Comments on 1 Thessalonians 5:2, 5, 8, 10

Comments on 1 Thessalonians 5:2, 5, 8, 10

V2 “the day of the Lord”

  1. Contextual interpretation: “The day of the Lord” includes the second coming of Jesus.
    1. Paul talks about the coming of Jesus in chapter 4 (4:15), then he, starts talking about “the times and the seasons” (V1), without explicitly mentioning an event, thus he is still talking about the same event as in the previous verses.
    2. Then Paul starts to reason why he does not need to tell them about the times and the seasons (V2), saying that they perfectly know, and then he uses the term “the day of the Lord” in reference to the same event, thus Paul seems to have been using both terms previously with the Thessalonians, and at least the second coming is a part of “the day of the Lord.”

V5 “Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.”

  1. Comparison of children of light, and children of darkness.
    1. Children of Light Children of Darkness
      Not overtaken as a thief Overtaken as by a thief
      Children of light Children of darkness
      Children of the day Children of the night
      Should not sleep Sleeping
      Should watch and be sober Sleeping
      Not appointed to wrath, but salvation Sudden destruction comes upon them
      Not in darkness In darkness
      Table 1 Comparison of children of light and children of darkness
  2. What should the children of the day do?
    1. Not sleep, but watch and be sober. V6.
    2. “Be, sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for a helmet, the hope of salvation.” V8.
    3. Personal application: Are you a child of the day? Then you should be watching and be sober. Are you?

V8 “be sober”

  1. Contextual interpretation: According to this verse, being sober means to be “putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.”

V10 ”whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. ”

  1. Law of repetition: Paul repeats the thought of living together with Jesus, no matter if we are dead or alive at His coming. Compare with 4:16, 17. This means that it must be important.

    1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17–[16] For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: [17] Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Comments on 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 18

Comments on 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 18

V16 “with the voice of the archangel”

  1. The Lord = Jesus = the archangel = Michael
    1. Contextual interpretation: The Lord is to come down from heaven with shout, meaning He is shouting as He does it, and then it says: “with the voice of the archangel,” which indicates that the voice He is using is that of the archangel, thus indicating that the Lord, or Jesus (4:1), in fact, is the archangel.
    2. Who is the archangel?
      1. Called Michael. Jude 9.

        Jude 9–[9] Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.

        • Moses passed through death, but Michael came down and gave him life before his body had seen corruption. Satan tried to hold the body, claiming it as his; but Michael resurrected Moses and took him to heaven. Satan railed bitterly against God, denouncing Him as unjust in permitting his prey to be taken from him; but Christ did not rebuke His adversary, though it was through his temptation that the servant of God had fallen. He meekly referred him to His Father, saying, “The Lord rebuke thee.” {EW 164.2}

          Satan exulted that he had succeeded in causing Moses to sin against God. For this transgression, Moses came under the dominion of death. If he had continued faithful, and his life had not been marred with that one transgression, in failing to give to God the glory of bringing water from the rock, he would have entered the promised land, and would have been translated to Heaven without seeing death. Michael, or Christ, with the angels that buried Moses, came down from Heaven, after he had remained in the grave a short time, and resurrected him, and took him to Heaven. {1SP 342.2}

          As Christ and the angels approached the grave, Satan and his angels appeared at the grave, and were guarding the body of Moses, lest it should be removed. As Christ and his angels drew nigh, Satan resisted their approach, but was compelled, by the glory and power of Christ and his angels, to fall back. Satan claimed the body of Moses, because of his one transgression; but Christ meekly referred him to his Father, saying, “The Lord rebuke thee.” Christ told Satan that he knew Moses had humbly repented of this one wrong, that no stain rested upon his character, and that his name in the heavenly book of records stood untarnished. Then Christ resurrected the body of Moses, which Satan had claimed. {1SP 342.3}

      Daniel 10:13–[13] But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.

