
Brutus!"; or when John Quincy Adams said, "This is the last of
earth"; or Mirabeau's frantic cry for music, after a life of discord;
or George Washington's calm statement, "It is well"; or Wesley's
triumphant utterance, "The best of all is, God is with us." And these
closing words of the high-souled apostle written from his Roman
prison, in prospect of threatened death, carry with them a
significance and tenderness which will be felt wherever this epistle
is read. In these words we have a _personally inscribed salutation, a
touching reminder, and a brief benediction._
+I. A personally inscribed salutation.+--"The salutation by the hand
of me Paul." The rest of the epistle was dictated by the apostle to
an amanuensis, who, in this case, was probably Timothy. Paul adds his
own personal salutation, not only as an expression of his anxious
love, but also as a mark of the authenticity of the document, and of
his unqualified approval of its contents. It would surely be a scene
worthy of the pencil of genius to portray the noble prisoner, whose
right hand was linked to the left of his military gaoler, tracing
with tremulous fingers the final words to those for whose sake he was
in bonds! How would the hand-writing of such a man be prized and
venerated, and with what holy eagerness would his words be read and
pondered!
+II. A touching reminder.+--"Remember my bonds." The apostle was in
prison, not for any offence against the laws of God or man, but for
the sake of the Gospel he loved to preach, and which had wrought so
marvellous a change in the lives of those to whom he wrote. His bonds
bore irrefragable testimony to the truth he was called to proclaim,
and to his unalterable determination to insist upon the rights and
privileges of the Gentiles, on whose behalf he suffered. He wished to
be remembered in prayer, that he might be sustained in his
imprisonment, and that he might be speedily delivered from it, so
that he might preach the glorious news of spiritual liberty to the
benighted and fettered sons of men. "Remember my bonds." These words
seem to indicate that the illustrious prisoner was more concerned to
exhibit a spirit and deportment betting the Gospel than to be
released from his incarceration. The Church of Christ in all ages has
had abundant reason to remember with gratitude and praise the bonds
of the great apostle, not only for the stimulating example of holy
patience and dignified submission displayed under trying
circumstances, but for the unspeakably precious literary treasures
they enabled him to bequeath to the world. Bishop Wordsworth has well
said: "The fact that this epistle was written by Paul in this state
of durance and restraint, and yet designed to minister comfort to
others, and that it has never ceased to cheer the Church of Christ,
is certainly one which is worthy of everlasting remembrance." In the
prayer for "all prisoners and captives" special reference should be
made to those who are now suffering for the truth. The offence of the
cross has not yet ceased. We must practically remember the imprisoned
when we supply their wants and assuage their sufferings.
+III. A brief benediction.+--"Grace be with you. Amen." The epistle
begins and ends with blessing; and between these two extremes lies a
magnificent body of truth which has dispensed blessings to thousands
and is destined to bless thousands more. The benediction is short,
but it is instinct with fervent life and laden with the unutterable
wealth of Divine beneficence. Grace is inclusive of all the good God
can bestow or man receive. Grace is what all need, what none can
merit, and what God alone can give. To possess the grace of God is to
be rich indeed; without it "'Tis misery all, and woe." Grace kindles
the lamp of hope amidst the darkest experiences of life, supplies the
clue which unravels the most tangled mysteries, presses the nectar of
consolation into the bitterest cup, implants in the soul its holiest
motives and opens up its noblest career, strengthens the dying saint
when he traverses the lonely borderland of the unknown, and tunes and
perpetuates the celestial harmonies of the everlasting song.
+Lessons.+--1. _Praise God for a well-authenticated Bible._
2. _Praise God for the teachings of a suffering life._ 3. _Praise God
for His boundless grace._
* * * * * * * *
+Transcriber's Notes+
- Page 371, Introduction, second paragraph, change "ii. 8, 9" to
"ch. ii. 8, 9" and "ii. 11" to "ch. ii. 11."
- Page 372, Introduction, first "Occasion" paragraph, apply RC to
"Gospel." "Style" paragraph, apply RC to "the Gospel."
- Page 374, notes on chapter i., verse 6, apply RC to "Gospel"
(twice). Verse 9, add right double quote after "prudent." Verse
10, apply RC to "the Gospel"; add left parenthesis before "see
ver. 6."
- Page 375, verse 22, change "unblamable" to "unblameable" and
"unreprovable" to "unreproveable." Verse 23, apply RC to "the
Gospel."
- Page 376, verse 28, apply RC to "the Gospel" (thrice). Lesson
"Salutation," point I, apply RC to "Divine." Point II, apply RC to
"Divine" (twice).
- Page 377, same lesson, point III, add comma to "won and." Point
IV, apply RC to "the Gospel"; remove comma from "Churches, and."
Lesson "Estimate," point I 2, remove comma from "faith, and."
Point II, apply RC to "Divine." Point II 2, apply RC to "Divine."
- Page 378, same lesson, point II 3, apply RC to "Divine." Lesson
"Causes," point I, remove comma from "God, and." Point II, add
comma to "Thus God"; apply RC to "Divine" (twice); remove comma
from "good, and." Point III 1, apply RC to "Divinely" and
"Divine-human."
- Page 379, same lesson, point III 3, remove comma from "worker,
and." Point V 3, apply RC to "the Gospel"; remove comma from
"truth, and"; apply RC to "the Gospel" (twice). Application
("Lessons"), point 3, apply RC to "the Gospel."
- Page 380, "Good News" note, each of points I, III 1, and III 3,
apply RC to "the Gospel." "Hope" note, point III, apply RC to "the
Gospel." Lesson "True Gospel," introduction, apply RC to "the
Gospel" and "Divine"; remove commas from "understanding, and" and
"axiomatic, and"; apply RC to "the Gospel" (twice), "Divine" and
"the Gospel." Point I, apply RC to "Gospel" (five times); remove
comma from "mission, and."
