The Bible and Holy Scriptures conteyned in the Olde and Newe Testament. Translated according to the Ebrue and Greke, and conferred with the best translations in diuers languges. VVith moste profitable annotations vpon all the hard places, and other things of great importance as may appeare in the epistle to the reader

THE FIRST EPISTLE of Paul to the Thessalonians.

THE ARGVMENT.

AFter that the Thessalonians had bene wel instructed in the faith persecution, which perpetually follo weth the prea∣ching of the Gospel, arose, against the which althogh they did constantly stand, yet S. Paul [as moste careful for them] sent Timothie to strengthen them, who sone after admonishing him of their estate, gaue occasion to the Apostle to confirme them by diuers arguments to be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in faith, & to suffer what soeuer God calleth them vnto for the te∣stimonie of the Gospel, exhorting them to declare by their godlie liuing 〈◊〉〈◊〉 puritie of their religion. And as the Church can neuer be so purged, that some cockle remaine not among the wheat, so there were among them wicked men, which by mouing vaine and curious questions to ouerthrowe their faith, taught falsely, as touching the point of the resurrection from the dead: whereof he briefly instructeth them what to thinke, earnestly forbidding them to seke curiously to knowe the times, willing them rather to watche lest the sudden comming of Christ come vpon them at vnwares: and so after certeine exhortations, and his commendations to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, he endeth.

CHAP. I.

2 He thanketh God for thē that thei are so stedfast in faith and good workes. 6 And receiue the Gospell with suche earnestnes. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 That they are an example to all others.

1 PAul and Siluanus, & Timotheus, vnto the Church of the Thes salonians, (which is) ina 1.1 God the Father, & in the Lord Iesus Christe: Grace (be) with you, and peace frō God our Father, and (from) the Lord Iesus Christ.

2 * We giue God thankes alwayes for you al,* 1.2 making * mention of you in our prayers.* 1.3

3 Without ceasing, remembryng yourb 1.4 effe∣ctual faith, andc 1.5 diligent loue & the pacience of (your) hope in our Lord Iesus Christ in the sight of God euen our Father.

4 Knowing, beloued brethren, that ye are e∣lect of God.

5 For ourd 1.6 Gospel was not vnto you in word onely, but also in power, & in the holie Gost, and in much assurāce, as ye know after what maner we were among you for your sakes.

6 And ye became followers of vs, and of the Lord, and receiued the worde in much affli∣ction, withe 1.7 ioye of the holie Gost.

7 So that ye were as“ 1.8 ensamples to all that be∣leue in Macedonia and Achaia.

8 For from you sounded out the worde of the Lord, not in Macedonia and in Achaia only: but your faith also whiche is towarde God, spred abroade in all quarters, that we nede not to speake anything.

9 Forf 1.9 they them selues shewe of you what maner of entring in we had vnto you, & how ye turned to God from idoles, to serue theg 1.10 liuyng and true God.

10 And to loke for his Sonne frome heauen, whome he raised from the dead (euen) Iesus which deliuereth vs frō theh 1.11 wrath to come

CHAP. II.

1 To the intent they shulde not faint vnder the crosse. 2 He cōmendeth his diligēce in preaching. 13 And theirs in obeing. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 He excuseth his absence, that he colde not come and open his heart to them.

1 FOr ye your selues knowe, brethren, that our entrāce in vnto you was not ina 1.12 vaine

2 But euen after that we had suffred before, & were shamefully entreated at, * Philippi [as ye knowe] we were holdeb 1.13 in our God, to* 1.14 speake vnto you the Gospell of God with muche striuyng.

3 For our exhortation was not by deceit, nor by vnclennes, nor by guile.

4 But as we were alowed of God, that the Gos∣pell shulde be committed (vnto vs,) so we speake, not as they thatc 1.15 please mē, but God, which trieth our hearts.

5 Nether yet did we euer vse flattering wor∣des, as ye knowe, nor colored couetousnes,

God (is) recorde.

6 Nether soght we praise of men, nether of you, nor of others,

7 When we might haue bene“ 1.16 chargeable, as the Apostles of Christ: but we were gentle a∣mong you, euen as ad 1.17 nource cherisheth her children.

8 Thus being affectioned towarde you, our good wil was to haue dealt vnto you, not the Gospel of God onely, but also our owne sou∣les, because ye were dere vnto vs.

