VCFMessages

WORD

1TH 4

13 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.

14 For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.

15 For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep.

16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.

17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.

18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.

1TH 5

1 Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you.

2 For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.

42 Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.

43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into.

44 Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. MAT 24:42-44

3 While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

4 But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief.

5 For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness.

6 So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.

7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night.

8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.

9 For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,

10 who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him.

11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 1TH 4:13-5:11

One of the primary themes of 1 Thessalonians is Christ’s second coming. Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy address the concerns and questions of the Thessalonian believers directly (1Th 4:13-5:10). As believers, Christ’s glorious return and the resurrection of the dead are truths we hold on to with faith and hope. These truths should affect how we live every day. While we don’t know when these will specifically happen, the letter reminds us of who we are in Christ and the disposition we must take: We are to wait patiently and be sober-minded, continually building one another up in the faith. In this lesson, we will look at some of the final instructions these leaders gave to the church in Thessalonica.

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 1JN 1:7

Encourage one another

11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

12 We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you,

13 and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. 1TH 5:11-13

Because we face different challenges and can get frustrated, disappointed, or even tempted to quit, we cannot live in isolation. We need one another and the encouragement that comes in community. To encourage is to give a person the courage, strength, and inspiration to persevere. Share about a person who encourages you to stand fast in your faith. What impact has it made on you?

28 Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.

The lips of the righteous feed many,

but fools die for lack of sense. PRO 10:21

Rashi

The lips of the righteous feed many, etc.—Many eat in his merit and because of his prayer.

35 In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” ACT 20:28, 35

Admonish one another

And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. 1TH 5:14

Believers don’t just share the responsibility of encouraging one another. We are also to admonish one another—to warn, urge, and correct. In this case, Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy were reiterating their charge in 1Th 4:11-12 for the believers not to be idle. Though admonishing others is not easy, we can do so when we speak the truth in love (Eph 4:15). What do you think will happen if we speak truth with no love, or speak with love but no truth? Recall a time when someone admonished you in a way that led you closer to God.

Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ . . . EPH 4:15

These are the things that you shall do: Speak the truth to one another; render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace . . . ZEC 8:16

Rashi

Judgments that . . . make for peace—I.e., compromise.

Sanhedrin 6b:6

Rabbi Yehoshua ben Korha says: It is a commandment to mediate a dispute, as it is stated: “Render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace” (Zec 8:16). Is it not that in the place where there is strict judgment there is no true peace, and in a place where there is true peace, there is no strict judgment? Rather, which is the judgment that has peace within it? You must say: This is mediation, as both sides are satisfied with the result.

Tractate Derekh Eretz Zuta, Section on Peace 2

There they taught: Rabban Simeon b. Gamaliel used to say: By three things does the world endure: justice, truth and peace. R. Muna said: The three are one, because if justice is done, truth has been effected and peace brought about; and all three are mentioned in one verse, as it is stated, Render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace, indicating that wherever justice is done peace is to be found.

11 and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you,

12 so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one. 1TH 4:11-12

FUTURE HOPE Living for God’s Pleasure in View of Christ’s Coming: Walk in God’s peace

Because the Thessalonian believers thought that Christ’s return was very imminent, some of them stopped working. They became idle, and were even like parasites, totally relying on others for their daily needs. Some became busybodies, minding others’ business instead of their own. But, even if we are waiting for our future hope, we are called to live in peace by working and living our lives so as not to be a burden and annoyance to others. This hard work and dependence on God becomes a testimony to those who don’t know him yet. How have you learned to apply the instructions in this passage to your own life?

Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind. ECC 4:6

Rashi

Better is a handful of quietness—To acquire few possessions, but with his toil, so that his Creator should have satisfaction from them.

Than two hands full—Many possessions through sin, which is toil and grief to the Omnipresent.

It is good that one should wait quietly

for the salvation of the Lord. LAM 3:26

Rashi

It is good that one should wait quietly—The vav of וְיָחִיל is superfluous like the vav of Gen 36:24: “Ayyah (וְאַיָּה) and Anah.” It is good that a man wait and remain silent and hope for the Lord’s salvation.

It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. MAR 13:34

Pray for one another

23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

25 Brothers, pray for us. 1TH 5:23, 25

Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy encouraged the church to pray without ceasing (1Th 5:17), prayed for the Thessalonians, and asked the believers to pray for them as well. Lifting up our concerns to God, giving him our burdens, and trusting him to take care of those we love shows that we are relying on God, not ourselves. What was the final prayer of Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy for the church (1Th 5:23)? Following this example, how can we pray for one another?

. . . pray without ceasing . . . 1TH 5:17

8 Keep my statutes and do them; I am the Lord who sanctifies you.

You are to speak to the people of Israel and say, “Above all you shall keep my Sabbaths, for this is a sign between me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I, the Lord, sanctify you.” EXO 31:13

Rashi

You are to speak to the people of Israel—And you, although I have mandated you to command them concerning the work of the tabernacle, do not let it seem to you that you may easily set the Sabbath aside on account of that work.

Above all you shall keep my Sabbaths—Even though you be anxious and alert to do the work promptly the Sabbath nevertheless you must not set aside on its account. The words אַ and רַק have limitative force, to exclude the Sabbath from the work of the tabernacle.

For this is a sign between me and you—There is a mark of distinction in the relation that exists between us, viz., the fact that I have chosen you by letting you inherit for rest my day of rest.

That you may know—So that the nations should know that I, the Lord, sanctify you.

26 You shall be holy to me, for I the Lord am holy and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be mine. LEV 20:8, 26

Rashi

And have separated you from the peoples, that you should be mine—If you hold yourselves apart from them then you will be mine, but if not, you belong to Nebuchadnezzar and others like him. Rabbi Eleazer ben Azariah said, “Whence do we know that one should not say, ‘My soul loathes pork,’ or, ‘I have no desire to wear clothes which are a mixture of wool and linen,’ but one should say, ‘I would, indeed, like them, but what can I do—my Father in heaven has imposed these decrees upon me?” Because Scripture states: “And have separated you from the peoples, that you should be mine”—your very distinction from them should be for my sake—that one should keep aloof from sin and take upon himself the yoke of the kingdom of heaven (Sifra, Kedoshim, Chapter 12 23).

And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. JOH 17:19

WORD

Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. 1TH 4:1

While the first part of this letter recounts all that had happened so far, the rest focuses on instructions for the believers, especially as they waited in hope for Christ’s glorious return. Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy urged the church to walk in holiness, love, and peace, fueled by a desire to please God alone.

1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

13 Do I eat the flesh of bulls

or drink the blood of goats?

Rashi

Do I eat the flesh of bulls—I did not order you to bring a sacrifice because I need to eat, but it is my pleasure that I spoke and my will was performed.

14 Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving,

and perform your vows to the Most High . . . PSA 50:13-14

Rashi

Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving—Confess your deeds and return to me. That is the sacrifice that I desire, and afterwards perform your vows to the Most High, for then they will be accepted willingly.

Take with you words

and return to the Lord;

say to him,

“Take away all iniquity;

accept what is good,

and we will pay with bulls

the vows of our lips. HOS 14:3

Rashi

Take away all iniquity—Heb. כָּל-תִּשָׂא עָוֹן. Take away all our iniquities.

Accept what is good—The few good deeds in our hands take in your hand and judge us accordingly. And so does David say (Psa 17:2): “From your presence let my sentence come! Let your eyes behold the right!” Another explanation: Accept good Accept confession from us, as it is said (Psa 92:2): “It is good to confess to the Lord.”

And we will pay with bulls that we should have sacrificed before you, we will pay them with the placation of the words of our lips.