- Page 381, same lesson, same point, apply RC to "Gospel" (twice).
Point II, apply RC to "Gospel" (thrice); add comma to "Thus it";
apply RC to "Gospel" (twice). Point III, apply RC to "Gospel,"
"Word," "Gospel," "Divine Spirit," and "Gospel" (twice). Point IV,
apply RC to "Gospel." Point IV 1, apply RC to "Gospel,"
"Divinely," and "Gospel."
- Page 382, same lesson, point IV 2 (3), apply RC to "the Gospel."
Application ("Lessons"), point 1, apply RC to "Gospel" and
"Divine." Each of points 2 and 3, apply RC to "Gospel." "Gospel"
note, point III, apply RC to "Divine."
- Page 383, lesson "Comprehensive," point II 2, apply RC to "Divine"
(thrice). Point II 3, apply RC to "Gospel," "Divine," "Gospel,"
and "Divine."
- The break between pages 383 and 384 is in a unit that style
indicates should not be broken "Lord|--worthy." The whole unit
was moved to the earlier page.
- Page 384, same lesson, point III 1, add comma to "purpose we."
Point III 2, add comma to "Thus the"; remove comma from "heaven,
and." Point III 4, apply RC to "Divine." Point IV 1, apply RC to
"Divine."
- Page 385, same lesson, point IV 2, apply RC to "Divine" and
"Providence." Point IV 3, apply RC to "His cause." "Paul's Prayer"
note, point I, apply RC to "Divine." Point III, remove comma from
"life, and."
- Page 386, lesson "Meetness," point I 2, capitalise "Divine,"
referring to a churchman. Point I 3, apply RC to "Divine"; add
comma to "Thus all."
- Page 387, same lesson, point II 2, apply RC to "Divine"; add comma
to "So men"; remove comma from "realms, and." Point II 3, apply RC
to "Divine."
- Page 388, "Inheritance" note, point II 1, add double quotes around
"inheritance." Point II 2, add double quotes around "saints."
Lesson "Translation," point I 1, apply RC to "Gospel."
- Page 389, same lesson, point II 1, add comma to "So the." Point
II 2, apply RC to "Divine"; add comma to "subjects we." Point III,
apply RC to "Divine." Point III 1, remove comma from "law, and";
apply RC to "Divine." Point III 2, remove comma from "blessings,
but"; apply RC to "Divine" (twice).
- Page 390, same lesson, point III 3, apply RC to "Divine."
Application ("Lessons"), point 3, apply RC to "Divine." "Darkness"
note, point III, apply RC to "Divine." "Great Blessing" note
title, change "Re demption" to "Redemption." Lesson "Relation"
title, change "Greated" to "Created." Point I, apply RC to
"Divine."
- Page 391, same lesson, point II 1 (1), add comma to "Therefore
the." Point II 1 (2), apply RC to "First Cause," "Active Agent,"
and "Grand End." Point II 2 (1), apply RC to "First Cause"; remove
comma from "speculation, and."
- Page 392, same lesson, point II 2 (2), change double quotes around
"thrones," "dominions," "principalities," and "powers" to single
quotes within the Spence quotation. Point II 2 (3), apply RC to
"Great End." Point II 3, apply RC to "Divine." Point II 4, remove
comma from "Him, and."
- Page 394, lesson "Relation," point II 2, apply RC to "Divine";
remove comma from "Hades, and." Point III 1, apply RC to "Divine."
- Page 395, "Church the Body" note, point III 2, apply RC to
"Gospel." Point IV 1, remove comma from "Christ, and."
- Page 396, lesson "Reconciling," point I 1, apply RC to "Divine"
(twice) and "Divinity"; remove commas from "universe, and" and
"beings, and." Point I 2, apply RC to "Divine." Point II 1, apply
RC to "Divine" (twice). Point II 2, add comma to "therefore it."
- Page 397, same note, same point, apply RC to "Divine" (twice).
Point II 2 (1), add comma to "aside and." Point II 2 (2), remove
comma from "other, and." Point II 2 (3), apply RC to "Divine"
(twice). Point III, apply RC to "Divine."
- Page 398, "Fulness" note, point I, apply RC to "Divine." Lesson
"Blessings," introduction, remove comma from "sin, and"; change
"His restoration" to "his," referring to a sinful man. Point I 1,
apply RC to "Divine" (twice). Point I 2, apply RC to "Divine."
- Page 399, same lesson, point II, apply RC to "Divine" (twice).
Point II 2, remove comma from "Christ, and"; apply RC to "Divine."
Point III, apply RC to "Divine." Point III 2, change "unblamable"
to "unblameable"; remove comma from "term, and." Point III 3,
change "unreprovable" to "unreproveable" and "unblamable" to
"unblameable."
- Page 400, same lesson, same point, change "unreprovable" to
"unreproveable." "Reconciliation" note, point II 3, apply RC to
"Himself." "Holiness" note, point I, change "unblamable" to
"unblameable" and "unreprovable" to "unreproveable." Lesson
"Condition," introduction, add comma to "so the"; apply RC to
"Gospel" (twice). Point I, apply RC to "Gospel." Point I 1, apply
RC to "Divine."
- Page 401, same lesson, point II, apply RC to "Gospel." Point II 1,
apply RC to "Gospel" (twice). Point II 2, apply RC to "Gospel,"
"Divine," and "Gospel" (thrice). Point II 3, apply RC to "Gospel"
(thrice); remove comma from "lands, and"; apply RC to "Gospel."
Point II 4, apply RC to "Gospel" (four times).
- Page 402, same lesson, same point, remove comma from "phenomena,
and"; apply RC to "Gospel." Point II 5, apply RC to "Gospel"
(thrice) and "Word." Application ("Lessons"), point 1, apply RC to
"Gospel." Lesson "Joy," introduction, apply RC to "Divine." Point
I 1, add comma to "Thus he."
