1 Thessalonians

I -- 1:1-10 – Introduction and Thanksgiving

• 1:1
  • Salutation
  • Paul includes Timothy and Silas along with his own name
  • He does not use the title "apostle"
  • (There was probably no issue regarding his authority) Includes greeting of "grace and peace" 
• 1:2-10
  • Thanksgiving for their faith
    • 1:2 
      • He always remembers to thank God for them in his prayers
      • He found much to be grateful for in their lives
      • It also raised the level of thinking from human to divine
      • God is the author of spiritual progress
    • 1:3 
      • The fruits of their remembering are "work, labor, and endurance"
      • It is the work produced by faith
      • It is the labor of love and endurance inspired by hope in Christ
      • Faith, hope, and love are three tenets of Christianity
      • Thessalonians are putting these elements into practice
    • 1:4-5 
      • God chooses those who are in Christ
      • Those who are chosen are loved by God
      • The evidence is the fact that the gospel had come to them
      • The gospel was not just words, but was infused with power
      • The Holy Spirit is the source of this power
      • It also brings deep conviction
      • The God who has a purpose for them will bring that purpose to pass
      • They could see evidence of that demonstrated in the lives of Paul and his companions
    • 1:6-7 
      • Imitators of Paul
      • In like manner, the Thessalonians had imitated Paul and his companions
      • That makes them models of Christ
      • Their response had resulted in severe suffering
      • Despite these trials, they showed "joy given by the Holy Spirit"
      • They had been transformed
    • 1:8-10 
      • Thessalonians as models of faith
      • They had become known throughout Macedonia
      • The word of the Lord literally "rang out" from them
      • Their testimony was known far and wide
      • They were able to communicate their faith to others
      • Paul didn't have to tell people about them; he was hearing about them from others
      • They had turned others from worshiping idols to the one, true God
      • Their purpose in turning to God was to serve and to wait for his Son
      • Many expected this to happen before they passed on
      • Jesus' return was guaranteed by his resurrection
      • Paul affirmed that Jesus was the one God had chosen for judgment
      • He would rescue them from the coming wrath

II -- 2:1-3:13 – Paul's Ministry

• 2:1-12
  • Paul's ministry in Thessalonica
    • 2:1-2 
      • Paul defends his ministry in Thessalonica with an historical review 
      • He recounts having "suffered and been beaten" in Philippi
      • Though some might consider this a failure, he was not deterred
      • Through God's power, they continued preaching the gospel
    • 2:3-4 
      • The truthfulness of their preaching
      • Their message did not spring from error or impure motives
      • Nor was any trickery involved in trying to convert them
      • In fact, they had been approved by God and entrusted with his message
      • The gospel's origin is always in God
      • Their speech is always to please God
      • They had been completely open and honest
      • So much so that God "tested their hearts"
      • God was the witness to the purity of their motives
    • 2:5-6 
      • God is their witness
      • They never used flattery nor were they greedy
      • Such attitudes would suggest they were only interested in self-satisfaction and could easily manipulate others
      • (The comments about greed might be a reference to the gifts given to him by the Philippians. Some might think he was eager to receive the same from the Thessalonians.)
      • Paul maintains these were never part of his ministry
      • He did not seek praise from men, or from anyone else
    • 2:7-10 
      • He was not a burden to them
      • As a missionary, Paul had the right to expect financial support from them
      • It was a "right" that he chose not to exercise
      • Instead, his dealings were gentle, much like a mother with her child
      • It is a tender, pastoral image
      • He was eager to do this because he loved them
      • Sharing the gospel was easy; sharing their lives was a delight
      • The imagery is one of a nursing mother with her child
      • Paul worked hard night and day not to be a burden
      • He recalls long hours of toil and hardship in order to support himself
      • His preaching was done "free of charge"
    • 2:11-12 
      • Paul calls on the Thessalonians to witness to his life
      • He says they were "holy, righteous, and blameless" among them
