Wesley's Notes on the Bible Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone; 3:1 We - Paul and Silvanus. Could bear no longer - Our desire and fear for you.
And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:
That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. 3:3 We are appointed hereto - Are in every respect laid in a fit posture for it, by the very design and contrivance of God himself for the trial and increase of our faith and all other graces. He gives riches to the world; but stores up his treasure of wholesome afflictions for his children.
For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.
For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.
But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you: 3:6 But now when Timotheus was come to us from you - Immediately after his return, St. Paul wrote; while his joy was fresh, and his tenderness at the height.
Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith:
For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord. 3:8 Now we live - Indeed; we enjoy life: so great is our affection for you.
For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;
Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith? 3:10 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.
Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you. 3:11 Direct our way - This prayer is addressed to Christ, as well as to the Father.
And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:
To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints. 3:13 With all his, Christ's, saints - Both angels and men. Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible by John Wesley [1754-65] Bible Hub |
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