- Page 403, same lesson, point I 2, apply RC to "Divine." Point
II 2, remove comma from "deeper, and"; apply RC to "Divine."
- Page 404, same lesson, point III, apply RC to "Gospel." Lesson
"Honor," introduction, apply RC to "Word" and "Gospel." Point I,
apply RC to "Divine." Point I 1, apply RC to "Divinely"; change
the comma after "own" to a semi-colon, for consistency in
punctuating the series; apply RC to "Divine." Point I 2, apply RC
to "Divine" and "Gospel."
- Page 405, same lesson, same point, apply RC to "Word." Point II 1,
apply RC to "Divine" (thrice) and "Gospel." Point II 2, apply RC
to "Gospel" and "Divine" (twice). Point II 3, apply RC to "Divine"
and "Gospel." Point II 4, apply RC to "Gospel" and "Divine."
- Page 406, same lesson, point II 4 (1), apply RC to "Gospel"
(twice). Point II 4 (2), apply RC to "Gospel"; remove comma from
"Him, and." Application ("Lessons"), point 2, apply RC to
"Divinely." "Glory" note, point III, apply RC to "Divinely."
"Christ in you" note, correct point I to put the period after the
number. Lesson "Preaching," introduction, remove comma from
"preacher, and"; apply RC to "Gospel" and "Divine."
- Page 407, same lesson, point I 1, apply RC to "Divine." Point I 3,
apply RC to "Gospel"; add "Acts iv. 12" reference; remove comma
from "theme, but." Point II 2, add "(ver. 28)" for consistency;
add comma to "Hence he." Point II 4, apply RC to "Gospel."
- Page 408, same lesson, point III, apply RC to "Gospel" (twice).
Point IV, apply RC to "Divinely" and "Gospel"; remove commas from
"all, and" and "age, and"; apply RC to "Gospel," "Divine,"
"Divinely," and "Divine." Application ("Lessons"), point 3, apply
RC to "Divine." "Ministry" note, point II, apply RC to "Divine."
- Page 410, lesson "Anxiety," introduction, apply RC to "Gospel."
Point I, remove comma from "thought, and."
- Page 411, same lesson, point II, remove comma from "truth, but";
capitalise "Divine" as referring to a churchman. Point III 1, add
comma to "Hence he." Point III 3, apply RC to "Divine." Point
III 3 (1), apply RC to "Divine."
- Page 412, same lesson, same point, apply RC to "Divine." Point
III 3 (2), apply RC to "Divine" (twice). Point III 3 (3), apply RC
to "Divine," "Gospel" (thrice), and "Divine"; add "Prov. viii. 11"
reference. Point IV, apply RC to "Gospel"; remove comma from
"outlook, and."
- Page 413, same lesson, same point, add "Eph. v. 6" reference.
Lesson "Hidden Treasures," introduction, remove comma from
"treasure, but"; apply RC to "Divine."
- Page 414, same lesson, point I 1, remove comma from "Him, and."
Point I 2, remove comma from "everywhere, and." Point I 3, apply
RC to "Divine."
- Page 415, same lesson, point II, apply RC to "Divine"; change
"ar#" to "are"; add comma to "So in." "Unity" note, point I, apply
RC to "Gospel."
- Page 416, lesson "Apostolic Praise," point I, apply RC to "Divine"
(twice); remove comma from "brief, but"; add "1 Cor. xiv. 40,
xiv. 33, xvi. 14, xi. 34" references. Point II, apply RC to
"served Him"; change exclamation point to question mark; remove
comma from "form, and."
- Page 417, point III 2, remove comma from "order, and." Lesson
"Suggestive," point I, remove comma from "rapidity, and" (twice);
apply RC to "Divine." Point I 1, apply RC to "Divine."
- Page 418, same lesson, point I 2, remove comma from "law, but."
Point III, apply RC to "Divine."
- Page 419, same lesson, point III 2, remove comma from "tense,
and." Point IV, remove commas from "word, and" and "difficulties,
and." Application ("Lessons"), each of points 1 and 2, apply RC to
"Divinely." "Retrospection" note, point I 2, apply RC to "Divine."
"Imitation" note, point II, remove comma for "imitate, and."
- Page 420, lesson "Marks," introduction, remove comma from "morals,
and." Point I, apply RC to "Divine"; remove comma from
"Gnosticism, and"; add "Rom i. 21, 22" reference.
- Page 422, same lesson, point V, add "John x. 10" reference. Point
VI 1, apply RC to "Gospel." Point VI 2, remove comma from "rest,
and." Application ("Lessons"), point 3, remove comma from "false,
and." Lesson "Divine Fulness," introduction, apply RC to "Divine."
Point I, apply RC to "Divine." Point I 1, add comma to "Hence we";
apply RC to "Divine" (twice), "Divinity," and "Divine." Point I 2,
remove comma from "deity, and."
- Page 423, same lesson, point I 3, remove comma from "enshrined,
and"; apply RC to "Divine" (four times); add "John i. 14"
reference. Point III 1, add "1 John v. 12" reference; apply RC to
"Divine" (twice). Point III 2, apply RC to "the Spirit." Point
III 3, add "1 Thess. iv. 17" reference.
- Page 424, same lesson, application ("Lessons"), point 1, apply RC
to "Divine." Lesson "Circumcision," introduction, apply RC to
"Divine"; add comma to "Thus their."
- Page 425, same lesson, point I, add "Ezek. xliv. 9; Duet. xxx. 6"
references. Point III, apply RC to "Divine" (twice), remove comma
from "law, and." Point IV, remove comma from "dies, and"; apply RC
to "Diviner."
- Page 426, same lesson, point VI, apply RC to "Divine"; remove
comma from "gift, and"; apply RC to "Divine" (twice). Lesson
"Transition," introduction, apply RC to "Divine."
