CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES
1 Thessalonians 3:8. For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.—The man who later could say, “For to me to live is Christ,” prepares us for that saying by this. Life to him is desirable only as others benefit by it.
1 Thessalonians 3:9. For what thanks can we render to God again.—In the R.V. “again” is joined with “render,” representing the one word of St. Paul. The same verb is found twice in Luke 14:14 as “recompense.” The apostle feels what a poor requital any thanksgiving must be for the mercy of the good news from Thessalonica (see 2 Thessalonians 1:6).
MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— 1 Thessalonians 3:7-10
Steadfastness of Believers a Source of True Ministerial Satisfaction.
The scholar finds his happiness in intellectual exercises and accumulating stores of knowledge; the politician in the excitement of debate and the triumph of great principles; the scientist in testing and harmonising the laws of nature; the merchant in his gains; and the minister of God’s word in the increase of converts to the truth, and in their consistency, fidelity, and perseverance in the practice of godliness. The truly Christian heart rejoices in the success of the gospel in any part of the world, but more particularly in the locality where personal labour has been expended. The effect upon Paul of the good tidings from Timothy, concerning the steadfastness of the believers in Thessalonica, is described in these verses. Observe:—
I. Their steadfastness was a source of genuine comfort.—
1. The apostle was comforted in the midst of intense personal suffering. “Therefore, brethren, we were comforted in all our affliction and distress” (1 Thessalonians 3:7). Paul was in Corinth when he received Timothy’s report. In that city the customary opposition of the Jews rose to an unwonted pitch of malignity, and even blasphemy, so much so that the apostle resolved to abandon them to their fate—“He shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles” (Acts 18:6). So great was his anguish on behalf of his own countrymen, and so manifold his cares, privations, and perils, that the Lord thought it needful to encourage him with a vision, saying, “Be not afraid: I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee” (Ibid., 9, 10). The bitterness of his afflictions at this time was sweetened by hearing of the constancy of his Thessalonian converts. It revived, refreshed, and strengthened him. The faithlessness and disobedience of the people are a grief to the true minister now; but at last the horror will be theirs.
2. The apostle was comforted concerning their faith.—“We were comforted over you, by your faith” (1 Thessalonians 3:7). Timothy had been commissioned to inquire into the state of their faith, and his report was eminently satisfactory. He spoke not only of their faith as the primary root of the Christian life, the basis of all stability and fruitfulness, but of its active outgoings in love to God and in affectionate remembrance of the apostle. The Church is in danger and a cause of deep anxiety when its faith wavers.
II. Their steadfastness intensified the pleasure of living.—“For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 3:8). The apostle was perhaps more than usually despondent when Timothy arrived. The good news thrilled his soul with new life. For now, whatever else befall—now, in the face of the Jewish fury and Gentile scorn—now, amid infirmities, reproaches, necessities, persecutions, distresses, and deaths oft—now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord. The relation of the minister to his people is so close and vital that they have it in their power to make his life happy or supremely miserable. There is a method of destroying life without its becoming utterly extinct. Ezekiel speaks of the false prophets whose lies made the hearts of the righteous sad; and we read of Elijah, under the juniper tree, sighing for death because of the idolatry and wickedness of Judah. To lessen the cheerful flow of life, and depress the spirits of the man of God, is a species of murder; to starve him into submission by studied neglect and privation is diabolical. The ministerial life and energy of even an apostle depended on the sympathy, faith, and steadfastness of the brethren (3 John 1:4).
III. Their steadfastness was productive of grateful joy.—
1. This joy was copious and sincere.—“For the joy wherewith we joy before our God” (1 Thessalonians 3:9). The transitions of the emotions are rapid. From the midst of the apostle’s grief a fountain of joy breaks forth. This joy filled his soul even in the secret presence of God. It was a pure, sincere, undissembled, overflowing joy, such as God could approve.
2. This joy arose from a disinterested love.—“For your sakes.” True love gives us an interest in the safety and happiness of others. He who possesses this never lacks joy; if it flows not on his own behalf, it does on behalf of others. Bernard has said: “Of all the motions and affections of the soul, love is the only one we may reciprocate with God: to re-love Him is our happiness; woe if we answer Him not in some measure of re-loving affection.”
3. This joy was expressed in fervent thanksgiving.—“What thanks can we render to God again for you?” (1 Thessalonians 3:9). His gratitude was so great that he knew not how to give it adequate expression. The grateful heart prizes blessings that may seem to others of small value. He rendered thanks to God, the author and preserver of their faith. The heartiest thanksgiving seems cold and utterly insufficient when compared with the mercies of God.
IV. Their steadfastness excited an earnest longing for the opportunity of imparting additional good.—
1. The apostle assiduously prayed for the opportunity of a personal interview. “Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face” (1 Thessalonians 3:10). The longer the absence, the more eagerly he desired to see them. The good tidings of their constancy increased the desire. A love like his could be satisfied only with personal spiritual intercourse. It was not enough simply to write. Voice and manner have a pre-eminent charm in the interchange of mind with mind. Reading, praying, and all other endeavours will be unavailing if we despise prophesying—the oral declaration of the truth.
2. The apostle sought this interview to supply what was deficient in their faith.—“And might perfect that which was lacking in your faith” (1 Thessalonians 3:10). None so perfect in faith as not to be susceptible of improvement. Faith is based on knowledge; and as knowledge, especially in the things of God, is capable of indefinite extension, so faith may be continually increased—broadening and deepening its foundation and consolidating its structure. The less distinctly the great subjects of faith are understood, the more defective is faith; the more explicit, the more perfect. They most vaunt of faith who have least experience in its practice. “Empty vessels sound the loudest.” We have all need to cry, “Lord, increase our faith.”
Lessons.—
1. The true minister cannot be indifferent to the spiritual state of his people.
2. The fidelity and perseverance of believers is an inspiration, and unspeakable joy to the anxious worker.
3. Faith and practice powerfully react upon each other.
GERM NOTES ON THE VERSES
1 Thessalonians 3:7-10. Glad Tidings of Christian Steadfastness—
I. Produce comfort of mind (1 Thessalonians 3:7).
II. Make life more enjoyable (1 Thessalonians 3:8).
III. Are the occasion of thankful joy before the Lord (1 Thessalonians 3:9).
IV. Excite to assiduous and earnest prayer (1 Thessalonians 3:10).
1 Thessalonians 3:9-10. Religious Joy—
I. Is occasioned by the religious progress of others.
II. Is mingled with ingenuous gratitude.
III. Is enjoyed as in the presence of God.
IV. Is accompanied with fervent prayer.