2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. ROM 12:1-2

29 For everyone who does any of these abominations, the persons who do them shall be cut off from among their people.

Makkot 23a:20

And Rabbi Ḥananya ben Gamliel says: And if for one who performs one transgression his soul is taken for it, as one’s soul can be uprooted from the world for one transgression, for one who performs a single commandment, it is all the more so the case that his soul will be given to him, as the reward for performing commandments is greater than the punishment for performing transgressions. Rabbi Shimon says: It is derived from its own place in the law, as it is stated at the conclusion of the passage discussing intercourse with forbidden relatives, which is punishable with karet: “And the persons who perform them shall be excised” (Lev 18:29).

Rashi

The persons who do them—Both men and women are implied by the plural “the persons who do them” (in contrast to the sing. “everyone who does” in the beginning of the verse Sifra, Acharei Mot, Chapter 13 20).

30 So keep my charge never to practice any of these abominable customs that were practiced before you, and never to make yourselves unclean by them: I am the Lord your God. LEV 18:29-30

Moed Katan 5a:21

Mar Zutra said that an allusion to this obligation is found in the verse “Thus you shall keep the people of Israel separate from their impurity” (Lev 15:31), which indicates that people must be warned to stay away from that which could cause them to become ritually impure. Rav Ashi said it is derived from the verse: “So keep my charge” (Lev 18:30), which means that you must establish a safeguard for my charge, i.e., protective measures must be enacted to prevent people from transgressing halakha, a task that includes distancing people from ritual impurity by marking off graves, so that they not come to convey ritual impurity to the contribution or other consecrated items.

Rashi

So keep my charge—This is intended to caution the court regarding this (Sifra, Acharei Mot, Chapter 13 22).

And never to make yourselves unclean by them: I am the Lord your God—If, however, you do defile yourselves I am not your God since you have cut yourselves off from me. What use can I have of you? Consequently you deserve annihilation! That is why Scripture states: I am the Lord your God (Sifra, Acharei Mot, Chapter 13 22).

Walk in God’s holiness

3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality;

4 that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor,

5 not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God;

6 that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you.

7 For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness.

8 Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you. 1TH 4:3-8

In contrast to the impure and immoral practices at that time, the Thessalonian church was to live in holiness. The authors of the letter did not mince words when explaining that the church should live pure and holy before God. In fact, those who disregard these instructions are disregarding God, who already gave believers his Holy Spirit to empower us to live a holy life. How does our culture tempt us to disregard God? Why do you think these instructions had to be so specific?

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;

fools despise wisdom and instruction. PRO 1:7

Rashi

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge—This is the separation of the fundamentals of knowledge, and what shall be for you first, preceding knowledge: Before your wisdom, first fear your Creator, and that will give your heart the desire to engage in wisdom and in knowledge, for the fools, who do not fear the Lord, despise wisdom and instruction.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge—Until here, he explained for what purpose Solomon composed this book, and now the book commences.

Thus says the Lord,

the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One,

to one deeply despised, abhorred by the nation,

the servant of rulers:

“Kings shall see and arise;

princes, and they shall prostrate themselves;

because of the Lord, who is faithful,

the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.” ISA 49:7

Rashi

To one deeply despised—Heb. לִבְזֹה נֶפֶשׁ, a despised soul, about Israel, who are despised.

Abhorred by the nation—Abhorred by the nation, and he is the servant to those who rule over him.

Kings shall see him and arise.

Who is faithful to keep his promise that he promised Abraham concerning the kingdoms, as the matter is stated (Gen 15:17): “Behold, a smoking stove, etc.”

The Holy One of Israel is he, who has chosen you.

You know the commandments: “Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.” MAR 10:19

Walk in God’s love

9 Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another,

10 for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more . . . 1TH 4:9-10

The Thessalonian church was already an example of brotherly love, but Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy still reminded them to do this more and more. Loving others is not one event or a box we can check off our to-do list. It’s something we do in obedience to God more and more. And as we experience God’s love in greater ways, we can love others too. According to Jesus, how will the world know that we are his disciples (Joh 13:35)?

By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. JOH 13:35

7 and there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock. At that time the Canaanites and the Perizzites were dwelling in the land.

8 Then Abram said to Lot, “Let there be no strife between you and me, and between your herdsmen and my herdsmen, for we are kinsmen.” GEN 13:7-8

Yevamot 17b:6

The Gemara objects on another count: Let the halakha derive the meaning of the term brotherhood from the term brotherhood from Lot, as it is written that Abraham said to Lot: “For we are brothers” (Gen 13:8). From here one could conclude that the word brothers means relatives and not necessarily brothers. The Gemara rejects this: It is more reasonable to derive from the children of Jacob, due to the fact that the word “brothers” is free in its context and is therefore available to be used in a verbal analogy: Since it could have written: We, your servants, are twelve children of our father, but instead it writes: “Twelve brothers, the children of one man” (Gen 42:13), learn from here that this comes to render the word “brothers” free so that it may be allocated to another matter, i.e., the definition of brothers.

Then he sent his brothers away, and as they departed, he said to them, “Do not quarrel on the way.” GEN 45:24

Rashi

Do not quarrel on the way—Do not busy yourselves with halachic discussions lest the road cause you to stray. Another explanation is: Do not take long steps and enter the town while the sun is still shining (Taanit 10b). According to the plain sense of the verse, it must be explained thus: Because they felt ashamed he feared that they might quarrel on the way about his having been sold, arguing one with another. One would say: “It was through you he was sold. It was you who made slanderous statements about him and caused us to hate him.”

5 but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him:

10 Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. 1JN 2:5, 10

Walk in God’s peace

11 . . . and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you,

12 so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one. 1TH 4:11-12

Because the Thessalonian believers thought that Christ’s return was very imminent, some of them stopped working. They became idle, and were even like parasites, totally relying on others for their daily needs. Some became busybodies, minding others’ business instead of their own. But, even if we are waiting for our future hope, we are called to live in peace by working and living our lives so as not to be a burden and annoyance to others. This hard work and dependence on God becomes a testimony to those who don’t know him yet. How have you learned to apply the instructions in this passage to your own life?

Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind. ECC 4:6

Rashi

Better is a handful of quietness—To acquire few possessions, but with his toil, so that his Creator should have satisfaction from them.

Than two hands full—Many possessions through sin, which is toil and grief to the Omnipresent.

It is good that one should wait quietly

for the salvation of the Lord. LAM 3:26

Rashi

It is good that one should wait quietly—The vav of וְיָחִיל is superfluous like the vav of Gen 36:24: “Ayyah (וְאַיָּה) and Anah.” It is good that a man wait and remain silent and hope for the Lord’s salvation.

It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. MAR 13:34

WORD

1 Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone,

2 and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith,

3 that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this.

4 For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know.

5 For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain.

6 But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you—

7 for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith.

8 For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord.

9 For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God,

10 as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith?

11 Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you,

12 and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you,

13 so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. 1TH 3:1-13

Imagine losing contact with someone you love and not knowing how the person is doing. Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy had lost all contact with the Thessalonian believers. They knew of the difficulty and persecution, but they didn’t know if the new believers would stand strong in their faith. So they decided to send Timothy and were relieved to hear his good report. Our faith, too, is tested and refined through the challenges we face. In this lesson, we will look at the reality of affliction, the necessity of community, and how God enables us to endure tough times.

And you shall rejoice before the Lord your God, you and your son and your daughter, your male servant and your female servant, the Levite who is within your towns, the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow who are among you, at the place that the Lord your God will choose, to make his name dwell there. DEU 16:11

Kiddushin 34b:5

The Gemara asks: What can be said with regard to a widow, who no longer has a husband but is nevertheless obligated to be joyful on a festival, as it is written: “And you shall rejoice before the Lord your God, you . . . and the widow” (Deu 16:11)? The Gemara answers that the commandment does not apply directly to a widow; rather, it applies to the men with whom she is present, i.e., they have an obligation to ensure that widows rejoice on the festivals.

