1 Thessalonians 1
OGCBIBLE STUDY TEXTBOOK
THINKING THROUGH THESSALONIANS
Wilbur Fields
College Press, Joplin, Missouri · Copyright 1963 · College Press Reprint 1971
Dedicated
To My Father
Whose holy life and hard work will surely be remembered in heaven.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
To Robert E. Huffman, Midland, Ohio, for art work illustrating the chapter topics.
To Seth Wilson, Dean of Ozark Bible College, Joplin, Mo., for permission to print his articlesThe Coming Judge and A Secret Rapture Considered.
To Don DeWelt, editor of College Press, Joplin, Mo., for much assistance. Also for a quotation from his booklet, You And Me and God.
To University of Chicago Press, for permission to quote THE BIBLE, AN AMERICAN TRANSLATION, By J. Powis Smith and Edgar J. Goodspeed. Copyright 1935.
To Loizeaux Brothers, Bible Truth Depot, New York 10, N.Y., for use of a few quotations from Addresses On The First and Second Epistles of Thessalonians, By H. A. Ironside. Copyright 1947.
To Harper and Brothers Publishers, New York, N.Y., for use of a few quotations from The New Testament, A New Translation, By James Moffatt. Copyright 1922, 1935.
To the Macmillan Company, New York, N.Y., for use of a few quotations from The New Testament in Modern English, By J. B. Phillips. Copyright 1958.
To Thomas Nelson and Sons, New York, N.Y., for use of a few quotations from the Revised Standard Version of the New Testament. Copyright, 1946.
To the Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif., for use of certain references from the Amplified New Testament. Copyright 1958.
To the many other people and books that have been helpful in the preparation of this book. Wherever possible, we have tried to give credit where credit is due.
To the Lord God whose answers to prayers made this book possible.
Preface
HELP FOR YOUFIVE LAYERS DEEP!
To help you to know and understand God’s word, this book offers five layers of help. (1) Thinking Through ThessaloniansAt the beginning of the study of each chapter is a group of questions called Thinking Through Thessalonians, These are designed to help the person who has little or no knowledge of the Bible text to get acquainted with it. All the blanks in these sections can be filled in with no help but a common King James Bible.
(2) OutlinesOutlines of both of the Thessalonian letters, and all of the Chapter s are given.
(3) Translation and ParaphraseA translation from Nestle’s Greek New Testament is given. This is as accurate and literal as we can make it. With the translation we have included a paraphrase, other words to make the meaning of the verses as clear and complete as possible. The words in parentheses are the paraphrase. Usually reading the translation and paraphrase alone will make Paul’s thoughts quite clear.
(4) NotesNotes on every verse are given. Most notes are practical comments on the message of the verses. Some notes are technical, but wherever possible, we have tried to make all of them understandable to the general reader.
(5) Did You Learn?The study of each chapter concludes with a section of review questions entitled Did You Learn? [see Chapter Comments] (The Introductory Sections also have questions of this type.)
Besides these five layers of help, there are some useful Introductory Sections at the beginning of both epistles, and some special studies in the back of the book.
THINKING THROUGH THESSALONTANS
Introductory Section I
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS?
What made the Thessalonian church a church to be thankful for? (1 Thessalonians 1:2-7)
What will happen to the dead when Jesus comes back? (1 Thessalonians 4:14-17)
The shortest verse in the Bible is actually in I Thessalonians. Where is it?
Would God actually cause anyone to believe a lie? (2 Thessalonians 2:11-12)
Was Captain John Smith the first man to say, If any man will not work, neither let him eat?
These, and many other equally interesting questions, will be answered in your study of THINKING THROUGH THESSALONIANS.
Introductory Section II
A. CHAPTER TOPICS OF I THESSALONIANS
(By all means memorize these chapter topics, If you only remember these, you will have gained a fair idea of what is in every chapter of the whole epistle.)
Chapter 1Paul’s Thanks for the Thessalonians. Chapter 2Paul’s good record among the Thessalonians. Chapter 3Paul’s current dealings with the Thessalonians. Chapter 4(Two topics)
(1)
The walk of the Christian.
(2)
The dead in Christ and the Lord’s coming.
Chapter 5(Two topics)
(1)
Times and seasons of the Lord’s coming.
(2)
Practical exhortations.
B. OUTLINE OF I THESSALONIANS
(You should memorize now the headings of Part One and Part Two of the outline, and the Scripture limitations of these parts. Notice also that both parts close with a prayer. You will not need to memorize the sub-points in each part now. These will be taken up as each chapter is studied. More complete outlines of each chapter are given at the beginning of the notes on each chapter.) Greeting; 1 Thessalonians 1:1
PART ONEPaul’s relations with the Thessalonians, past and present; Chapter s 1, 2, 3.
THINKING THROUGH THESSALONIANS
I.
Paul’s thanks for the Thessalonians; 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10
A.
When Paul expressed thanks; 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3
B.
Things for which Paul expressed thanks; 1 Thessalonians 1:4-10
Their election; 1 Thessalonians 1:4-6
Their ensample; 1 Thessalonians 1:7-10
II.
Paul’s good record among the Thessalonians; 1 Thessalonians 2:1-16
A.
Paul’s work among them; 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12
B.
Thanks for the way they received the word; 1 Thessalonians 2:13-16
III.
Paul’s current dealings with the Thessalonians; 1 Thessalonians 2:17-20; 1 Thessalonians 3:1-10
A.
Paul’s desire for personal visit hindered; 1 Thessalonians 2:17-20
B.
Timothy sent; 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5
C.
Joy upon Timothy’s return; 1 Thessalonians 3:6-10
Concluding prayer; 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13
PART TWOExhortations and teachings; Chapter s 4 and 5. I.
The walk of the Christians; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12
II.
The Lord’s coming; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
A.
The dead in Christ and the Lord’s coming; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.
B.
Times and seasons of the Lord’s coming; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
Comes as a thief; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3
Will not come to Christians as a thief; 1 Thessalonians 5:4-11
III.
Practical exhortations; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22
Concluding prayer, commands, and benediction; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-28
Introductory Section III
THE LORD’S COMING IN THE THESSALONIAN EPISTLES
(Memorize the facts written in italics.) 1.
The Lord’s second coming is mentioned so many times in the Thessalonian epistles, that we can accurately say that His second coming is the theme of both of the epistles. Itis mentioned in every chapter of both epistles.
About one out of every eight verses in I Thessalonians refers to the Lord’s coming. I Thessalonians has a total of 89 verses. Eleven of these verses mention or refer to the Lord’s coming. These verses are 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:19; 1 Thessalonians 3:13; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-4; 1 Thessalonians 5:23.
About three out of every eight verses in II Thessalonians refer to the Lord’s coming. II Thessalonians has a total of 47 verses. Eighteen of these refer to or mention the Lord’s coming. Verses referring to His coming are 1 Thessalonians 1:6-10; 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12; 1 Thessalonians 3:5.
Often today we are told that the second advent is a doctrine with which generally Christians are not to be occupied. Many ministers never preach on it at all; many have no clear convictions regarding it, In the classrooms of theological seminaries this doctrine often becomes just a theme for academic discussion. But to Paul it was a tremendously important and exceedingly practical truth which needed emphasis because of its bearing on the hearts and lives of God’s beloved people, (H, A, Ironside, Addresses On the First and Second Epistles of Thessalonians, p. 11)
What do the Chapter s of the Thessalonian epistles tell us about the Lord’s coming?
First Thessalonians
Chapter 1We wait for His coming. Chapter 2The souls we have won will then be our crown. Chapter 3We shall be perfectly holy then.
Chapter 4The dead in Christ will rise first, and then we shall all be caught up together to meet the Lord.
Chapter 5The day of the Lord comes as a thief, but Christians will not be overtaken by that day.
Second Thessalonians
Chapter lIt will be a time of retribution. Chapter 2A falling away and the man of sin must come first. Chapter 3May the Lord direct your hearts into the patient waiting for Christ.
Introductory Section IV
FACTS ABOUT I THESSALONIANS
(Memorize all facts in italics.) 1.
