Teaching Notes I THESSALONIANS 4 and 5

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Teaching Notes I THESSALONIANS  4 and 5

Hugh Wood, Atlanta, Georgia

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The first Quarantine in the USA since 1918 continues.  I have lost count of the days at this point.  It is day 26 or something.  

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"The grass withers and the flower [fades], but the word of [the Lord] endures forever.”  Isaiah 40:8."

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This Book almost certainly written by Paul.  It is addressed to the church in Thessalonica, in modern-day Greece.  It is likely the first of Paul's letters, probably written by the end of AD 51 or 52.

l THESSALONIANS 4 and 5

Chapter 4. Immorality. Love.  The Lord's Coming

Immorality, 1-8, was common among heathen peoples. It may

be that, in his report of the general steadfastness of the Thessa-

lonian Christians, Timothy had mentioned some cases of moral

laxness, which occasioned this exhortation. “Sanctification”, 3,

as here used. means sexual purity. "Vessel", 4, seems to mean

“body”, though some think it means “wife”, that is, fidelity to

the marriage vow, or, that in order to avoid immorality, each

should have his own wife. "Wrong his brother", 6, that is, invade

the rights of another’s home, of which some may have been

guilty.

Brotherly Love, 9-12.  It seems that those who had means, "of

Whom there were many, Acts 17:4, were taking the doctrine of

Christian charity seriously, and were dispersing their means to

the poorer brethren of all the Macedonian churches. This was

an  opportunity for those who were inclined  to  be  lazy,  and

they were  making  the  most of  it.  As  Paul commended  the

charitable, he rebuked the lazy. To be willing to live off of their

neighbors was  contrary  to  every  principle  of  brotherly  love.

Able-bodied  beggars,‘ they  were  glad  for  others  to  practice

'brotherly love, while they themselves exhibited the essence of

self-love. It looked bad to those outside the Church.

The Lord's Second Coming, 13-18. Here we come to the main

topic of the Epistle. Its mention in every chapter implies that

Paul must have given it particular emphasis in his preaching at

Thessalonica.

Though it is commonly spoken of as the Lord‘s “Coming" or

“Appearing", it is specifically called “Second”  coming  in  Heb

9:28. Jesus’ word, “again”, in Jn 14:3, means a second time. Sò it

is perfectly proper and Scriptural to speak of it as the “Second

Coming”.

It is mentioned or referred to in almost every NT book. The

chapters in which it is explained most fully are Mt 24,25: 21;

I Thes 4,5; II Pet 3.

The Thessalonian Epistles are commonly regarded as the earliest

written NT books. They are about the Lord’s Coming again. The

last of the NT books is Revelation, of which the final word is,

"I come quickly”, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus", Rev 22:20. Thus

 the NT begins, and thus it ends.

“Fallen asleep", 14, is a Scriptural expression for the Christian’s

death, Mt 27:52; Jn 11:11; Act's 7:60; 13:36; I Cor 15:6,18;20,51;

II Pet 3:4. It is found often in Christian epitaphs In the cata-

combs. Jesus taught it. It must be true. Only asleep. One day

We shall awake. Glorious morning. This does not mean lapse into

a state of unconsciousness till the day of resurrection. There is

an intermediate state of conscious bliss, Pps 1:23.

“With a shout, the voice of the archangel, and the trump of

God”, 16. This is similar to Jesus’ words, Mt 24:30-31. It may be

literal. “The clouds”, 17, will be his triumphal chariot. He went

away ’in the “clouds”, Acts 1:9; and so will return, Rev 1:7.

The angels will be with him, mall the glory of heaven, Mt

25:31. The saints of past ages will be raised, those still in the

flesh will be changed, and, as Enoch and Elijah were translated,

the whole Church will rise in joyful welcome to the Returning

Savior, to be with Him forevermore. It thrills us through and

through to think of it.

Chapter 5. The Lord's Coming

Its Suddenness, 1-11.  There is nothing here to indicate when

it will be. Only that, whenever it is, it will be with unexpected

suddenness. “Signs" will precede the Coming, so that patient

believers may feel that it is near, while the world generally

scoffs at the idea. But even those who are watching are warned.

lest they be caught off guard. It will be ”as a “thief in the

night”, 2. Jesus had said-that over and over, Mt 2436,42; 25:13;

Mk 13:32-37; Lk 12:39,46; 21:25-35; and with solemn earnestness

warned his disciples to “watch”. For note as to the time of His

Coming see under II Thes 2 and II Pet 3.

Honor Pastors, 12-13. Seeing it was a very young church, the

pastors must have been, quite largely, novices. Yet the people

were urged to love and esteem them. When church members love

their pastor, and are at peace among themselves, other things

being equal, the church is sure to grow.

Fifteen Exhortations, 14-22. Beautiful. So characteristic of Paul.

Thus he closes most of his Epistles, however abstract, argumenta

tive, or abstruse, with exhortations to peace, long suffering, joy,

prayer, thankfulness, and every good.