9 For ye remember, brethren, * our labour & trauail: for we laboured day and night, becau se we wolde not be chargeable vnto anie of* 1.18 you, & preached vnto you the Gospel of God.* 1.19

10 Ye (are) witnesses, and God (also) how holi∣ly,* 1.20 and iustly, and vnblameably we behaued our selues amonge 1.21 you that beleue.

11 As ye knowe how that we exhorted you, & comforted, and besoght euerie one of you [as a father his children]

12 That ye * wolde walke worthie of God,* 1.22 who hathe called you vnto his kingdome &* 1.23 glorie.* 1.24

13 For this cause also thanke we God without ceasing, that when ye receiued of vs the worde of the preaching of God, ye receiued it not as the worde of men, but as it is in dede the worde of God, which also worketh in you that beleue.

14 For brethren, ye are become followers of the Churches of God, which in Iudea are inf 1.25 Christ Iesus, because ye haue also suffred the same things of your owne countrey men, euen as they (haue) of the Iewes.

15 Who bothe killed the Lord Iesus and their owne Prophetes, and haue persecuted vs, ād God they please not, and are contrarieg 1.26 to all men,

16 And forbid vs to preache vnto the Gentiles that they might be saued, toh 1.27 fulfil their sin∣nes alwais: for the wrath (of God) isi 1.28 come* 1.29 on them, to the vt moste.* 1.30

17 Forasmuche brethrē, as we were kept from you for a season, concerning 〈◊〉〈◊〉, but not in the heart, we * enforced 〈◊〉〈◊〉 more to se your face with great desire.

18 Therefore we wolde haue come vnto you [I Paul, at least once or twise] but Satan hin∣dered vs.

19 For what is our hope or ioye, or crowne of reioycing? arek 1.31 not euen you it in the presen ce of our Lord Iesus Christ at his comming?

20 Yes, ye are our glorie and ioye.

CHAP. III.

2 He sheweth how greatly he was affectioned towarde them bothe in that he sent Timotheus to them, 10 And also prayed for them.

1 WHerefore since we colde no longer forbeare, we thoght it good to remai∣ne at Athensa 1.32 alone,

2 * And haue sent Timotheus our brother & minister of God, and our labour felow in the* 1.33 Gospel of Christ, to stablish you, and to com¦fort you touching your faith,

3 That no man shulde be moued with these af∣flictions: for ye your selues knowe, that we are appointed thereunto.

4 For verely whē we were with you, we tolde you before that we shulde suffre tribulatiōs, euen as it came to passe, and ye knowe it.

5 Euen for this cause, whenb 1.34 I colde no lon∣ger for beare, I sent (him) that I might know of your faith, lest thec 1.35 tempter had tempted you in any sorte, and that our labour had be∣ne in vaine.

6 But now lately when Timotheus came from you vnto vs, & broght vs good tidings of your faith and loue, and that ye haue good remem brance of vs alwayes, desiring to se vs, as we also (do) you,

7 Therefore, brethren, we had consolation in you, in all our affliction and necessitie throu ghe your faith.

8 For no we are wed 1.36 aliue, if yee 1.37 stand faste in the Lord.

9 For what thankes can we recōpense to God againe for you for al the ioye where with we reioyce for your sakes before our God.

10 Night and day * praying excedingly that we* 1.38 might se your face, and mightf 1.39 accomplishe that which is lacking in your faith?

11 Nowe God hym selfe, euen our Father, and our Lorde Iesus Christ, guide our iorney vn∣to you.

12 And the Lorde increase you and make you abunde in loue one towarde another, and towarde all men, euen as we (do) toward you

13 * To make your hearts stable and vnblamea* 1.40 ble in holines before God euen our Father,* 1.41 at the commyng of our Lorde Iesus Christ with all his Saints.

CHAP. IIII.

1 He exhorteth them to holines. 6 Innocencie. 9 Loue. 11 Labour. 13 And moderation in lamentyng for the dead. 17 Describing the end of the resurrection.

1 ANd furthermore we beseche you, bre∣thren, and exhorte you in the Lord Iesus thata 1.42 ye increase more and more, as ye haue receyued of vs, how ye ought to walke, and to please God.