- Page 427, same lesson, point I 2, remove comma from "health, and."
Each of points I 3 (1) and I 3 (2), apply RC to "Divine." Point
I 3 (2), remove comma from "life, and." Point II 1, remove comma
from "bondage, and"; apply RC to "Divine." Point II 2, apply RC to
"Divine"; add comma to "pardoned and."
- Page 428, same lesson, point III, apply RC to "Divine" (thrice).
Lesson "Triumph," point I 1, remove comma from "creation, and."
Point II 2, add comma to "again they." Point II 3, remove comma
from "death, and."
- Page 430, lesson "Ceremonial," introduction, remove comma from
"real, and"; apply RC to "Gospel"; remove comma from "ordinances,
and"; capitalise "Christianised." Point I, apply RC to "Gospel."
- Page 431, same lesson, point II, add comma to "so the"; apply RC
to "Gospel." Point III, apply RC to "Antitype"; remove comma from
"it, when."
- Page 432, lesson "Seductive," introduction, remove comma from
"them, and." Point II 2, remove comma from "God, and." Point II 3,
change "mortal man venture" to "mortal man ventures."
- Page 433, same lesson, point III, apply RC to "Divine." Point
III 3, apply RC to "Divine" (twice). "How a Church lives" note,
point II 1, apply RC to "Divine."
- Page 434, lesson "Ceremonial," point II 2, apply RC to "Divine."
- Page 436, same lesson, point IV 2, apply RC to "Divine."
- Page 437, notes on chapter iii., verse 15, change "ii. 18" to "ch.
ii. 18." Verse 16, apply RC to "Divine"; add an em-dash at the end
of the paragraph. Verse 18, remove comma from "here, and." Verse
23, add double quotes around "Whatsoever ye do, work heartily" and
"from the soul."
- The page break between pages 439 and 440 is in a unit that style
indicates should not be broken: "conduct.--1. |A." The entire unit
was moved to the earlier page.
- Page 438, lesson "Aspirations," point II 1, change "ver. 2" to
"ver. 1."
- Page 439, same lesson, point II 2, add an em-dash at the end of
the paragraph.
- Page 440, lesson "Present Condition," introduction, apply RC to
"Divine light." Point I, remove comma from "past, and."
- Page 441, same lesson, point II 2, add comma to "undiscerning He."
Point III, apply RC to "His Word."
- Page 443, lesson "Mortification," point I 3, remove comma from
"heart, and"; apply RC to "Divine." Point II, apply RC to
"Divine"; remove comma from "come, and"; apply RC to "Divine."
- Page 444, same lesson, point V, remove commas from "disguised,
and" and "man, and"; apply RC to "Divine."
- Page 445, lesson "New Nature," introduction, remove comma from
"garments, but"; add comma to "So the"; remove comma from "state,
but"; add comma to "words he." Point I, apply RC to "Divine"
(twice). Point II, remove commas from "once, but" and "possessed,
but"; apply RC to "Divine."
- Page 446, same lesson, point III, apply RC to "Divine"; remove
comma from "unsuited, and." Point IV 1, apply RC to "Gospel."
Point IV 2, remove comma from "country, and." Point IV 3, apply RC
to "Gospel." Point V, apply RC to "Source," "Centre," "Ideal," and
"Possession"; change "He" to "he," referring to the believer.
- Page 447, "Religion" note, point II, apply RC to "Divine."
"Christ" note, point II, apply RC to "Divine," remove commas from
"civ., and" and "hearts, and." Point III, apply RC to "Divine"
(twice).
- Page 448, same note, point IV, remove comma from "Him, and."
Application ("Lessons"), point 3, apply RC to "Divine."
- Page 449, lesson "Essentials," point I 1, apply RC to "Divine" and
"Son." Point I 2, apply RC to "Divine." Point I 3, apply RC to
"Divine."
- Page 451, lesson "Love," introduction, remove commas from
"romance, and" and "garment, and." Point I, remove comma from
"Ghost, and."
- Page 452, same lesson, point IV 2, remove comma from "changed,
if." Lesson "Rule," point I, apply RC to "Divine."
- Page 453, same lesson, same point, apply RC to "Divine"; remove
comma from "cross, and"; apply RC to "Divine"; remove comma from
"Christ, and." Point II, remove commas from "games, and" and
"stadium, and." Point II 1, remove comma from "duty, and"; apply
RC to "Divine." Point II 2, remove comma from "temptation, and."
Point II 3, remove comma from "right, and"; apply RC to "His
Word"; add "Ps. li. 10" reference.
- Page 454, same lesson, point IV 1, apply RC to "Gospel" and "God's
Word." Point IV 2, remove comma from "body, so"; apply RC to
"Spirit." Point V, change "sin#" to "sins" and "#ll" to "all";
apply RC to "Divine." "Peace" note, point I, apply RC to "His
Word."
- Page 455, lesson "Poetry," introduction, remove comma from "first,
and"; apply RC to "Divinely" and "Divine Word." Point I, apply RC
to "Divine Word." Point I 1, apply RC to "Divine Word," "Word,"
and "Gospel." Point I 2, apply RC to "Divine Word," "Word,"
"Divinity," and "Word" (twice).
- Page 456, same lesson, point II, remove comma from "arrangement,
and." Point III 1, apply RC to "Word" (twice). After the poem,
remove comma from "dying, and." Application ("Lessons"), point 1,
apply RC to "Divine Word."
- Page 457, first note, application ("Lessons"), point 3, apply RC
to "Word." Second note, add "I." before first bold point and apply
RC to "Word." Point I 3, apply RC to "Word" (twice). Point II 3,
apply RC to "Word" (twice). Application ("Lessons"), each of point
1 and 2, apply RC to "Word."
- Page 460, lesson "Duties of Husbands," point I 1, apply RC to
"Divine."
