Notes, Critical and Explanatory, on the Holy Scriptures
1 Thessalonians 5
Hope serves as a helmet to protect us, since we are encouraged by it to struggle against the enemy, feeling assured of Divine protection.
To esteem and love them with special regard.
G. P. omit the particle, which, however, is now admitted to be genuine, it being found in the chief manuscripts. All things which are not manifestly wrong should be examined before we condemn them. The apostle speaks espe- cially of those who pretended to spiritual gifts, such as prophecy. He wished these not to be rejected or admitted hastily. "Since he had said, 'Despise not prophecies ;' that they might not think that he laid the teacher's chair open to all, he adds, 'Prove all things,' that is, what are truly prophecies." St. Chry- sostom.
Whatever wears a bad appearance should be shunned, even if it be not de- cidedly evil. Rom. xii. 17.
The spirit is here used for the intellect, especially as enlightened by grace. The soul for the affections. The apostle speaks after a popular manner, ■without meaning to adopt the notions of philosophers.
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