2 For ye knowe whatb 1.43 commaundements we gaue you by the Lord Iesus.

3 * For this is the wil of God (euen) your san∣ctification,c 1.44 (and) that ye shulde absteine frō* 1.45 fornication.* 1.46

4 That euerie one of you shulde know, how to possesse hisd 1.47 vessel in holines and honour,

5 (And) not in the lust of concupiscence, euen as the Gentiles which knowe not God:

6 * That no man oppresse or defraude his bro ther in any matter: for the Lord (is) a venger* 1.48 of all suche things, as we also haue tolde you* 1.49 before time and testified.

7 * For God hathe not called vs vnto vnclen∣nes, but vnto holines.

8 He therefore that despisethe 1.50 (these things,) despiseth no man, but God who hathe euen giuen * you his holie Spirit.* 1.51

9 But as touching 〈◊〉〈◊〉 loue, ye nede not* 1.52 that I write vnto you: *for ye are taught of* 1.53 God to loue one another.* 1.54

10 Yea, and that thing verely ye do vnto all the brethren, which are through out all Macedo nia: but we beseche you, brethren, that ye in crease more and more,

11 *And that ye studie to be quiet, & to medle with your owne busines, and to worke with yourf 1.55 owne hands, as we commanded you,

12 That ye may behaue your selues honestly to warde them thatg 1.56 are without, and that no∣thing beh 1.57 lacking vnto you.

13 ¶ I wolde not, brethren, haue you ignorant cōcerning thē which are aslepe, that yei 1.58 so∣rowe not euē as other which haue no hope.

14 For if we 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that Iesus is dead, & is risen euen so them which slepe ink 1.59 Iesus, wil Godl 1.60 bring with him.

15 For this say we vnto you by them 1.61 worde of the Lord, *that we which liue, and are remai ning in the comming of the Lord, shal not* 1.62 preuent them which slepe.* 1.63

16 For the Lord him self shal descend from* 1.64 heauē with a 〈◊〉〈◊〉, (and) with the voyce of* 1.65 the Archangel and * with the trūpet of God: and the dead in Christ shal rise first.

17 Then shal: we which liue and remaine, beo 1.66 caught vp with them also in the cloudes, to mete the Lord in the ayer: and so shal we euer be with the Lord.

18 Wherefore, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 yourselues one another with these wordes.

CHAP. V.

1 He enformeth them of the day of iudgement and com∣ming of the Lord, 6 Exhorting them to watch, 12 And to regard suche as preache Gods worde among them.

1 BVt of thea 1.67 times and seasons, brethren, ye 〈◊〉〈◊〉 no nede that I write vnto you.

2 For ye your selues knowe perfitely, that the * day of the Lord shal come, euen as a thefe in the night.

3 For when they shal say, Peace, and safetie, then shal come vpon thē sudden destruction, as theb 1.68 trauail vpon a woman with childe, & they shal not escape.

4 But ye, brethrē, are not in darkenes, that that day shulde come on you, as (it were) a thefe.

5 Ye are all the children of light, and the chil∣dren* 1.69 of the day: we are not of the night ne∣ther* 1.70 of darkenes.* 1.71

6 Therefore let vs notc 1.72 slepe as do other, but let vsd 1.73 watch and be sober.

7 For they that slepe, slepe in the night, & they that be dronken, are dronken in the night.

8 But let vs which are of thee 1.74 day, be sober, * putting on, the brest plate of faith and loue, and of the hope of saluation for an helmet.

9 For God hathe not appointed vs vnto wrath but to obteine saluation by the meanes of our Lord Iesus Christ.

10 Which dyed for vs, that whether we wake orf 1.75 slepe, we shulde liue together with him.

11 Wherefore exhorte one another, and edifie* 1.76 one another.* 1.77

12 Now we beseche you, brethren, that ye knowe them, which labour among you, and are ouer you in the Lord, &g 1.78 admonish you.

13 That ye haue them in singular loue forh 1.79 their workes sake. Be at peace among your selues.

14 We desire you, bethren, admonish them that are vnrulie, comforte the feble minded: beare with the weake: by pacient towarde all men.

