The Epistles of Paul the Apostle Volume 2

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1822 Excerpt: ..."q. d. have nothing to do with such kind of prophecies as, after examination, do not appear to proceed from the spirit of God." 6 The God ofpeace. This expression, in comparison with 1 Cor. xiv. 33, seems to imply that some confusion and altercation had already taken place in the church at Thessalonica, in consequence of a competition and rivalship of spiritual gifts, which the apostle was desirous to suppress. Dr. Chandler considers the same subject as continued from ver. 19--23: viz. " ' Quench not the spirit:' improve and exercise his gifts. ' Despise not prophesyings:' neither undervalue the gift, nor those who possess it. ' Prove all things:' bring all prophe-. syings to the test. ' Hold fast that which is good:' such as appear worthy of the spirit embrace and adhere to. ' Abstain from all appearance of evil:' what is not consistent with truth and holiness reject. And that you may do all this with temperance and candour, may God himself, who is the God ofpeace, who loves, approves, and commands it, sanctify you wholly, keep you pure and unmixed from the disorders and vices of the world; a peculiar separate people, devoted to his service and worship." 7 Your entire person. See Chandler's note. The apostle here alludes to the philosophy of the Stoics, Platonists, and others, who represented man as consisting of three distinct parts: the spirit, or rational mind; the sensitive soul, the seat of the affections; and the body, the mansion of both. It is universally allowed that the apostle does not, in this passage, mean to VOL. II. 2 Z Ch. v. blameable unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he who er' ' invited you, and he will perform his promise1. For the credit of the gospel, and for your own credit and improvement, I a...