1 Thessalonians 5

      14-16. Warn them that are unruly. The duties named in this section are those of the elders especially, but in a lesser sense the duty of all. Unruly. Those who are wayward, inconsistent, and disposed to follow their own will. Feeble-minded. Timid ones, who are easily discouraged by persecution, or cast down by trouble. Support the weak. Those weak in the faith. 15. See that none render evil for evil. See note on Rom. 12:21. This doctrine was subversive of the practice of the whole world. 16. Rejoice evermore. Religion is not sullen and sour, but full of joy; so full that the saint can even be joyous when all the world seems to frown. He has a hidden source of joy, a present Savior, a blessed hope.

      17-22. Pray without ceasing. See notes on Luke 18:1, and Eph. 6:18. 18. In everything give thanks. Always be thankful for God's benefits, and always express your thanks. For scriptural examples, see Acts 27:35 Acts 27:2 2 Cor. 1:11 Acts 28:15 Eph. 5:20 . This is the will of God. The three duties just named are probably comprehended. 19. Quench not the Spirit. Do not resist it, or counteract its influence by sensual lives. He does who disobeys the word of God, or refuses to follow the exhortations of those led by the Spirit, or who stifles his own conscience. 20. Despise not prophesyings. Inspired teachings. The prophets were specially inspired men in the early church. They were needed, because as yet it did not have the New Testament Scriptures for a guide. This inspired preaching must not be despised. 21. Prove all things. What was spoken they must put to the test, and all that stood the test, they must hold fast to. There were those who could "discern spirits" ( 1 Cor. 12:10 ). There were also rules for testing ( 1 John 4:1-8 ). 22. Abstain from all appearance of evil. The meaning is to avoid evil in every form.

      23-26. The God of peace. Who bestows peace of soul. Sanctify you wholly. Make you holy in every respect. Your whole spirit and soul and body. Let the whole man be preserved blameless. 24. Faithful is he. He who has called you is faithful, and if you trust him he will preserve you. 25. Pray for us. How often Paul requests this prayer! See Eph. 6:19 Colossians 4:3 Colossians 4:2 Col. 4:3, and 2 Thess. 3:1 . 26. Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss. See notes on Rom. 16:16, and /Commentaries/PeoplesNewTestament/pnt.cgi?book=&chapter=000#_"

      27, 28. I charge you by the Lord. His affectionate solicitude impels this solemn charge. Otherwise those in charge of the new church might think the letter was for them specially and that they were to teach its spirit and thoughts to the people. Read unto all. In the public assembly. 28. The grace of our Lord. The usual farewell benediction.