Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians

Comm on Phil, Col, Thes
at hand, is set aside by him by means of this argument — that there must previously to that be a
revolt in the Church, and a great part of the world must treacherously draw back from God, nay
more, that Antichrist must reign in the temple of God. In the third Chapter, after having commended
himself to their prayers, and having in a few words encouraged them to perseverance, he commands
that those be severely chastised who live in idleness at the expense of others. If they do not obey
admonitions, he teaches that they should be excommunicated.
2 Thessalonians 1:1-7
CHAPTER 1
1. Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto 1. Paulus et Silvanus et Timotheus Ecclesiae
the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father Thessalonicensium in Deo Patre nostro et
and the Lord Jesus Christ:
Domino Iesu Christo,
2. Grace unto you, and peace, from God our 2. Gratia vobis et pax a Deo Patre nostro et
Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Domino Iesu Christo.
3. We are bound to thank God always for you, 3. Gratias agere debemus Deo semper de
brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith vobis, fratres, quemadmodum dignum est, quia
groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every vehementer augescit fides vestra, et exuberat
one of you all toward each other aboundeth; caritas mutua uniuscuiusque omnium vestrum;
4. So that we ourselves glory in you in the 4. Ut nos ipsi de vobis gloriemur in Ecclesia
churches of God for your patience and faith in Dei, de tolerantia vestra et fide in omnibus
all your persecutions and tribulations that ye persequutionibus vestris et afflictionibus quas
endure:
sustinetis,
5 Which is a manifest token of the righteous 5. Ostensionem iusti iudicii Dei: ut digni
judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy habeamini regno Dei, pro quo et patimini.
of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:
6. Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to 6. Siquidem iustum est apud Deum reddere
recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; iis, qui vos affligunt, afflictionem:
7. And to you who are troubled rest with us. 7. Et vobis, qui affligimini, relaxationem
nobiscum.
1 To the Church of the Thessalonians which is in God. As to the form of salutation, it were
superfluous to speak. This only it is necessary to notice — that by a Church in God and Christ is
meant one that has not merely been gathered together under the banner of faith, for the purpose of
worshipping one God the Father, and confiding in Christ, but is the work and building as well of
the Father as of Christ, because while God adopts us to himself, and regenerates us, we from him
begin to be in Christ. (1 Corinthians 1:30)
3 To give thanks. He begins with commendation, that he may have occasion to pass on to
exhortation, for in this way we have more success among those who have already entered upon the
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John Calvin