CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES
2 Thessalonians 1:3. We are bound to thank God.—We owe a debt of gratitude to God. It is not so much what is seemly that comes into prominence here, as what is due. Even as it is meet.—The word for “meet” directs attention to the value of the increase of the faith of the Thessalonians. As though the apostle said, “It is something worth giving thanks for.” Your faith groweth exceedingly.—The word for “groweth exceedingly” does not occur again in the New Testament. It means “to increase beyond measure.” The faith of the Thessalonians was like “a fruitful bough by a fountain whose branches run over the wall,” though “the archers have sorely grieved it, and shot at it and persecuted it” (Genesis 49:22-23). The charity of every one of you toward each other aboundeth.—This is high praise indeed—a plethora of love. Like a brimming fountain kept always full, so the love of these early Christians overflowed. Cf. on 1 Thessalonians 4:9.
2 Thessalonians 1:4. We ourselves glory in you.—St. Paul had to rebuke the Corinthians for the factious spirit which set off the excellencies of one teacher against those of another. Here he plays off one Church against another, as a schoolmaster might seek to stir op his pupils by mentioning the names of those who have taken scholarships. But St. Paul well knew that this needed care (see Colossians 3:21; R.V. or Greek).
MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— 2 Thessalonians 1:3-4
Congratulatory Features of a Prosperous Church.
We have here a suggestive example of the apostolic method of dealing with a Church in which the incipient elements of error were beginning to operate. He applauds first what is really good, and then faithfully, almost fiercely, warns of the threatening evil. He who would effectually rebuke must first learn how to tenderly sympathise. These verses indicate what are the congratulatory features of a prosperous Church.
I. There is a vital and progressive faith.—“Your faith groweth exceedingly” (2 Thessalonians 1:3). Faith feeds on truth; and all truth leads to and unites with God, its source. A living faith can only be sustained by a living truth; and where there is life there will be growth. We are ruled by our beliefs; if they are wrong, our track is wrong, our life a mistake, our energies wasted. The faith of the Thessalonians was so real, so vivid, so vitalising, so deeply rooted in the quickening soil of gospel truth, that it flourished with tropical luxuriance. The doom of a Church is sealed when its faith is dead and its creed inert. It is like a fossil in the grasp of a fossil—a museum of dry, bony, musty remains.
II. There is a reciprocal and expansive charity.—“And the charity of every one of you all towards each other aboundeth” (2 Thessalonians 1:3). Love is the fruit of the Christian spirit, and the proof of its genuineness. It should be manifested to every believer in Christ. The love of a common Saviour and the sharing in a common suffering tend to intensify mutual esteem and affection. The prayer of the apostle on behalf of the Thessalonians was fulfilled (1 Thessalonians 3:12)—an encouragement to pray on behalf of others. Where charity abounds there is mutual forbearance with one another’s faults and frailties, the absence of suspicion and jealousy, no tendency to pass harsh and rapid judgments on the conduct of others, a disposition to think the best of each other, to share each other’s trials, and bear each other’s burdens.
III. There is a patient fidelity under suffering.—“Your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure” (2 Thessalonians 1:4). These trials began with the first planting of the gospel in Thessalonica, and seemed to have continued without cessation. The Jews were the principal agents and instigators stirring up the populace against the Christians, and rousing the suspicions of the magistrates who were specially jealous of religious innovations (Acts 17:5-8). Their faith made them patient and uncomplaining under the pressure of affliction; they believed the gospel was still the power of God unto salvation, though their profession of it brought on them sorrow and suffering. The former warnings and teachings of the apostle were not in vain; their faith triumphed over persecution. Suffering is the opportunity for patience and the test of faith. Troubles come not alone, but are like chain-shot, or like the billows of the sea, linked one to another, each succeeding blow being more destructive than the other. Patience without faith is simply dull, stupid, stoical endurance. It is faith that renders the soul invincible and triumphant.
IV. There is ample ground for apostolic gratitude and commendation.—“We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet; … so that we ourselves glory in you in the Churches of God” (2 Thessalonians 1:3-4). Even the enemies of the Church are sometimes constrained to admire and applaud the spirit of harmony, the affection and enterprise which characterise its members. It is also encouraging to have the approbation and good word of the ministers of God, especially of those who have been instrumental in converting men to the truth; but no Church could command the respect of the good if it did not first secure the smile and blessing of God. The apostle thanks God as the great Giver of all the grace which he rejoices to see has done so much for the Thessalonians. God had wrought this work of faith and love and patience in their hearts, and He would make it prosper and increase. He had put this fire in them, and would make it burn; He had laid this leaven in the dough or meal of their hearts, and He would make it heave and work till the whole was leavened. The apostle felt it at once his duty and joy to thank God on their behalf and to boast of their attainments to others. “We are bound to thank God always for you, as it is meet; … we ourselves glory in you in the Churches of God.” It is a noble, Christ-like spirit to sympathise with the sufferings and rejoice in the prosperities of the Church. A cheery word, a simple, hearty prayer, an act of sympathy and kindness, will do much to animate and encourage the struggling people of God: One lively Church is the means of rousing the zeal and emulation of others.
Lessons.—
1. Vigorous Church-life is the result of an intelligent and active faith in the truth.
2. Suffering is no sign of the divine displeasure, but often a means of spiritual prosperity.
3. Those who rejoice in the success of the Church are most likely to share in the blessings of that success.
GERM NOTES ON THE VERSES
2 Thessalonians 1:3. Growth in Grace.
I. Evidences of growth.—
1. Taking increasing pleasure in God’s word.
2. A growing attachment to the doctrines of Christ.
3. Increasing acquaintance with the mind of God.
4. In love one to another for the truth’s sake.
II. Importance of growth.—
1. Brings glory to God.
2. Influences the ministry of the word.
3. Not to grow, our religion declines and becomes doubtful.—Sketches.
2 Thessalonians 1:4. Christian Fidelity—
I.
Is severely tested by tribulations.
II.
Is a stimulating example to others.
III.
Is a theme of grateful boasting.