Rashi

The Levite . . . the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow—These four are mine, corresponding to four that are yours, viz., Your son and your daughter, your male servant and your female servant. If you shall gladden Mine, I will gladden yours (Midrash Tanchuma, Re’eh 18).

Like cold water to a thirsty soul,

so is good news from a far country. PRO 25:25

Rashi

To a thirsty soul—It cold water is accustomed to revive a thirsty soul.

So is good news—That too is equal to it, and so was it with Jacob (Gen 45:27): “The spirit of Jacob their father revived.”

22 . . . strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.

23 And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed. ACT 14:22-23

As followers of Christ, we face affliction

3 . . . that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this.

4 For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know. 1TH 3:3-4

The authors of this letter didn’t just say that affliction is real; they said that we are destined for this. Though this is a promise we would rather not claim, the truth is, all believers will face affliction for the gospel of Jesus Christ. Why do you think Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy found it crucial to tell new believers that suffering and affliction would come their way?

1 I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away.

2 They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God.

3 And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me. JOH 16:1-3

2 But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict.

Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. ACT 5:41

14 For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea. For you suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they did from the Jews, 1TH 2:2, 14

As followers of Christ, we need community

7 . . . for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith.

8 For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. 1TH 3:7-8

Timothy’s good report of the Thessalonian church encouraged Paul and Silvanus. Their faith was mutually built and edified when Timothy told the Thessalonians about Paul and Silvanus’ love and concern, as well as when Timothy brought back the report. In the midst of affliction, followers of Christ are to stand fast in faith together. In 1Th 3:10, what was their prayer for the church? Why is seeing each other face to face and supplying what is lacking in our faith important?

. . . as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith? 1TH 3:10

10 always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God’s will I may now at last succeed in coming to you.

11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you—

12 that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine. ROM 1:10-12

30 I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf,

31 that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints,

32 so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company. ROM 15:30-32

15 Because I was sure of this, I wanted to come to you first, so that you might have a second experience of grace.

24 Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, for you stand firm in your faith. 2CO 1:15, 24

As followers of Christ, God establishes our hearts while we wait for our future hope

11 Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you,

12 and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you,

13 so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. 1TH 3:11-13

Since the church planters could not be with the Thessalonian church, they did what they could from where they were. They asked God for a way to be with the church, committed them to God, and trusted God to complete his work in their lives. According to verse 13, who establishes our hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father? What attitude do you think we should have as we wait for the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints?

He said,

“The Lord came from Sinai

and dawned from Seir upon us;

he shone forth from Mount Paran;

he came from the ten thousands of holy ones,

with flaming fire at his right hand. DEU 33:2

Rashi

He said, “The Lord came from Sinai”—Moses began his blessing by praising the Omnipresent, and then he addressed the needs of Israel. The praise with which Moses began, mentions the merit of Israel. All this was a way of intercession, as though to say, “These people are worthy that a blessing should rest upon them” (Sifrei Devarim 343:1).

Came from Sinai—He came out to meet them when they came to stand at the foot of the mountain, as a bridegroom goes forth to welcome his bride, as it is said (Exo 19:17), “And Moses brought the people forth to meet God”: this teaches us that He (God) came out to meet them (cf. Mekhilta d’Rabbi Yishmael 19:17:1 and Rashi on the verse quoted).

And dawned from Seir upon us (the Israelites), because he first offered the sons of Esau (the inhabitants of Seir) that they should accept the law, but they refused.

He shone forth—To them Israel.

From Mount Paran, because he went there and offered the sons of Ishmael (who dwelt in Paran, see Gen 21:21) to accept it and they also refused (Avodah Zarah 2b; Sifrei Devarim 343:6).

He came to Israel.

From the ten thousands of holy ones—With him were ten thousands of the holy angels, and not all of them and not even the majority of them: not as is the way of a human being who displays all the splendour of his riches and magnificence on his marriage day (Sifrei Devarim 343:11).

Flaming fire—The law which had been written before him from olden times in black fire upon white fire (Midrash Tanchuma, Bereshit 1). He gave to them upon the tablets the writing of his right hand (cf. Jerusalem Talmud Shekalim 9:1). Another explanation: As the Targum renders it, that he gave it to them from amidst the fire.

As I looked,

thrones were placed,

and the Ancient of Days took his seat;

his clothing was white as snow,

and the hair of his head like pure wool;

his throne was fiery flames;

its wheels were burning fire. DAN 7:9

Rashi

Thrones were placed—Thrones were placed and established to sit in judgment, one for judgment for the nations of the world and one for charity for Israel.

And the Ancient of Days took his seat—The Holy One, blessed be he, was sitting in judgment on this kingdom and on those before it, who provoked him and oppressed his children.

White as snow—To whiten the iniquities of his people.

And the hair of his head like pure wool—He cleanses himself of the merits that the nations have before him, and he pays them all their reward in this world.

Fiery—As translated, fiery.

Burning fire—As translated, burning fire.

7 so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ,

8 who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1CO 1:7-8

WORD

11 For you know how, like a father with his children,

12 we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory. 1TH 2:11-12

Act 17 gives us the account of how the church in Thessalonica was birthed. The gospel was preached, people responded, and persecution quickly followed, which led to Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy being separated from the new believers. This letter to the Thessalonians is their attempt to encourage the church to remain true to their faith in Christ. One specific way they did this was reminding them of their love for and relationship with each other. While waiting for the fulfillment of the coming kingdom of Christ, the church at that time encountered persecution and affliction. Yet, they were called to live, serve, and persevere in community. Today, we will look at what it means to be in church community while we wait for Christ’s glorious return together.

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 1TH 5:11

2 Those who have believing masters must not be disrespectful on the ground that they are brothers; rather they must serve all the better since those who benefit by their good service are believers and beloved.

Teach and urge these things.

John Gill

Those who have believing masters—That believe in one God, in opposition to the Gentiles, that held many gods, and in Jesus Christ, in distinction from the Jews; who believed in him with the heart, and professed him with their mouths, and held the mystery of faith in a pure conscience. What is said before, is said to servants that had unbelieving masters; who would be ready to blaspheme, should they act amiss. Servants were under a snare both ways, through the insinuations of false teachers; who suggested, that their service was not consistent with their Christian liberty; that they ought not to serve wicked men, because being called of God, they were advanced above them; nor good men, because they were upon a level with them. But the apostle teaches another doctrine;

Must not be disrespectful on the ground that they are brothers—Of the same family named of Christ, and of the same household of God, and of faith, and have the same father; for though with regard to spiritual blessings, privileges, and ordinances, they were equal; yet not with regard to temporal and civil affairs; and therefore should not treat them with less respect, or be more backward to obey their lawful commands, on that account:

Rather they must serve—More heartily, and with a greater good will, as to the Lord; these masters belonging to him, and being engaged in his cause; which they, their servants, by yielding a cheerful obedience to them, are assisting in: and the rather,

Since those . . . are believers—Faithful in lesser things, in giving to them, their servants, what is just and equal, proper food and suitable garments, and their just wages; and in using their wealth and riches in a good way, for the interest of Christ, the assistance of the poor saints, and the spreading of the gospel; and so in greater things, by holding fast the profession of their faith, adhering to Christ, his truths and ordinances: or “since those . . . believing, or believers”; it is the same word as before used; and therefore they should be precious to them, and high in their esteem; for faith is a precious grace, and such as have it are chosen of God, and precious:

Who benefit by their good service—Of the free grace of God; of redemption and salvation by Jesus Christ, and of all spiritual blessings in him; and therefore should serve them the more cheerfully. The Syriac version renders it, “such as enjoy rest in,” or “are refreshed by their service”; or “by their service to them,” as the Arabic version: the sense is, that when believing servants serve their believing masters readily and faithfully, their masters are well pleased with them, delight in their service, and consider it as a benefit to them, and a kindness done them; and which therefore should animate and encourage them to serve them. Some understand these characters of

Believers and beloved—Of the servants’ themselves; that because they are such; therefore they should serve, and not despise their believing masters; and particularly the last clause, which may be rendered, “who in return receive a benefit from them,” as food, garments, and wages; and besides, they are used with humanity and kindness, and in a manner becoming Christians; to which agrees the Ethiopic version, which renders it, “who will receive and help you”; will take care of you, and assist you, and supply you with what is proper and necessary:

And beloved—Of God, who had chosen them to salvation; and of Christ, who had redeemed them by his blood; and of the saints, who are taught of God to love one another; and this is another reason why they should be served, and not despised:

Teach and urge these things—The Syriac and Arabic versions add them; the servants. The apostle was not above instructing and exhorting persons of such a capacity, and in so low a state of life; and it became Timothy to do so likewise; and every minister of the word.

They assembled themselves together against Moses and against Aaron and said to them, “You have gone too far! For all in the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the Lord?” NUM 16:3

Sanhedrin 109b:16

Rav says: On the son of Peleth, did not repent on his own; rather, his wife saved him. She said to him: What is the difference to you? If this master, Moses, is the great one, you are the student. And if this master, Korah, is the great one, you are the student. Why are you involving yourself in this matter? On said to her: What shall I do? I was one of those who took counsel and I took an oath with them that I would be with them. She said to him: I know that all in the assembly are holy, as it is written: “For all in the assembly are holy” (Num 16:3), and they observe the restrictions of modesty. She said to him: Sit, for I will save you. She gave him wine to drink and caused him to become drunk and laid him on a bed inside their tent. She sat at the entrance of the tent.

13 I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession . . .

17 As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 1TI 6:2, 13, 17

Being in community means treating each other as family

But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. 1TH 2:7

In 1Th 2 alone, Paul referred to those in the church as their brothers and children. They considered themselves mothers and fathers of the new believers, caring for them, encouraging them, and charging them to follow God. While our church community does not replace our natural families, we are blessed to have leaders who love us like sons and daughters, and brothers and sisters. How has someone in your church community been like family to you?

15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.”

But Jacob said to him, “My lord knows that the children are frail, and that the nursing flocks and herds are a care to me. If they are driven hard for one day, all the flocks will die.” GEN 33:13

Rashi

That the nursing—An expression of “infants and babies” (Lam 2:11), “an infant” (Isa 65:20), “and two nursing cows” (1Sa 6:7). French enfantes.

That the nursing flocks and herds are a care to me—The sheep and herds which are nursing constitute a care upon me to drive them slowly.

If they are driven hard—Heb. וּדְפָקוּם, lit., and if they beat them, like “A sound! My beloved is knocking (דוֹפֵק)” (Son 5:2), knocking at the door.

If they are driven hard for one day, wearying them on the journey by making them run, all the flocks will die.

16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.”

17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.” JOH 21:15-17

Being in community means sharing lives

So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us. 1TH 2:8

The concern and love of Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy was genuine. They didn’t just relate with the new believers as recipients of the gospel message. They shared their whole selves and lives with them. The relationship permeated every aspect of their lives. What do you think it means to “share lives”? Why is sharing lives important in serving Christ?

11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you—

12 that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine. ROM 1:11-12

I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more, am I to be loved less? 2CO 12:15

Being in community means serving one another

For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. 1TH 2:9

Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy worked hard to preach the gospel, tend to their own needs, and serve others. They didn’t want to burden the church with their needs. In many of Paul’s letters, we see how he placed the burden on himself for his own needs, even when others could help. And beyond that, he would serve others without expecting anything in return. What labor and toil do you see people in your church community participating in today? Why do you think they serve this way?

15 The former governors who were before me laid heavy burdens on the people and took from them for their daily ration forty shekels of silver. Even their servants lorded it over the people. But I did not do so, because of the fear of God.

Rashi

Laid heavy burdens on the people—Heb. הִכְבִּידוּ, lit. made heavy. They made the tax heavy upon the people.

And took—They would take their daily ration from them for the tax after they had already given forty shekels of silver, and they were accustomed to doing this every year.

Even their servants—i.e., the servants of the governors.

18 Now what was prepared at my expense for each day was one ox and six choice sheep and birds, and every ten days all kinds of wine in abundance. Yet for all this I did not demand the food allowance of the governor, because the service was too heavy on this people. NEH 5:15, 18

Rashi

Now what was prepared—And every day they ate at my table one ox and six sheep and many birds.

Was prepared at my expense—Heb. נַעֲשּׂוּ, an expression of preparation, like (Gen 18:8): “. . . and the calf that he had prepared (עָשָּׂה).”

Prepared—Heb. בְּרֻרוֹת. Its interpretation is according to the context: six prepared sheep, like the matter that is stated (1Sa 25:18): “. . . five sheep already prepared (עֲשׂוּיוֹת).”

And every ten days—Heb. וּבֵין עֲשֶּׂרֶת יָמִים, lit. and between ten days. And every day they drank much wine, the amount that suffices for ten days.

Yet for all this—Heb. וְעִם זֶה; yet this procedure, for which I used to make such big expenditures.

Food of the tax, which is fit for the governor, I did not demand, and I did not request it of the people, for the service of the building of the wall was too heavy and strong on them.

. . . and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade. ACT 18:3

WORD

1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,

To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

Grace to you and peace.

2 We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers,

But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed . . . ROM 6:17

3 remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

4 For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you,

5 because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.

6 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit,

7 so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.

8 For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything.

9 For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God,

10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come. 1TH 1:1-10

Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy wrote a letter to encourage the young church in Thessalonica. This church-planting team had preached the gospel and planted a thriving church there, but were then persecuted for the gospel and had to leave the new believers. As expected, they were troubled and anxious to know how the church was doing, so they sent Timothy to check. They were finally at peace when they heard Timothy’s good report of their faith and passion for God. One of the concerns this letter addresses is how believers should live in light of Christ’s second coming, the full establishment of his kingdom, and the coming judgment and rewards for believers. Paul and his fellow church planters wanted to guide and teach the new believers, especially because they couldn’t be together. For the next few weeks, we can learn from Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, as well as the Thessalonian church. In this lesson, we will look at how the gospel transforms our lives.

. . . and many peoples shall come, and say:

“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,

to the house of the God of Jacob,

that he may teach us his ways

and that we may walk in his paths.”

For out of Zion shall go forth the law,

and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. ISA 2:3

TRUST WORTHY God’s Salvation: God desires for us to journey with him

Walking in the light of the Lord means journeying with him toward the house of God on the mountain of the Lord, the highest of the mountains. Isaiah’s prophecy shows how people of all nations will flow to his house with joy and eagerness, calling others to join them. Today, the house of God refers to his people, the Church. Because God had ordained that this would happen, it is his desire that we, along with believers from every nation, journey toward his house. What got you started on your journey with the Lord?

TRUST WORTHY God’s Salvation: God desires for us to learn his ways

The rest of the passage shows what will take place in the house of God: that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths. God desires for his people to learn his ways. When we put our faith in him, we will learn his ways, and if we walk in his paths by obeying him and listening for his correction, we will become more and more like him. As a result of knowing God more and more, what are some things in your life that have changed?

The gospel transforms our life direction

4 For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you,

5 because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.

