Ralph Porter
© 2003
AUTHOR AND DATE
Pauline authorship is indicated by tradition and internal evidence.
The letter was written about A.D. 51.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
The church at Thessalonica was one of the first churches in Macedonia which
Paul began on
the second missionary journey (Acts 16-17). His ministry there was fruitful. There was a
positive response (1 Thess. 1:3-10). It was founded in the midst of heavy Jewish opposition
and persecution which continued after Paul's departure and was the source of their major
problem. The testimony of their changed lives resulted in persecution (1:3).
Result of their suffering
They felt alone and discouraged.
They thought that Paul hadn't come because he didn't really care about them.
Paul's concern for them
He tried to visit them but was not able to go 2:17-18
Satan thwarted him from getting there 2:18
Finally he sent Timothy to encourage them 3:1-5
Timothy's report
The church was growing.
They were discouraged.
They were still questioning why Paul had not gone to them.
PURPOSE AND THEME
1.
Paul wrote to defend himself concerning their doubts about him.
* Results desired: That we might trust Paul and his love for us.
* Message: He is sincerely interested in them and would like to visit them personally
but has not been able to do so. He wants them to keep growing as they have
been.
2.
Paul wrote to stimulate them to be faithful and not be discouraged by their
affliction.
* Results desired: Faithfulness and joy in the midst of their affliction.
* Message: He exhorts them to live a holy and blameless life and to be joyful in the
midst of their suffering.
3.
Paul wrote to answer doctrinal question about those who died before the
Lord's return.
* Results desired: Knowledge concerning the rapture and the Day of the Lord.
* Message: The dead in Christ will be raised together with the living.
God will save them all together from the wrath of the day of the Lord.
What difference should the study of this letter make in our lives today?
What difference does it make? Ralph Porter
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RELATION WITH THESSALONIANS
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EXHORTATION TO HOLY CONDUCT
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INSTRUCTION CONCERNING DEATH AND THE END TIMES 4:13-5:11 |
EXHORTATIONS CONCERNING SPECIFIC NEEDS 5:12-28 |
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Greeting 1:1
their response to the Gospel 1:2-30
concern for them 2:1-12
them to Paul's ministry 2:13-16
their question concerning Paul's absence 2:17-20
by Timothy's visit 3:1-10
demonstrated by prayer for them 3:11-13
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Moral Concerns 4:1-8
concerns 4:9-12
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Concerning the dead in Christ 4:13-18
4:13
4:14-17 Resurrection 4:14 Rapture together 4:15-17
4:18
Day of the Lord 5:1-11
in the night 5:1-3
for God's children 5:4-8
for God's children 5:9-10
message 5:11
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Concerning the Elders 5:12-13
other brethren 5:14-15
the individual 5:16-22
5:23
5:24
personal notes 5:25-28
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Ralph Porter
The "hard" questions of life-Young people ask:
• What should I major in?
• What will I do with my life?
• How can I know God's will for my life?
• Who will I marry?
• Where will I live?
• What kind of car will I drive?
• Lord, please don't come yet! Give me a chance to live a little first!
• What are we living for?
• What is really important in my life?
While the believers at Thessalonica weren't asking the same questions,
they were asking similar questions concerning their future.
AUTHOR AND DATE
Pauline authorship designated by tradition as well as by internal evidence.
The letter was written about A.D. 51.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
The church at Thessalonica was one of the first churches in Macedonia which
Paul began
on the second missionary journey. Acts 16-17
His ministry there was fruitful. There was a positive response.
1 Thess. 1:3-10
It was founded in the midst of heavy Jewish opposition and persecution which
continued after Paul's departure and was the source of their major problem.
The testimony of their changed lives resulted in persecution. 1:3
Result of their suffering
They felt alone and discouraged.
They thought that Paul hadn't come because he didn't really care about them.
Paul's concern for them
He tried to go visit them but was not able to go 2:17-18
Satan thwarted him from getting there 2:18
Finally he did send Timothy to them to encourage them 3:1-5
Timothy's report
The church was growing.
They were discouraged.
They were still questioning why Paul had not gone to them.
They thought he hadn't come because he didn't care about them.
PURPOSE AND THEME
His message corresponds to three main purposes he had in writing the letter:
1.
Paul wrote to defend himself concerning their doubts about him.
Results desired:
That we might trust Paul and his love for us.
Message:
He is sincerely interested in them and would like to visit
them
personally but has not been able to do so.
He wants them to keep growing as they have been.
2.
He wants to stimulate us to be faithful and not become discouraged
because of
affliction.
Results desired:
Faithfulness and joy in the midst of affliction.
Message:
He exhorts us to live a holy and blameless life and to be
joyful
in the midst of suffering.
