1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 5:1-28

Now follows a series of short admonitions. The Thessalonians were to love and honor their ministers, to live in peace among themselves, to admonish the disorderly, to encourage the faint-hearted, to support the weak, and to exercise forbearance toward all men. They were to be on their guard against revenge, to preserve Christian joyfulness, to be constant in prayer, and to maintain a thankful disposition. They were not to quench the Spirit, nor despise prophesyings, but were to test all... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 5:16

Rejoice evermore ; or, rejoice always (R.V.). Joy is that feeling of delight which arises from the possession of present good, or from the anticipation of future happiness; and in both respects the believer has abundant reason for constant joy. He possesses the blessedness of forgiveness and the sure prospect of eternal life, and he has the consciousness that all things work together for good to them that love God ( Romans 8:28 ). God wishes his people to be happy, and does not suffer... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Pray without ceasing. The means of promoting religious joy is prayer. This prayer is to be "without ceasing," implying constancy ( Colossians 4:2 ) and perseverance ( Romans 12:12 ; Ephesians 6:18 ; Luke 18:1 ). This is not a mere precept "capable of fulfillment in idea, rather than in fact" (Jowett); but it is an exhortation to live in a devotional frame of mind. It is impos sible to be always on our bended knees, but we may be in the spirit of prayer when engaged in the duties of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 5:18

In everything give thanks. In every circumstance—in joy and in sorrow; for everything—for prosperity and for adversity; in every place—in the house of God and on the bed of sickness; Christians should not only be engaged in constant prayer, but in constant thanksgiving; indeed, their prayers should partake largely of the nature of thanksgiving. For this ; this thankful spirit. Is the will of God ; his desire. In Christ Jesus ; the sphere in which this will of God is displayed.... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Thessalonians 5:16

Rejoice evermore - See the notes on Philippians 3:1; Philippians 4:4. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Pray without ceasing - See the notes on Romans 12:12. The direction here may be fairly construed as meaning:(1) That we are to be regular and constant in the observance of the stated seasons of prayer. We are to observe the duty of prayer in the closet, in the family, and in the assembly convened to call on the name of the Lord. We are not to allow this duty to be interrupted or intermitted by any trifling cause. We are so to act that it may be said we pray regularly in the closet, in the... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Thessalonians 5:18

In every thing give thanks - See the Ephesians 5:20 note; Philippians 4:6 note. We can always find something to be thankful for, and there may be reasons why we ought to be thankful for even those dispensations which appear dark and frowning. Chrysostom, once the archbishop of Constantinople, and then driven into exile, persecuted, and despised, died far away form all the splendors of the capital, and all the comforts and honors which he had enjoyed, uttering his favorite motto - δόξα τῷ... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. Rejoice evermore In your present privileges and future hopes. See note on Romans 14:17; Php 4:4 ; 1 Peter 1:6. Pray without ceasing In order to maintain and improve this holy joy, be always in a spirit of prayer, that is, retain a continual sense of your spiritual wants, and of your dependance on God, through Christ, for the supply of those wants, and let your desires for that supply be frequently offered up to God in faith: let your heart aspire after him, and... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28

5:12-28 ADVICE ON OTHER MATTERSMinor difficulties had arisen in the Thessalonian church, and the church leaders had the responsibility to see that these matters were put right. Paul therefore reminds the church members to respect those who have the duty of guiding the church, and not to be offended when the church leaders find it necessary to give corrective instruction (12-13). The leaders, on their part, must always act with patience and understanding (14).All Christians should live in a... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 1 Thessalonians 5:16

evermore . App-151 . read more

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