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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 1 Thessalonians 5:23–28. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
In these words, which conclude this epistle, observe,
I.Paul's prayer for them, Th1 5:23.
He had told them, in the beginning of this epistle, that he always made mention of them in his prayers; and, now that he is writing to them, he lifts up his heart to God in prayer for them. Take notice,
1.To whom the apostle prays, namely, The very God of peace. He is the God of grace, and the God of peace and love. He is the author of peace and lover of concord; and by their peaceableness and unity, from God as the author, those things would best be obtained which he prays for.
2.The things he prays for on behalf of the Thessalonians are their sanctification, that God would sanctify them wholly; and their preservation, that they might be preserved blameless. He prays that they may be wholly sanctified, that the whole man may be sanctified, and then that the whole man, spirit, soul, and body, may be preserved: or, he prays that they may be wholly sanctified, that is, more perfectly, for the best are sanctified but in part while in this world; and therefore we should pray for and press towards complete sanctification. Where the good work of grace is begun, it shall be carried on, be protected and preserved; and all those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus shall be preserved to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. And because, if God did not carry on his good work in the soul, it would miscarry, we should pray to God to perfect his work, and preserve us blameless, free from sin and impurity, till at length we are presented faultless before the throne of his glory with exceeding joy.
II.His comfortable assurance that God would hear his prayer:
Faithful is he who calleth you, who will also do it, Th1 5:24. The kindness and love of God had appeared to them in calling them to the knowledge of his truth, and the faithfulness of God was their security that they should persevere to the end; and therefore, the apostle assures them, God would do what he desired; he would effect what he had promised; he would accomplish all the good pleasure of his goodness towards them. Note, Our fidelity to God depends upon his faithfulness to us.
III.His request of their prayers:
Brethren, pray for us, Th1 5:25. We should pray for one another; and brethren should thus express brotherly love. This great apostle did not think it beneath him to call the Thessalonians brethren, nor to request their prayers. Ministers stand in need of their people's prayers; and the more people pray for their ministers the more good ministers may have from God, and the more benefit people may receive by their ministry.
IV.His salutation:
Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss, Th1 5:26. Thus the apostle sends a friendly salutation from himself, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, and would have them salute each other in their names; and thus he would have them signify their mutual love and affection to one another by the kiss of charity (Pe1 5:14), which is here called a holy kiss, to intimate how cautious they should be of all impurity in the use of this ceremony, then commonly practised; as it should not be a treacherous kiss like that of Judas, so not a lascivious kiss like that of the harlot, Pro 7:13.
V.His solemn charge for the reading of this epistle, Th1 5:27.
This is not only an exhortation, but an adjuration by the Lord. And this epistle was to be read to all the holy brethren. It is not only allowed to the common people to read the scriptures, and what none should prohibit, but it is their indispensable duty, and what they should be persuaded to do. In order to this, these holy oracles should not be kept concealed in an unknown tongue, but translated into the vulgar languages, that all men, being concerned to know the scriptures, may be able to read them, and be acquainted with them. The public reading of the law was one part of the worship of the sabbath among the Jews in their synagogues, and the scriptures should be read in the public assemblies of Christians also.
VI.The apostolical benediction that is usual in other epistles:
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen, Th1 5:28. We need no more to make us happy than to know that grace which our Lord Jesus Christ has manifested, be interested in that grace which he has purchased, and partake of that grace which dwells in him as the head of the church. This is an ever-flowing and overflowing fountain of grace to supply all our wants.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
"Faithful is He that calleth you, who will also do it."
Observe his humility. For, because he had prayed, Think not, he says, that this happens from my prayers, but from the purpose, with which He called you. For if He called you to salvation, and He is true, He will certainly save you, in that He wills it.