15 * Se that none recompense euil for euil vn∣to any man: but euer followe that which is good, bothe towarde your selues, and tow∣arde all men.* 1.80

16 i 1.81 Reioyce euermore.* 1.82

17 * Pray continually.* 1.83

18 In all things giue thankes: for this (is) the* 1.84 wil of God in Christ Iesus to warde you.

19 Quench not thek 1.85 Spirit.

20 Despise notl 1.86 prophecying.

21 Trye 〈◊〉〈◊〉 things, (and) kepe that which is good.* 1.87

22 Abstaine from all appearance of euil.* 1.88

23 Now the verie God* of peace sanctifie you* 1.89 throughout: and (I pray God) that yourm 1.90 * 1.91 whole spirit and soule & bodie, may be kept blameles vnto the comming of our Lord Ie∣sus Christ.

24 * Faithful (is he) which calleth you, which wil also do it.

25 Brethren, pray for vs.

26 Grete 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the brethren with and holie kisse.

27 I chargey 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Lord, that this epistle be red vnto all the brethren the Saintes.

28 The grace of our Lord Iesus Christ (be) with you,* 1.92

Amen.

The first (epistle) vnto de Thessalonians* 1.93 written from Athens. * 1.94

Notes

• a 1.1

  For 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is no Churche whiche is not 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to∣gether in God.
• * 1.2

  2 Thes. 1. 3.
• * 1.3

  Philip. 1. 3.
• b 1.4

  Whiche decla∣reth it selfe by 〈◊〉〈◊〉 liuelie fru∣tes.
• c 1.5

  Whereby you declared your sel ues moste readie and painfull to helpethe poore.
• d 1.6

  The effectual preaching of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Gospel is an eui∣dēt token of our election.
• e 1.7

  To beleue, and to be fully per∣suaded to haue the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the holie Gost, and Ioyfully to suffer for Christs sake, are most certeine signes of our ele ction.
• “ 1.8

  Or, paternes.
• f 1.9

  To wit, al that faithfull.
• g 1.10

  For 〈◊〉〈◊〉 are dead things and onely fained fan∣tasies.
• h 1.11

  Which he shall execute vpon the wicked.
• a 1.12

  Not in out∣warde shew and in pompe, but in trauel and in the feare of God.
• b 1.13

  By his helpe & grace.
• * 1.14

  Act. 16. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• c 1.15

  Whiche decla∣reth a naughtie conscience.
• “ 1.16

  Or, inautoritie.
• d 1.17

  He hūbled him self to supporte all things with out al respecte of 〈◊〉〈◊〉: euen as the tender mother which nourceth her children, and thinketh no offi∣ce to vile for her childrens sake.
• * 1.18

  Act. 20. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.19

  1 Cor. 4 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.20

  2. Thes. 3. 8.
• e 1.21

  For it is not possible to auoide the reproches of the wicked, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 euer hate good doings.
• * 1.22

  〈◊〉〈◊〉. 4. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.23

  〈◊〉〈◊〉. 1. 27.
• * 1.24

  Col. 1. 10.
• f 1.25

  In his Name and vnder his pro tection.
• g 1.26

  And wolde hinder all men from their salua∣tion.
• h 1.27

  And heape vp the measure.
• i 1.28

  He meaneth not this of all the Iewes in gene∣ral: but of certei∣ne of thē particu larly which cea∣sed not after they had put Christ to death, to persecu te his worde and his ministers.
• * 1.29

  Mat. 3. 32.
• * 1.30

  Rom. 1. 11.
• k 1.31

  Therefore I 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 forget you, except I wolde forget my self.
• a 1.32

  Rather seking your cōmoditie, then mine owne in sending of Ti∣motheus to you.
• * 1.33

  Act. 16. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• b 1.34

  His great 〈◊〉〈◊〉 toward the smale flocke.
• c 1.35

  Meaning 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• d 1.36

  If ye remaine constant in faith and true doctrine I shal thinke that all mine 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be so many 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 restored from death to life.
• e 1.37

  If you perseue∣re in faith.
• * 1.38

  Rom. 1. 10. & 15. 23.
• f 1.39

  VVe must daily growe from faith to faith.
• * 1.40

  Chap. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 23.
• * 1.41

  〈◊〉〈◊〉. corin. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 8.
• a 1.42

  And as it were ouercome your selues.
• b 1.43

  The greke worde signified suche commande ments as one re∣ceiueth from 〈◊〉〈◊〉 man to giue them in his na∣me to others.
• c 1.44