3.
He wants to answer their doctrinal question about those who died before
the
Lord's return.
Results desired:
Knowledge concerning the doctrine of the rapture
and
the Day of the Lord.
Message:
He teaches us that the dead in Christ will be raised
together
with the living .
God will save us all together from the wrath of the day of
the
Lord.
ORGANIZATION
The structure of the letter reveals four main sections:
1.
Encouragement by assuring them of his interest in them and in the
affliction
through which they are passing. 1:1-3:13
2.
Exhortation to live a holy and blameless life.
4:1-12
3.
Instruction concerning those who have died and concerning the Day of the
Lord.
4:13-5:11
4.
Specific commands that we ought to follow in our daily lives.
5:12-28
ARGUMENT
Paul first responds to the Thessalonians' doubts concerning his interest in them.
GREETING
1:1
THANKSGIVING FOR THEIR RESPONSE TO THE GOSPEL
1:2-10
He begins the argument by reminding them of their initial response when he
first
visited them.
His thanksgiving
1:2
Their response to the Gospel
1:3
He is thankful that when the gospel was preached, they did respond
favorably.
Evidence of their election
1:4-10
Their changed lives were a clear testimony to the effect of the gospel in
them.
Everyone was talking about it.
They turned around completely from pagan idolatry to worship and
serve the
one true God and to wait for the return of His Son.
Power of the Spirit
1:4-5a
Their conviction
1:5b
Their imitation of Paul
1:6
Their model testimony
1:7-10
Their conversion from idols to God
Their service to God
Their expectation of Jesus' return
EVIDENCE OF PAUL'S CONCERN FOR THEM
2:1-12
To further demonstrate his concern for them he reminds them of the attitude
and
conduct he demonstrated toward them in that initial visit.
His pure motives
2:1-6
He showed his pure motives in his concern for them then.
Faithful in spite of suffering
2:1-2
When preaching the gospel meant suffering persecution, he did not escape
from it.
If he were afraid of persecution, he would never have begun his ministry
among
them.
Desire for divine approval
2:3-4
From the beginning he demonstrated that his concern was for God's
approval, not
man's.
Lack of flattery or self-exaltation
2:5-6
He was sincere before them, never using flattery nor seeking praise from
others.
His pure methods
2:7-9
In his methods before them he was also blameless.
Demonstration of love
2:7
He showed them a gentle display of love and concern.
Sacrificial service
2:8-9
His ministry was characterized by selfless, sacrificial service.
His pure life
2:10-12
In their lives before them also, Paul was careful to observe spotless Christian
conduct.
As a mother, he showed gentle love; as a father, he showed concern to guide
them in
a path which would be worthy of God.
RESPONSE BY THEM TO PAUL'S MINISTRY
2:13-16
They were so convinced at that time by his conduct and attitude that they
accepted
the authority of his message and chose to follow the example of the church in
Judea, of Christ, the prophets, and of Paul himself, in suffering for the gospel's
sake.
Accepted his message
2:13
Imitated those who suffered
2:14-16
ANSWER TO THEIR QUESTION CONCERNING PAUL'S ABSENCE
2:17-20
After reminding them of the evidence they have already seen demonstrated
of his
concern for them, Paul explains the reason he has not been able to visit them.
He wanted to come and tried to do so, but he was prevented by Satan from
going.
Although he has not been able to go to them, he does care about them and is
glad for
their progress.
Desire to go
2:17
Attempt to go
2:18a
Prevention by Satan
2:18b
Continuing concern
2:19-20
TEMPORARY SOLUTION BY TIMOTHY'S VISIT
3:1-10
While he knows they will not be satisfied with a substitute, Paul sends Timothy
in his
place as a substitute.
His visit provides at least a temporary solution for their problem.
Paul has been encouraged by the positive report Timothy brought back.
PRESENT INTEREST DEMONSTRATED BY PRAYER FOR THEM
3:11-13
He continues to pray for them, day and night.
He is praying that God will enable him to go to them and that they will
continue to
develop in love and faithfulness.
That he could go
3:11
That they would grow
3:12
That they would be strengthened
3:13
The second major theme is an exhortation to holy conduct.
In the light of their suffering, the easiest solution would be to go back to the old
life.
Pagan people imitated their gods: wine, sex, parties.
God's people were to be different!
God's people were to look like their God: HOLY!
MORAL CONCERNS
4:1-8
In spite of the fornication which was so common in their city, God wants our
lives to be
different.
Therefore Paul exhorts us to maintain moral purity.
The power God wants to control our desires is available to us through the Holy
Spirit.
Since God Who gave us the Spirit is holy, He wants us to be holy also.