It is the first and oldest epistle of Paul that we have preserved for us. It may seem rather strange that the first epistle written by Paul should be placed near the end of the collection of Paul’s epistles as they are arranged in the New Testament.
It was written during Paul’s second missionary journey. I and II Thessalonians are the only letters of Paul we have that were written during the second missionary trip.
It was written about 53 A.D. Faucett’s Bible Dictionary says it was written either in the autumn of 52 or the winter of 53, at the start of his one and a half year stay in Corinth.
It was written from Corinth, It was NOT written from Athens, as an unauthorized addition at the end of the King James says.
Introductory Section V
DID PAUL REALLY WRITE I THESSALONIANS?
Yes, beyond question. The epistle is referred to by Ignatius (about 110 A.D.), and by Polycarp (70-156 A.D.). It is quoted by Irenaeus (130-190 A.D.), by Clement of Alexandria (about 195 A.D.), by Origen (about 225 A.D.), and others. Tertullian (about 200 A.D.) quotes it twenty times. These people were Christian writers in the early history of the church. I Thessalonians is listed in the Muratorian Canon (after 150 A.D.), in that of Marcion (about 140 A.D.), and Laodicea (A.D. 364). These are ancient lists of the books that were accepted as being inspired and part of the New Testament Scriptures. Even critics who do not fear to assert that Paul did not write Ephesians can find no question about I Thessalonians.
Introductory Section VI
THESSALONICA, THE PROUD CITY
(Thessalonica is pronounced Thess-uh-low-NYE-kuh.) (We think all of the material in this section is interesting. We hope you will find it so also. But we confess that some of it is not of great importance in getting acquainted with the Thessalonian epistles of Paul. Therefore, we are printing in italics certain facts that are especially important. It is likely that questions will be asked about these facts in the Did You Learn? questions that follow section VII.)
Ancient Thessalonica reminds us of our modern cities like San Francisco or Los Angeles-seacoast cities, bustling, commercial, proud of their past and present.
Thessalonica was located in the province of Macedonia, northern Greece. Macedonia has no geographical boundaries on a modern map. Parts of ancient Macedonia lie in Greece, Bulgaria, and Yugoslavia. But in the fourth century B.C. Macedonia was the ruling country of a great empire under Philip of Macedon and his son Alexander the Great.
Thessalonica lies on the seacoast of the Thermaic Gulf (now called the Gulf of Salonika), a part of the Aegean Sea. It rises from the end of the basin at the head of the gulf, climbs the slopes behind the gulf, and presents a striking appearance from the sea.
The original name of Thessalonica was Therma, a Greek word meaning hot places, being named for the warm mineral springs in the neighborhood. Cassander, one of the generals of Alexander the Great, changed its name to Thessalonica, the name of his wife, who was the daughter of Philip of Macedon and step-sister to Alexander.
After the battle of Pydna (164 B.C.), Thessalonica fell to Rome and was made capital of the second region of Macedonia. When the four regions of Macedonia were united into one province, Thessalonica became virtually THE metropolis of Macedonia. It was the capital of the entire province, and the residence of the provincial governor.
Augustus Caesar rewarded the loyalty of Thessalonica to him during the second civil war (42 A.D.) by making it a free city, with a popular assembly (Gr., ekklesia), and rulers of the city (called in Greek, politarchs. This word is used in Acts 17:8). The political title politarchs is still to be read on an arch spanning the main street, from which we learn that there were seven politarchs.
In Paul’s time Macedonia was not an imperial province requiring the presence of troops, but a senatorial province with the garrison removed. Perhaps this accounts for the fact that the people in Philippi and Thessalonica were so eager to declare that they were Romans and under Caesar. See Acts 16:21; Acts 17:7.
The great Roman road called the Egnatian Road (Via Egnatia) ran through Thessalonica. Indeed the main street of modern Thessalonica is the old Egnatian Road. This was the overland military highway from the city of Rome to the countries at the eastern end of the Mediterranean. From Thessalonica this road pass on through Apollonia, Amphipolis, Philippi, Neapolis, and on eastward. All of these places are mentioned in the book of Acts in telling about Paul’s travels. It was about 100 miles from Philippi to Thessalonica on this road.
Thessalonica was blessed with the best natural harbor in Macedonia. The Romans established there a naval station and docks, and its importance as a seaport was thereby increased. The harbor of Thessalonica connected it commercially with Asia Minor and other more distant places.
The excellent harbor and highway connections of Thessalonica made it ideal as a center from which the gospel could be sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia (southern Greece), but in every place. (Achaia is pronounced A-KAY-yuh.)
Thessalonica was home of some religions that practiced sexual orgies. It was the home of two recognized mystery religions, the religion of Dionysius, the dying and rising God, and Orpheus, hero of a related and somewhat reformed Dionysiac cult. Both of them were fertility cults, expressing themselves in phallic symbols and sexual symbols, in wild orgies, and extravagant ecstasies. Along with these there was also a primitive cult of Cabiri (Kabeiroi), which was of similar character. Furthermore, at the time Paul lived, emperor worship was practiced in Macedonia. These facts explain why Paul wrote such commands as 1 Thessalonians 4:3-6: This is the will of Godthat ye should abstain from fornication.
In Paul’s time Thessalonica had a mixed population of Greeks, Romans, and Jews, the first being the most numerous. Perhaps the Jews were drawn to Thessalonica by the opportunities for commerce there. There was a synagogue in Thessalonica, whereas Paul found none in Philippi. As many as 10,000 Jews have dwelt in Thessalonica in modern times.
Thessalonica was the mainstay of Eastern Christianity during the Gothic invasion in the fourth century A.D. It was called the Orthodox City. It continued to be a bulwark of the Christian faith in the East for centuries.
Thessalonica was taken by the Saracens (Mohammedans) in 904, by the Crusaders in 1185, and the Turks in 1430. They held it till 1913 when the treaty of Bucharest gave it to Greece.
Thessalonica is still a flourishing city. Its modern name is Salonika. It is one of the only two really large cities in Greece, and has grown rapidly in recent years. 1951 population, 217,049. 1961 population, 373,635. (The other large city is Athens, which, with its port of Piraeus, had a 1961 population of 1,852,709.) Thessalonica was severely damaged in World War II.
Modern Salonika is described as a maze of crooked and cobbled alleys, flanked by the bare walls and stout doors of small houses. Spires of Christian churches (Greek Orthodox) and minarets of Mohammedan mosques rise against the sky. Everywhere one sees Turkish costumes, and the peasant dress of Greece, Albania, and Bulgaria. (From Compton’s Pictured Encyclopedia, art. Salonika. F. E. Compton & Co., Chicago, Ill., Copyright 1960).
Introductory Section VII
PAUL’S WORK AMONG THE THESSALONIANS
This is an important section, Paul’s work among the Thessalonians forms the background of many verses in the Thessalonian epistles, You will not be able to understand the Thessalonian epistles without knowing this background, which is largely told in Acts chapter 17. We are again printing in italics certain facts which are especially important for you to learn, Anything in italics will almost certainly be found in the questions that follow this section.
Paul was scourged and imprisoned at Philippi, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-2; Acts 16:19-40.
Paul went with Silas and Timothy from Philippi to Thessalonica (about 100 miles), Acts 17:1. (See if you can find both Philippi and Thessalonica on the map inside the cover of this book.)
Paul was bold to speak in Thessalonica, even after his experiences in Philippi. 1 Thessalonians 2:2.
In Thessalonica Paul labored early and late to support himself. 1 Thessalonians 2:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:8. (However, Paul did receive some help from the Philippian church while he was in Thessalonica. See Philippians 4:6.)
In Thessalonica Paul preached on three Sabbath days (3 weeks) in the synagogue of the Jews. Acts 17:1-3.
Some Jews believed. Acts 17:4.
A great multitude of devout Greeks and chief women believed. Acts 17:4. Paul’s remarks in the Thessalonian epistles make it evident that the Thessalonian church was predominantly Gentile. 1 Thessalonians 1:9.
The converts received the word with joy of the Holy Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 1:5.