- Page 461, same lesson, point II, apply RC to "Divine." Point
III 2, remove comma from "supreme, and."
- Page 462, lesson "Duties of Parents," point I 1, apply RC to
"Divine." Point I 2, apply RC to "Divine" (twice).
- Page 463, point II 2, replace left single quote before "Lest" with
a left double quote. Lesson "Duties of Masters," introduction,
remove comma from "slavery, and."
- Page 464, same lesson, point I, add "Rev. vii. 15" and "Mark
x. 45" references; remove comma from "servitude, but." Point II 1,
remove commas from "slaves, and" and "slavery, and." Point II 2,
add "ver. 22" reference; apply RC to "Divine." Point III 1, add
"heartily" into the verse 23 quotation; apply RC to "Divine."
Point III 2, apply RC to "Divine"; change "He hath done what he
could" to "She hath done what she could" to match KJV and add
"Mark xiv. 8" reference.
- Page 465, same lesson, point IV, apply RC to "Divine"; add "1 Pet.
i. 4" reference. Point V, remove comma from "light, and." Point
VI 2, add "Matt. xxiii. 8" and "Matt. xxv. 40" references.
- Page 466, critical notes for chapter iv., verse 3, apply RC to
"Word."
- Page 467, lesson "Efficacy," introduction, apply RC to "Divine";
remove comma from "petitioner, but"; apply RC to "Divine." Point
I, remove comma from "make, and."
- Page 468, same lesson, point III, apply RC to "Divine"; add double
quotes around the saying of an old writer (assumed to finish the
paragraph). Point IV, apply RC to "Gospel." Point IV 1, apply RC
to "Gospel"; change "once popular minister" to "once-popular
minister." Point IV 2, apply RC to "Gospel" (twice).
- The break between pages 468 and 469 is in the word "declaration":
declara|tion.
- Page 469, same lesson, point IV 3, apply RC to "Gospel" (twice),
"Divine," and "Gospel." Point IV 4, apply RC to "Gospel" (four
times). Application ("Lessons"), point 2, apply RC to "Gospel."
- Page 470, lesson "Wise," introduction, remove comma from "life,
and." Point I 1, add "ver. 5" reference. Point I 2, apply RC to
"Spirit." Point I 3, remove comma from "itself, and"; apply RC to
"Gospel."
- Page 471, same lesson, point I 4, remove comma from "eagerness,
and." Point II 3, remove comma from "tongue, and." First note, add
sentence-ending period to point IV.
- Page 472, "Truth" note, point III, apply RC to "Divine." Point IV,
remove comma from "religion, but." Lesson "Side-lights,"
introduction, remove comma from "epistle, and." Point I, apply RC
to "Gospel."
- Page 473, same lesson, point II, remove commas from "Paul, and"
and "crowds, and"; apply RC to "Gospel" and "Divine." Point III,
remove comma from "Ephesus, and."
- Page 474, same lesson, point IV, remove comma from "ritual, and";
apply RC to "Gospel"; add comma to "thus they"; remove comma from
"Christ, and"; apply RC to "Gospel"; remove comma from
"professors, and."
- Page 475, lesson "Model Pastor," introduction, apply RC to
"Gospel"; remove commas from "them, and" and "faith, but"; apply
RC to "Divine." Point I, apply RC to "Gospel." Point II, after
poem, apply RC to "Gospel."
- Page 476, same lesson, point III, apply RC to "Divine." Point IV,
apply RC to "Divine."
- Page 477, lesson "Greetings," introduction, add "Prov. x. 7"
reference. Point I 1, remove commas from "travel, and" and "man,
but." Point I 2, apply RC to "Divine" and "Gospel."
- Page 478, same lesson, point II 1, add "1 Cor. xv. 58" reference.
Point II 2, remove comma from "city, and"; add comma to "piety
he"; apply RC to "Divine." Point III, remove comma from "Colossæ,
and."
- Page 479, point IV 1, apply RC to "Gospel"; remove comma from
"Lord, and"; apply RC to "Divine." "Luke" note, point V, apply RC
to "Great Physician." "Ministry" note, point I, apply RC to
"Divine."
- Page 480, lesson "Farewell," point I, change "mo" to "me." Point
II, apply RC to "Gospel" (twice).
- Page 481, same lesson, point III, apply RC to "Divine."
+THE FIRST EPISTLE+
+TO THE THESSALONIANS.+
* * * * * * * *
+INTRODUCTION.+
+Thessalonica and its Church.+--Most of the Churches of the New
Testament belonged to cities which, if they have not dropped out of
existence altogether, are scarcely recognisable to-day. Thessalonica
exists as a place of considerable commercial importance, with a
population of 70,000, under the shortened form of "Saloniki." It is
situated at the head of the Thermaic Gulf, so called from the ancient
name of the town which rises like an amphitheatre above its blue
waters. _Therma_ is the name by which the town comes into history,
the _warm_ mineral springs of the neighbourhood originating the
appropriate designation. Cassander, son-in-law of Philip of Macedon,
gave to the city the name of his wife, "Thessalonica." Its position
brought commerce both by sea and land, for, in addition to its
natural harbour, the Via Egnatia, like a great artery, drove its
stream of traffic through the town. Trade brought riches, and riches
luxurious living and licentiousness. But if sin abounded, so did the
grace which sent the heralds of deliverance from sin in the persons
of St. Paul and Silas, fresh from their terrible beating and the
dungeon of Philippi, and Timothy, the ever-valued friend of St. Paul.
Jews were in Thessalonica in greater force than in Philippi; and St.