FRATERNAL CONCERNS
4:9-12
Not only is God concerned about our moral conduct, He is also concerned about
our
relationships with one another.
God is love and wants His children to love one another also.
The Thessalonians have shown their love for one another.
Paul is just concerned that their love continue to grow.
Specific evidences of our love include helping those who are suffering near us.
We will not be interfering in the affairs of others.
Instead, we will keep busy working so that we will have a good testimony before
those
around us.
Doctrinal problems had developed concerning the last days.
They were suffering for their faith and needed assurance concerning the things
they
were going through and what they should expect in the future.
This wasn't just curiosity about the future.
Not a prophecy conference to find out interesting things about the future.
They were facing hard times and needed security.
They were after some answers.
CONCERNING THE DEAD IN CHRIST
4:13-18
The first problem concerned the Christians who had died before the Lord's
return.
The problem
4:13
They believed that the Lord's return was imminent.
Christ was going to come soon, any day now.
However, before He could come back, some died.
They would no longer be present when Christ returned.
What would happen to them?
They needed an answer from God to know how to deal with the questions
they were
asking and to know how to face the days in which they were living.
The solution
4:14-17
Resurrection
4:14
Paul's response was that if death was not able to stop the Lord's
resurrection, it
couldn't stop ours either.
Rapture together
4:15-17
Those who have died will be resurrected and precede those who remain
alive.
First God will raise the dead in Christ.
Then God will raise the living who have trusted in Him.
The command:
Given--shout
issued--command with authority
Carried--voice of the archangel
The angels are charged with carrying out God's will.
God's messengers, the archangels, carry the command to the
other angels.
Fulfilled--Trumpet of God--military signal to the troops.
Then there will be a meeting of the two groups in the air.
All will be glorified (1 Cor. 15)
Both groups will meet the Lord.
Both groups will remain with Him forever.
The result 4:18
This should serve as an encouragement to those who were suffering for
their faith.
We are to encourage one another with this truth.
General comments:
1.
Those affected are the "dead in
Christ"--This is a description of New
Testament believers, not Old Testament saints (Cf. Dan. 12).
2.
It doesn't give any indication of when this event takes place here.
• Only refers to the relationship between the dead and the living.
• The whole argument presupposes the imminence of our Lord's
coming.
• The Second Coming of Christ can't be imminent (cf. Matt. 24 &
1 Thess. 5).
3.
The
trumpet"--the last trumpet" of 1 Cor. 15:52.
Compare Rev. 11the 7th trumpet = Second Coming
These are two different programs.
It's possible to have the final trumpet in one program, without having
the final trumpet in a different program.
Practical implications for our life today:
1.
When faced with the death of those we love,
we can comfort one another.
Comfort = parakaleo => encourage
1 Thess. 4:18; 4:13; John 14:1-3
2.
We ought to stand firm and continue growing.
1 Cor. 15:58 (51-57)
In the light of Rev. 4, the churches in Rev. 2-3 are exhorted to remain
faithful.
3.
We ought to purify ourselves.
1 John 3:2-3
What does the future hold? We don't know.
There are evidences that the Lord may return soon.
What will we dedicate our lives to?
If we dedicate them to serving the Lord, we can't lose!
If we have another 100 years, we will have the best possible life during
that time.
We will enjoy privilege and blessing serving Him.
If we die next week, or if Christ comes today, we will be with Him and
achieve
our heart's desire: to see Him.
"For me to live is Christ and to die is gain!"
Phil. 1:21
CONCERNING THE DAY OF THE LORD
5:1-11
Chapter 5 comes after chapter 4! so also do its events.
Paul continues describing the events which will occur on the earth following
the
rapture, in the Day of the Lord.
"The Day of the Lord"
Non-eschatological use--
Any time period when God
demonstrates His
sovereign control over history in the midst of
His people.
Eschatological use--
The period when God demonstrates His
sovereign
control over history in the midst of His people
either for blessing or for judgment.
Judgment = Daniel's 70th week
Blessing = fulfillment of the covenant
promises = Millennium.
The "Day of the Lord" in eschatology
begins with
the 70th week and continues through the
millennium.
Sometimes the term focuses on one
aspect,
sometimes it focuses on the other, or on the
entire period.
Throughout Paul's discussion of the Day of the Lord, a distinction is made
between
those who are ready (the brethren) and those who aren't expecting it (the world).
As a thief in the night
5:1-3
Without
announcement--by surprise
The fact that it is presented after the rapture could be an indication that the
period
follows the rapture (compare verse 10--"asleep"--seems to indicate that the same
discussion begun in 4:13 is continuing).