It would appear that Paul remained in Thessalonica longer than the three weeks he preached in the synagogue. The reference to the large number of Gentile believers who turned from idols to serve the living God (1 Thessalonians 1:9; Acts 17:4) suggests that some time elapsed between his last service in the synagogue and the riot stirred up by the Jews. Also the evidence of organization and leaders in the Thessalonian church suggests that Paul was in Thessalonica longer than three or four weeks. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, Ramsay thinks that the period must be extended seven or eight months. Others say only a few weeks. The time cannot be determined precisely. But it was not long enough to have solidly established the church.
In Thessalonica Paul evidently lodged in the house of Jason. Acts 17:5-7. Perhaps he held services there after quitting the synagogue. Jason may have been his kinsman. Romans 16:21.
Thessalonian Christians besides Jason (Acts 17:9) were Gaius (Acts 19:29), Aristarchus, and Secundus (Acts 20:4; Acts 27:2), and possibly Demas (2 Timothy 4:10). Aristarchus was his companion in travel, and shared his perils at Ephesus, and his shipwreck, and was his fellow-prisoner and fellow-laborer at Rome. (Acts 27:2; Acts 19:29; Colossians 4:10; Philemon 1:24).
The Jews stirred up a riot against Paul in Thessalonica. They apprehended Jason, but Paul escaped. Acts 17:5-9.
The Jews accused Paul and the Christians of doing things contrary to the decrees of Caesar, and of saying that there was another king, Jesus. Acts 17:7. Paul had indeed preached about the kingdom of God. 1 Thessalonians 2:12. The Jews perverted his words about the kingdom so as to have an accusation against him. It is an undesigned coincidence between the story in Acts and this epistle that the very charges against Paul and Jason (which are told in Acts) concerned this very matter of the kingdom (which is mentioned in the epistle).
Paul and Silas fled by night to Berea. Acts 17:10. Timothy must have joined them there afterwards. Acts 17:14.
After Paul left Thessalonica, the Thessalonians became missionaries themselves, and spread abroad the word of the Lord. Their experiences with the gospel become known in Macedonia and Achaia and every place. 1 Thessalonians 1:8.
Paul taught in Berea, but soon had to flee from there because of the Jews who came from Thessalonica. Acts 17:10-14; 1 Thessalonians 2:15-16.
Paul went on from Berea to Athens. Silas and Timothy remained at Berea, but Paul sent for them. Timothy came on to him at Athens. Acts 17:15; 1 Thessalonians 3:1-2.
Paul attempted twice, at either Berea or Athens, to get back to Thessalonica, but he was prevented from doing so. His anxiety over the young converts became very great. 1 Thessalonians 2:18; 1 Thessalonians 3:10.
Not being able to return himself, Paul sent Timothy back to Thessalonica from Athens to see how the Thessalonian Christians were getting along. 1 Thessalonians 3:1-2.
After Paul sent Timothy to Thessalonica, he left Athens and went on to Corinth. Acts 18:1.
We cannot tell exactly where Silas stayed after the time Paul left Berea. He may have remained in that vicinity, But when Paul sent Timothy to Thessalonica, Silas rejoined Timothy somewhere, and both Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia to Paul in Corinth, Acts 18:5.
Timothy brought Paul good news of the faith and love of the Thessalonians, and that they had good remembrance of him. 1 Thessalonians 3:6.
However Timothy also seems to have had a report of some defects still among the Thessalonians:
(1)
They had not forsaken wholly the sensuality that characterized them as pagans.
(2)
They had not forsaken the idleness of some of their heathen countrymen. Some were not working to support themselves. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5; 1 Thessalonians 4:11.
(3)
Also, because of a misunderstanding about the Lord’s second coming, some of them were sorrowing. Paul had taught them to wait for the Lord Jesus from heaven, 1 Thessalonians 1:10. But as time passed and some of their number died, they became grieved, apparently fearing that these dead would not share the blessings of the Lord’s return. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.
As we read the epistle, we get the impression that either by a verbal inquiry through Timothy, or in a note which the Thessalonians had written, that they had asked Paul about certain matters:
(1)
Concerning brotherly love. 1 Thessalonians 4:9.
(2)
Concerning the dead Christians. 1 Thessalonians 4:13.
(3)
Concerning the times and seasons of the Lord’s coming. 1 Thessalonians 5:1.
It also appears that some accusations had been made in Thessalonica against Paul after his departure. In First Thessalonians (especially in the second chapter) Paul defends his record among the Thessalonians quite vigorously, He defends himself against charges of flattery, mercenary motives, and impurity. He calls both the Thessalonians and God himself to witness that their lives were above reproach. 1 Thessalonians 2:3-10. It would have been surprising if the Jews had not made all manner of accusations against Paul after he left Thessalonica.
Paul wrote and sent the first epistle to the Thessalonians immediately upon the return of Timothy to him with the report about the Thessalonians. 1 Thessalonians 3:6.
We can more or less sum up the first epistle of Paul to the Thessalonians as including the following:
(1) Thanksgiving for their fidelity. (2)
A defense of Paul’s record among them.
(3)
Instructions on matters about which they were ignorant, especially the Lord’s second coming.
(4)
Warnings about sinful attitudes still in some of them.
Paul visited Thessalonica later on his third missionary trip. Acts 20:1-2.
Paul probably visited Thessalonica when he came through Macedonia after his first imprisonment in Rome, in accordance with his hope to visit the Philippians (also in Macedonia). 1 Timothy 1:3; Philippians 2:24.
DID YOU LEARN?
(Questions over the Introductory Sections)
(No questions over Section I) (Questions over Section II, CHAPTER TOPICS AND OUTLINE)
Write out from memory all the chapter topics of I Thessalonians. Check your answers with the list given.
What is the title of Part One of I Thessalonians?
What Chapter s are in Part One?
What is the title of Part Two of I Thessalonians?
What Chapter s are in Part Two?
With what does each part of I Thessalonians close?
(Questions over Section III, THE LORD’S COMING IN THE THESSALONIAN EPISTLES)
What could we say was the theme of both the Thessalonian epistles? Why? 2.
Approximately what portion of the verses in I Thessalonians is devoted to this topic?
Approximately what portion of the verses in II Thessalonians is devoted to this topic?
(Questions over Section IV, FACTS ABOUT I THESSALONIANS)
Who is the author of I Thessalonians?
What is the first and oldest epistle of Paul that we have?
During what missionary trip was I Thessalonians written?
What other letters were written by Paul during the same missionary trip?
In what year was I Thessalonians written?
From what city was I Thessalonians written?
(No questions over Section V) (Questions over Section VI, THESSALONICA, THE PROUD CITY)
In what modern country was Thessalonica located?
What was the name of the ancient province where Thessalonica was located?
Does Thessalonica lie on the plains, seacoast, or the hill country?
What famous road ran through Thessalonica?
What natural feature made Thessalonica a great seaport?
What made Thessalonica an ideal center from which the gospel could be sounded forth?
What was the character of some of the mystery religions practiced in Thessalonica?
(Questions over Section VII, PAUL’S WORK AMONG THE THESSALONIANS)
In what city was Paul imprisoned before he came to Thessalonica?
How was Paul supported in Thessalonica?
On how many Sabbath days did Paul speak in the synagogue in Thessalonica?
How did the Greeks receive Paul’s preaching?
What happened that caused Paul to leave Thessalonica?
Where did Paul go from Thessalonica?
Where did he go after that?
Whom did Paul send to Thessalonica when he could not return himself?
After Paul sent (whom?) _______________ to Thessalonica, Paul left (what city?) and _______________, went to (what city?) _______________.
In what city did Silas and the man Paul sent to Thessalonica rejoin Paul?
Was the report about the Thessalonians good or bad?
What were two defects in the Thessalonian Christians?
What misunderstanding about the Lord’s coming grieved some of the Thessalonians?
What does Paul’s defense of his record among the Thessalonians make it appear had happened in Thessalonica after he left?
How long was it after Paul received the report about the Thessalonians before he sent the first epistle to the Thessalonians?
MEMORY WORK
The following passages should be committed to memory. But you can learn the verses suggested from each chapter as you study that chapter. The verses to be committed to memory are also given in the Thinking Through Thessalonians questions at the start of each chapter.