      • While Satan was striving to influence the highest powers in the kingdom of Medo-Persia to show disfavor to God’s people, angels worked in behalf of the exiles. The controversy was one in which all heaven was interested. Through the prophet Daniel we are given a glimpse of this mighty struggle between the forces of good and the forces of evil. For three weeks Gabriel wrestled with the powers of darkness, seeking to counteract the influences at work on the mind of Cyrus; and before the contest closed, Christ Himself came to Gabriel’s aid. “The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days,” Gabriel declares; “but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.” Daniel 10:13. All that heaven could do in behalf of the people of God was done. The victory was finally gained; the forces of the enemy were held in check all the days of Cyrus, and all the days of his son Cambyses, who reigned about seven and a half years. {PK 571.2}

      Daniel 10:21–[21] But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and [there is] none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince.

      • The words of the angel, “I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God,” show that he holds a position of high honor in the heavenly courts. When he came with a message to Daniel, he said, “There is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael [Christ] your Prince.” Daniel 10:21. Of Gabriel the Saviour speaks in the Revelation, saying that “He sent and signified it by His angel unto His servant John.” Revelation 1:1. And to John the angel declared, “I am a fellow servant with thee and with thy brethren the prophets.” Revelation 22:9, R. V. Wonderful thought–that the angel who stands next in honor to the Son of God is the one chosen to open the purposes of God to sinful men. {DA 99.1}

      Daniel 12:1–[1] And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation [even] to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.

      Revelation 12:7-11–[7] And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, [8] And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. [9] And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. [10] And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. [11] And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

V18 “comfort one another with these words.”

  1. Why would they need to comfort one another with those words?
    1. That they should not sorrow, as others which have no hope. V13.
    2. Historical interpretation: The Thessalonians had a misconception about the dead (see historical background for more details), mixing pagan concepts about death, with that of their new faith, which entailed that they thought they would not see their dead brothers and sisters in Christ at the second coming of Jesus. See LP 110.2, AA 258.1, LP 111.4–112.1. Thus they needed to be comforted about the true state of the dead in Christ.
      1. Personal application: Do you have anyone you know that needs comfort in regards to their loved ones who might have passed away in Christ? Maybe you can comfort them with these words too?
  2. Contextual interpretation: Paul comforted the Thessalonians by telling them the truth about the state of the dead in Christ, and the hope they had in seeing them at the second coming of Jesus.
    1. Personal application: You also, can comfort your fellow believers by telling them about the truth as it is revealed to us in the Bible.

Comments on 1 Thessalonians 4:13 “asleep” revisited

Comments on 1 Thessalonians 4:13

“asleep”

  1. Same-author cross-reference interpretation: Paul writes to the Corinthians that death is a sleep, as he uses the terms interchangeably. 1 Corinthians 15:3–6, 12–21, 51–56.

    1 Corinthians 15:3-6–[3] For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; [4] And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: [5] And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: [6] After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.

    1 Corinthians 15:12-21–[12] Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? [13] But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: [14] And if Christ be not risen, then [is] our preaching vain, and your faith [is] also vain. [15] Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. [16] For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: [17] And if Christ be not raised, your faith [is] vain; ye are yet in your sins. [18] Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. [19] If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. [20] But now is Christ risen from the dead, [and] become the firstfruits of them that slept. [21] For since by man [came] death, by man [came] also the resurrection of the dead.

    1 Corinthians 15:51-56–[51] Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, [52] In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. [53] For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal [must] put on immortality. [54] So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. [55] O death, where [is] thy sting? O grave, where [is] thy victory? [56] The sting of death [is] sin; and the strength of sin [is] the law.

