1 Thessalonians 5:18

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 1 Thessalonians 5:18 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “in everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus to you-ward.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

in everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus to you-ward.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Thessalonians 5

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
18in everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus to you-ward.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“In everything give thanks, etc.] That is, to God the Father, in the name of Christ; (see <490520>Ephesians 5:20) thanks are to be given to him for all things, as the Ethiopic version renders it; for all temporal good things; for our beings, the preservation of them; for food and raiment, and all the mercies of life; for the means of grace, the word and ordinances, and the ministers of the Gospel; for spiritual blessings, for electing, redeeming, regenerating, adopting, pardoning, justifying, and persevering grace: for a meetness for heaven, a right unto it, and a good hope of it; and especially for Jesus Christ, for such an husband, such an head, such a surety and Saviour, and advocate with…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“In every thing--even what seems adverse: for nothing is really so (compare Rom 8:28; Eph 5:20). See Christ's example (Mat 15:36; Mat 26:27; Luk 10:21; Joh 11:41). this--That ye should "rejoice evermore, pray without ceasing, (and) in every thing give thanks," "is the will of God in Christ Jesus (as the Mediator and Revealer of that will, observed by those who are in Christ by faith, compare Phi 3:14) concerning you." God's will is the believer's law. LACHMANN rightly reads commas at the end of the three precepts (Th1 5:16-18), making "this" refer to all three.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“In every thing give thanks - See the Ephesians 5:20 note; Philippians 4:6 note. We can always find something to be thankful for, and there may be reasons why we ought to be thankful for even those dispensations which appear dark and frowning. Chrysostom, once the archbishop of Constantinople, and then driven into exile, persecuted, and despised, died far away form all the splendors of the capital, and all the comforts and honors which he had enjoyed, uttering his favorite motto - δόξα τῷ Θεῷ πάντων ἕνεκεν doxa tō Theō pantōn heneken - “glory to God for all things.” Bibliotheca Sacra, 1:700. So we may praise God for everything that happens to us under his government. A man owes a…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“For this - That you should thus rejoice, pray, give thanks. Is the will of God - Always good, always pointing at our salvation. 1 Thessalonians 5:19”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“5:18 Be thankful: God is sovereign and can redeem any situation (Rom 8:28).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“every: Eph 5:20; Phi 4:6; Col 3:17; Job 1:21; Psa 34:1; Heb 13:15 for: Th1 4:3; Pe1 2:15, Pe1 4:2; Jo1 2:17 1 Thessalonians 5:19”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification