For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. This verse explains why maintaining confidence (verse 35) is essential. "Ye have need of patience" (hypomonēs gar echete chreian, ὑπομονῆς γὰρ ἔχετε χρείαν) identifies patient endurance as necessary. Hypomonēs (ὑπομονῆς) means steadfast endurance, patient continuance, remaining under the load. This isn't passive waiting but active perseverance under trial.
"That, after ye have done the will of God" (hina to thelēma tou Theou poiēsantes, ἵνα τὸ θέλημα τοῦ Θεοῦ ποιήσαντες) indicates that receiving the promise requires completing God's will. God's will for them includes faithful endurance through suffering, persevering confession of Christ, and maintaining love for fellow believers. This isn't works-righteousness—they're already saved. Rather, genuine saving faith necessarily perseveres in obedience. The will of God for believers includes sanctification (1 Thessalonians 4:3), which manifests in faithful endurance.
"Ye might receive the promise" (komisēsthe tēn epangelian, κομίσησθε τὴν ἐπαγγελίαν) refers to obtaining the promised eternal inheritance. Komisēsthe means receive, obtain, carry off as reward. The promise includes eternal life, glorification, complete deliverance from sin, perfect communion with God, resurrection bodies, and reigning with Christ. This promise is certain but future—requiring patient endurance until fulfillment.
Historical Context
The concept of patient endurance for future reward was familiar to both Jewish and Greco-Roman audiences. Job's patience through suffering became proverbial in Jewish thought. Greek philosophy emphasized endurance (karteria) as virtue. However, Christian patience differs fundamentally—it's not merely stoic acceptance or philosophical resignation but confident hope in God's promise, enabled by His Spirit, directed toward certain future glory.
The early church needed this emphasis because many expected Christ's immediate return to deliver them from suffering. When persecution continued and Christ didn't return immediately, some wavered in faith. The author reminds them that God's timing is perfect, the promise is certain, and patient endurance is necessary for obtaining the promise.
Questions for Reflection
How does understanding that endurance is necessary for receiving God's promises affect your response to ongoing trials?
What is the difference between patiently enduring while trusting God and passively accepting circumstances while giving up?
In what areas of your Christian life do you most need patient endurance rather than immediate resolution?
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Analysis & Commentary
For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. This verse explains why maintaining confidence (verse 35) is essential. "Ye have need of patience" (hypomonēs gar echete chreian, ὑπομονῆς γὰρ ἔχετε χρείαν) identifies patient endurance as necessary. Hypomonēs (ὑπομονῆς) means steadfast endurance, patient continuance, remaining under the load. This isn't passive waiting but active perseverance under trial.
"That, after ye have done the will of God" (hina to thelēma tou Theou poiēsantes, ἵνα τὸ θέλημα τοῦ Θεοῦ ποιήσαντες) indicates that receiving the promise requires completing God's will. God's will for them includes faithful endurance through suffering, persevering confession of Christ, and maintaining love for fellow believers. This isn't works-righteousness—they're already saved. Rather, genuine saving faith necessarily perseveres in obedience. The will of God for believers includes sanctification (1 Thessalonians 4:3), which manifests in faithful endurance.
"Ye might receive the promise" (komisēsthe tēn epangelian, κομίσησθε τὴν ἐπαγγελίαν) refers to obtaining the promised eternal inheritance. Komisēsthe means receive, obtain, carry off as reward. The promise includes eternal life, glorification, complete deliverance from sin, perfect communion with God, resurrection bodies, and reigning with Christ. This promise is certain but future—requiring patient endurance until fulfillment.