6 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit . . . 1TH 1:4-6

The believers in Thessalonica had heard and responded to the gospel in faith. As a result, they not only became imitators of those who preached to them, but also of the Lord. After encountering the Holy Spirit and having their hearts opened to the gospel, they were no longer the same. And even if that meant persecution and suffering for the gospel, they were set on following Christ. How did the gospel change the direction of your life?

. . . so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;

it shall not return to me empty,

but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,

and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. ISA 55:11

Rashi

So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth to inform you through the prophets, will not return empty, but will do good to you if you heed them.

Therefore, behold, I will allure her,

and bring her into the wilderness,

and speak tenderly to her. HOS 2:16

Berakhot 7a:22

And Rabbi Yohanan said in the name of Rabbi Yosei: A single regret or pang of guilt in one’s heart is preferable to many lashes administered by others that cause only physical pain, as it is stated: “She chases her lovers but does not overtake them; she seeks them but will not find them; and she shall say, ‘I will go and return to my first husband, for it was better for me then than now’ ” (Hos 2:9). Remorse is more effective than any externally imposed punishment listed in the verses that follow (Hos 2:11-19). And Reish Lakish said that in the Bible, it seems that such remorse is preferable to one hundred lashes, as it is stated: “A rebuke enters deeper into a man of understanding than a hundred lashes into a fool” (Pro 17:10).

Rashi

Therefore, behold, I will allure her—I will persuade her to be drawn after me (losanjier in O.F., to flatter or cajole). Other editions read: atrayray in O.F. (attirerai). I will lure, attract. And what is the allurement?

And bring her into the wilderness—In exile, which is to her like a wilderness and a wasteland. And there she will lay up to her heart that it was better for her when she performed my will than when she rebelled against me.

4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us,

5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved . . . EPH 2:4-5

The gospel transforms our affections

For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God . . . 1TH 1:9

From serving idols to serving God, the believers in Thessalonica no longer had the same affections. Their hearts, minds, and souls were no longer set on idolatry and false worship. While we may not be involved in idol worship physically, our hearts can be captivated by pursuing our own interests and seeking after what the world has to offer. How do you think we would know if the gospel has transformed our affections? According to 1Th 1:3, what did Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy remember about the Thessalonians?

. . . remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 1TH 1:3

For to the one who pleases him God has given wisdom and knowledge and joy, but to the sinner he has given the business of gathering and collecting, only to give to one who pleases God. This also is vanity and a striving after wind. ECC 2:26

Rashi

For to the one who pleases him—Before God, mentioned above, “is from the hand of God.”

God has given wisdom and knowledge and joy—A heart to engage in the law and in the commandments and to rejoice in his portion of eating, drinking, and clean clothing.

But to the sinner he has given the business—A habit and concern of gathering and collecting, only to give to one who pleases God, as the matter is stated (Est 8:2): “and Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman.”

This also—Is one of the vanities that were given to the creatures, that they labor, and someone else takes.

O Lord, my strength and my stronghold,

my refuge in the day of trouble,

to you shall the nations come

from the ends of the earth and say:

“Our fathers have inherited nothing but lies,

worthless things in which there is no profit.” JER 16:19

Rashi

My refuge—(Mon vantement in French), my boast. And Menachem (Mahberet p. 123) classified it as an expression of a wonder (cf. Psa 60:6) “You have set up a wonder to be wondrous (נֵס לְהִתְנוֹסֵס) for those who fear you.”

To you shall the nations come—Eventually, the heathens shall come to you and worship you of one accord, and they will say, “How did they make gods for themselves, and they are no gods?”

From the ends of—Like מִקְצֵה, from the end of.

Inherited—An expression of an inheritance.

Profit—An expression of use (תּוֹעֶלֶת).

27 Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.”

28 Then they said to him, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?”

29 Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” JOH 6:27-29

The gospel transforms our disposition

. . . and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come. 1TH 1:10

A follower of Christ does not just hope in God for this life. In reality, the fulfillment of our hope will be at Christ’s glorious return. Believers wait for this with much expectation, trusting that one day true joy will be experienced, rewards will be given to those who faithfully serve God, ultimate justice will be served, and his kingdom will be restored. How does the certainty of Christ’s coming affect how we live today?

3 But you, draw near,

sons of the sorceress,

offspring of the adulterer and the loose woman.

Rashi

But you, draw near—The survivors after the righteous have departed, and receive your sentences.

Sons of the sorceress—Heb. בְּנֵי עֹנְנָה, sons of the sorceress.

Offspring of the adulterer—That the male commits adultery.

And the loose woman—The female.

4 Whom are you mocking?

Against whom do you open your mouth wide

and stick out your tongue?

Are you not children of transgression,

the offspring of deceit . . . ISA 57:3-4

Rashi

Whom are you mocking—Since you have turned away from following me, on whom will you rely to enjoy yourselves with good. Had you merited, you would then enjoy yourselves with the Lord, but now, whom are you mocking?

Against whom do you open your mouth wide—When you scorned and mocked his prophets.

But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?” MAT 3:7

WORD

5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.

6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands,

7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God,

The law of the Lord is perfect,

reviving the soul;

the testimony of the Lord is sure,

making wise the simple . . . PSA 19:8

Rashi

And there is nothing hidden from its heat on the day of judgment, as is stated in Mal 3:19: “The day that is coming shall set them ablaze.” But the law of the Lord is perfect; it restores the soul to ways of life and it protects those who study it from that burning, as is stated (ibid. verse 20): “For you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing.”

The law of the Lord is perfect—That too illuminates like the sun, as is written at the end of the topic: “enlightening the eyes,” and Scripture states (in Pro 6:23): “For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light.”

Reviving the soul—It the law restores it the soul from the ways of death to the ways of life. The law, the testimony, the orders, the commandments, the fear, and the judgments total six, corresponding to the six orders of the Mishnah. Between each name of God are five words including the name itself, corresponding to the Five Books of the Pentateuch. And so the Psalmist concludes: “true, and righteous altogether.” They are altogether devised with kindness and truth.

The testimony of the Lord is sure—It is sure to testify for those who study it.

Making wise the simple—It gives wisdom to the simple.

Yoma 72b:17

In the same Psalm the verse states: “The testimony of God is sure” (Psa 19:8). Rabbi Hiyya bar Abba said: This alludes to the fact that the law is sure to testify about those who study it and those who do not.

9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,

10 and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,

11 for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher,

12 which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me.

13 Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

. . . an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth . . . ROM 2:20

14 By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you. 2TI 1:5-14

Paul went through many hardships as he carried out his mission of preaching the gospel. This was causing people to abandon him and the mission. But relying on God as he went through these trials enabled him to impart valuable lessons to the next generation. He wrote this letter to Timothy, the young leader of the church in Ephesus, encouraging Timothy to stand firm and endure. Sometimes the hardship of pursuing God’s mission can deter us from pressing forward. What did Paul tell Timothy, and what can we learn from it?

Timothy received a legacy of faith

I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. 2TI 1:5

Timothy came from a godly family. Paul mentioned that both his mother and grandmother had a sincere faith in Christ, and he believed that they had left this legacy to Timothy. Paul called upon this faith to help Timothy endure even if he felt like falling away. Though we don’t all have a direct legacy of faith passed to us by our immediate family, we are all recipients of the legacy of faith and obedience passed down through history. Every believer was first told the gospel by someone else. With this faith, we can endure, knowing that our hope is in God. How did you first hear about the gospel?

As soon as they heard of me they obeyed me;

foreigners came cringing to me. PSA 18:45

Rashi

As soon as they heard—Even in my absence, as long as they heard my message.

They obeyed me—They shall give heed to my bidding and obey my orders.

Came cringing to me out of fright.

Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek. ACT 16:1

I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another. ROM 15:14

Timothy received the gift of the Holy Spirit

6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands,

7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2TI 1:6-7

Paul also encouraged Timothy to stand firm because he had the gift of God in him, which was the Holy Spirit. This Holy Spirit is within believers even now, and he is not a spirit of fear, but one of power and love and self-control. This is why we can stand firm in troubling times: We have the same Spirit within us, and he is not a spirit of fear. How has the gift of the Spirit helped you endure? How can you fan this into flame?

Then people went out to see what had happened, and they came to Jesus and found the man from whom the demons had gone, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid. LUK 8:35

17 Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.

So the Lord said to Moses, “Take Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him. NUM 27:18

Bava Kamma 92b:10

Rava said to Rabba bar Mari: From where is this matter derived whereby people say: While the wine belongs to its owner, the gratitude is given to the one who pours it? Rabba bar Mari said to him that the source is as it is written with regard to God commanding Moses to transfer his authority to Joshua: “So the Lord said to Moses, ‘Take you Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him . . . that all the congregation of the people of Israel may obey” (Num 27:18-20). And it is written: “And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him. So the people of Israel obeyed him and did as the Lord had commanded Moses” (Deu 34:9). Although the spirit of God was not given to Joshua by Moses, as Moses was only a conduit, he was given credit for it.

Rashi

Take—Encourage him through fine words, saying, “Fortunate are you that you have merited to lead the children of the Omnipresent!” (cf. Sifrei Bamidbar 92 on 11:16).

For yourself—Someone who has been examined by you, someone with whom you are familiar.

A man in whom is the Spirit—As you requested; someone able to deal with the character of each one (Sifrei Bamidbar 140:1).

And lay your hand on him—Give him an interpreter, so that he will hold halachic discourses during your lifetime—in order that people may not say about him if he does this only after your death: he dared not raise his head during Moses days (cf. Sifrei Bamidbar 140:1).

18 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money . . . ACT 8:17-18

Timothy received a calling to preach the gospel

9 . . . who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began . . .

14 By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you. 2TI 1:9, 14

Paul reminded Timothy that he had been saved by God’s grace and called for his eternal purposes. In verse 14, he admonished Timothy to guard the good deposit entrusted to him, by the Holy Spirit who dwelt within both of them. We have also been saved by God and called to his mission, and this good deposit, which is the gospel, has been entrusted to us as well. This includes making sure that the gospel is heard and understood by those we preach it to, and that they too will be able to communicate it accurately to others. According to Mat 28:19, what are we called by Christ to do?

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit . . . MAT 28:19

28 All the ends of the earth shall remember

and turn to the Lord,

and all the families of the nations

shall worship before you.

Rashi

Shall remember and turn to the Lord—The nations shall remember the evil that befell us when they see the good and turn to the Lord.

29 For kingship belongs to the Lord,

and he rules over the nations. PSA 22:28-29

Rashi

For kingship belongs to the Lord—For they will see that the kingship and the rule has returned to you.

Draw near to me, hear this:

from the beginning I have not spoken in secret,

from the time it came to be I have been there.

And now the Lord God has sent me, and his Spirit. ISA 48:16

Moed Katan 16b:8

The Gemara asks: But isn’t it written: “From the beginning I have not spoken in secret” (Isa 48:16), implying that the law should be taught and proclaimed in public? The Gemara answers: That verse is referring to the days of the kalla, the gathering for law study held during Elul and Adar, when many people come to listen to law discourses. During this time, it is not only permitted but even recommended to teach the law to the masses. In this way, the verse can be explained in accordance with the opinion of Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi.

16 And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him;

17 and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” MAT 3:16-17

15 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.

2 May God be gracious to us and bless us

and make his face to shine upon us,

Rashi

And make his face to shine—To show a laughing countenance, to give dew and rain.

3 that your way may be known on earth,

your saving power among all nations. PSA 67:2-3

Rashi

That your way may be known on earth—To make known that your trait is to benefit your people, and because of this, kingdoms will rejoice and sing praises.

5 These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans,

6 but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. MAT 10:5-6

John Gill

But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel—To whom he himself was sent (Mat 15:24). By “the house of Israel” is meant the whole Jewish nation; for though this phrase, when distinguished from the house of Judah, designs only the ten tribes; yet here it intends all the Jews, then living in the land of Judea, among whom there were some of all the tribes: and by “the lost sheep” of this house, are meant either all the people of the Jews in general, who were wandering, and were lost in error and sin, and to whom the external ministry of the gospel came; or rather the elect of God among them, for whose sake particularly the apostles were sent to them. These are called “sheep,” because they were chosen of God, and given to Christ to be redeemed, looked up, sought out, and saved by him; and “lost” ones, not only because lost in Adam, and by their own transgressions, so that neither they themselves, nor any mere creature, could save them from eternal ruin and destruction; but also, because they were made to go astray, and were lost through the negligence and errors of their pastors, the scribes and Pharisees: and this character is the rather given of them, partly to reflect upon the characters of the shepherds of Israel: and partly to magnify the grace of God, in having regard to such ruined and miserable creatures; and also to excite the compassion and diligence of the apostles, to preach the gospel to them: respect seems to be had to (Jer 1:16).

16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. MAR 16:15-16

WORD

30 Even youths shall faint and be weary,

and young men shall fall exhausted;

31 but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;

they shall mount up with wings like eagles;

they shall run and not be weary;

they shall walk and not faint. ISA 40:30-31

Isaiah spoke these words to God’s people while they were in exile. He wanted them to hope in God for restoration. Whichever generation we are part of, we will all experience being faint and weary. But God promises us through Isaiah that those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength. What are three things we can learn from this Scripture?

We grow faint and weary

Why do you say, O Jacob,

and speak, O Israel,

“My way is hidden from the Lord,

and my right is disregarded by my God”? ISA 40:27

In exile, God’s people felt like he didn’t see them or wasn’t listening to them. This is a pattern we experience even today. In this life, frustrations and tiredness are unavoidable. Today, people put emphasis on acknowledging a person’s weakness and exhaustion instead of fighting or denying it. While that’s not wrong, it shouldn’t end there. God promises a greater hope for those who feel faint and weary. Tell about a time in the last few months you felt faint and weary, even as a follower of Christ.

Rashi

Why do you say—My people (K’li Paz, mss.: the people of) Jacob, and speak in exile.

My way is hidden from the Lord—He hid from before his eyes all that we served him, and gave those who did not know him, dominion over us.

And my right is disregarded by my God? He ignores the judgment of the good reward he should have paid our forefathers and us.

4 But I said, “I have labored in vain;

I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity;

yet surely my right is with the Lord,

and my recompense with my God.”

Rashi

But I said, “I have labored in vain”—When I saw that I admonish them and they do not obey.

Yet surely my right is with the Lord—He knows that it is not from me but from them i.e., he knows that their failure to obey is not due to my laziness, but to their obstinacy.

14 But Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me;

my Lord has forgotten me.”

Rashi

But Zion said—She thought that I had forgotten her.

15 Can a woman forget her nursing child,

that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb?

Even these may forget,

yet I will not forget you. ISA 49:4, 14-15

Rashi

Can a woman forget her nursing child—Heb. עוּלָהּ, similar to עוֹלֵל.

That she should have no compassion on the son of her womb—Heb. מֵרֶחֶם בֶּן-בִּטְנָהּ.

Even these may forget—Even if these forget, I will not forget you.

God is everlasting

28 Have you not known? Have you not heard?

The Lord is the everlasting God,

the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He does not faint or grow weary;

his understanding is unsearchable.