      • Holy refers to conduct before God
      • Righteous refers to conduct among people
      • Blameless suggests they were faultless in both regards
      • The conduct of the missionaries was irreproachable
      • Paul uses the metaphor of a father caring for his child
      • They needed fatherly teaching and guidance as well as motherly care
      • He urged them to live lives worthy of God
      • Their lives were to reflect the life of God
      • "For it is God who calls you into his kingdom and glory"
      • This is their incentive
• 2:13-16
  • Paul gives thanks
    • 2:13 
    • Paul gives praise for their progress
    • They seemed to understand that the word was from God, not men
    • That word is also at work in them who believe
    • The word has power and operates in the life of the believer
  • 2:14-16 
    • He also gave thanks for their endurance under persecution
    • When one lives as a Christian, suffering is inevitable
    • Other churches suffered from Jews; they suffered from their own countrymen
    • While mentioning the Jews, Paul digressed to condemn them for killing Jesus hey had also killed the prophets, and were now working to drive out Paul's missionary band
    • They had displeased God and were hostile to all men
    • They had tried to keep Paul from speaking and bringing salvation to Gentiles (The Jews apparently believed that salvation for Gentiles would mean God had forsaken Israel)
    • But in doing this, Paul stated the Jews "always heap their sins to the limit"
    • Paul said the "wrath of God" would be upon them
    • Scholars are not sure what he is referring to here
    • This is surely not a reference to all Jews, but only those opposed to his preaching of the gospel
• 2:17-3:5
  • Paul is separated from them
    • 2:17-20 
      • He longs to see them
      • Paul expresses his deep feelings for them
      • He longed to return after having to leave under such dire circumstances
      • He had hoped to get back quickly (but at least 5 years will pass)
      • At least he was present with them in thought "Satan" had hindered their return
      • This could possibly refer to opposition of magistrates or other Jews
      • The Thessalonians are his "hope, his joy, the crown in which we will glory"
    • 3:1-5 
      • Paul sends Timothy to them
      • When he could no longer stand not being with them, he sent Timothy
      • Timothy's job was to "strengthen and encourage" in the faith
      • Then none of them would be "unsettled in these trials"
      • Timothy was to encourage them to continue trusting in God
      • Paul had warned them that trials would be part of being a Christian
      • That had certainly been the case for them
      • That which he had predicted had actually come true Christians cannot expect to have an easy life
      • This is why he had to know how they were holding up
      • He was afraid the tempter might have tempted them
      • He was afraid that all his efforts might have been in vain
• 3:6-13
  • Timothy's report
    • 3:6-10 
      • Timothy had brought good news
      • The report includes their faith, love, and pleasant memories
      • Faith is trust in God
      • Love is the outworking of their faith
      • Memories of the missionaries were positive and pleasant
      • Paul was delighted beyond measure, which helped in his present suffering
      • Their endurance was additional incentive for him to persevere
      • The news gave new life to Paul – "now we live"
      • What happened to them mattered a great deal to Paul
      • For this, Paul gives thanks to God
      • Words are inadequate to fully express his appreciation
      • All his suffering has been turned into "all the joy we have"
      • It was God who guided them; God deserves the praise 
      • He prays night and day that he will see them soon
      • Also he hopes to "supply what is lacking in your faith"
      • This is a possible reference to additional growth
    • 3:11-13 
      • Paul's petitionary prayer
      • First, he prays that God will clear the way for him to come to them
      • Second, he prays that God will make their love increase and overflow
      • Their love should extend beyond church borders to include all
      • Christianity is expressed in selfless devotion to others
      • He also prays that God will give them inner strength to be blameless and holy in his presence
      • Love is selfless, which is the basis for holiness
      • Their practice should reflect their status as God's chosen ones
      • They should persevere until Jesus returns
      • This will be a time of final accounting in God's presence