Comments on 1 Thessalonians 4:13–15

Comments on 1 Thessalonians 4:13–15

V13 “them which are asleep”

  1. asleep = dead
    1. Paul did not wish them to be ignorant concerning them which are “asleep.” V13.
    2. He then says, that those who “sleep” in Jesus, God will bring with Him. V14.
    3. He then says that the people who are alive at the Lord’s coming, shall not go before them which are “asleep.” V15.
    4. Then he refers to these same people as “dead in Christ,” who shall be risen first, and both those who were alive at the Lord’s coming, and the “dead in Christ” shall be “caught up together” “in the clouds.” V16, 17.
    5. Contextual interpretation: Thus we can see, that Paul uses “sleep in Christ” and “dead in Christ” to mean the same thing. Thus, death is a sleep for those who died in Christ, until Jesus comes back.
    6. Cross-reference interpretation: Jesus refers to death as a sleep too. John 11:11–44. Matthew 9:18–26, Mark 5:35–43. Luke 8:40–56.
      1. Lazarus was dead, but Jesus plainly said he was sleeping. John 11:11–44.

      John 11:11-44–[11] These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. [12] Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. [13] Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. [14] Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. [15] And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him. [16] Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him. [17] Then when Jesus came, he found that he had [lain] in the grave four days already. [18] Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off: [19] And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. [20] Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat [still] in the house. [21] Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. [22] But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give [it] thee. [23] Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. [24] Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. [25] Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: [26] And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? [27] She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world. [28] And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee. [29] As soon as she heard [that], she arose quickly, and came unto him. [30] Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met him. [31] The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there. [32] Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. [33] When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled, [34] And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see. [35] Jesus wept. [36] Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him! [37] And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died? [38] Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. [39] Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been [dead] four days. [40] Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? [41] Then they took away the stone [from the place] where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up [his] eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. [42] And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said [it], that they may believe that thou hast sent me. [43] And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. [44] And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.

      Mark 5:35-43–[35] While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue’s [house certain] which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further? [36] As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe. [37] And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James. [38] And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly. [39] And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth. [40] And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying. [41] And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise. [42] And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was [of the age] of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment. [43] And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat.

      1. A ruler came whose daughter was dead, and asked Jesus to raise her from the dead. Matthew 9:18. Jesus went (Matthew 9:19), but when He came there He told the people “making noise” that the maid was not dead, but sleepping, but they laughed at Him. Matthew 9:24. Jesus then went in and took her by the hand and she rose from dead. Matthew 9:25.

        Matthew 9:18-26–[18] While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live. [19] And Jesus arose, and followed him, and [so did] his disciples. [20] And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind [him], and touched the hem of his garment: [21] For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. [22] But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour. [23] And when Jesus came into the ruler’s house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise, [24] He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. [25] But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose. [26] And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land.

V14 “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. ”

  1. “will God bring with him”
    1. The dead in Christ will rise at the second coming of Jesus. V16.
    2. Then the dead in Christ, which have risen from the dead, will be caught up together with those which are alive and remain, to meet the Lord in the air, and to be forever with Him. V17.

    “Even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him,” Paul wrote. Many interpret this passage to mean that the sleeping ones will be brought with Christ from heaven; but Paul meant that as Christ was raised from the dead, so God will call the sleeping saints from their graves and take them with Him to heaven. Precious consolation! glorious hope! not only to the church of Thessalonica, but to all Christians wherever they may be. {AA 259.3}

    1. Conclusion: Thus we see that the dead in Christ are not in heaven, but are sleeping in their graves until the Second Coming.
    2. Personal application: Do you believe that Jesus died and rose again? Then you should also believe that Jesus will raise the dead in Christ to be brought with Him to heaven.

