FIRST EPISTLE OF PAUL THE APOSTLE

TO THE THESSALONIANS.

CHAPTER I.

PAUL'S COMMENDATION OF THE THESSALONIANS.

What did the apostle Paul commend in the Thessalonians, on their becoming converts to the faith of the Gospel?

7. 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 show 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.

CHAPTER II.

HOW THE GOSPEL WAS PREACHED TO, AND RECEIVED BY, THE

THESSALONIANS.

In what manner did the apostles acquit themselves in the discharge of their ministry?

4. As we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the Gospel, even so we speak ; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.

5. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:

6. Nor of man sought we glory, neither of vou, nor yet of others;

7. But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:

8. So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the Gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.

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9. For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the Gospel of God.

10. Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily, and justly, and unblameably, we behaved ouselves among you that believe:

11. As ye know how we exhorted, and com

forted, and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children;

12. That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory. When they preached the Gospel to the Thessalonians, how was it received?

13. For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but, as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

CHAPTER III.

EXHORTATION TO LOVE.

When Timothy was sent to ascertain the state of the Thessalonian Church, and returned with good tidings of their faith and charity, what were Paul's devout expressions of solicitude for them?

12. The Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you.

13. To the end He may stablish your hearts un blameable in holiness before God, even our Father.

CHAPTER IV.

EXHORTATION ΤΟ ADVANCE IN GODLINESS-TO DILIGENCE IN TEMPORAL CONCERNS.

Did not Paul counsel the Thessalonians that they should continue to advance more and more in godliness?

1. We exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.

3. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification.

What was that prudent caution he gave them respecting their temporal concerns?

11. That ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you.

12. That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.

CHAPTER V.

GENERAL ADMONITIONS.

Recite the apostle's general exhortation in concluding this Epistle.

14. Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them

that are unruly, comfort the feeble-minded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

15. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves and to all men.

16. Rejoice evermore.

17. Pray without ceasing.

18. In every thing give thanks.

19. Quench not the Spirit.

20. Despise not prophesyings.

21. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

22. Abstain from all appearance of evil.

23. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly.

SECOND EPISTLE OF PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE THESSALONIANS,

CHAPTER I.

PAUL'S JOY ON ACCOUNT OF THE THESSALONIANS,

Did it not afford comfort to the apostle to observe the disposition in which the Thessalonians bore persecution and other trials?