I Thess.1 Thessalonians 1:9-10; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-2; 1 Thessalonians 5:23.
II Thess.1 Thessalonians 1:6-9; 1 Thessalonians 2:3; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Thessalonians 3:1; 1 Thessalonians 3:3; 1 Thessalonians 3:10.
I THESSALONIANS, CHAPTER ONE Chapter Topic:
Paul’s Thanks for the Thessalonians
We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers. 1 Thessalonians 1:2
I THESSALONIANS, CHAPTER ONE
(Use your King James Bible to fill out these questions.)
What three men joined in sending the first epistle to the Thessalonians? 1 Thessalonians 1:1 ______________; ______________; ______________ ______________.
The church of the Thessalonians is said to be in two people. Who are they? 1 Thessalonians 1:1, __________________________; ____________________________________.
What two things does Paul request to be unto the Thessalonians? 1 Thessalonians 1:1 ______________; ______________.
How often did Paul give thanks for the Thessalonians? 1 Thessalonians 1:2 _________________________.
In what did Paul make mention of the Thessalonians? 1 Thessalonians 1:2 __________________________.
What three things did Paul remember about the Thessalonians? 1 Thessalonians 1:3 _______________________; ______________; ______________; ______________; __________________________.
In whose sight did the Thessalonians work and labor? 1 Thessalonians 1:3 ______________________.
By what title did Paul address the Thessalonians? 1 Thessalonians 1:4 ______________ _________________ ______________.
What did Paul know about the Thessalonians? 1 Thessalonians 1:4
What had come unto the Thessalonians? 1 Thessalonians 1:5
In what four ways had the gospel come unto the Thessalonians? 1 Thessalonians 1:5 ______________; ______________; ______________; ______________; _____________________________.
The Thessalonians knew that the gospel had come to them in much assurance, because they knew what ______________of ______________ Paul and his helpers had been while they were among them. 1 Thessalonians 1:5.
For whose sake had Paul behaved as he did among the Thessalonians? 1 Thessalonians 1:5 __________________________________________.
Paul said that the Thessalonians had become followers of ______________ and of the ______________. 1 Thessalonians 1:6
In what had the Thessalonians received the word? 1 Thessalonians 1:6 ____________________________.
Do you think that the afflictions experienced by the Thessalonian Christians were an exceptional experience for Christians? (Compare Acts 14:22). Yes or No. (Circle which).
What brought joy to the Thessalonians? 1 Thessalonians 1:6 ____________________________.
What had the Thessalonians been to other believers? 1 Thessalonians 1:7 _________________________________.
In what two places had the Thessalonians become ensamples? 1 Thessalonians 1:7 ______________; _____________________________________.
What had sounded forth from the Thessalonians? 1 Thessalonians 1:8 _________________________.
Not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in ______________, the faith of the Thessalonians had been spread abroad. 1 Thessalonians 1:8
Because the Thessalonians had spread abroad their faith, what did Paul not need to do? 1 Thessalonians 1:8 ______________________________________.
How did Paul feel about the Thessalonians spreading abroad their faith so greatly? 1 Thessalonians 1:8; 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3._________________________________________________.
Fill in these blanks from 1 Thessalonians 1:9: For they (the people) shew (or report) of us ______________ ______________ of ________________________________ we had unto you.
To whom did the Thessalonians turn? 1 Thessalonians 1:9. ______________.
From what did the Thessalonians turn? 1 Thessalonians 1:10. ______________.
How did Paul describe God? 1 Thessalonians 1:9. ________________________________ ________________________________________________.
What two things did the Thessalonians turn to God to do? ________________________________________________________________________ ____ 1 Thessalonians 1:9 ______________________________________________. 1 Thessalonians 1:10
Did the Thessalonians expect Christ to come again? 1 Thessalonians 1:10. Yes or No. (Circle which)
Who is the Son, for whom the Thessalonians were waiting? 1 Thessalonians 1:10. _________________________.
What has God done for the ?Son 1:10. ______________________________________.
What is coming on the world? 1 Thessalonians 1:10. _________________________.
Who delivers us from this? 1 Thessalonians 1:10. ____________________________.
Memorize 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10.
I THESSALONIANS, CHAPTER ONE
Chapter Topic, Paul’s Thanks for the Thessalonians
Outline
Greeting; 1 Thessalonians 1:1
From Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy.
Grace and peace to them.
A.
When Paul expressed thanks; 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3
Always; 1 Thessalonians 1:2 a
In prayer; 1 Thessalonians 1:2 b - 1 Thessalonians 1:3
a.
Remembering their work of faith.
b.
Remembering their labor of love.
c.
Remembering their patience of hope.
B.
Things for which Paul expressed thanks; 1 Thessalonians 1:4-10
Their election; 1 Thessalonians 1:4-6
a.
Their election known by Paul; 1 Thessalonians 1:4
b.
How their election was known by Paul; 1 Thessalonians 1:5-6
(1)
By the way the gospel came to them; 1 Thessalonians 1:5
(a)
Not in word only.
(b)
In power.
(c)
In the Holy Ghost.
(d)
In much assuranceThis demonstrated by Paul’s manner among them.
(2) By the way they received the gospel; 1 Thessalonians 1:6
(a)
They became followers of Paul and the Lord.
(b)
In much affliction.
(c)
With joy of the Holy Ghost.
Their ensample; 1 Thessalonians 1:7-10
a.
They became ensamples to all believers; 1 Thessalonians 1:7
b.
They sounded forth the word; 1 Thessalonians 1:8-10
(1)
Where? Macedonia, Achaia, and every place. 1 Thessalonians 1:8
(2)
ResultPaul needed not to speak anything;
c.
What others reported about the Thessalonians; 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10
(1)
What manner of entering in Paul had among them; 1 Thessalonians 1:9
(2)
How they turned from idols; 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10
(a)
To serve God; 1 Thessalonians 1:9
(b)
To wait for Jesus from heaven; 1 Thessalonians 1:10
THOUGHTS FROM THE OUTLINE
Of I Thessalonians, chapter one
There were two things in the Christian experience of the Thessalonians that made Paul thankfultheir election and their ensample. These same two things in every Christian’s experience ought to cause every gospel preacher to give thanks. But sad to say, these words mean very little to the average church member. Election means choice. So the election of the Thessalonians was the way God chose them to be His children. Or, to express it in another way, it was the way they became Christians and were saved.
Any time a person is saved, he will have a thrilling story to tell. Many half-converted church members of modern times cannot give a thrilling testimony of their election, because they are not elect.
Ensample means example or pattern. Not only should our conversion (or election) be a thrilling story, but our service for Christ after conversion should also be an inspiration and a challenge to all who know about it. It was such in the case of the Thessalonians.
DID YOU LEARN?
(Questions over I Thessalonians, chapter one)
(These questions are over the outline and the notes on chapter one. The Scripture references direct you to the notes on particular verses where the answer to each question is given. Try to answer these questions without consulting your Bible or the notes.)
What is the topic of chapter one?