29 He gives power to the faint,

and to him who has no might he increases strength. ISA 40:28-29

Isaiah made the point that if the Israelites were asking such questions and doubting whether God could hear them, they must not have realized who God is. He reminded them: God is everlasting and the Creator of the whole earth; he knows and understands everything, and unlike us, he never gets tired. And as our good and merciful God, he even gives of his fathomless power to those of us who are faint and weary. How often do we need to be reminded of who God is? How can we take comfort knowing that God is above our circumstances?

John Gill

Have you not known? Have you not heard? From the history of the church in all ages; from the experience of all good men; from their own knowledge and observation; from the Scriptures, and the prophets, the interpreters of them; both that what is before suggested is wrong, and that what follows is true,

The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary—Or, “the God of the world”; that has made it, and upholds it, and governs it, and judges righteously in it; who is from everlasting to everlasting, unchangeably the same; whose name alone is Jehovah, the self-existent and all comprehending Being, the Maker and Former of all things; who has not only created the earth, and the foundations of it, as the Targum, or the continent, and the habitable part of the world, that is most known and dwelt in, but even the extremities of the earth; and therefore knows and will take care of his own people, let them be where they will: and though the work of creation, and of upholding creatures in their beings, and of governing the world, and providing for all in it, and of taking care of his church and people in particular, requires so much power, as well as wisdom, yet he never sinks under it, nor is weary of it; therefore they have no reason to give way to such unbelief and despondency, as above expressed:

His understanding is unsearchable—It is infinite, it reaches to all persons and things, and therefore he cannot be at a loss to provide for his people, or plead their cause; nor can their case be unknown to him, or he want either power or skill to help them.

Rashi

The Creator of the ends of the earth . . . his understanding is unsearchable—And One who has such strength and such wisdom—he knows the thoughts. Why does he delay your benefit, only to terminate the transgression and to expiate the sin through afflictions.

He gives power to the faint—And who will eventually renew strength for your tiredness.

Taanit 2a:10

Rabba bar Sheila elaborates on this verbal analogy. It is written here: “Who does great things that are beyond comprehension,” and it is written there, with regard to the creation of the world: “Have you not known? Have you not heard that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, does not grow faint or weary; his understanding is beyond comprehension” (Isa 40:28). This shows that both creation and rainfall are beyond comprehension. And concerning the creation of the world, it is written elsewhere: “Who sets firm the mountains with your power; being girded with might” (Psa 65:7). From this verse it can be inferred that rainfall, like the creation of the world, reflects God’s might.

Taanit 9b:13

As it is stated, with regard to the creation of the world: “Who does great things past finding out” (Job 9:10), and as an example of this it is written: “He gives rain on the earth” (Job 5:9-10). And it is written below: “Have you not known? Have you not heard that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, does not faint and is not weary; his understanding is past finding out” (Isa 40:28). The repetition of “past finding out” indicates that rainfall is as wondrous as the creation of the world. The Gemara adds: And it is written in a psalm that deals with rainfall: “Who by your strength sets fast the mountains, being girded with might” (Psa 65:7).

TRUST WORTHY God’s Passion: God is uncreated

Idols aren’t necessarily carven images or statues. They can be anything that takes the place of God in our lives. For the Israelites, they trusted in foreign military power, silver and gold, and their leaders. Unlike other things we may put our trust in, God is the greatest. There is no one above him or higher than him. He is uncreated; He doesn’t depend on others to exist. Because he is above all, he is the only one with the power and authority to bless us and provide for our every need. In God, we can be certain that he has the power over all things on earth. How can we respond to the truth that God has highest power and remains faithful to his covenant with us?

God renews our strength

30 Even youths shall faint and be weary,

and young men shall fall exhausted;

31 but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;

they shall mount up with wings like eagles;

they shall run and not be weary;

they shall walk and not faint. ISA 40:30-31

To wait for the Lord means we look forward with hopeful expectation that something good is coming. We may experience frustrations and our future may seem bleak, like the Israelites in exile, but we eagerly wait for God because we can’t overcome our frustrations and struggles on our own. Even young people, who are known for their passion and reserves of energy, can grow tired, but we can put our hope in our everlasting God, who will give us this strength if we wait on him. What does waiting on the Lord look like for you in your situation?

Kiddushin 82a:10

The mishna explains: With regard to his youth, what does it say about a law scholar? “But they that wait for the Lord shall renew their strength” (Isa 40:31). With regard to his old age, what does it say? “They shall still bring forth fruit in old age” (Psa 92:15), and it likewise states with regard to Abraham our forefather: “Now Abraham was old, well advanced in years. And the Lord had blessed Abraham in all things” (Gen 24:1). We found that Abraham our forefather fulfilled the entire law before it was given, as it is stated: “Because Abraham listened to my voice and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws” (Gen 26:5), which indicates that Abraham observed all the commandments of his own accord and was rewarded in his old age as a result.

Kiddushin 82b:5

The mishna taught that Rabbi Nehorai says: I set aside all the trades and I teach my son only the law. It is taught in Tosefta (Kiddushin 5:14): Rabbi Nehorai says: I set aside all the trades in the world, and I teach my son only the law, as all other trades serve one only in the days of his youth, when he has enough strength to work, but in the days of his old age, behold, he is left to lie in hunger. But the law is not like this: It serves a person in the time of his youth and provides him with a future and hope in the time of his old age. With regard to the time of his youth, what does it say about a law scholar? “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength” (Isa 40:31). With regard to the time of his old age, what does it say? “They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green” (Psa 92:15).

Rashi

Even youths shall faint—Heb. נְעָרִים. The might of your enemies who are devoid (מְנֹעָרִים) of commandments, shall become faint.

And young men shall fall exhausted—Those who are now mighty and strong, shall fall exhausted, but you, who put your hope in the Lord shall gain new strength and power.

Wings—The Hebrew אבר means a wing.

Sanhedrin 92b:1

And if you say: During those years when the Holy One, blessed be he, is destined to renew his world, as it is stated: “And the Lord alone will be exalted on that day” (Isa 2:11), what are the righteous to do? How will they survive? The Holy One, blessed be he, will make wings like eagles for them and they will fly over the surface of the water, as it is stated: “Therefore we will not fear though God changes the land, and when the mountains are moved in the midst of the sea” (Psa 46:3). Although God will renew the land, they will not fear, because they will be in the sky over the sea at that time. And lest you say that they will endure suffering from flying uninterrupted for an extended period, the verse states: “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not tire” (Isa 40:31).

WORD

Not because of your righteousness or the uprightness of your heart are you going in to possess their land, but because of the wickedness of these nations the Lord your God is driving them out from before you, and that he may confirm the word that the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. DEU 9:5

God, through Moses, was making it clear to the Israelites that he had a purpose for bringing them into the good land he promised to their forefathers. He was ending the wickedness in those nations and bringing his people in to fulfill his great plan and mission—not just for their nation, but for the entire world. He would fulfill this through his covenant with Abraham and his descendants. Before they entered this Promised Land, Moses charged them to stay focused on this mission. God would pour out his abundant blessing, and he would use it to accomplish his mission. Today, we will look at two truths about the blessing of God.

God blesses us even if we don’t deserve it

5 Not because of your righteousness or the uprightness of your heart are you going in to possess their land, but because of the wickedness of these nations the Lord your God is driving them out from before you, and that he may confirm the word that the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.

6 Know, therefore, that the Lord your God is not giving you this good land to possess because of your righteousness, for you are a stubborn people. DEU 9:5-6

The Israelites didn’t always obey and trust God. Even after experiencing God’s awesome miracles, they grumbled and complained against Moses, and ultimately, against God. Moses reminded them that they didn’t deserve God’s blessing and that they were a stubborn people. But he also assured them that God would bless them anyway. We, too, will be blessed by God not because of our own merits, but because of his faithfulness. We can never earn his blessing and provision. It is something he chose to give freely to anyone who would put their trust in him. How was God’s ultimate provision demonstrated on the cross? What does Rom 8:32 say about our salvation and God’s grace and provision?

