, & Thessalonians 3:6-18. From his high expectations of the Advent, the Apostle turns to the prosaic commonplaces of daily toil. There was need for this, because the expectation of the speedy return of Christ was disarranging the ordinary course of life and duty. People were neglecting the common round of daily tasks, and idlers were imposing on Christian generosity. Against these the Apostle sets his own example of sitting far into the night at his tent-making. See 1 Thess. 2:9. The best attitude for those that look for their Lord is not in pressing their faces against the oriel window, to behold the chariot of their returning Master, but in plying their toil with deft hands sud consecrated hearts.

Note that parting salutation, v. 16, and let us believe that the God of peace is causing peace for us at all times and in all ways. Even storms are forwarding our boat to its haven, and we shall be borne in with the flood tide of his mercy. Every wind is a home wind to the child of God, setting in from the quarter of his love. Every messenger, however garbed, brings God’s salutation and benediction.

(ce) Where was Paul staying when he wrote this Epistle? (d) What conditions had developed which made it necessary for him to write again?

(Each question applies to the paragraph of corresponding number in the Comments.)

What are the contrasted destinies of those who accept and those who reject the gospel?

What great event must precede the coming of Christ?

Why did Paul desire the prayers of the Thessalonjians?

What special command had Paul given them while with them? Why is it now repeated? What is the closing benediction?

This Epistle was written not long after Paul had left Ephesus for Macedonia; but it is a matter of debate as to when this was, some holding that it must have been about the time of the great riot which drove the Apostle from the city; others that it was nearer the time of his second and last imprisonment at Rome.

The Epistle was designed to instruct him how to deal with false teachers, how to conduct public worship, and to urge him to cultivate all those qualities which would better equip him for the discharge of his important duties.