After Paul’s forced separation from the Thessalonians, he grows increasingly concerned about the progress of their faith. His great relief upon hearing Timothy’s positive report prompts him to write this warm epistle of commendation, exhortation, and consolation. They are commended for remaining steadfast under afflictions, exhorted to excel still more in their Christian walk, and consoled concerning their loved ones who have died in Christ. The theme of the coming of the Lord recurs throughout this epistle, and chapter 4, verse 13 - chapter 5, verse 1 1, is one of the fullest New Testament developments of this crucial truth. The two major sections of First Thessalonians are: (1) Paul’s personal reflections of the Thessalonians (1-3) and (2) Paul’s instructions for the Thessalonians (4-5).
Paul’s Personal Reflections of the Thessalonians (l-3): Paul’s typical salutation in the first verse combines the customary Greek ("grace") and Hebrew ("peace") greetings of his day and enriches them with Christian content. The opening chapter is o declaration of thanksgiving for the Thessalonians' metamorphosis from heathenism to Christian hope. Faith, love, and hope (1:3) properly characterize the new lives of these believers. Paul reviews his brief ministry in Thessalonica and defends his conduct and motives, apparently to answer enemies who are trying to impugn his character and message (2:1- 16). His devotion to the Thessalonian believers is evident {rom his affection (like o mother, 2:7) and admonition (like o {other, 2:11). Prevented from returning to Thessalonica, Paul becomes troubled because of uncertainty over their spiritual condition. He sends Timothy to minister to them and is greatly relieved when Timothy reports the stability of their faith and love (2:1 7-3:10). Paul therefore closes this historical section with a prayer that their faith may continue to deepen (3:l I -.l3).
Paul’s instructions for the Thessalonians (4-5): The apostle deftly moves into o series of exhortations and instructions by encouraging the Thessalonians to continue progressing. He reminds them of his previous teaching on sexual and social matters (4:1-12), since these gentile believers lack the moral upbringing in the Mosaic Low provided in the Jewish community. Now rooted in the Word of God (2:13), the readers must resist the constant pressures of a pagan society.
Paul hos taught them about the return of Christ, and they have become distressed over the deaths of some among them. Paul comforts them with the assurance that all who die in Christ will be resurrected of His parousia ("presence, coming, advent," see 4:.l3-l8). The apostle continues his discourse on eschatology by describing the coming day of the Lord (5:1-11). In anticipation of this day, believers are to "watch and be sober” as "children of light" who are destined for salvation, not wrath. Paul requests the readers to deal with integrity toward one another and to continue growing spiritually (5:12-22). The epistle closes with o wish for their sanctification, three requests, and a benediction (5:23-28).
First Thessalonians:
by Rob Morgan
Feb 21, 2013
First Thessalonians:
After Paul’s forced separation from the Thessalonians, he grows increasingly concerned about the progress of their faith. His great relief upon hearing Timothy’s positive report prompts him to write this warm epistle of commendation, exhortation, and consolation. They are commended for remaining steadfast under afflictions, exhorted to excel still more in their Christian walk, and consoled concerning their loved ones who have died in Christ. The theme of the coming of the Lord recurs throughout this epistle, and chapter 4, verse 13 - chapter 5, verse 1 1, is one of the fullest New Testament developments of this crucial truth. The two major sections of First Thessalonians are: (1) Paul’s personal reflections of the Thessalonians (1-3) and (2) Paul’s instructions for the Thessalonians (4-5).
Paul’s Personal Reflections of the Thessalonians (l-3): Paul’s typical salutation in the first verse combines the customary Greek ("grace") and Hebrew ("peace") greetings of his day and enriches them with Christian content. The opening chapter is o declaration of thanksgiving for the Thessalonians' metamorphosis from heathenism to Christian hope. Faith, love, and hope (1:3) properly characterize the new lives of these believers. Paul reviews his brief ministry in Thessalonica and defends his conduct and motives, apparently to answer enemies who are trying to impugn his character and message (2:1- 16). His devotion to the Thessalonian believers is evident {rom his affection (like o mother, 2:7) and admonition (like o {other, 2:11). Prevented from returning to Thessalonica, Paul becomes troubled because of uncertainty over their spiritual condition. He sends Timothy to minister to them and is greatly relieved when Timothy reports the stability of their faith and love (2:1 7-3:10). Paul therefore closes this historical section with a prayer that their faith may continue to deepen (3:l I -.l3).
Paul’s instructions for the Thessalonians (4-5): The apostle deftly moves into o series of exhortations and instructions by encouraging the Thessalonians to continue progressing. He reminds them of his previous teaching on sexual and social matters (4:1-12), since these gentile believers lack the moral upbringing in the Mosaic Low provided in the Jewish community. Now rooted in the Word of God (2:13), the readers must resist the constant pressures of a pagan society.
Paul hos taught them about the return of Christ, and they have become distressed over the deaths of some among them. Paul comforts them with the assurance that all who die in Christ will be resurrected of His parousia ("presence, coming, advent," see 4:.l3-l8). The apostle continues his discourse on eschatology by describing the coming day of the Lord (5:1-11). In anticipation of this day, believers are to "watch and be sober” as "children of light" who are destined for salvation, not wrath. Paul requests the readers to deal with integrity toward one another and to continue growing spiritually (5:12-22). The epistle closes with o wish for their sanctification, three requests, and a benediction (5:23-28).