For what two things in the experience of the Thessalonians was Paul thankful? (See outline)
What three men joined in sending I Thessalonians? (1 Thessalonians 1:1)
Who was the main writer of I Thessalonians? (1 Thessalonians 1:1)
What is Silvanus called in the book of Acts? (1 Thessalonians 1:1)
Why does Paul not assert him apostleship at the start of I Thessalonians as he does in other letters? (1 Thessalonians 1:1)
What does the word church mean? (1 Thessalonians 1:1)
The Thessalonian church was in what two people? (1 Thessalonians 1:1)
Why are some words in your Bible printed in italics? (1 Thessalonians 1:1)
What does Paul request for his readers at the beginning of all his epistles (except one)? (1 Thessalonians 1:1)
What does the word Christ mean? (1 Thessalonians 1:1)
With what does Paul begin most of his letters, including I Thessalonians? (1 Thessalonians 1:2)
What three things did Paul remember in prayer about the Thessalonians? (1 Thessalonians 1:3)
What does patience mean in the phrase patience of hope? (1 Thessalonians 1:3)
In what did the Thessalonians primarily hope? (1 Thessalonians 1:3; 1 Thessalonians 1:10)
What does election mean? (1 Thessalonians 1:4)
By what two means did Paul know their election had actually taken place? (1 Thessalonians 1:4-5)
What are the four things we must do to be saved (and elected)? (1 Thessalonians 1:4)
Whom has God now chosen as His people? (1 Thessalonians 1:4)
Why does Paul call the gospel our gospel? (1 Thessalonians 1:5)
Did the gospel come to the Thessalonians in word only? (1 Thessalonians 1:5)
What did Paul mean when he said that his gospel came to the Thessalonians in power? (1 Thessalonians 1:5)
How did Paul’s gospel come in the Holy Spirit? (1 Thessalonians 1:5)
What was it that proved that the gospel came to the Thessalonians in much assurance? (1 Thessalonians 1:5)
What is a better translation of the word followers? (1 Thessalonians 1:6)
Of what two people had the Thessalonians become followers? (1 Thessalonians 1:6)
What three experiences had the Thessalonians shared with those of whom they were followers? (1 Thessalonians 1:6)
What does the phrase joy of the Holy Ghost mean? (1 Thessalonians 1:6)
What does ensample mean? (1 Thessalonians 1:7)
To whom were the Thessalonians ensamples? (1 Thessalonians 1:7)
Where was Macedonia? (Introductory Section IV)
Where was Achaia? (1 Thessalonians 1:7)
In what three places (or areas) had the word of the Lord sounded forth from the Thessalonians? (1 Thessalonians 1:8)
What effect had the words spoken by the Thessalonians had on what Paul needed to do? (1 Thessalonians 1:8)
Concerning what did Paul get reports from people in every place? (1 Thessalonians 1:9)
Where does Paul take up in detail the discussion of his entering in unto the Thessalonians? (1 Thessalonians 1:9)
-
Was the Thessalonian church primarily Jewish or Gentile? Give a reason for your answer. (1 Thessalonians 1:9)
What does serve mean in the phrase to serve the living and true God? (1 Thessalonians 1:9)
What two things had the Thessalonians turned to God to do? (1 Thessalonians 1:10)
What is the correct tense and form of the word delivered? (1 Thessalonians 1:10)
From what does Jesus deliver us? (1 Thessalonians 1:10)
Write out from memory 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10. 1 Thessalonians 1:9 begins, For they themselves shew.
1 Thessalonians 1:1
Text (1 Thessalonians 1:1)
**1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timothy, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ; Grace to you and peace,
Translation and Paraphrase**
Paul, and Silvanus (who is also called Silas), and Timothy (send greetings) to the congregation of Thessalonians (who are) in God (our) Father, (in his family, favor, and fellowship,) and (in) the Lord Jesus, the anointed one. (May the) favor (of God) and peace (come) to you.
Notes (1 Thessalonians 1:1)
While three men, Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, sent this epistle (or letter), it is plain that Paul is the main writer, This is evident by such verses as 1 Thessalonians 3:1; 1 Thessalonians 3:5-6.
The very names of Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy stir up mental pictures of heroic courage and hard service. These men had the faith, the determination, and the vision of victory that we need. They did the Lord’s will, not fearing the consequences, even as we must do it in our generation.
Paul does not assert his apostleship at the beginning of this letter, as he does in some of his later ones. See Romans 1:1; Galatians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 1:1; etc. The Thessalonians had no question about the genuineness of Paul’s apostleship, and the false brethren who tried to force the Gentiles to keep the law of Moses had not, at that time, done so much to undermine Paul’s authority as they later did.
All three of these men (Paul, Silvanus, Timothy) had been in Thessalonica together, and were well known there. It is worthy of note that although Paul had greater gifts and knowledge than Silvanus or Timothy, he had no feelings of superiority and assumes no titles of preeminence. He places their names on an equal with his own at the beginning of this letter.
Silvanus is the man who is uniformly called Silas in the book of Acts. In the epistles he is always called Silvanus. He was a Jew by race. Acts 16:20. He was a Roman citizen. Acts 16:37. He was a prophet. Acts 15:32. Silas and Judas bore the letter from the conference in Jerusalem to the churches in Syria and Cilicia. Acts 15:22-23; Acts 15:27. Paul chose Silas as his helper on his second missionary trip after the dispute with Barnabas. Acts 15:37-40. References to Silas during Paul’s second missionary trip are Acts 16:19; Acts 16:25; Acts 16:29; Acts 17:4; Acts 17:10; Acts 17:14-15. Silas was with Paul in Corinth at the time when Paul sent this first letter to the Thessalonians. Acts 18:5. He was also with Paul there when Paul sent the second Thessalonian letter a few months later. 2 Thessalonians 1:1. Most interpreters think that the Silvanus mentioned in 1 Peter 5:12 is the same Silvanus who was with Paul on his second missionary trip.
Timotheus is the same man who is usually called Timothy. Timotheus is just the Latin spelling of his name. Timothy grew up in Lystra. He joined Paul and Silas there during the early part of Paul’s second missionary trip. Acts 16:1-4. He continued with Paul during his third trip, and in Rome, and afterwards. He was a loyal constant, beloved, and effective helper to Paul.
The long title, church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ, is not a name for the church, but rather a description of it. The term church (Gr., ekklesia) simply means a called-out assembly, and the Thesalonians were familiar with the term. (See Introductory Section VI, paragraph 6.) But the assembly to which Paul was writing was not a civil or political or earthly assembly, but the assembly which was in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. The fact that they were in God the Father made them separate from the idolatrous Gentiles. The fact that they were in the Lord Jesus Christ separated them from the unbelieving Jews.
The words in italics in the Bible text throughout the Bible in the King James and American Standard versions do NOT indicate that these words are to be specially emphasized. Rather, the italics indicate that these words are not in the Greek New Testament (and you know that the New Testament was written in Greek), but have been supplied into the English translation to make it smoother and more readable. Sometimes these words in italics are helpful, and sometimes they are not. This verse would be just as clear without them.
The Thessalonian church was in Godand in the Lord Jesus Christ, This description of the church in Thessalonica emphasizes the new relationships of the Thessalonian disciples. A similar description is given of the churches in Judea. Galatians 1:22.
The fact that Paul speaks about God being our Father in this verse shows the kinship which Paul felt with the Thessalonian Christians. We are all brothers in Christ, because God is our common father.
The phrase in the Lord Jesus Christ, used in this verse, is a favorite of Paul. The phrase in Christ, and similar ones, often is found in his writings. Note 2 Corinthians 5:17: If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature. See also Romans 16:7, and others. To be in Christ, is to be in his church, in his favor, in his fellowship, and actually in his very person. See Ephesians 5:30.
NoteThe term LORD from Acts 2:36 onward refers to Jesus. God is the Father. Jesus is Lord. Acts 10:36.
The word Christ means the anointed one. We have rendered it that way in our translation. The Greek word Christ means the same as the Hebrew word Messiah, and in English, both mean the anointed one. In the Old Testament times kings, priests, etc., were installed into their offices by anointing, that is, by pouring sweet oil upon their heads. See 1 Samuel 16:13. Jesus, our anointed one (or Christ), was anointed with the Holy Spirit. See Acts 10:38; Hebrews 1:9; Matthew 3:16.
This letter, like every one of Paul’s epistles except Hebrews, begins with a request for grace to be with them. See Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:3; etc. Grace means favor, especially unmerited favor, Christians are saved by grace. Ephesians 2:8. They need God’s grace to sustain them after they are saved. Hebrews 4:16.
The word Grace was often used by the Greeks as a form of greeting. But they could not use it with the rich connotation of God’s favor that Christians do.
Paul’s request that they might have Peace is a Hebrew greeting. (Shalom!) See Luke 10:5. This was a meaningful request to these brethren who were suffering persecutions. 1 Thessalonians 1:6; 2 Thessalonians 1:4-6.
The words from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ are omitted by the American Stan, Version, Nestle’s Gr. N.T., Westcott and Hort’s Gr. N.T., the Latin version, and others. They are found in the Sinaitic and Alexandrian manuscripts of the N.T. and some later ones. But it is probably correct to omit them, and we have done so in our translation.
