In these two first verses, we have the manner of proposal, ver. 1; the matter proposed, ver. 2.
1. The manner of proposal is very pathetical, by way of adjuration or obtestation.
2. The matter. An error had crept in among the Thessalonians concerning the speedy and immediate coming of Christ to judgment, while they were yet alive; which error the devil set on foot to subvert their faith and expose the whole Christian doctrine to contempt.
First, The manner or obtestation falleth first under our consideration, in which two things are mentioned:—
1. The coming of Christ.
2. Their gathering together unto him. Obtestations are by those things which have great reverence and respect with us, as most likely to prevail. Now the two things are mentioned:—
[1.] As weighty: 2 Tim. iv. 1, ‘I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead, at his appearance and his kingdom.'
[2.] This was the article mistaken and perverted as to one circumstance, the time; but the thing is taken for granted as an unquestionable truth, and the support of all their hopes: 2 Thes. i. 10, ‘When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and admired in all them that believe.'
[3.] This was a famous Christian doctrine with which the apostles usually began, in planting religion in any place: 1 Thes. v. 1-3.
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