Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians

Comm on Phil, Col, Thes
1 Thessalonians 2:1-4
CHAPTER 2
1. For yourselves, brethren, know our 1. Ipsi enim nostis, fratres, quod ingressus
entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain: noster ad vos non inanis fuerit:
2. But even after that we had suffered before, 2. Imo quod persequutionem passi, et probro
and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at affecti Philippis (ut scitis) fiduciam sumpsimus
Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto in Deo nostro proferendi apud vos evangelium
you the gospel of God with much contention. Dei, cum multo certamine.
3. For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor 3. Nam exhortatio nostra, non ex impostura,
of uncleanness, nor in guile:
neque ex immunditia, neque in dolo:
4. But as we were allowed of God to be put 4. Sed quemadmodum probati fuimus a Deo,
in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as ut crederetur nobis evangelium, sic loquimur,
pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. non quasi hominibus placentes, sed Deo qui
probat corda nostra.
He now, leaving out of view the testimony of other Churches, reminds the Thessalonians of
what they had themselves experienced, 520 and explains at large in what way he, and in like manner
the two others, his associates, had conducted themselves among them, inasmuch as this was of the
greatest importance for confirming their faith. For it is with this view that he declares his integrity
— that the Thessalonians may perceive that they had been called to the faith, not so much by a
mortal man, as by God himself. He says, therefore, that his entering in unto them had not been
vain, as ambitious persons manifest much show, while they have nothing of solidity; for he employs
the word vain here as contrasted with efficacious
He proves this by two arguments. The first is, that he had suffered persecution and ignominy
at Philippi; the second is, that there was a great conflict prepared at Thessalonica. We know that
the minds of men are weakened, nay, are altogether broken down by means of ignominy and
persecutions. It was therefore an evidence of a Divine work that Paul, after having been subjected
to evils of various kinds and to ignominy, did, as if in a perfectly sound state, shew no hesitation
in making an attempt upon a large and opulent city, with the view of subjecting the inhabitants of
it to Christ. In this entering in, nothing is seen that savors of vain ostentation. In the second
department the same Divine power is beheld, for he does not discharge his duty with applause and
favor, but required to maintain a keen conflict. In the mean time he stood firm and undaunted, from
which it appears that he was held up 521 by the hand of God; for this is what he means when he says
that he was emboldened. And, unquestionably, if all these circumstances are carefully considered,
it cannot be denied that God there magnificently displayed his power. As to the history, it is to be
found in the sixteenth and seventeenth chapters of the Acts. [Acts 16 17.]
520 “Veuës et esprouuez;” — “Seen and experienced.”
521 “Soustenu et fortifié;” — “Sustained and strengthened.”
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John Calvin