1 Thessalonians 1:2
Text (1 Thessalonians 1:2)
**2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;
Translation and Paraphrase**
We are giving thanks unto God always for all of you (Thessalonians), making mention (of you) in our prayers (for you are that dear unto us).
Notes (1 Thessalonians 1:2)
Here in I Thessalonians, as in almost all his letters, Paul begins with a giving of thanks. Compare Romans 1:8; 1 Corinthians 1:4; etc. Even when he had to scold people in his epistles, Paul usually began with an expression of thanks. We ought to imitate this way of thinking and speaking when we deal with our brethren. We so often scold publicly, but seldom praise publicly. What other institution so greatly deserves public thanks as the church?
Paul says, We give thanks, because Silas and Timothy joined with him in the greeting. But, of course, Paul was the main author of the epistle.
Give thanks is in the present tense, which indicates continuous action. Therefore we have rendered it giving thanks in our translation. Paul considered giving thanks a privilege and duty that needed to be repeated often.
The word mention (Gr, mneia) can also mean remembrance or memory, Like Paul, we should not forget our brethren when we go away from them, God hears our prayers for them at a distance, as well as near, Paul prayed for them, mentioning them by name before God.
Paul often spoke about bearing people up in prayer, He was busy teaching and writing. But he devoted much time to prayer, praying for people by name. See Romans 1:9; Philippians 1:3-4; etc. This was essential for Paul, It is also essential for us. Paul even prayed for the Colossians and Laodiceans whom he had never seen face to face. Colossians 2:1.
1 Thessalonians 1:3
Text (1 Thessalonians 1:3)
**3 remembering without ceasing your work of faith and labor of love and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, before our God and Father;
Translation and Paraphrase**
(In our prayers it is our practice to be) recalling unceasingly the work (that you have done because) of (your) faith, and the toil (that is a fruit) of (your) love, and the steadfastness of the hope (that you have held) in our Lord Jesus Christ (that He will save us, establish us, and return for us, These things you have done, being conscious of the fact that even here in this life we are) in the presence of God (who is) even our Father.
Notes (1 Thessalonians 1:3)
Faith, hope, and love are the three great virtues that abide with us always. 1 Corinthians 13:13, But these virtues, to be genuine, must be backed up by works. The thing that made Paul so thankful about the Thessalonians was that their faith, hope, and love had indeed been put to work.
J. B. Phillips translation of this verse is very much to the point: Your faith has meant solid achievement, your love has meant hard work, and the hope that you have in the Lord Jesus Christ means sheer dogged endurance in the life that you live
The man of faith, hope, and love is not a sentimentalist who lounges about, but one who works and labors for what he believes in, hopes for, and loves. Our faith must work. Faith without works is dead. James 2:26, Faith worketh by love. Galatians 5:6.
The word labour (Gr., kopos) means fatiguing toil, intense labor united with trouble. It is a very strong word. Only love could lead us to labor willingly in such a manner. Love leads us to attempt labor from which we would ordinarily shrink in dismay. Love leads us to do good without having any feeling of superiority because we have done it, or resentment because it has been imposed upon us.
The word patience in the New Testament usually means steadfastness, or endurance, or constancy. Thus patience of hope, means hope which is held steadfastly. The person who clings to his hope in the Lord when storm after storm and battle after battle sweeps over him, leaving him empty-handed and hurt, has shown patience of hope.
As Christians we need such patience of hope. For often by our standards of counting time, God seems to be in no hurry, and we can become impatient when our hope is delayed in coming. James 5:7. God promised Abraham a son, but it was twenty-five years before a son was born. God promised Abraham a homeland. But Abraham’s life on earth ended before he received his home. Hebrews 11:8-10. Let us have the same patience of hope that Abraham had.
The hope of the Thessalonians was primarily a hope in the return of Christ. They had been taught to await the return of Christ, and we also should have the same glorious hope. 1 Thessalonians 1:10. It is utter foolishness to set our hopes upon making this world a perfect place, and a place where we can have satisfaction. We are to set our hope perfectly upon the grace that is to be brought to us at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:13. Our hope extends beyond death, and the end of the world. Our hearts should not be gloomy with regret and disillusionment, but eager with the expectation of the coming Christ. Do you share that hope?
1 Thessalonians 1:4
Text (1 Thessalonians 1:4)
**4 knowing, brethren beloved of God, your election,
Translation and Paraphrase**
(Furthermore, our thankfulness comes in) knowing, my brethren beloved by God, that God has chosen you (as His very own because you have received His Son Jesus).
Notes (1 Thessalonians 1:4)
Paul was thankful for the election of the Thessalonians. What does election mean? It means a choosing or a choice. It means that God had chosen them as His people.
How did God make this choice? Upon what basis did He make it? Did He make it by whim, or partiality, or sovereign grace? To ask that question is almost to answer it. Of course not, God does not desire that any person should perish, 1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9, Therefore God certainly does not arbitrarily select some to be saved and some to be damned.
God has chosen us in Christ. Ephesians 1:4. God has now chosen Christians as His people, because they have chosen Christ, God’s Son. The grounds of the choice lie in Christ and His merits, and not in our own merits or God’s partiality. All Christians are elect. 1 Peter 2:9: Ye are a chosen nation. The American Standard Version renders this: Ye are an elect race.
Paul asserts that he KNEW that the Thessalonians were chosen of God. How could Paul have known that they were elect, if election were the result of some arbitrary choice in the mind of God? He could not have done so, for no man can read God’s mind. But since election does not rest upon an arbitrary choice by God, Paul could know that they were elect, and he tells in 1 Thessalonians 1:5-6 how he knew it.
He knew their election because of these two reasons: (1) The way the gospel came to them; (2) The way they received the gospel. (Review the outline of chapter 1 for more details.)
The Thessalonians became Christians and were chosen (or elected) by God in the same way that you and I are saved and become Christians. These are the steps that they followed, and which we must also follow:
(1)
They believed on the Lord Jesus. Acts 16:31.
(2)
They repented. Acts 17:30. To repent means to change the mind, and decide to serve Christ, instead of doing as we ourselves prefer.
(3)
They made a confession. We must confess with our mouths that we believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, Romans 10:9-10; Acts 8:36-37.
(4)
They were baptized. Acts 2:38; Mark 16:16. We are baptized in water. Acts 10:47. We are buried with Christ in baptism. Romans 6:4. This is pictured in the act, as we are completely covered, buried, immersed, in the water.
By doing these things we take Jesus as our Lord and savior. We become God’s elect (chosen), even as the Thessalonians became the elect of God.
God’s election (or choosing) is never independent of man’s response. In olden times the nation of Israel was chosen. But it was later cast off for unbelief. Matthew 8:11-12; Romans 11:20. Of course, those who believed were not cast off.
Even so, we who have been chosen by God are urged to give diligence to make our calling and election sure. 2 Peter 1:10. Without faith, we shall be cut off like unbelieving Israel. Romans 11:21.
Paul addressed the Thessalonians as brethren. We should use this word when speaking to, or about, our fellow Christians.
In the Greek New Testament, the phrase, of God, follows brethren beloved, and not election. So the correct translation of this verse would be, Knowing, brethren beloved of God, your election. This is the rendering given in the American Standard version and in our translation. The title, brethren beloved of the Lord, is also found in 2 Thessalonians 2:13.
1 Thessalonians 1:5
Text (1 Thessalonians 1:5)
**5 how that our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance; even as ye know what manner of men we showed ourselves toward you for your sake.
Translation and Paraphrase**
(We have assurance of your election) because our gospel (the good news which we preached) came not unto you as a spoken message only, but also with (miracle-working) power, and with the (evident presence of the) Holy Spirit, and with much full assurance (such as can exist only when men know they speak a true and powerful message. We preached unto you with assurance like that,) even as ye know what sort of men we were (while we were) among you (laboring as we did) for your sakes.
Notes (1 Thessalonians 1:5)
Paul declares that the gospel which he preached came to the Thessalonians in four different ways:
(1)
In word, but not in word only.
(2)
In power.
(3)
In the Holy Spirit.
(4)
In much assurance.
The way the gospel had come to the Thessalonians, and the way they received it, are set forth by Paul as proofs of their election. Sometimes people wonder if they are truly saved and accepted by God, If they have heard the gospel proclaimed truly, and have received it, they can know that their election is a reality.