"Spirit and Soul and Body”, 23. “Spirit" and “soul” are often

used synonymously, but here there seems to be a distinction.

“Soul", the principle of life. “Spirit", the organ of communion

with God. Christ redeems the entire human personality. The

language certainly contemplates the resurrection of the body;

“Holy Kiss”, 26.  The kiss, between persons of the same sex,

On the cheek, was a common mode of salutation in many ancient

countries. It became a custom in the churches. As its use as a

 salutation passed its use in the churches ceased.

"Read to all the Brethren”, 27.  This shows that Paul intended

 his Epistles to be read in the churches. That is what the NT

 books were written for, Col 4:16; I Tim 4:13; Rev 1:3.

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From The Bible Project (c) 

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1 Thessalonians 4 New International Version (NIV)

Living to Please God

4 As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.

3 It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should learn to control your own body[a] in a way that is holy and honorable, 5 not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; 6 and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister.[b] The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before. 7 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. 8 Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit.

9 Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. 10 And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, 11 and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

Believers Who Have Died

13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 

14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 

17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.

1 Thessalonians 5 New International Version (NIV)

The Day of the Lord

5 Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Final Instructions

12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.

16 Rejoice always, 

17 pray continually, 

18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not treat prophecies with contempt 21 but test them all; hold on to what is good, 22 reject every kind of evil.

23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.

25 Brothers and sisters, pray for us. 26 Greet all God’s people with a holy kiss. 27 I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters.

28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

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New International Version (NIV)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Some content adapted from Halley, Henry H., Bible Handbook, Grayson Publishing, Minneapolis, MN.  © 1927 - 1959, 1964
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Hugh C. Wood, Atlanta, Georgia

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Just as a Post Script.

If one is looking for the classic doctrine of the "rapture", it did not come into existence until after 1830.  I will leave it to you and God to sort out the details of the "rapture".  

https://www.bible.ca/rapture-origin-john-nelson-darby-1830ad.htm

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Teaching Notes I THESSALONIANS 1 to 3

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Teaching Notes I THESSALONIANS  1 to 3

Hugh Wood, Atlanta, Georgia

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The first Quarantine in the USA since 1918 continues.  I have completely lost count of the days at this point.  It is 25 or something.  

The Georgia Supreme Court has closed the Georgia Court systems to April 13, 2020.  Today it extended the shutdown to May 13, 2020.   Not sure how we will all adjust to a multi-month closure of the Courts.   Time will tell.  [And I realize that if this is read many years or decades from now, it will date this post.  I recognize this.  However, "this" is what is happening today.]

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"The grass withers and the flower [fades], but the word of [the Lord] endures forever.”  Isaiah 40:8."

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Tours: Thessalonica

Tour Ancient Thessalonica -- Footsteps of St Paul

Tours:  Modern Thessalonica

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I THESSALONIANS

The Lord’s Second Coming

The Church in  Thessalonica was founded about 51  AD, on

Paul’s Second Missionary Journey, Acts 17:1-9.

It  seems, from Acts 17:2, that Paul was  there only three

weeks. But Pps 4:16; I Thes 2:9; II Thes 3:8 imply that he was

there longer. It may be that he preached in the synagogue three

sabbaths, and later in some other place. But, at most, he was

not there long enough to fully instruct the church.

Driven out of. Thessalonica, he went to Berea, about 50 miles

to the W. But soon Was driven from Berea, leaving Silas and

Timothy there. When Paul got to Athens, 200 miles to the  

lonesome, he sent word back to Berea for Silas and Timothy

to come to him with all possible speed, Acts 17:14,15. When

they reached Athens, Paul, filled with anxiety about the young

church in Thessalonica, immediately sent Timothy back. Ву the

time Timothy returned Paul had gone from Athens to Corinth.

Timothy brought word that the Thessalonian Christians were

enduring their persecutions bravely; but that some had died, and

the others were puzzled 'to know how those that had. died Would

get any  benefit  of the Lord's Coming, a doctrine  that Paul

evidently had specially stressed in Thessalonica.

Then it was that Paul wrote this Letter, to tell them, mainly,

that those who had died would be at no disadvantage when the

Lord Comes.

Thessalonica. Modern “Salonika”.  Situated at the NW corner

of the Aegean Sea, facing a fine harbor, on a rich and well-

watered plain, on the great Northern Military Highway from

Rome to the East. Within sight of Mt Olympus, home of the

Greek gods. Leading city of Macedonia in Paul's day. Still a

prosperous city.

Paul‘s Work in Thessalonica. Though there only a short time,

Paul created a great stir. His enemies accused him of “turning

the world upside down", Acts 17:6. A ”great multitude of Greeks

and chief Women” believed, Acts 17:4. It was heralded all over

Greece, I Thes 128,9.