V15 “shall not prevent them which are asleep. ”

  1. “prevent”
    1. Language definition interpretation:
      1. Webster’s 1828 Dictionary

        1. To go before; to precede. I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried. Psa 119.
        2. To precede, as something unexpected or unsought. The days of my affliction prevented me. Job 30. 2 Sam 22.
        3. To go before; to precede; to favor by anticipation or by hindering distress or evil. The God of my mercy shall prevent me. Psa 59. Prevent us, O Lord, in all our doings, with thy most gracious favor.
        4. To anticipate. Their ready guilt preventing thy commands.
        5. To preoccupy; to pre-engage; to attempt first. Thou hast prevented us with overtures of love. [In all the preceding senses, the word is obsolete.]
        6. To hinder; to obstruct; to intercept the approach or access of. This is now the only sense. No foresight or care will prevent every misfortune. Religion supplies consolation under afflictions which cannot be prevented. It is easier to prevent an evil than to remedy it. Too great confidence in success, is the likeliest to prevent it.

      2. Mickelson’s Greek Dictionary

        G5348 φθάνω phthano (fthan’-o) v.

        • 1. to be beforehand, i.e. anticipate or precede
          2. (by extension) to have arrived at

      3. Conclusion: Considering the context, the definition “to go before” or “to precede” seems to fit in best with the overall context of the chapter, as he then starts talking about the order of things happening namely that the dead in Christ shall rise first (V16), and that they will after that be caught up together (V16, 17).

Comments on 1 Thessalonians 4:4

Comments on 1 Thessalonians 4:4

V4 “his vessel”

  1. Seems to be used figuratively, because how can you “possess” a vessel in sanctification and honor, and what does that have to do with lust of concupiscence, and defrauding your brother? Figuratively fits a lot better.
  2. Same author cross-reference interpretation:
    1. In Romans, Paul uses the same figure “vessel” to denote people. Romans 9:14–24.
      1. He compares God, the creator, to a potter, who makes vessels unto honor and dishonor. He uses Pharaoh in Moses’ time to illustrate the vessel made unto dishonor, and “us” (the Romans and Paul etc).

      Romans 9:14-24–[14] What shall we say then? [Is there] unrighteousness with God? God forbid. [15] For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. [16] So then [it is] not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. [17] For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. [18] Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will [have mercy], and whom he will he hardeneth. [19] Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will? [20] Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed [it], Why hast thou made me thus? [21] Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? [22] [What] if God, willing to shew [his] wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: [23] And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, [24] Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?

    2. Paul in his letter to Timothy he also uses this figure, where he says that if they purge themselves from iniquity shall be a vessel unto honor and sanctified. 2 Timothy 2:19–21.

      2 Timothy 2:19-21–[19] Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. [20] But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. [21] If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, [and] prepared unto every good work.

    3. Paul, writing to the Corinthians used “earthen vessel” to denote their bodies, also using the term “mortal flesh” to denote the same thing. 2 Corinthians 4:1–12.

      2 Corinthians 4:1-12–[1] Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; [2] But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. [3] But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: [4] In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. [5] For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. [6] For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to [give] the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. [7] But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. [8] [We are] troubled on every side, yet not distressed; [we are] perplexed, but not in despair; [9] Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; [10] Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. [11] For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. [12] So then death worketh in us, but life in you.

    4. Conclusion: Figure “vessel” as used by Paul, means body or a person.
    5. Same author cross-reference interpretation: Paul wanted the Thessalonians to possess themselves, and their body, in sanctification and honor, by abstaining from fornication.
      1. Personal application: Is there anything in your life that is defiling your body, and keeping you from keeping it honorable and sanctified? What should you do about that? We need to surrender everything to God which defiles us, as He has “not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.” 1 Thessalonians 4:7.
      2. Church application: The church is the body of Christ, and as such, a we should also be a pure vessel as a body of believers. Do we abstain from fornication, such as worldliness, and keeping our church sanctified and honorable, or are we letting worldliness creep into the church?

Comments on 1 Thessalonians 3:11

Comments on 1 Thessalonians 3:11

V11 “Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct”

  1. Satan had already hindered Paul from coming once (2:18), so now he prays that God himself will direct their way to the Thessalonians.
    1. We cannot overcome Satan in our own strength, but in Christ’s name we can! Con 45.2.

