Division

The last two aims are fulfilled in the last two chapters, the fourth and fifth; the first is fulfilled in the first three chapters. The entire Epistle thus visibly falls into two parts, of which the first may be called historical, and the second moral-dogmatic. Prefixed to these at the beginning is the salutation with greeting; appended at the end are the concluding benedictions. A more detailed subdivision will follow in the commentary itself.

Distinctive features.

The Epistles to the Ephesians and Colossians are distinguished by the loftiness of their contemplation of life in Christ; the Epistles to the Corinthians put in order the ways of earthly life according to the principles of Christian life; the Epistles to the Romans and Galatians lay the foundation of faith through sound reasoning about what was and is in those who live under the Law and outside the Law. The Epistle to the Thessalonians presents nothing of that kind. In it the heartfelt bond between the preacher of the Gospel of Christ and those who have believed is vividly depicted, and in this respect it is very close to the Epistle to the Philippians—likewise addressed to Macedonians. The Macedonian Christians did not display higher gifts. By the simplicity of faith and the warmth of love they drew from the Apostle speech full of fatherly tenderness and solicitude. What fullness of apostolic spirit was in the holy Paul, that he was able in such diverse ways to be all things to all—giving each what was needed!