The word gospel means good news, Rotherham renders the phrase, our gospel, as our glad-message.
The gospel concerns the facts of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, with all the blessings brought by these events. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. You should by all means remember that the gospel concerns these three things.
The gospel has commands that must be obeyed. This is indicated by the fact that men must obey the gospel. 2 Thessalonians 1:8.
While Paul calls his message our gospel, it is the same message as is elsewhere called the gospel of God (1 Thessalonians 2:2), and the gospel of Christ (1 Thessalonians 3:2). Paul calls it our gospel because he believed it, was saved by it, and preached it. But it did not originate in his mind. It was revealed to him by God. Galatians 1:11-12.
The gospel which Paul preached is the ONLY gospel that can save us from our sins. We must strive for THE faith of the gospel. (Philippians 1:27). For there is only one faith, (Ephesians 4:5). We preach not a faith, but the faith. The gospel is by its very nature intolerant. It is kind, but intolerant. We must recognize it as THE truth of God, and preach it with full assurance, as Paul did. We cannot yield an inch when it comes to standing for the gospel.
Paul’s preaching in Thessalonica went forth to them in word, that is, as a spoken message. Paul in Thessalonica, reasoned with the Jews out of the Scriptures. He opened the Scriptures and alleged from them that the Christ had to suffer and rise again, and that Jesus was the Christ. Acts 17:2-3.
In our generation we cannot deliver God’s message without using God’s words. Modern attempts to deny that the message of God can be communicated in words are foolishness. If every man has to discover for himself what the will of God for him is, then we shall all live and die in uncertainty.
The gospel also came to the Thessalonians in power. This probably refers to miracles which Paul worked in Thessalonica. Compare Hebrews 2:4. It is true that the account in Acts 17:1-9 of Paul’s work in Thessalonica does not mention him doing any miracles. However, Romans 15:19 says, Through many signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. See also 1 Corinthians 2:4. It is very probable that Paul demonstrated power by doing miracles in Thessalonica as he did elsewhere.
Also the gospel came to them in the Holy Spirit. This probably refers to the fact that Paul had supernatural guidance by the Holy Spirit in his preaching in Thessalonica.
Can we claim to preach in the Holy Spirit? We certainly do not claim direct guidance by the Holy Spirit as Paul experienced it. Nonetheless, what gospel preacher even today has not at times digressed from his prepared messages, and made extemporaneous remarks that he had not planned to make, and found afterwards that the unplanned remarks were exactly what some person present needed to hear? Surely the Holy Spirit must have guided the preacher to say these words, and brought them to his remembrance at the proper time.
Also we could stand up and say religious words to people forever without bringing conviction to them. Only as the Holy Spirit takes the words which we preach and uses them to bring conviction to people’s hearts, will we be able to win them. See John 17:8. So in a very real manner we still preach in the Holy Spirit.
Finally, Paul preached in much assurance. May God help us to have the same assurance. The assurance we have inwardly will be exhibited outwardly by every word we say and every deed we do. Weak convictions produce weak actions. Assurance produces ardent actions.
On the other hand, we might have inward assurance, but because we were too reserved or formal or naturally hesitant, we might speak in a very conversational, and apparently unconcerned manner, which would give people the impression that we did not have real assurance. God help us to preach fervently, and to lift up our voice with strength, and cry aloud. Paul says that his manner of life proved that his gospel had come to the Thessalonians with much assurance. Let us have the same urgency in our speech and actions that Paul had, so that men will know we preach the gospel with much assurance.
1 Thessalonians 1:6
Text (1 Thessalonians 1:6)
**6 And ye became imitators of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit;
Translation and Paraphrase**
And you (having become the chosen people of God because you received the word,) became imitators of us (who preached unto you) and of the Lord (Jesus himself, For even as we, and the Lord himself, have suffered joyfully because of the word which was given to us to deliver, you also) having received the word with much affliction (from the Jews, and yet) with (the) joy that comes from the Holy Spirit (have shared our experiences.):
Notes (1 Thessalonians 1:6)
The Thessalonians had become imitators of Paul and of the Lord. Imitators is a better translation than followers in this verse.
The Lord Jesus, Paul, and the Thessalonians had all shared these three experiences:
(1)
Each received the word of God.
(2)
Each experienced much affliction.
(3)
Each had joy in their affliction.
The Lord Jesus received the word from his Father to deliver to the world, John 7:16; John 8:28. For doing this he endured affliction. And yet for the joy set before him, he endured the cross despising the shame. Hebrews 12:2.
Likewise Paul the apostle received the gospel by revelation from Jesus Christ. Galatians 1:11-12. When Paul declared this message, he encountered suffering in every place. Yet he rejoiced in his sufferings. Colossians 1:24.
Thus also the Thessalonians received the word from Paul. They soon found themselves in much affliction. But they endured with joy, Thus they became imitators of Paul and of the Lord himself. Some of the afflictions of the Thessalonians are described in Acts 17:5-9.
The word affliction (Gr., thlipsis) means a pressing, a pressing together, pressure, oppression, affliction, distress, straits. (Thayer)
Joy of the Holy Spirit, I take (as an ablative of source) to mean joy that comes from the Holy Spirit. See Galatians 5:22; Acts 13:52; Acts 8:8; Acts 8:39. All Christians have experienced this joy when they were first saved. Alas, some have permitted the joy to fade away afterwards.
There was a quality in Paul’s life which inspired people to follow and imitate him. Paul could boldly say, Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1. People just could not ignore him. They were either warmly for him, or violently against him. We should pray that we shall be people like Paul, who will inspire others to imitate us in their struggle for perfection.
1 Thessalonians 1:7
Text (1 Thessalonians 1:7)
**7 so that ye became an ensample to all that believe in Macedonia and in Achaia.
Translation and Paraphrase**
(But your sufferings with joy have resulted in much good, so much so) that you have become an example to all (of those) who believe (both) in Macedonia (northern Greece) and in Achaia (southern Greece).
Notes (1 Thessalonians 1:7)
Much good resulted from the troubles of the Thessalonians. Soon Christians from all over Greece were looking to the Thessalonians as an example.
The word ensample is an obsolete word in modern English. It means practically the same thing as example. This is well indicated by the fact that there are two Greek words that are translated ensample (tupos and hupodeigma), but that these same words are also translated example in other references. The word used here is tupos. (We get our word type from this word.) Technically, it means a pattern in conformity to which a thing must be made. The image left on a coin by stamping it is called a type. Children are said to be types of their parents. So these Thessalonians were clearly stamped and typed as children of God.
For information as to the location of Macedonia, see the map inside the cover, and Introductory Section VI, par. 2.
Achaia was the great Roman province in southern Greece, of which Corinth was capital. Athens was also in Achaia.
Probably travellers going in and out of Corinth (where Paul was) from Macedonia reported to Paul how they had heard about the Thessalonian Christians.
1 Thessalonians 1:8
Text (1 Thessalonians 1:8)
**8 For from you hath sounded forth the word of the Lord, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place your faith to God-ward is gone forth; so that we need not to speak anything.
Translation and Paraphrase**
(You have become an example,) for from you has sounded forth the message of the Lord, not just in Macedonia and Achaia, but into every place (where we have come, the report of) your faith has (already) gone out, so that we have no need to tell (people) anything (about it. They tell us what they have heard from you).
Notes (1 Thessalonians 1:8)
Here was a preacher’s dream come true! His converts had picked up the work where he had to leave it, and had spread abroad the word of the Lord so effectively that he had no need to say anything more in that area.
However, we must note in all frankness that these zealous converts were not perfect in their understanding or manner of life. 1 Thessalonians 3:10. But they had done an outstanding job. They are an ensample to us.
The Thessalonians were like the Romans, of whom Paul said, Your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. Romans 1:8. The reputation of any church, however big or small, good or bad, soon becomes known far and wide. People will know us for what we are and do. How wonderful it is for a church to be known for its faith, evangelistic zeal, and missionary efforts!
Paul says that the faith of the Thessalonians had been spread abroad in every place. Probably we need to understand this as referring to the provinces and countries near to Macedonia.