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Summary
First Thessalonians 5:24 stands as a profound declaration of God's unwavering faithfulness, serving as a divine guarantee that He who initiates the call to salvation will also bring to completion the work of sanctification and preservation in believers. This verse provides immense comfort and assurance, anchoring the Christian's hope not in personal strength or fleeting circumstances, but in the immutable character and sovereign power of God to fulfill His promises and perfect His people until the return of Christ.
Context
Literary Context
This powerful declaration concludes Paul's extensive exhortations and prayers for the Thessalonian believers, immediately following his comprehensive prayer for their complete sanctification and blameless preservation until Christ's coming in 1 Thessalonians 5:23. The preceding verses in 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22 contain a series of practical commands regarding community life, spiritual discernment, and ethical conduct. Paul's prayer in verse 23 encapsulates the ultimate goal of these exhortations – a holy and blameless life. Verse 24 then acts as the divine "amen" to that prayer, shifting the focus from human responsibility and prayer to God's absolute capability and commitment to accomplish what has been prayed for. It is a firm theological anchor, ensuring that the high standard set for believers is not left to their own devices but is guaranteed by God Himself.
Historical & Cultural Context
The church in Thessalonica was relatively young, founded during Paul's second missionary journey, as recounted in Acts 17:1-9. The believers faced significant opposition and persecution from both Jewish and Gentile communities, which is a recurring theme throughout the letter (e.g., 1 Thessalonians 1:6, 1 Thessalonians 2:14). They also grappled with questions concerning the return of Christ, particularly regarding those who had died before His coming (addressed in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). In this context of external pressure and internal theological queries, Paul's affirmation of God's faithfulness served as a crucial source of stability, comfort, and assurance. It reminded them that despite their struggles and uncertainties, God was actively at work in their lives, ensuring their ultimate salvation and sanctification.
Key Themes
The verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Thessalonians and Pauline theology. Foremost is the sovereignty and faithfulness of God, which undergirds all Christian hope and effort. It emphasizes that salvation, sanctification, and ultimate preservation are not human achievements but divine works initiated and completed by God. This aligns with the theme of divine election and calling, as God is the one "who calleth you." The "it" in the verse directly refers to the sanctification and blameless preservation mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 5:23, highlighting God's commitment to perfecting His people. Finally, the verse implicitly connects to the theme of eschatological hope, as this divine work is guaranteed "unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ," providing assurance for the believer's future and ultimate glorification.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This word, derived from the verb "to persuade," describes God's inherent trustworthiness and reliability. When applied to God, it signifies His unchanging character and His steadfast commitment to His promises and covenants. It means He can be depended upon; He is true to His word and His nature. This attribute is foundational to the believer's confidence.
This term refers to God's divine and effectual summons. It is not merely an invitation that may or may not be accepted, but a powerful, sovereign act of grace that brings individuals into a saving relationship with Him. This "calling" signifies God's initiative in salvation, highlighting His sovereign choice and purpose for believers.
This verb signifies to make, to do, to perform, or to accomplish. In this context, it emphasizes God's active power and determination to bring about the complete sanctification and preservation He has promised. It underscores that God is not just a passive observer but an active agent who will infallibly bring His purposes to fruition.
Verse Breakdown
"Faithful is he that calleth you"
This initial clause establishes the bedrock of the entire assurance: God's faithfulness. The one who initiated the relationship with the Thessalonians through His divine call is inherently trustworthy. His character guarantees His commitment to those He has called. This emphasizes that the certainty of their salvation and sanctification rests entirely on God's nature, not on human merit or consistency.
"who also will do it."
This concluding clause provides the divine guarantee. The "who" refers back to "he that calleth you" (God), reinforcing that it is God Himself who will act. The word "also" (G2532, kaí') adds emphasis, meaning "even He will do it." The "it" refers directly to the comprehensive sanctification and preservation mentioned in the preceding verse (1 Thessalonians 5:23). This clause assures believers that God will not only begin a good work in them but will infallibly bring it to completion, ensuring their spiritual maturity and blamelessness until the day of Christ's return.
Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. Emphasis is achieved through the direct and declarative statement of God's faithfulness, placing it at the forefront of the assurance. The use of the third-person singular pronoun "he" (referring to God) creates a sense of divine agency and power, highlighting that the work is God's alone. There is a clear cause and effect relationship implied: because God is faithful, He will accomplish His work. The phrase "who also will do it" functions as a powerful affirmation and guarantee, providing a definitive closure to Paul's preceding prayer and exhortations. The entire verse serves as a concise credo or statement of faith in God's reliability, designed to instill confidence and hope in the recipients.
Theological and Thematic Connections
1 Thessalonians 5:24 is a profound theological statement on the nature of God and the security of the believer. It underscores the monergistic nature of salvation and sanctification, asserting that God is the sole initiator and perfecter of the work He begins in His people. His faithfulness is not merely a passive attribute but an active force that guarantees the fulfillment of His divine purposes. This verse provides immense comfort, assuring believers that their ultimate preservation and conformity to Christ's image are secured by God's unchanging character and omnipotent power, rather than by their own fluctuating efforts or merits. It transforms the Christian life from a striving for perfection into a trusting reliance on the One who is able to complete what He started.
Reflection and Application
1 Thessalonians 5:24 offers a bedrock of assurance for every believer, reminding us that our spiritual journey, from initial calling to ultimate glorification, is firmly held in the faithful hands of God. In a world fraught with uncertainty and personal failings, this verse provides an unshakeable anchor for our souls. It frees us from the burden of striving to earn our salvation or to perfect ourselves through sheer willpower, instead inviting us to rest in God's unfailing commitment. This truth should inspire not complacency, but a deeper trust and joyful obedience, knowing that the One who called us is perfectly capable and determined to complete the work of sanctification within us. It encourages us to persevere through trials, to confess our weaknesses, and to press on in faith, confident that God's faithfulness will see us through to the end, preserving us blameless until the glorious return of our Lord.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "it" refer to in 1 Thessalonians 5:24?
The "it" in 1 Thessalonians 5:24 refers directly to the comprehensive work of sanctification and preservation that Paul prayed for in the preceding verse, 1 Thessalonians 5:23. In that verse, Paul prays that God would "sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." Therefore, "it" encompasses God's commitment to setting believers apart for His purposes (sanctification) and keeping them pure and blameless (preservation) until the return of Jesus Christ.
How does this verse relate to the concept of "once saved, always saved"?
While 1 Thessalonians 5:24 doesn't explicitly use the phrase "once saved, always saved," it strongly supports the theological concept of the perseverance and security of the saints. By declaring that God, who called us, "will do it" (i.e., complete our sanctification and preservation), the verse emphasizes God's active role in maintaining a believer's salvation. It grounds the assurance of salvation not in human ability to persevere, but in God's unwavering faithfulness and power to keep His people. This aligns with other New Testament passages that speak of God's preserving power, such as John 10:28-29 and Jude 1:24. It assures believers that the work God began in them, He will surely finish.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
1 Thessalonians 5:24 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "faithful One who calleth you" is the Father, whose faithfulness is perfectly embodied and demonstrated in His Son, Jesus. It is through Christ that God's effectual call goes forth, drawing humanity to Himself, as Jesus declared, "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him" (John 6:44). Furthermore, the "it" that God "will do" – the complete sanctification and blameless preservation of believers – is accomplished solely through Christ's redemptive work. He is our sanctification (1 Corinthians 1:30), and it is His perfect sacrifice that makes us blameless before God (Colossians 1:22). Our preservation until His coming is secured by His intercession at the right hand of the Father (Romans 8:34) and His promise to keep those the Father has given Him (John 17:11-12). Thus, 1 Thessalonians 5:24 is not merely a general statement about God's character, but a Christ-centered assurance that God's faithfulness guarantees the completion of His saving and sanctifying work in us, all through the finished work and ongoing ministry of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.