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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comVincent Word Studies - 1 Thessalonians 2:12 - 2:12
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
Walk (περιπατεῖν)
By Paul exclusively in the metaphorical sense of behaving or conducting one's self. Similarly in Hebrews. In the Synoptic Gospels, with one exception (Mar 7:5), of the physical act. Both senses in the Fourth Gospel, but only the metaphorical sense in John's Epistles. Once in the metaphorical sense in Acts, Act 21:21. In lxx almost exclusively literal; but see 2 Kings 20:23; Pro 8:20; Ecc 11:9. The phrase ἀξίως περιπατεῖν to walk worthily, in Eph 4:1; Col 1:10.
Worthy of God (ἀξίως θεοῦ)
Better worthily. For ἀξίως comp. lxx, Wisd. 7:15; 16:1; Sir. 14:11. The formula ἀξίως θεοῦ is found among the Pergamum papyri. A priest of Dionysus is described as having performed his sacred duties ἀξίως θεοῦ. A priestess of Athene as having served ἀξίως τῆς θεοῦ καὶ τῆς πατρίδος worthily of the goddess and of her fatherland. A chief herdsman as having conducted the divine mysteries. ἀξίως τοῦ καθηγεμόνος Διονύσου worthily of his chief, Dionysus. The dates of these papyri are from 141 b.c. to the beginning of the first century a.d.
Kingdom and glory
The only instance of this collocation. God's kingdom is here conceived as present - the economy of divine grace to which the readers are called as Christians. Glory is the future consummation of that kingdom. For βασιλεία kingdom, see on Luk 6:20. Δόξα glory is not used in N.T. in its primary, classical sense of opinion or notion. It signifies reputation, Joh 12:43; Rom 2:7, Rom 2:10 : brightness or splendor, Act 22:11; Rom 9:4; 1Co 15:40. Glory of God expresses the sum total of the divine perfections. The idea is prominent in redemptive revelation: see Isa 60:1; Rom 5:2; Rom 6:4. It expresses the form in which God reveals himself in the economy of salvation: see Rom 9:23; Eph 1:12; 1Ti 1:11. It is the means by which the redemptive work is carried on: see 2Pe 1:3; Rom 6:4; Eph 3:16; Col 1:11. It is the goal of Christian hope: see Rom 5:2; Rom 8:18, Rom 8:21; Tit 2:13.