1 The salutation. 2 Paul sheweth his thankful remembrance of the Thessalonians in his prayers on account of their faith, charity, and patience; 5 applauding them for their exemplary reception of the gospel, and improvement under it.
1 Paul setteth forth in what manner he had preached the gospel to the Thessalonians, 13 and they had received and suffered for it. 17 He sheweth his desire of coming to them, and the cause which had hitherto prevented him; 19 testifying his joy and satisfaction in them.
1 The apostle sheweth that out of his great care for the Thessalonians he had sent Timothy to comfort and strengthen them in the faith; 6 whose good report of them had been a great consolation to him in his distresses. 9 He testifieth his thankfulness to God, and earnest desire to see them; 11 praying God to guide him to them, and for their increase in love and holiness unto the end.
1 Paul exhorteth the Thessalonians to proceed in their endeavours to please God by a holy and just conversation. 9 He commendeth their love to one another, entreating them to abound in it, 11 and quietly to follow their respective callings. 13 And that they might not sorrow for the dead, as men without hope, he briefly describeth the resurrection of the just, and Christ's second coming.
1 The apostle proceedeth to shew that Christ's coming will be sudden, exhorting Christians to watch and be sober, so as not to be taken by surprise. 12 He beseecheth them to respect their spiritual guides; 14 and giveth various other precepts; 23 concluding with a prayer and salutations.