The Thessalonian churchA Church to Be Thankful For.
(1)
Thankful for their conversion experience; 1 Thessalonians 1:4; 1 Thessalonians 1:6.
(2)
Thankful for their steadfastness; 1 Thessalonians 1:3.
(3)
Thankful for their work; 1 Thessalonians 1:3.
(4)
Thankful for their testimony; 1 Thessalonians 1:8-9.
(5)
Thankful for their hope; 1 Thessalonians 1:10.
1 Thessalonians 1:9
Text (1 Thessalonians 1:9)
**9 For they themselves report concerning us what manner of entering in we had unto you; and how ye turned unto God from idols, to serve a living and true God,
Translation and Paraphrase**
For they themselves (the people in every place) report (to us when we talk to them,) concerning us (telling us about) what (a wonderful) sort of entering in we had unto you (when we came to Thessalonica to preach), and how that you (so completely) turned to God from idols, (determined) to serve (yes, even be slaves of) a living and true God.
Notes (1 Thessalonians 1:9)
News about a genuine conversion is quickly known far and wide. Paul found himself hearing reports from many people about how the Thessalonians had turned to God. As travellers came into Corinth from various places, many of them told how they had heard about the Thessalonians, and how Paul had had such a successful entry into Thessalonica, and how that so many of them had turned from idols to the true and living God. The Thessalonians had really placed their light on a candlestick for all to see. Matthew 5:15. They were a church to be thankful for.
The discussion of the manner of Paul’s entering in unto the Thessalonians is taken up in detail beginning at 1 Thessalonians 2:1. The word translated entrance in 1 Thessalonians 2:1 (eisodos) is the same word translated here as entering in.
Acts 14:15 gives an example of how Paul urged the Gentiles to turn from idols: We. preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God. It will not do to put up a picture of Christ on an idol shelf along with the statue of Buddha. People must turn FROM idols to serve God acceptably.
The verb turned is in the aorist tense, indicating completed, punctilliar, point action. They did not half turn. They turned once for all from idols.
They turned from idols to serve the living God. The verb translated serve (douleuo) means to be slaves (or bondservants) of. Paul frequently referred to himself as the servant or slave of Christ. See Romans 1:1. The unavoidable truth is that ALL people are going to be bondservants of someone, either of sin, or of the Lord. Romans 6:16; John 8:34. However, sin is so deceptive that men can be slaves to it, and think they are completely free and emancipated. This is the devil’s method of enslaving people.
The expression, living and true God, is a Hebrew way of describing God, and is gloriously correct. Jesus himself spoke of His Father in a similar manner when He said, That they. might know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou has sent. John 17:3.
The fact that the Thessalonians had so generally turned from idols shows that it was predominantly a Gentile church, as Acts 17:4 also indicates.
It is a fact that a person becomes like what he worships. The idol worshippers reflect on their faces the likeness (often the sadness) of their gods. The worshippers of the living God show by radiant joy that their God is REAL. They looked unto him, and were radiant; and their faces shall never be confounded. Psalms 34:5; American Standard Ver.
1 Thessalonians 1:10
Text (1 Thessalonians 1:10)
**10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, who delivereth us from the wrath to come.
Translation and Paraphrase**
And (how you turned from idols with a new hope, that has caused you) to look confidently for his (God’S) son (to come) from heaven, (the very son) whom He raised up from the dead, (even) Jesus, who is delivering us from the wrath (of God’s judgment) that is coming (upon this whole world).
Notes (1 Thessalonians 1:10)
The Thessalonians turned to God to do two things:
(1)
To serve the living and true God; 1 Thessalonians 1:9.
(2)
To wait for Jesus to come from heaven; 1 Thessalonians 1:10.
The verb wait indeed means to wait, but has the added sense of patience and trust. We should thus be waiting for the return of our Lord Jesus. Our Lord has promised most definitely that He will return. He cautioned us to be watching always. The apostles always taught their converts to watch for His return. Matthew 24:44; Titus 2:13. Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ.
Some interpreters have said that Paul taught the people of his generation to expect the Lord to come within their lifetime. Then in the course of time, as the Lord delayed His coming, Paul changed his doctrine. If that were true, it would prove that Paul was NOT giving inspired teachings when he first told the people to wait for the Lord’s return. We reject any such interpretation of Paul’s teachings. Paul himself has given us abundant proof that he spoke by revelation of Jesus Christ, and not from men. See Paul’s defense of his ministry in Galatians 1:11-24; Galatians 2:1-9. We believe that when correctly understood Paul’s teachings about the Lord’s return (and any other matter) are true and beyond challenge.
Even while Paul was with the Thessalonians, he told them that some things would have to happen first before the Lord’s coming. See 2 Thessalonians 2:5. Paul taught the same thing that Jesus himself taught, namely that the Lord MIGHT come at any time. Paul never said that Christ would definitely come within anyone’s lifetime, including his own. We challenge anyone to produce a verse from Paul’s writings that indicates that Paul said that Christ was going to come within his lifetime. Even today the teaching that Christ will surely come some time, and may come any time, is the true teaching. We must be watching always for the Lord’s coming. The Lord says that He will come just when we think He is not coming. Matthew 24:44.
We are sometimes told that waiting on the second coming tends to throttle Christian service. Supposedly, people become dreamers, But just the opposite is true. Those who believe the Lord is coming, and maybe very soon, are out winning souls, going to new foreign mission fields, translating the Scriptures into new languages that have never had the word of God, and broadcasting on the radio. They may not be in Washington, D.C., lobbying for a socialistic system of government and economics, but they will be doing what the Lord told them to dopreaching, baptizing, teaching. The socialistic schemers are not doing anything but running the country into bankruptcy and making its money worthless, even when they are doing it in the name of religion. Those who believe the Lord is coming again will be working to turn men to righteousness.
The fact that God raised Jesus from the dead guarantees that Christ will return, and that there will be a judgment. Acts 17:31; 1 Corinthians 15:12; 1 Thessalonians 4:14.
The word delivered is actually a present tense, indicating continuous action (and we have indicated this in our translation). Jesus is delivering us. Some interpreters feel that this present tense form is timeless, and refers to a single act of deliverance which Jesus will do for us at a given time in the future. We prefer to think of our deliverance as continual. For Jesus delivers us from evil every day. Matthew 6:13. What we are now doing determines whether or not we shall escape in the day of God’s wrath. I am thankful that Jesus is now delivering us from the sins that would cause God’s wrath to fall upon us in the day of wrath. Romans 5:9: Much more, then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. We are being delivered now from the future wrath that would come upon us for our present sins.
The wrath to come is not a popular subject, but it is coming, regardless of men’s unwilingness to face it. John the Baptist said, Who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Matthew 3:7. Revelation 6:17 tells you of a fearful time when even kings will try to hide themselves, For the great day of his wrath is come, and who shall be able to stand? God’s wrath is described as a winepress, with the earth cast into it, and the earth, like grapes in a winepress, was stomped down, and blood came out of the winepress. Revelation 14:19-20. God has seven great vials (or bowls) of wrath to pour out on the earth. Revelation 15:7. Compare Romans 2:5.
Some people speculate that the wrath of God will be poured out during a period of tribulation after Christ has once come and taken the Christians out of the earth, leaving the sinners behind. It seems more probable to us that the wrath of God is to be poured out upon the nations in a series of wars and disasters before Christ comes, and then the terrors of the judgment and hell will consummate His righteous wrath against those who have flouted His laws and despised His mercy. (See Special Study II on page 242, A Secret Rapture Considered.) But however the wrath may come, the sure thing is that it IS coming, and that Jesus is delivering the saints from it.
The wrath to come. (1 Thessalonians 1:10).
(1)
A sure thing. John 3:36; Romans 1:18; Ephesians 5:6.
(2)
A sure thing. Romans 2:5-6; Romans 9:22; 1 Thessalonians 2:16; 2 Thessalonians 2:10; 2 Thessalonians 2:12.
(3)
A terrible thing. Revelation 14:10-11; Revelation 14:19-20.
(4)
An escapable thing. 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:9; Romans 5:9.