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| FIRST THESSALONIANS ~ THE LORD'S COMING The church in Thessalonica was founded about A.D. 51, on Paul's Second Missionary Journey (Acts 17: 1-9). It seems, from Acts 17:2 (And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures,) That, Paul was there only three weeks. But Philippians 4:16;, I Thessalonians 2:9, II Thessalonians 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 west. But soon was driven from Berea, leaving Silas and Timothy there. When he got to Athens, 200 miles to the south, 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. By the time Timothy returned Paul had gone from Athens to Corinth. Timothy brought word that the Thessalonian Christians were enduring their persecutions bravely; but some had died, and the others were puzzled to know how those who 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 "Saloniki." Situated at the northwest 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 ~ and when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, cryings, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;). A "great multitude of Greeks and chief women", believed (Acts 17:4 ~ and some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few). It was heralded all over Greece (I Thessalonians 1: 8, 9 ~ For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing. For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.) *~*~*~*~*~* Chapter 1: FAME OF THE CHURCH "In power" (vs.5), must refer to miracles which accompanied and attested Paul's preaching, though none are mentioned in Acts. "an example" (vs.7), to all Greece, of fortitude under persecution, and of a genuinely Christian manner of life. "Wait for his Son" (vs.10), thus, Paul closes every chapter with a reference to the Lord's Coming (2:19, 3:13, 4:16-18; 5:23). Chapter 2: PAUL'S CONDUCT AMONG THEM This chapter is given mainly to Paul's vindication of his conduct in Thessalonica. The language rather conveys the impression that the enemies who were so bitterly persecuting the Thessalonian 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 caused by motives of coveteousness, as some traveling 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 ~ but the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people), 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 (Acts 16: 6, 7 ~Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia; But the Spirit suffered them not.) 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.. Timothy's return with the news of their steadfastness and devotioin filled Paul with unbounded joy. 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 Thessalonian Christians, Timothy had mentioned some cases of moral laxness.. which occasioned this exhortation. "Santification" (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 chatper implies that Paul must have given it particular emphasis in his preaching at Thessalonia Though it is commonly spoken of as the Lord's "Coming" or "Appearing" it is specifically called "Second coming in Hebrews 9:28. Jesus word, "again: in John 14:3, meant a second time. So it is perfectly proper and Scriptural to speak of is as the "Second Coming." It is mentioned or referred to in almost every New Testament book. The chapters in which it is explained most fully are Matthew 23, 25; Luke 23; I Thessalonians 5: 5; II Peter 3. The thessalonian Epistles are commonly regarded as the earliest again the last of the New testament book is Revelation, of which the final word is, "I come quickly," "even so, come, Lord Jesus" (Revelation 22;20). Thus the New Testament begins, and thus it ends. "fallen asleep" (14), is a scriptural expression for the Christian's death (Matthew 27:52; John 11:11; Acts 7:60; 13:36; I Corinthians 15:6, 18, 19,20, 51; II Peter 3:4) It is found often in Christian epitaphs in the catacombs. Jesus taught it. It must be true. Only asleep. One day we shall awake. Glorious morn! This does not mean lapse into a state of unconsciousness till the day of resurrection. There is an intermediate state of conscious bliss (Philippians 1:23 ~ For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better.) "With a shout, the voice of the archangel, and the trump of God" (16). This is similar to Jesus words (Matthew 24: 30-32). 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 (Revelation 1:7). The angels will be with him, in all the glory of heaven (Matthew 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 It's 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 is 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 (Matthew 24:36; 25:13; Mark 13:32-37; Luke 12:39, 46; 23: 25-35), and with solemn earnestness warned his disciples to "watch." (For note as to the time of His Coming see under II Thessalonians 2 and II Peter 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 argumentative, or difficult to understand with exhortations to peace, longsuffering, 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 saluation in many ancient countries. It became a custom in the churches. As its use as a saluation 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 New Testament book were written for Colossians 4:16; I Timothey 4:13; and Revelation 1:3). *********************************************************** II THESSALONIANS ~ MORE INSTRUCTION ON THE LORD'S COMING Written, probably about A.D. 52, only a few weeks, or months, after the First Epistle. In that Paul had spoken of the Lord's Coming as being sudden and unexpected. In this he explains that is