Paul, perhaps not with any great hope of success amongst the
adherents of the religion in which he had been trained, but according
to his constant rule, went first to the synagogue, hoping that, as
elsewhere, devout souls not content with the materialism and atheism
of their day might be amongst those who were drawn towards the faith
of Israel. So at least it proved, and their acceptance of the message
of the Gospel was the signal for the outbreak of Jewish hatred which
set on the _canaille_ of the city with a cry of revolution and high
treason. Amidst such birth-throes the second Church in Europe came
into being. St. Paul's continuance in the city might only have
provoked murder, so, leaving the infant Church to one who would
"naturally care for" it, he made his way to Berœa.
+Occasion and design of the epistle.+--With eager impatience the
apostle would wait for the messenger with tidings of the Macedonian
Churches. The writer of the Proverbs likened "good news from a far
country" to "cold waters to a thirsty soul"; so St. Paul says to
these Thessalonians: "Now when Timothy came from you unto us, and
brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, . . . we were
comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith:
for _now we live,_ if ye stand fast in the Lord" (1 Thess. iii. 6-8).
Timothy had brought word of their fidelity; but he had also to inform
the apostle of the persecutions they had to endure, and also of the
troubled minds of some of the Christian brotherhood over the
condition of their dead, and their relationship to the Lord whom they
daily expected.
So St. Paul sends them word by this first letter of his earnest
longing to see them again, and of how he had often purposed to do so,
but had been thwarted. Perhaps there are references in the epistle to
the aspersions on the character of Paul; and in other ways the
epistle is meant to do what Paul, now that his missionary field had
become so extended, could not do in person.
+Contents of the epistle.+
i. 1. Salutation.
2-10. Thanksgiving for reception and diffusion of the Gospel.
ii. 1-12. Appeal to their knowledge of what Paul's ministry had
been.
13-16. Thanksgiving for fidelity under the strain of Jewish
hostility.
17--iii. 13. Baffled purposes resulting in the despatch of Timothy,
and the outburst of joy for the good news with which he
returned.
iv. 1-12. Warning against lustful injustice, and exhortation to a
further development of brotherly love.
13--v. 11. The Second Advent in its relation to those who already
slept.
12-24. Ethics of Church-life and personal life.
25-28. Conclusion.
* * * * * * * *
+CHAPTER I.+
_CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES._
Ver. 1. +Paul, and Sylvanus, and Timotheus.+--As to Paul, it may be
noted that he does not mention his office. It was largely owing to
the aspersions of others that he came, later, to magnify his office.
Sylvanus is the "fellow-helper" and fellow-sufferer of the apostle,
better known to New Testament readers by the shortened form of his
name--Silas. That he was a Jew appears from Acts xv., but, like Paul,
able to claim the privilege of Roman citizenship (Acts xvi.).
Timotheus is the valuable and dear companion of St. Paul. Twelve or
fourteen years later he is said to be still young (1 Tim. iv. 12).
He, too, is only partly a Jew (Acts xvi. 3). +Grace be unto you, and
peace.+--The men who are by birth and training divided between Jew
and Gentile, salute both. It is not less true of the Gospel than the
law that it speaks the language of the children of men. All that
grace could mean to the Greek, or peace to the Hebrew, met in Him
whose title was written above the cross in Hebrew and Greek and Latin.
Ver. 3. +Work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of
hope.+--The famous three sister-graces familiar to us from St. Paul's
other letters. As Bengel says, they are _Summa Christianismi._ St.
James, one thinks, would have liked the expression, "work of faith"
(Jas. ii. 14-26). But if faith works, love cannot be outdone (1 Cor.
xiii. 13), and toils with strenuous endeavour; whilst hope--a faculty
flighty enough with some--here patiently endures, "pressing on and
_bearing up._"
Ver. 4. +Your election.+--God is said to pick out, not for any
inherent qualities, certain persons for purposes of His own. The same
idea is in the word "saints," as those whom God has separated from a
godless world and made them dear to Himself.
Ver. 5. +Our gospel.+--The good news which we proclaimed; so when St.
Paul in Rom. ii. 16 calls it "_my_ gospel." +In word . . . in
power.+--The antithesis is sometimes between the word or declaration
and the reality; here perhaps we have an advance on that. Not only
was it a word the contents of which were really truth, but
efficacious too. +In much assurance.+--R.V. margin, "in much
fulness." "The _power_ is in the Gospel preached, the _fulfilment_ in
the hearers, and the _Holy Spirit_ above and within them inspires
both" (_Findlay_).
Ver. 6. +Followers of us and of the Lord.+--R.V. "imitators." St.
Paul begs his Corinthian readers to imitate him, _even as_ he
imitates Christ. The same thought is implied here: We are walking
after Christ; walk after us, and you will follow Him. +With joy of
the Holy Ghost.+--Not only was the word preached "in the Holy Ghost"
(ver. 5), but it was eagerly welcomed by hearts made ready by the
Holy Ghost--as St. Paul said to the Corinthians, "So we preach, so ye
believed."
Ver. 7. +So that ye were ensamples.+--R.V. follows the singular. The
original word is that from which we get our "type." The image left on
a coin by stamping is a type. Children are said to be types of their
parents. So these Thessalonians were clearly stamped as children of
God.
Ver. 8. +For from you sounded out the word of the Lord.+--The Word
did not originate amongst the Thessalonians. They had but taken up
the sound and sent it ringing on to others in the regions farther
removed. They had echoed out the Word, says St. Paul. +In every
place.+--Or as we may say, "Everybody is talking about the matter."
Ver. 9. +What manner of entering in.+--In Acts xvii. we have an
account of how the Jews instigated men ever ready for a brawl to
bring a charge of high treason--the most likely way of giving the
quietus to the disturbers of ancient traditions, Paul and Silas. +To
serve the living and true God.+--The Thessalonians had not been
delivered from the bondage of fear that they might lead lives
irresponsible. "Get a new master," then "be a new man."