III -- 4:1-5:22 – The Lord's Return

• 4:1-12
  • Living to please God
    • 4:1-2 
      • "To live" is really "to walk"
      • The Christian life is progressive, always on the move
      • In receiving Christ, one has an obligation to imitate him
      • The Thessalonians were doing this, but there was room for growth
      • They should do this more and more in the Lord Jesus
      • They are fully aware of the gospel that has been told to them
      • It was given by the authority of the Lord Jesus
    • 4:3-8 
      • Sexual purity
      • Christians living in holiness avoid sexual immoralities
      • This would have included all sexual encounters outside of marriage
      • This was certainly contrary to prevailing cultural norms
      • Paul maintains that it is God's will for them to control their own bodies
      • A wholesome marriage is the best antidote to sexual immorality
      • This "control" is to be achieved in a way that is holy and honourable
      • This is opposed to the heathen who are lustful and "do not know God"
      • In like manner, no one should wrong or take advantage of his brother
      • ("Brother" probably means fellow Christian)
      • To "take advantage" is to want more than they should
      • They will be called to give an account of themselves
      • If they engage in these things, they will be punished
      • God did not call them to be impure, but to live a holy life
      • Anyone who rejects this instruction also rejects God
      • God is the one who gives the Holy Spirit
      • Infusion of the Holy Spirit compels them towards holy living
    • 4:9-10 
      • Brotherly love
      • They have already been taught to love one another
      • It is the Spirit who has placed the law of love in their hearts
      • They are exhibiting that kind of love, but they can always do more He wants them to strive for that goal of perfection
    • 4:11-12
      • Leading a quiet life
      • They are exhorted to lead a quiet life, mind their own business, and work with their hands
      • It is not known what has prompted this advice
      • Perhaps there was some dissension within the church
      • Free-loaders had no place in the church
      • There were also implications for life in the community
      • Such industry would indicate their independence
      • It would be a witness to others and would win their respect
      • Bottom line was that they would not be dependent on anyone
• 4:13-5:11
  • The coming of the Lord
    • 4:13-18 
      • Not being ignorant about those who sleep
      • Christians have hope of resurrection of the dead
      • Jesus was the first to rise; God will raise the others as well
      • Paul is confident that "we who are still alive …will not precede those who have fallen asleep"
      • (It's not sure whether the "we" included Paul or Christians in general)
      • The Lord's teachings were clear on this
      • (We don't have these teachings)
      • There will be specific events: The Lord will come, there will be a loud command, a voice of the archangel, and the trumpet call of God – then the dead will rise
      • Images suggest that Jesus' coming will be with authority and grandeur
      • After all this, those who are alive will be "caught up" in the clouds
      • They will meet the Lord in the air
      • (Clouds are generally a symbol of divine glory)
      • Paul cannot describe any specific details of this meeting, only to say the "saints will be with the Lord forever"
      • Therefore, they should encourage (comfort) each other with these words
    • 5:1-2 
      • Times and dates of the Lord's return
      • What signs will accompany the end times
      • The Day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night
      • Paul stresses its unpredictability
      • It would certainly be a day of high drama
    • 5:3 
      • Unbelievers on that day
      • For those who are unprepared, it will be a catastrophic time
      • They will delude themselves by saying they have peace and safety
      • Instead, destruction will come upon them suddenly 
      • Time is compared to onset of labor pains
    • 5:4-11 
      • Believers on that day
      • Unlike their counterparts, believers are prepared
      • They do not live in darkness
      • They are sons of the light and the day
      • This suggests they are already in touch with God
      • They live in a spiritual environment that unbelievers cannot know
      • This, then, is the basis for staying alert and not falling asleep
      • ("Asleep" recalls the metaphor of a thief in the night)
      • They are to be watchful and self-controlled
      • Contrast of nighttime vs. daytime behaviors
      • Nighttime is for sleep and drunkenness
      • Daytime is for alertness, putting on breastplate of faith, hope, love
      • Image of armor is typical of well prepared soldier
      • Despite our hope of salvation, it is not achieved through our own merits
      • The initiative lies with God who did not appoint us to suffer wrath
      • Salvation comes through Jesus who died for us
      • It matters not whether we are awake or asleep, i.e. dead or alive at end
      • We will live together with him
      • Therefore, they should all encourage one another and build each other up
      • They should help each other to become mature
      • In fact, they are already doing this 
• 5:12-22
  • Paul's final message
    • 5:12-13 
      • Obligations of the leaders
      • Thessalonians are to show respect to their leaders
      • Functions of the leaders include "work hard," "are over you" and they "admonish you" 
      • Even though they have authority, they are all under the Lord
      • Believers are to hold them in the highest regard and live in peace
      • They should do this not because it's personal
      • They should do this because of the work the leaders do
      • To the extent they can all do this, they will live in peace with each other
    • 5:14-15 
      • Responsibilities of all members
      • All "brothers" have some pastoral responsibility
      • Warn those who are idle: disorderly in conduct
      • They have mistaken ideas about the second coming
      • Encourage the timid; perhaps they have lost heart over those who have already passed
      • Help the weak: a reference to moral and spiritual debility
      • Those who are strong are obligated to help those who aren't
      • Be patient: an even-temperedness of one slow to anger
      • Do not return wrong for wrong
      • Christianity overcomes evil with good
      • They are to be kind to one another and to everyone else
      • Their only goal should be to put the best interests of others first
    • 5:16-18 
      • Obligations to oneself
      • Always be joyful: Joyfulness comes from the Lord
      • Regardless of circumstances joy is grounded in God's grace
      • Pray continually: Live in the spirit of prayer
      • Praying reminds us of our dependency upon God
      • Give thanks in all circumstances: God is always there
      • Regardless of what happens, God is sovereign
    • 5:19-22 
      • Responsibilities in the worship community
      • The Spirit will always be a burning presence
      • Gifts of the Spirit cannot be repressed
      • Prophecies are not contemptible
      • Such utterances are proclamations of God's will
      • Test everything, hold onto the good
      • To test is to discern what is inspired utterances
      • Good is whatever is beneficial
      • Avoid every kind of evil – whatever detracts from the Christian's life 

IV -- 5:23-28 -- Final Greetings and Conclusion

• 5:23-24
  • A prayer for the Thessalonians
  • God, the giver of peace, will sanctify them through and through
  • This is what God does for them on their behalf
  • Their whole spirit, soul, and body will be kept blameless
  • He wants Christians to live on the highest level
  • Spirit, body, and soul encompasses wholeness
  • The God who calls you is faithful and He will do this
• 5:25-27
  • Paul invites them to also pray for him
  • Addressing them as "brothers" Paul indicates his feelings of warmth
  • They should greet the "brothers" with a kiss from Paul
  • This holy kiss would be comparable to greetings among family members
  • The letter was to be read to all the "brothers"
  • This letter was a substitute for Paul's own presence
• 5:28
  • Benediction
  • Grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you

It is not surprising that Paul would invite the Thessalonians to pray for him and his companions. The dangers they faced in their ministry were real. They never knew when they would be arrested, beaten, or driven out of the city. This scenario happened time and time again as he moved through Macedonia. Even though they successfully established a church in every city, his stay was inevitably cut short and he would be abruptly forced to leave. No doubt it would have been easy to become discouraged. We see in this letter how concerned Paul had been about whether or not they had the understanding to continue in the faith (especially in the face of opposition) after he was gone. This letter suggests that some of those anxieties were alleviated; things were going well in this church.