will not be till after the Apostasy. *~*~*~*~*~* Chapter 1: THE DAY OF THE LORD The particular feature of the Lord's Coming emphasized in this chapter is that it will be a day of terror for the disobedient. In I Thessalonians 4 Paul had said that he would descend from heaven and, at the shout of the archangel, the Church would be caught up to be forever with the Lord. Here he adds that the Lord will be accompained with "the angels of his power in flaming fire" (7), rendering vengeance to the disobedient. Jesus had spoken of "eternal fire" (Matthew 25; 41), and "unquenchable fire" (Mark 9:43 ~And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off; it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched.) In Hebrews 10:27 "devouring fire" is connected with the day of judgment. In II Peter 3:7, 10 it is stated that the destiny of the earth is to be burned with "fire" Chapter 2: THE APOSTASY The express purpose of this Epistle was to caution the Thessalonians that the Lord's Coming was not immediately at hand; that it would not be till after the Apostasy. What is the Apostasy? It is called the "falling away," in which a person called the "Man of sin," in the temple of God professes himself to be God, and exalts himself against God (3, 4). A false church headed by an impostor. The early fathers unanimously looked for a Personal Antichrist, to be manifested after the fall of the Roman Empire. The Protestant Reformers, being directly in touch with the awful corruption of the Church of the Middle Ages, believed the Papacy, and institution headed up in a person, usurping to itself authority that belongs only to Christ and being itself responsible for the prevailing corruption, to have been a manifestation of the man of sin. In our own times, after 2000 years of church history, there is still a period immediately before the Lord's Coming. The spirit of the Thing was already at work in Paul's day (7). The story of the Church as a whole, even to this day, makes a sorry looking picture. Taking a broad general view of the visible church, as it has existed from the first century to the present time, it is not inaccurate to call it an Apostate Church. What the final culmination is to be is yet to be seen. "That which restrains" (6) was generally understood by the early fathers to have been the Roman Empire. Some take it to mean the Holy Spirit. Paul's Ideas of the Second Coming. It is quite common among a certain class of critics to say that Paul "had to reconstruct his ideas about the Lord's Second Coming," that his "earlier and cruder view" contradicts his later view. This is absolutely not true. Paul's Earlier view was his only view, first last and always. The Thessalonian Epistles are his earliest existent writings. In them he specifically states that he did NOT expect the immediate appearance of the Lord, and that it would not be till after the Apostasy, which in his day was only beginning to work. It may not have been revealed to Paul what the Apostasy would be. But whatever his idea of it, it did not preclude the possibility that the Lord would come in his own lifetime, evidenced by the expression "we that are alive" (I Thessalonians 4:15; I Corinthians 15:52). First and last Paul looked for the Lord's Coming as a glorious consummation, meanwhile anticipating the eventuality of, in death, "departing to be with Christ" (Philippians 1:23); it not being any great matter whether he was in the body or out of it at the time of the Coming. In his last written word (IItimothy 4:6, 8), at the time of his "departure," his mind was on the "appearing" of the Lord. Chapter 3: THE DISORDERLY "Pray for Us" (1-2), that we may be delivered from "unreasonable and evil men." At that very time Paul was in trouble in Corinth. Their prayer was answered (Acts 18: 9-10). The disorderly (6-15), were lazy people who taking advantage of the charitable disposition of the church (I Thessalonians 4: 9-10), and making their expectation of the immediate appearance of the Lord an excuse for abandoning their ordinary occupations, were claiming the right to be supported by the brethren who had means. Paul, thought he was an ardent advocate of charity toward those who were really in need, and though he spent a good deal of time in condemning the able-bodied who could but would not work. In these verses he positively forbids the brethren to support such people; even commands the church to withdraw fellowship from them. There is nothing in the teaching of Paul, or of Christ, or anywhere in the Bible, to encourage charity to able bodied lazy men whose profession is begging. Compiled and Written By Shirley Barr October 22, 2005 References used: King James Version Bible Halley's Bible Handbook, Copyright permission THE SECOND COMING Since childhood I have heard it told, Be prepared, strong and bold. The Lord is coming back someday, Better pray and live the right way. He will appear in the clouds above, With a shout of "Come Forth" with love. Coming back for you and me, For all those whose sins were set free. No one knows the hour or day, That Christ Jesus will come our way, But you can be sure it will occur, As He promised in His word. Paul preached and taught the event, Knowing that the message was Godly sent. His heart was receptive, and alert. Believe in Him, He will not desert. Live your life for Him each day, Spread the truth along the way. Be a witness for Jesus Christ, So others may see Him in your life. Written by Shirley Barr October 22, 2005 All Rights Reserved |
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