Crossway Classic Commentaries: 1 & 2 Thessalonians
Overview
Forced out of Thessalonica by the Jews for his effective ministry, Paul wrote to encourage and teach new believers there. His first letter, according to John Calvin, contains a brief definition of true Christianity. It is a faith that is full of vigor, employing itself in the labors of love, intent upon the hope of the manifestation of Christ, despising everything else, and armed with an endurance that rises above the weariness of time and worldly temptations. Paul’s second epistle then expands upon and clarifies some of his teachings from the first letter. John Calvin delves into the rich meaning of Paul’s encouraging words. He brings insight into the historical church, as well as instructing today’s pastors on maintaining a healthy church and inspiring believers to grow in their daily walk.
Top Highlights
“For although not all worship idols, all are nevertheless addicted to idolatry and are immersed in blindness and madness” (Page 22)
“I reckon the effect to be in the root of faith rather than in its fruits—‘a rare energy of faith has shown itself powerfully in you.’” (Page 18)
“From this we may gather a brief definition of true Christianity—it is a faith that is living and full of vigor, so that it spares no labor when assistance is to be given to one’s neighbors. On the contrary, all the pious employ themselves diligently in offices of love and lay out their efforts so that, intent upon the hope of the manifestation of Christ, they despise everything else and, armed with endurance, rise above the wearisomeness of length of time as well as above all the temptations of the world.” (Page 19)
“to wait for his Son. For unless we are stirred up to the hope of eternal life, the world will quickly draw us to itself” (Page 23)
“God alone is the Lawgiver. ‘There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy” (Page 89)
- Title: Crossway Classic Commentaries: 1 & 2 Thessalonians
- Author: John Calvin
- Publisher: Crossway Books
- Publication Date: 1999
- Pages: 110
John Calvin (1509–1564), one of the most important thinkers in church history, was a prominent French theologian during the Protestant Reformation and the father of Calvinism. His theological works, biblical commentaries, tracts, treatises, sermons, and letters helped establish the Reformation throughout Europe.
Calvinism has spawned movements and sparked controversy throughout the centuries. Calvin began his work in the church at the age of 12, intending to train for the priesthood. Calvin attended the Collège de la Marche in Paris at 14, before studying law at the University of Orléans and continuing his studies at the University of Bourges.
In 1532, Calvin’s first published work appeared: a commentary on Seneca’s De Clementia. The controversy of calling for reform in the Catholic Church disciplined Calvin in his writing project, and he began working on the first edition of The Institutes of the Christian Religion, which appeared in 1536. Calvin’s Commentaries and The Letters of John Calvin are also influential; both appear in the Calvin 500 Collection.