Volume IV
The First Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Thessalonians
With John Brown’s marginal references, notes and reflections · Vol. IV, p. 427
Thessalonica was the chief city of Macedonia, rebuilt by Philip the father of Alexander the Great, and so named to commemorate his victory over the Thessalonians. Here Paul planted a Christian church, consisting partly of Jews and partly of Gentiles; but was quickly driven from them by the fury of the Jews, Ac. 17. 1-10: and his attempt to return to them seems to have been hindered by the same cause, ch. 2. 18. To show his great affection for, and care of them, and to prevent their being seduced by false teachers, or discouraged by persecution, he wrote them this epistle;—in which he affectionately thanks God for his mercy manifested in their conversion, ch. i.: represents the engaging example he had set before them, and the tender care he had of them; his intention to send Timothy to comfort them, and his praying for their welfare, ch. ii. iii.: and, in view of the approaching judgment of the world, admonishes them to make proper preparation in all the branches of holiness, ch. iv. v. [Thessalonica was a flourishing city and seaport, the capital of Macedonia. This name was given to it by Philip, father of Alexander, in memory of his conquest of Thessaly. We learn from Ac. 17. 1-9 that Paul, during his first tour in Europe, preached the gospel in Thessalonica with considerable success, but was driven thence through the malice of the unbelieving Jews. From Thessalonica he went to Berea, and thence to Athens. From Athens he sent Timothy to Thessalonica to inquire into the state of the church, and confirm the new converts in the faith. Timothy, on his return, found Paul at Corinth,—whence, about A.D. 52 (as is generally supposed), he wrote this epistle, the topics being suggested by Timothy's report. This is also generally believed to have been the first of that glorious series of epistles with which Paul afterwards enriched the churches. Particular references are made in this epistle to Ge. 15. 16; Is. 59. 17; Zec. 14. 5; 1 Co. 15. 22, 51, 52. C.]