  That is, that you shulde dedi∣cate your selues wholy vnto God.
• * 1.45

  Rom. 12. 2.
• * 1.46

  Ephes. 5. 17.
• d 1.47

  That is, his bo∣die which is pro phaned by suche filthines.
• * 1.48

  1. Cor. 6. 8.
• * 1.49

  1. Cor. 1. 2.
• e 1.50

  By these pre∣cepts of godlie life it appeareth what were 〈◊〉〈◊〉 commadements, which Paul 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vnto them.
• * 1.51

  1. Cor. 7. 40.
• * 1.52

  Ioh. 13. 34. & 15. 12.
• * 1.53

  1. Iohn. 2. 8. & 4. 21
• * 1.54

  2. Thess 3. 7.
• f 1.55

  And not be idle.
• g 1.56

  As strangers and 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• h 1.57

  But that ye may be able by your diligence to supplie your wāt and necessitie.
• i 1.58

  He doeth not condemne all kinde of sorrow but that which procedeth of m∣fidelitie.
• k 1.59

  Or, haue conti∣nued constantly in the faith of Christ.
• l 1.60

  By raising their bodies out of the graue.
• m 1.61

  Which is in the Name of the Lord, and as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 shulde speake him self.
• * 1.62

  1. Cor. 15 23.
• * 1.63

  〈◊〉〈◊〉. 24. 31.
• * 1.64

  1. Cor. 15. 12.
• * 1.65

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 Meaning them which shal be founde a 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• o 1.66

  In this sudden taking vp 〈◊〉〈◊〉 shalbe a kinde of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the qualities of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 bodies which shalbe as a kinde of death.
• a 1.67

  So muche the more we ought to be ware of all 〈◊〉〈◊〉 & fanta∣sies of men which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 them sel∣ues & others in searching out 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the time that the Lord shal appeare, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for them selues a vaine prophecie, and moste falsely ascribed to Elias 2000 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the re∣uel 3, 3 & 16, 15. that 2000. yere before the Lawe 2000, vnder the Lawe and 2000. after the Lawe hee worlde shal endure
• b 1.68

  That is, sud denly and vnlo∣ked for.
• * 1.69

  Mat. 24. 44. 2.
• * 1.70

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 3. 10.
• * 1.71

  Reuel. 3. 3 & 16. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• c 1.72

  Here 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is ta∣ken for contempt of saluation, when men 〈◊〉〈◊〉 we in sinnes ad wil not a walke to god lines.
• d 1.73

  And not be ouercome with the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the worlde.
• e 1.74

  That is light∣ued by the Gospel.
• f 1.75

  Here it is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 onely to dye, & is ment of the faith ful.
• * 1.76

  Isa. 59. 17.
• * 1.77

  〈◊〉〈◊〉. 6, 17.
• g 1.78

  As the flocke is bounde to loue the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, so is it his duetie to teache them ād ex hort them in true religion.
• h 1.79

  Where this cause ceaseth, that they worke not: the ho nor also ceaseth, and they must be expelled as wol ues out of the flocke.
• * 1.80

  Prou. 17. 13. & 20, 22.
• i 1.81

  Haue a quiet min de & 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in Christ which shal make you reioice in the middes of sorrowes,
• * 1.82

  mat. 5, 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.83

  rom. 12, 17.
• * 1.84

  1. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 3, 9.
• k 1.85

  God that hathe giuen his Spirit to his elect, wil ne∣uer suffer it to be quenched, but ha∣the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by what meanes it may be maintei∣ned, that is, by su∣che exhortations as these, & by con tinual increase in godlines.
• l 1.86

  The preaching of the worde of God
• * 1.87

  Rom. 5, 3. 2. cor. 6, 10.
• * 1.88

  Luk 18, 1.
• * 1.89

  〈◊〉〈◊〉. 18. 12.
• m 1.90

  Then is a man fully sanctified & perfect, when his minde thinketh no thing, his soule, that is, his vnder∣standing and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 nothing: ne∣ther his bodie doeth execute any thing contrary to the wil of God.
• * 1.91

  colos. 4, 3.
• * 1.92

  Chap. 3, 12.
• * 1.93

  1. cor. 1, 8.
• * 1.94

  1. Cor. 1, 8.