1 Thessalonians 3:9-13

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• Historical References, Commentary and Comparative Texts:
  • From the Geneva Notes.
    • "Another part of the epistle, in which he speaks of the duties of a Christian life. And he shows that the perfection of a Christian life consists in two things, that is, in charity toward all men, and inward purity of the heart. And the accomplishment of these things is nonetheless deferred to the next coming of Christ, who will then perfect his work by the same grace with which he began it in us."
  • From Matthew Henry's Commentary.
    • "Let us acknowledge God in all our ways, and he will direct our paths."
  • From Wesley's Notes.
    • "And perfect that which is wanting in your faith - So St. Paul did not know that "they who are once upon the rock no longer need to be taught by man.""
  • From the Commentary on the Whole Bible (Jamieson, Fausset and Brown, 1871).
    • "Even the Thessalonians had points in which they needed improvement [BENGEL], (Lu 17:5). Their doctrinal views as to the nearness of Christ's coming, and as to the state of those who had fallen asleep, and their practice in some points, needed correction (1Th 4:1-9). Paul's method was to begin by commending what was praiseworthy, and then to correct what was amiss; a good pattern to all admonishers of others."
  • From The People's New Testament, B.W. Johnson, 1891.
    • "He that loveth supremely fulfill the whole law."
• Contemporary Commentary, Studies and Exegesis:
  • Commentary, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Michael Joseph Brown, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2009.
    • "Love epitomizes all social obligations."
  • "First Thoughts on Passages on Year C Epistle Passages in the Lectionary," Advent 1, William Loader, Murdoch University, Uniting Church in Australia.
    • "Paul's letters have a way of engaging us and inviting to be part of sensitive and transformative relationships, full of joy and pain. When we hear his letters as part of his human story, they are never just words; and they are never just his story."
  • "Waiting for Christ's Return," Rev. Bryan Findlayson, Lectionary Bible Studies and Sermons, Pumpkin Cottage Ministry Resources. Includes detailed textual notes.
  • Kairos Co-Motion Lectionary Dialogue, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Advent 1C, Wesley White. Progressive Christian perspective.
  • The Concern Expressed, from An Exegetical and Devotional Commentary on 1 Thessalonians, by J. Hampton Keathley III at the Biblical Studies Foundation.
    • "It doesn’t matter how much I know or apply, there is always room for more growth and greater insight. Being puffed up or proud in my knowledge or its application is a sign of carnality or immaturity or both (1 Cor. 8:1-2). We all need a humble and teachable spirit."
• Articles & Background:
  • "Apocalyptic Discourse in I Thessalonians," by  James D. Hester. Pre-print article at Corpus Paulinum. (Not to be cited without permission of the author.)
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  • McDaniel, Judith M., "Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room," The Living Pulpit, 1997.
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  • O'Driscoll, Herbert, "Pent-Up Power," The Christian Century, 2003.
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