      Because man fallen could not overcome Satan with his human strength, Christ came from the royal courts of heaven to help him with His human and divine strength combined. Christ knew that Adam in Eden with his superior advantages might have withstood the temptations of Satan and conquered him. He also knew that it was not possible for man out of Eden, separated from the light and love of God since the fall, to resist the temptations of Satan in his own strength. In order to bring hope to man, and save him from complete ruin, He humbled Himself to take man’s nature, that with His divine power combined with the human He might reach man where he is. He obtained for the fallen sons and daughters of Adam that strength which it is impossible for them to gain for themselves, that in His name they might overcome the temptations of Satan. {Con 45.2}

    2. Personal application: When we are confronted with Satan and somehow are hindered in our work for God, what do we do? Do we trust in God that He will give us the victory? Do we trust that God is stronger than the enemy? Do we submit to God?

Comments on 1 Thessalonians 3:2, 6, 7

Comments on 1 Thessalonians 3:2, 6, 7

V2 “sent Timotheus”

  1. Why was Timotheus sent to the Thessalonians?
    1. Paul could no longer forbear. V1.
    2. “That no man should be moved by these afflictions.” V3.
  2. What was Timotheus sent to do in Thessalonica?
    1. Establish them. V1.
    2. Comfort them concerning their faith. V2.
    3. To find out the condition of their faith. V5.

V2 “comfort you concerning your faith”

  1. Why should Timotheus comfort them concerning their faith?
    1. That they should not be “moved by these affliction.” V2.

V6 “desiring greatly to see us, as we also [to see] you”

  1. How greatly did Paul desire to see the Thessalonians?
    1. Paul expressed that he was taken from them in presence, but not in heart. 1 Thessalonians 2:17.
    2. Paul had “great desire” to see them again. 1 Thessalonians 2:17.
    3. Paul would have come it it wasn’t for the fact that Satan hindered him. 1 Thessalonians 2:18.
    4. Paul’s hope, joy and crown of rejoicing were in the Thessalonians. 1 Thessalonians 2:19.
    5. They were Paul’s glory and joy. 1 Thessalonians 2:20.
    6. Contextual interpretation: As we can see in 1 Thessalonians 2:17–20, Paul and his associates really desired to see the Thessalonians, so to say that they also desired greatly to see them, as much as they did, really means a lot!
      1. Personal application: The people you have shared the gospel with, do they desire to see you greatly? Do you desire to see them greatly? Is your hope and glory and joy in seeing them at Jesus’ coming?

V7 “your faith”

  1. Faith = standing fast in the Lord. V8.
    1. Contextual interpretation: Paul was comforted by the Thessalonians’ faith, and the reason being because he lives, if they stood fast in the Lord (V8). Thus having faith, according to these verses, is to stand fast in the Lord.
  2. Faith = not being moved by afflictions. V2, 3.
    1. Contextual interpretation: Timotheus was sent to comfort them concerning their faith (V2), that they should not be moved by the afflictions they were going through (V3). Thus we can conclude that for the Thessalonians, having faith means to not being moved by afflictions.
  3. Personal application: As we can see, faith is much more than just intellectually accepting some form of truth. It is connected with actions. It is manifested through suffering, and how we can stand unmoved through them. Can you say that about your faith?
  4. Personal application: Do you have real faith? Do you stand fast in the Lord? Are you not being moved by afflictions and suffering tribulation?

Comments on 1 Thessalonians 2:13, 16, 18, 19

Comments on 1 Thessalonians 2:13, 16, 18, 19

V13 “the word of God which ye heard of us”

