1 Thessalonians 2:17-20 | |
17. But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored the more abundantly to see your face with great desire. | 17. Nos vero, fratres, orbati vobis ad tempus horae 1 aspectu, non corde, abundantius studuimus faciem vestram videre in multo desiderio. |
18. Wherefore we would have come unto you (even I Paul) once and again; but Satan hindered us. | 18. Itaque voluimus venire ad vos, ego quidem Paulus, et semel et bis, et obstitit nobis Satan. |
19. For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? | 19. Quae enim nostra spes, vel gaudium, vel corona gloriationis? annon etiam vos coram Domino nostro Iesu Christo in eius adventu? |
20. For ye are our glory and joy. | 20. Vos enim estis gloria nostra et gaudium. |
17.
This is followed by a correction--that he had been separated from them in appearance,
18.
wrestle not with flesh and blood, but with principalities of the air, and spiritual wickednesses, etc.
For, whenever the wicked molest us, they fight under Satan's banner, and are his instruments for harassing us. More especially, when our endeavors are directed to the work of the Lord, it is certain that everything that hinders proceeds from Satan; and would to God that this sentiment were deeply impressed upon the minds of all pious persons--that Satan is continually contriving, by every means, in what way he may hinder or obstruct the edification of the Church! We would assuredly be more careful to resist him; we would take more care to maintain sound doctrine, of which that enemy strives so keenly to deprive us. We would also, whenever the course of the gospel is retarded, know whence the hindrance proceeds. He says elsewhere, (Romans 1:13) that God had not permitted him, but both are true: for although Satan does his part, yet God retains supreme authority, so as to open up a way for us, as often as he sees good, against Satan's will, and in spite of his opposition. Paul accordingly says truly that God does not permit, although the hindrance comes from Satan.
19.
1 "Pour vn moment du temps;"--"For a moment of time."
2 "The original word is here very emphatical. It is an allusion to that grief, anxiety, and reluctance of heart, with which dying, affectionate parents take leave of their own children, when they are just going to leave them helpless orphans, exposed to the injuries of a merciless and wicked world, or that sorrow of heart with which poor destitute orphans close the eyes of their dying parents."--Benson.--Ed.
3 "Le mot Grec signifie l'estat d'vn pere qui a perdu ses enfans, ou des enfans qui ont perdu leur pere;"--"The Greek word denotes the condition of a father that has lost his children, or of children that have lost their father."
4 Hujus propositi tenacem. See Hor. Od. 3, 3. 1.--Ed.
5 "Sur la premiere aux Corinth., chap. 1:d. 31;"--"On 1 Corinthians 1:31."
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