This discussion of the day of the Lord has to be interpreted in the light of
Daniel.
It begins with Antichrist's covenant (5:3) => They are saying "Peace and safety!"
No one knows when it will arrive (5:2-3).
So it comes like "a thief in the night."
This doesn't mean that the rapture begins the day of the Lord.
There will probably be a pause in betweena time of preparation
Before the covenant is signed.
5:3--Places the emphasis on their lack of preparation for that day.
When it comes, it will begin an irreversible process that will lead to the
start of a
new epoch.
Like a woman at
childbirth--it begins with labor pains but at the end there
is a
birth--something new begins.
Notice the change from "they" to "you"
You: "know full well"
They: "are saying, 'Peace and security'"
"destruction will come upon them suddenly"
"shall not escape"
But you:
This is the period when God will reveal His anger against those who have
rebelled
against Him.
That day will come quickly and unannounced, when least expected, just like
a thief
attacks in the night.
It will take the world by
surprise--no advance announcements.
Compare 5:3 with Ez. 38-39; Dan. 9:26-27;
"They will all be saying: "Peace and safety (security)."
World peace will be on everyone's
mind--All will be expecting it.
Not a surprise for God's children
5:4-8
Why won't it be a surprise?
• We know the order of events as revealed in God's plan (Ch. 4 => 5).
• The contrast between you and them (5:2-3)
• We will be ready personallydifference in their nature (5:4-8)
Although the world will be surprised, God's children will not be surprised.
We are related to the day of the Lord.
Contrast between = darkness => unbelievers
= light => believers (4-9)
We walk in the light, while the world is in darkness.
Since we walk in the light and know about God's program, we should live
accordingly.
Our lifestyle should be distinct.
Not for wrath for God's children
5:9-10
The Day of the
Lord--presented as a day of wrath.
God's wrath is not designed for those who walk in the light. 5:9
It is for those in the
darkness--those who are resisting God.
God's wrath is for one kind of people; we are a different kind of people.
God has not designated us as the objects of judgment.
We are set apart for salvation.
This knowledge isn't intended to make us lazy or complacent.
It is to produce faith and hope in the midst of affliction and uncertainty.
Result of the message
5:11
Since we are going to be spared God's judgment, we should encourage and
build up
one another.
What difference should the expectation of this day make in our lives?
5:8, 11
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suddenly like birth pangs
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God has not destined us for wrath, but for
obtaining salvation. 5:9
coming like a thief in the night.
the breastplate of faith and love the helmet of the hope of salvation
Lord Jesus Christ.
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The final section of the letter contains a series of specific exhortations which Paul
wants
us to apply in our lives.
CONCERNING THE ELDERS
5:12-13
First he instructs us concerning our attitude toward the elders.
They are to have authority over the church and to admonish those who walk
improperly.
The church is to respect them as leaders, appointed by God to direct His
church.
Their authority
5:12a
Their correction
5:12b
Their respect
5:13
CONCERNING OTHER BRETHREN
5:14-15
Second, Paul instructs us concerning our relationship with one another.
We are to admonish the lazy, encourage the discouraged, support the weak,
be
patient with everyone, seek vengeance against no one, and attempt to show
kindness to all.
Warning for the lazy
5:14a
Encouragement for the discouraged
5:14b
Support for the weak
5:14c
Patience with everyone
5:14d
Vengeance against no one
5:15a
Kindness for everyone
5:15b
CONCERNING THE INDIVIDUAL
5:16-22
Third, Paul instructs us concerning our own personal lives.
Our lives are to be characterized by an attitude of praise and desire for
fellowship
with God.
Continual joy
5:16
We should rejoice continually.
Continual prayer
5:17
Pray without ceasing.
Continual thanksgiving
5:18
Give thanks in all circumstances.
Not extinguishing the Spirit
5:19
Stop extinguishing the Spirit's ministry in the church.
His exhortation indicates that they should stop doing something they were
doing-perhaps
preventing others from participating in ministry in the church.
Not discrediting prophecies
5:20
Again Paul issues a call to stop what they were doing.
Don't make light of the prophecies.
Continual evaluation of good and evil
5:21-22
Evaluate everything and cling to that which is good.
Cling to what's good.
Avoid what's evil.
SUMMARY
5:23
In summary, let God do His work of sanctifying us in every area of our lives.
SOURCE OF ABILITY
5:24
The power for this kind of transformation can never come from personal efforts,
nor
from rules and regulations.
We will fulfill this only as God provides us with the power and ability.
CONCLUDING PERSONAL NOTES
5:25-28
Paul concludes the letter with some personal notes.
A greeting is sent to the brethren, and a charge given to read the letter to the
church.
The letter ends with a benediction.