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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Teaching Notes 1 TIMOTHY 4 to 6

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Teaching Notes 1 TIMOTHY 4 to 6

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The first Quarantine in the USA since 1918 rages on.  I have completely lost count of the days at this point.  It is 23 or something.  I really do not know.  It has become much more confining in Georgia.  However, God is using this time to show me amazing miracles and His Amazing Grace.  And for that, I am very thankful.  We must learn to completely rely on him in good times and bad.  For all of the great strengths we rely on from day to day in the world come in one quick moment to be blown away like the grass.  

Today is Sunday and we have to meet by Zoom.

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

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Paul saw that the Church at Ephesus was teaching false 
doctrine and thus Paul dispatched his pupil Timothy to 
the Church at Ephesus

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l TIMOTHY

Care of the Church at Ephesus

The Pastoral Epistles

Chapter 4. Coming Apostasy.   A Minister's Work

Apostasy, 1-5. This passage seems to say that, though the

Church is the pillar of the Truth, there shall arise within the

Church gross systems of error, of demoniacal origin, teaching

abstinence from meat foods and celibacy. This was

one of the forms of Gnosticism, even then developing, which

later grew to vast proportions: a heresy that» is now almost

extinct.

A Good Minister, 6-16;  The best way to combat incipient or

prevailing error is by unceasing reiteration of simple Gospel

truth. “Reading, exhortation, teaching", 13. The Bible itself will

do the job, if only given a chance.

Studying it in private, reading and expounding it in public.

If ministers today would only give heed to Paul’s advice,

the Church would take on new life, and

grow by leaps and bounds. Why, why, why; o why, cannot

ministers understand that the simple exposition of God’s Word

is more desired by the people. and more powerful by far, than

their finely worked out sermonic platitudes?

Chapter 5  Widows.  Elders

Widows, 1-16.  The church in Ephesus was something like ten

years old, and had its charity work very well developed and

carefully administered. A Christian who would not support his

own dependents is worse than an unbeliever. 8 The church in

extremely careful with its women servants, for the

women servants of the temple of Diana were prostitutes.

Elders, 17-25.  Called “bishops" in 3: 1-7.There it was their

 qualifications. Here it is their treatment. Then, as now busybodies

were whispering against their church leaders.

19. “Wine", 23:  it was “little” (wine), and for medicinal purposes.

Chapter 6. Slaves.  Riches

Slaves, 1-2. Compare I Cor 7:20-24. No great matter whether

slave or free. Become free if you can. But if not, be a good

slave. Slaves are thus frequently exhorted, Eph 6:5-9; Col 3:22-25;

Tit 2:9-10. Christianity abolished slavery, not by denouncing it.

but by teaching the doctrine of human brotherhood.

The Desire for Riches,  3-21, was the motive back of much

false teaching, 5. Through the ages church doctrines have been

corrupted to produce income for church coflers. “A root of all

kinds of evils", 10. “'the-root of all evil”. Man of God,

flee covetousness, 11; 'turn away from profane

babblings ‚of “scholarship” falsely so called.

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Overview of the Book of 1 Timothy 
From The Bible Project

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1 Timothy 4 New International Version (NIV)

4 The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 2 Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. 3 They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. 4 For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.

6 If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters,[a] you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. 

7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 

8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 9 This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. 10 That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.

11 Command and teach these things. 12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 14 Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.

15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

Footnotes:

1 Timothy 4:6 The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family.

Widows, Elders and Slaves

5 Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.

3 Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. 4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God. 5 The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help. 6 But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives. 7 Give the people these instructions, so that no one may be open to blame. 8 Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

9 No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband, 10 and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the Lord’s people, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.

11 As for younger widows, do not put them on such a list. For when their sensual desires overcome their dedication to Christ, they want to marry. 12 Thus they bring judgment on themselves, because they have broken their first pledge. 13 Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also busybodies who talk nonsense, saying things they ought not to. 14 So I counsel younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander. 15 Some have in fact already turned away to follow Satan.

16 If any woman who is a believer has widows in her care, she should continue to help them and not let the church be burdened with them, so that the church can help those widows who are really in need.

17 The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. 18 For Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,”[a] and “The worker deserves his wages.”[b] 19 Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. 20 But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning. 21 I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism.

22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.

23 Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.

24 The sins of some are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. 

25 In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever.

Footnotes:

1 Timothy 5:18 Deut. 25:4

1 Timothy 5:18 Luke 10:7

1 Timothy 6 New International Version (NIV)

6 All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered. 2 Those who have believing masters should not show them disrespect just because they are fellow believers. Instead, they should serve them even better because their masters are dear to them as fellow believers and are devoted to the welfare[a] of their slaves.

False Teachers and the Love of Money

These are the things you are to teach and insist on. 3 If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4 they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5 and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 

7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 

9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

Final Charge to Timothy

11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 

12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you 14 to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen.

17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

20 Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, 21 which some have professed and in so doing have departed from the faith.

Grace be with you all.

Footnotes:

1 Timothy 6:2 Or and benefit from the service

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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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