80
Sketches from the Life of Paul
nature. He is thus brought into closer fellowship with Christ; and inas-
much as he, through fierce opposition, is a partaker of the sufferings
of Christ, he will also be a partaker of his consolation, and finally a
sharer of his glory.
Paul continued his admonition to the church: “We beseech you,
brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in
the Lord, and admonish you; and to esteem them very highly in love
for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.”
The Thessalonians were greatly annoyed by persons coming among
them with fanatical ideas and doctrines. The church had been properly
organized, and officers had been appointed to act as ministers and
[116]
deacons. But some would not be subordinate to those who held au-
thoritative positions in the church. Ardent, self-willed persons claimed
not only the right of private judgment, but to be heard publicly in
urging their views upon the church. Paul, therefore, earnestly called
the attention of his brethren to the respect and deference due those
who had authority in the church, and who had been intrusted with the
responsibilities connected with it.
He cautions the Thessalonians not to despise the gift of prophecy,
and enjoins a careful discrimination in distinguishing the false manifes-
tation from the true: “Quench not the Spirit; despise not prophesyings;
prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” He prays that God will
sanctify them wholly, that their “whole spirit and soul and body be
preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ;” and in
closing, adds the assurance, “Faithful is He that calleth you, who also
will do it.”
In this First Epistle to the Thessalonians, Paul’s teachings con-
cerning the second coming of Christ were in perfect harmony with
his former instructions to the church. Yet his words were misappre-
hended by some of the Thessalonian brethren. They understood him
to express the hope that he himself would live to witness the Saviour’s
advent. This belief served to increase their enthusiasm and excitement.
Those who had previously neglected their cares and duties, now con-
sidered themselves sustained by the apostle; hence they became more
persistent than before in urging their erroneous views.
In his second letter to this church, Paul seeks to correct their mis-
apprehensions, and to set before them his true position. He expresses
[117]
his confidence in their Christian integrity, and his gratitude to God