Ver. 10. +And to wait for His Son.+--The compound word for wait is
only found here in the New Testament. The idea may be compared with
our Lord's figure of the bondservants waiting with lights and ready
for service on their lord's return (Luke xii. 35-40). +Jesus, which
delivered us from the wrath to come.+--R.V. "delivereth." The wrath
to come "revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and
unrighteousness of men" (Rom. i. 18) is the penalty threatened
against sin persisted in.
_MAIN HOMILETICS OF VERSE_ 1.
_Phases of Apostolic Greeting._
There is an interest about this epistle as the first in the
magnificent series of inspired writings which bear the name of Paul.
This was "the beginning of his strength, the excellency of dignity
and power." The labours of the apostle and his co-helpers in the
enterprising and populous city of Thessalonica, notwithstanding the
angriest opposition, were crowned with success. The stern prejudice
of the Jew was assailed and conquered, the subtle philosophising of
the Grecian tracked and exposed. The truth was eagerly embraced; and
as sunbeams streaming through mist render it transparent, so did the
light of the Gospel bring out in clearness and beauty the character
of the Thessalonian citizens, which had been hitherto shrouded in the
dark shadows of superstition.
+I. This greeting is harmonious in its outflow.+--Paul, though the
only apostle of the three, did not in this instance assume the title
or display any superiority either of office or power. Silvanus and
Timotheus had been owned of God, equally with himself, in planting
the Thessalonian Church, and were held in high esteem among the
converts. Each man had his distinctive individuality, varied talents,
and special mode of working; but there was an emphatic unity of
purpose in bringing about results. They rejoiced together in
witnessing the inception, confirmation, and prosperity of the Church,
and when absent united in sending a fervent, harmonious greeting.
This harmony of feeling is traceable throughout both epistles in the
prevalent use of the first-person plural. The association of Silvanus
and Timotheus with the apostle in this greeting also indicated their
perfect accord with him in the Divine character of the doctrines he
declared. As men dowered with the miraculous faculty of spiritual
discernment, they could testify that everything contained in the
epistle was dictated by the Spirit of God and worthy of universal
evidence. Not that the personal peculiarities of any man give
additional value to the doctrine. Truth is vaster than the
individual, whatever gifts he possesses or lacks. The water of life
is as sweet and refreshing whether sipped from the rudest earthen
vessel or from the goblet of richly embossed gold. What a suggestive
lesson of confidence and unity was taught the Thessalonians by the
harmonious example of their teachers!
+II. This greeting recognises the Church's sublime origin.+--It is
addressed "unto the Church which is in God the Father and in the Lord
Jesus Christ."
1. _The Church is Divinely founded._--The preposition "in" denotes
the most intimate union with God, and is of similar significance as
in the comprehensive prayer of Jesus: "As Thou, Father, art in Me,
and I in Thee, that they also may be one _in_ Us" (John xvii. 21).
The Church rests, not on any sacerdotal authority or human
organisation, though many have laboured thus to narrow its limits and
define its character; it depends for its origin, life, and perpetuity
on union with the Deity. It is based on the Divine love, fostered by
the Divine Spirit, shielded by Omnipotence, and illumined and adorned
by the Divine glory. It exists for purely spiritual purposes, is the
depositary of he revealed Word, the channel of Divine communication
to man, the sanctuary of salvation.
2. _The Church is Divinely sustained._--Founded in God, it is every
moment sustained by Him. Thus the Church survives the mightiest
opposition, the fret and wear of perpetual change. It is not wedded
to any locality under heaven. Places once famous for the simplicity
and power of their Church-life have become notoriously vile or sunk
into utter obscurity. Bethel, once bearing the hallowed name House of
God, under the idolatrous rule of Jeroboam became corrupted into
Bethhaven, House of Iniquity. Jerusalem, the praise of the whole
earth, was once the chosen habitation of Jehovah; now it is a heap of
ruins, its temple and worship destroyed, and its people scattered,
without king, prophet, or leader. The light that shown so full and
clear from the seven celebrated Asiatic Churches grew dim and went
out, and that region is now wrapped in the darkness of idolatry. And
Thessalonica, renowned as a pattern of Christian purity and zeal, now
languishes under its modern name of Saloniki, a victim of Turkish
despotism, and professing a spurious religion the first founders of
the Church there, could they revisit the spot, would certainly
repudiate. But the true Church lives, grows, and triumphs.
+III. This greeting supplicates the bestowal of the highest
blessings.+--1. _Grace._ The source of all temporal good--life,
health, sustenance, prosperity, enjoyment; and of all spiritual
benefits--pardon for the guilty, rest for the troubled spirit,
guidance for the doubting and perplexed, strength for the feeble,
deliverance for the tempted, purity for the polluted, victory and
felicity for the faithful. The generosity of God knows no stint. A
certain monarch once threw open his parks and gardens to the public
during the summer months. The royal gardener finding it troublesome,
complained to his Majesty that the visitors plucked the flowers.
"What," said the king-hearted king, "are my people fond of flowers?
Then plant some more!" So, our heavenly King with lavish hand
scatters on our daily path the flowers of blessing, and as fast as we
can gather them, in spite of the grudging, churlish world, more are
supplied.
2. _Peace._--A blessing inclusive of all the happiness resulting from
a participation in the Divine favour. _Peace with God,_ with whom sin
has placed us in antagonism, and to whom we are reconciled in Christ
Jesus, who hath "abolished in His flesh the enmity, so making peace"
(Eph. ii. 15). _Peace of conscience,_ a personal blessing conferred
on him who believes in Jesus. _Peace one with another_--peace in the
Church. In the concluding counsels of this epistle the writer
impressively insists, "Be at peace among yourselves." The value of
this blessing to any Christian community cannot be exaggerated. A
single false semitone converts the most exquisite music into discord.
3. _The source of all the blessings desired._--"From God our Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ." The Jew in his most generous greeting
could only say, "God be gracious unto you, and remember His
covenant"; but the Christian "honours the Son even as he honours the
Father." The Father's love and the Son's work are the sole source and
cause of every Christian blessing.
