Sketches from the Life of Paul (1883) — PDF Scan 123
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116 LIFE OF PAUL . as ministers and deacons . But some would not be subordinate to those who held authoritative positionsinthechurch. Ardent,self-willedpersonsclaimednotonlytherightof privatejudgment,but to be heard publiclyin urgingtheir views upon the church. Paul, therefore, earnestlycalledthe attentionof hisbrethrento the respectand deferencedue thosewho had authorityin the church, and who had been intrusted with theresponsibilitiesconnectedwith it. He cautionsthe Thessaloniansnot to despise thegiftof prophecy,and enjoinsa carefuldiscriminationin distinguishingthe falsemanifestationfrom the true: " Quench not the Spirit; despisenotprophesyings;proveallthings;hold fastthatwhichisgood." He praysthatGod will sanctifythem wholly, that their "whole spiritand souland body be preservedblameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ;" and in closing, adds the assurance, " Faithful is He thatcallethyou,who alsowilldo it." In this First Epistle to the Thessalonians, Paul'steachingsconcerningthe secondcoming of Christwere in perfectharmony with his former instructionsto the church . Yet his words were misapprehended by some of the Thessalonianbrethren. They understoodhim to express the hope that he himself would live to witness the Saviour's advent . This beliefserved to increase their enthusiasm and excitement . Those who had previouslyneglectedtheircaresand duties, now consideredthemselvessustainedby theapostle; hencetheybecame more persistent thanbeforeinurgingtheirerroneousviews. In his second letterto thischurch,Paul seeks tocorrecttheirmisapprehensions,and tosetbefore