He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? ROM 8:32

God blesses us to be a blessing

Not because of your righteousness or the uprightness of your heart are you going in to possess their land, but because of the wickedness of these nations the Lord your God is driving them out from before you, and that he may confirm the word that the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. DEU 9:5

God promised to make Abraham’s name great so that he would be a blessing and that through him, all the families of the earth shall be blessed (Gen 12:1-3). God had a higher purpose for bringing the Israelites into the Promised Land—to bless all families from every tribe and nation. Through Abraham, people would know who God is and what a covenant relationship with him looks like. This was ultimately accomplished through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, as all who put their faith in him become partakers of this promised covenant and its blessings (Gal 3:13-14). In the same way, God’s provision in our lives is not just for our enjoyment. he wants us to be a blessing to people around us—our family, community, nation, and even to other nations—primarily by proclaiming the gospel and using our God-given blessings in obedience to the Great Commission. How is your life a blessing to others? What do you want people to talk about and eventually remember you for?

1 Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.

Rashi

Go (literally, go to you)—For your own benefit, for your own good: there I will make of you a great nation whilst here you will not merit the privilege of having children (Rosh Hashanah 16b). Furthermore, I shall make known your character throughout the world (Midrash Tanchuma, Lech Lecha 3).

From your country—Now had he not already gone out of there with his father and come as far as Haran? Rather, thus did he say to him, “Distance yourself more from there and leave your father’s house.”

That I will show you—He did not reveal the land to him immediately, in order to make it dear in his eyes and to give him reward for every command. Similarly (below 22:2): “your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love.” Similarly (ibid.): “on one of the mountains that I shall say to you.” Similarly (Jon 3:2): “and call out against it the message that I will tell you.” from Bereishit Rabbah 39:9

2 And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.

Rashi

And I will make of you a great nation—Since traveling is the cause of three things—it decreases family life, it reduces one’s wealth and lessens one’s renown (lit. name), he therefore needed these three blessings: that God blessed him concerning children, concerning wealth, and concerning fame (Bereishit Rabbah 39:11).

And I will bless you—With wealth (Bereishit Rabbah 39:11).

So that you will be a blessing—Blessings are entrusted to you; hitherto they were in my power—I blessed Adam and Noah—but from now on you shall bless whomsoever you wish (Bereishit Rabbah 39:11). Another explanation: And I will make of you a great nation, this alludes to the fact that we say in our prayer “God of Abraham”; And I will bless you—that we say, “God of Isaac”; And make your name great—that we say, “God of Jacob.” One might think that we should conclude the benediction by mentioning the names of all the patriarchs—the text therefore states “so that you will be a blessing”: with you will they conclude, and not with them (Pesachim 117b).

3 I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” GEN 12:1-3

Yevamot 63a:6

And Rabbi Elazar said: What is the meaning of that which is written: “And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed [nivrekhu]” (Gen 12:3)? The Holy One, blessed be he, said to Abraham: I have two good shoots to graft [lehavrikh] onto you: Ruth the Moabite, the ancestress of the house of David, and Naamah the Ammonite, whose marriage with Solomon led to the ensuing dynasty of the kings of Judea. “All the families of the earth” means: Even families that live in the earth, i.e., who have land of their own, are blessed only due to the Jewish people. Similarly, when the verse states: “All the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him” (Gen 18:18), it indicates that even ships that come from Galia to Hispania are blessed only due to the Jewish people.

13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”—

John Gill

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law—The Redeemer is Christ, the Son of God; who was appointed and called to this work by his Father, and which he himself agreed to; he was spoken of in prophecy under this character; he came as such, and has obtained eternal redemption, for which he was abundantly qualified; as man, he was a near kinsman, to whom the right of redemption belonged; and as God, he was able to accomplish it. The persons redeemed are “us,” God’s elect, both of Jews and Gentiles; a peculiar people, the people of Christ, whom the Father gave to him; some out of every kindred, tongue, people, and nation: the blessing obtained for them is redemption; a buying of them again, as the word signifies; they were his before by the Father’s gift, and now he purchases them with the price of his own blood, and so delivers them “from the curse of the law”; its sentence of condemnation and death, and the execution of it; so that they shall never be hurt by it, he having delivered them from wrath to come, and redeemed from the second death, the lake which burns with fire and brimstone. The manner in which this was done was by

Becoming a curse for us—The sense of which is, not only that he was like an accursed person, looked upon as such by the men of that wicked generation, who hid and turned away their faces from as an abominable execrable person, calling him a sinner, a Samaritan, and a devil; but was even accursed by the law; becoming the surety of his people, he was made under the law, stood in their legal place and stead and having the sins of them all imputed to him, and answerable for them, the law finding them on him, charges him with them, and curses him for them; yea, he was treated as such by the justice of God, even by his Father, who spared him not, awoke the sword of justice against him, and gave him up into his hands; delivered him up to death, even the accursed death of the cross, whereby it appeared that he was becoming a curse: “becoming,” by the will, counsel, and determination of God, and not without his own will and free consent; for he freely laid down his life, and gave himself, and made his soul an offering for sin:

For it is written—Deu 21:23,

Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree—It is in the Hebrew text, “a hanged man”: which is the very name the Jews.

14 so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith. GAL 3:13-14

John Gill

That . . . the blessing of Abraham—The same blessing Abraham enjoyed, even justification by the righteousness of Christ; and what was promised to Abraham, that in him, his seed, that is Christ, the Gentiles should be blessed, or justified; for though this blessing may in general comprise every spiritual blessing, yet it chiefly regards that of justification; or a deliverance from the curse of the law, and which is the end of Christ’s being made a curse, that this blessedness

In Christ Jesus—As the words may be read; meaning either, that this blessing comes upon the Gentiles that were in Christ, chosen in him, in union with him, and represented by him, both in the covenant and on the cross; or else that Christ is the mediator, as from whom, so through whom, this, as every blessing of grace, comes to the children of God:

Might come to the Gentiles—The uncircumcision, as well as the circumcision; see Rom 4:9 that is, upon as many of them as were ordained to eternal life, and in consequence of that believe in Christ; quite contrary to a Jewish notion, that

“no blessing dwells but upon an Israelite”:

now though this blessing, as all other spiritual ones, were laid up in the covenant of grace, put into the hands of Christ, and God’s elect blessed with it, as considered in him, yet the curse of the law for their transgressions stood in the way of their personal enjoyment of it, to their peace and comfort in their own souls; therefore Christ is made a curse for them, to make way for the blessing to take place upon them; which is by an act of God’s grace imputed to them, and is received by faith:

That we might receive the promised Spirit through faith—Beza puts the copulative and to this clause, reading it, “and that we,” as does the Ethiopic version; thereby more clearly pointing out this to be another end of Christ’s being made a curse for us: by “the promised Spirit” may be meant, either by an “hypallage,” the Spirit of promise, who opens and applies the promises; or the Spirit promised, not as a spirit of regeneration, conversion, and faith; for, as such, he cannot be received by faith; Since, antecedent to his being so, there can be no faith; but rather as a spirit of adoption, in respect to which he is said to be received (Rom 8:15), and this blessing of adoption, as in consequence of redemption from under the law, its curse and condemnation (Gal 4:4-6). Or else a spiritual promise, in distinction from the temporal promise of the land of Canaan, made to Abraham and his natural seed, and means the promise of eternal life and happiness in the world to come; which promise is now received by faith, and that in consequence of the sufferings and death of Christ the testator; see Heb 9:15.

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