+Lessons.+--1. _Learn the freeness and fulness of the Gospel._ It
contains and offers all the blessings that can enrich and ennoble
man. It needs but the willing heart to make them his own. He may
gather wisdom from the Eastern proverb, and in a higher sense than
first intended, "Hold all the skirts of thy mantle extended when
heaven is raining gold."
2. _Learn the spirit we should cultivate towards others._--A spirit
of genuine Christian benevolence and sympathy. We can supplicate for
others no higher good than grace and peace.
_GERM NOTES ON THE VERSE._
_Apostolic Introduction to the Epistle._
+I. The persons sending are mentioned.+--"Paul, Silvanus, and
Timotheus." 1. _Paul is not here called an apostle, because his
apostleship was granted._ 2. _Silvanus and Timotheus had assisted in
planting and watering this Church._
+II. The persons addressed are introduced and described.+--1. _The
epistle was addressed to believers._ 2. _The Church is presented in
an interesting point of view_ (John xvii. 20). The Father and the
Mediator are one in redemption; into this union the Church is
received. 1. _The blessings desired are grace and peace._ Sovereign
mercy and favour and reconciliation. 2. _These are mentioned in their
proper order of time, of cause and effect._ 3. _These are traced to
their proper source._ The Father--the Godhead; the Son--all
fulness.--_Stewart._
_MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.--Verses_ 2-4.
_Ministerial Thanksgiving._
Gratitude for the healthy, flourishing state of the Thessalonian
Church is a marked feature in both epistles and is frequently
expressed. The apostle left the young converts in a critical
condition, and when he heard from Timothy a favourable account of
their steadfastness and growth in grace, like a true minister of
Christ he gave God thanks.
+I. Ministerial thanksgiving is expansive in its character.+--"We
give thanks always for you all" (ver. 2). It is our duty, and
acceptable to God, to be grateful for personal benefits; but it
displays a broader, nobler generosity when we express thanksgiving on
behalf of others. It is Christ-like: _He_ thanked God the Father for
revealing the things of His kingdom unto babes. The apostle thanked
God:--
1. _Because of their work of faith._--"Remembering without ceasing
your work of faith" (ver. 3). _Faith is itself a work._ It is the eye
and hand of the soul, by which the sinner sees, and lays hold on
Christ for salvation. Man meets with opposition in its exercise; he
has to fight against the faith-stifling power of sin in himself and
in the world. _Faith is also the cause of work._ It is the propelling
and sustaining motive in all Christian toil. "Faith without works is
dead" (James ii. 26).
2. _Because of their labour of love._--The strength of love is tested
by its labour; we show our love to Christ by what we do for Him. Love
intensifies every faculty, moves to benevolent exertion, and makes
even drudgery an enjoyment. Love leads us to attempt work from which
we would once have shrunk in dismay.
3. _Because of their patient hope._--Their hope of salvation in
Christ was severely tried by affliction, persecutions, and numberless
temptations, but was not quenched. It is hard to hope on in the midst
of discouragement. It was so with Joseph is prison, with David in the
mountains of Judah, with the Jews in Chaldea. But the grace of
_patience_ gives constancy and perseverance to our hope. The apostle
rejoiced in the marked _sincerity_ of their faith, love, and hope,
which he acknowledged to be "in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight
of God and our Father." These virtues are derived alone from Christ,
and their exercise God witnesses and approves. Things are in reality
what they are in God's sight. His estimate is infallible.
4. _Because assured of their election._--"Knowing, brethren beloved
of God, your election" (ver. 4). St. Paul here means only to show how
he, from the way in which the Spirit operated in him at a certain
place, drew a conclusion as to the disposition of the persons there.
Where it manifested itself powerfully, argued he, there must be
elect; where the contrary was the case, he concluded the contrary
(_Olshausen_). Election is the judgment of Divine grace, exempting in
Christ from the common destruction of men those who accept their
calling by faith. Every one who is called is elected from the first
moment of his faith, and so long as he continues in his calling and
faith he continues to be elected; if at any time he loses calling and
faith he ceases to be elected (_Bengel_). Observe the _constancy_ of
this thanksgiving spirit--"We give thanks _always_ for you all." As
they remembered without ceasing the genuine evidences of their
conversion, so did they assiduously thank God. There is always
something to thank God for if we will but see it.
+II. Ministerial thanksgiving evokes a spirit of practical
devotion.+--"Making mention of you in our prayers" (ver. 2). The
interest in his converts of the successful worker is keenly aroused;
he is anxious the work should be permanent, and resorts to prayer as
the effectual means. Prayer for others benefits the suppliant. When
the Church prayed, not only was Peter liberated from prison, but the
faith of the members was emboldened. Gratitude is ever a powerful
incentive to prayer. It penetrates the soul with a conscious
dependence on God and prompts the cry for necessary help. There is no
true prayer without thanksgiving.
+III. Ministerial thanksgiving is rendered to the great Giver of all
good.+--"We give thanks to God" (ver. 2). God is the Author of true
success. In vain we labour where His blessing is withheld. Paul was
not equally successful in other places as in Thessalonica. In
Damascus, where he first bore testimony for Christ, the governor
under King Aretas planned his capture, and he but narrowly escaped.
At Lystra the apostle was violently stoned and dragged out of the
town as one dead. But at Thessalonica, notwithstanding opposition,
the Gospel laid firm hold of the hearts of men, and believers were
multiplied. The highest kind of success in spiritual work must ever
come from above. Like Paul, we should be careful constantly to
acknowledge and thank God as the active source of all prosperity.
+Lessons.+--1. _There is much in the work of the minister to test his
patience and faith._ 2. _The true minister gratefully traces all
success directly to God._ 3. _A thankful spirit prompts the minister
to increased Christian enterprise._
_GERM NOTES ON THE VERSES._