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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadCambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges - 1 Thessalonians 3:1 - 3:1
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§ 5. 1Th 2:17 to 1Th 3:5. The Separation of the Apostles from their Converts
After the pause for thanksgiving to God, which in its turn led up to the stern denunciation of Jewish persecutors in 1Th 2:15 f., the Letter resumes the strain of 1Th 2:13. The happy intercourse between the Apostles and their newly-won converts (1Th 2:10-12) had been broken off by the assault just alluded to; the missionaries had left Thessalonica prematurely and in grief, planning a speedy return (1Th 2:17). St Paul in particular had twice resolved on this, but in vain (1Th 2:18). For the Thessalonian Church gave its ministers the greatest joy and hope (1Th 2:19 f.). Failing to return themselves, the other two had sent Timothy, to cheer the Thessalonians and sustain their faith in the present trials, of which indeed they had been forewarned (1Th 3:1-4); especially on St Paul’s motion had Timothy gone, to enquire how the Church fared under this prolonged and anxious trial (1Th 2:5).