Verse 8
8. despiseth, c.—Greek, "setteth at naught" such engagements imposed on him in his calling, 1 Thessalonians 4:7 in relation to his "brother," 1 Thessalonians 4:6. He who doth so, "sets at naught not man (as for instance his brother), but God" (Psalms 51:4) is used of despising or rejecting God's minister, it may mean here, "He who despiseth" or "rejecteth" these our ministerial precepts.
who hath also given unto us—So some oldest manuscripts read, but most oldest manuscripts read, "Who (without 'also') giveth (present) unto you" (not "us").
his Spirit—Greek, "His own Spirit, the Holy (One)"; thus emphatically marking "holiness" (Psalms 51:4- :) as the end for which the Holy (One) is being given. "Unto you," in the Greek, implies that the Spirit is being given unto, into (put "into" your hearts), and among you (compare 1 Thessalonians 2:9; Ephesians 4:30). "Giveth" implies that sanctification is not merely a work once for all accomplished in the past, but a present progressive work. So the Church of England Catechism, "sanctifieth (present) all the elect people of God." "His own" implies that as He gives you that which is essentially identical with Himself, He expects you should become like Himself (1 Peter 1:16; 2 Peter 1:4).
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