Chapter 1.  Fame of The Church

“In power", 5, must refer to miracles which accompanied and

attested Paul’s preaching, though none are mentioned in Acts.

“An example", 7, to all Greece, of fortitude under persecution,

and of a genuinely Christian manner. of life." “Wait for his Son",

10, thus Paul closes every chapter with a reference to the Lord's

Coming, 2:19; 3:13; 4:16-18; 5:23p

Chapter 2., Paul’s Conduct Among Them

This chapter is given mainly to Paul’s vindication of his con-

duct in Thessalonica. The language rather conveys the impression

that the enemies who were so bitterly persecuting the Thessa-

lonian Christians were militantly engaged 'in a campaign. to

blacken Paul’s character.

He reminds them that he had taken no pay from them, which

was in itself evidence that he could not have been actuated by

motives of covetousness, as some travelling philosophers were.

And reminds them also of his unselfish and tender devotion to

them, and that he was, in every way, an example to them of the

things which “he preached.

Their Suffering. 13-16. It seems that the unbelieving Jews and

“certain vile fellows of the rabble”, Acts 17:5, who had driven

Paul out of Thessalonica, were still, with relentless fury, venting

their Wrath against Jason and the rest of the Christians there.

Paul tries to comfort them by reminding them that the mother

churches in Judea had been persecuted in the same manner.

So had Christ. So had he himself. But “wrath to the uttermost".

16, is their lot: those who killed the Lord and persecute the

Church. There is no hope of their repentance, and no escape from

their doom: the impending destruction of Jerusalem, and their

eternal doom in the Day of Judgment.

Paul’s Plan to Return to Thessalonica, 17-20. “once and again",

18, means that at least twice he had made an effort to get back

to Thessalonica but “Satan hindered” him. In the early part

‚of this same Missionary Journey Paul had made certain plans,

and the Holy Spirit hindered him, Act57 16:6,7. Then it was

God who was interfering _With his plans. Now it is Satan. We

Wonder how Paul knew that in one case it was God, and in

the other case Satan. How did Satan hinder him? Possibly,

by illness, or by opposition of the civil authorities. At any rate.

Paul knew that it was the arch enemy of the Church who was

keeping him away from his beloved Thessalonian brethren.

He was still praying “night and day", 3:10-11, that he might

return. He felt that one of the brightest stars in his crown in

the day of the Lord's Coming would be the Thessalonian Church.

his “hope, joy, crown and glory", 19-20.

Chapter 3. Timothy’s Report

Paul, in deepest anxiety for the new-born Thessalonian Church,

had sent Timothy back to encourage them under their bitter

persecution. See Introductory Note, and Acts 17:15; 18:15:

I Thes 3:1,2.6. Timothy’s return with the news of their stead-

‘fastness and devotion filled Paul with unbounded joy.

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From The Bible Project (c) 

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1 Paul, Silas[a] and Timothy,

To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

Grace and peace to you.

Thanksgiving for the Thessalonians’ Faith

2 We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. 3 We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

4 For we know, brothers and sisters[b] loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. 6 You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. 7 And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. 

8 The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, 9 for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.

Footnotes:

1 Thessalonians 1:1 Greek Silvanus, a variant of Silas

1 Thessalonians 1:4 The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family; also in 2:1, 9, 14, 17; 3:7; 4:1, 10, 13; 5:1, 4, 12, 14, 25, 27.

1 Thessalonians 2 New International Version (NIV)

Paul’s Ministry in Thessalonica

2 You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not without results. 2 We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition. 3 For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you.

4 On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. 5 You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. 6 We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority. 7 Instead, we were like young children[a] among you.

Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, 8 so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. 9 Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you. 10 You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. 11 For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, 12 encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.

13 And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe. 14 For you, brothers and sisters, became imitators of God’s churches in Judea, which are in Christ Jesus: You suffered from your own people the same things those churches suffered from the Jews 15 who killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets and also drove us out. They displease God and are hostile to everyone 16 in their effort to keep us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. In this way they always heap up their sins to the limit. The wrath of God has come upon them at last.[b]

Paul’s Longing to See the Thessalonians

17 But, brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you. 18 For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan blocked our way. 19 For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? 20 Indeed, you are our glory and joy.

Footnotes:

1 Thessalonians 2:7 Some manuscripts were gentle

1 Thessalonians 2:16 Or them fully

1 Thessalonians 3 New International Version (NIV)

3 So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. 2 We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, 3 so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them. 4 In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know. 5 For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain.

Timothy’s Encouraging Report

6 But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you. 7 Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. 8 For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. 9 How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? 10 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.

11 Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. 12 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. 13 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.

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Papyri 61

1 Thessalonians

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1_Thessalonians_1

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New International Version (NIV)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Some content adapted from Halley, Henry H., Bible Handbook, Grayson Publishing, Minneapolis, MN.  © 1927 - 1959, 1964

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Hugh C. Wood, Atlanta, Georgia

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