  1. What is the word of God that the Thessalonians had hear from Paul and his associates?
    1. Paul calls it “our gospel.” 1 Thessalonians 1:5.
    2. Thessalonians became followers of Paul and his associates, and of the Lord, after receiving “the word.” 1 Thessalonians 1:6.
    3. Thessalonians received “the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost.” 1 Thessalonians 1:6.
    4. The Thessalonians had “sounded out the word of the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 1:8.
      1. So much so that Paul and his associates didn’t need to speak anything to them. 1 Thessalonians 1:8.
    5. Results of the Thessalonians receiving it:
      1. Became ensamples to the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. 1 Thessalonians 1:7.
        1. Contextual interpretation: Receiving the word of the Lord resulted in the Thessalonians to become examples to the believers around them in Macedonia an Achaia.
        2. Personal application: When you receive the word of the Lord, does that result in you becoming an example to other believers? If not, have you really received it in your heart?
        3. Family application: In the family, are you an example to them? If not, have you really received the word of the Lord?
      2. Turned from idols to serve the “living and true God.” 1 Thessalonians 1:9.
        1. First of the ten commandments says ”thou shalt have no other gods before me.” Exodus 20:3.

          Exodus 20:3–[3] Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

        Jehovah, the eternal, self-existent, uncreated One, Himself the Source and Sustainer of all, is alone entitled to supreme reverence and worship. Man is forbidden to give to any other object the first place in his affections or his service. Whatever we cherish that tends to lessen our love for God or to interfere with the service due Him, of that do we make a god. {PP 305.4}

        1. Personal application: Are there any things you cherish that “tends to lessen” your love for God, or to “interfere with the service due Him?” If so, have you really accepted the word of the Lord?
      3. Waiting for Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 1:10.
        1. The apostles were told as Jesus’ ascension that Jesus was to return in the same manner as they had seen Him go into heaven. Acts 1:11.

          Acts 1:11–[11] Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

        2. Personal application: The Scriptures clearly tells us that Jesus will return, so if you have truly accepted the word of the Lord, you should also be waiting for the second coming of Christ. Are you?
    6. Paul and his associates spoke it with boldness in God, and with much contention. 1 Thessalonians 2:2.
    7. Paul and his associates were put in trust with it from God. 1 Thessalonians 2:4.
    8. Paul and his associates spoke not as to please men, but God. 1 Thessalonians 2:4.
    9. Paul and his associates did not use flattering word. 1 Thessalonians 2:5.
    10. Paul and and his associates preached it unto the Thessalonians. 1 Thessalonians 2:9.

V16 “Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved”

  1. Paul needed to speak to the Gentiles that they “might be saved.”
    1. Personal application: Do you know someone who is not a Christian? Would you like them to be saved? Maybe you need to speak to them so that they will not “fill up their sins alway” and received the wrath which is to to come?
  2. “Forbidding”
    1. The Jews forbade Paul to speak to the Gentiles, resulting in the Gentiles being lost.
      1. Personal application: Do we sometimes “forbid” ourselves or others to speak to the “Gentiles” of our days? Maybe we are scared to be “defiled” by their sinful ways, but how else will they be saved if we don’t allow ourselves and others to speak to them so that they might get an opportunity to be saved?

V18 “but Satan hindered us”

  1. Great controversy theme: Here we see the arch-enemy of God, Satan, hindering Paul—part of God’s people—to come and strengthen the brethren at Thessalonica.
    1. Personal application: Sometimes we might not understand why, when we desire the something good to happen, it does not happen. In those instances we need to keep in mind that there is a great controversy going on between Satan and Jesus, and sometimes that controversy will be allowed to play out in our lives, but God has promised that “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose. ” Romans 8:28. Thus we can trust that God has a greater plan and will work it for the best in the very end.
    2. Church application: Has the work in your church been hindered by unexpected things? Bear in mind that Satan is allowed some leeway in this great controversy, and even Paul, the great evangelist and preacher of God, was allowed to be hindered by Satan, so why not your church too?
    3. Great controversy application: Satan will be allowed to hinder, to a certain extent, the spread of the gospel.

V19 “[Are] not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?”

  1. Contextual interpretation: Paul’s hope, joy and crown of rejoicing was in seeing the Thessalonians in the presence of Jesus at His second coming.
    1. Personal application: How do you feel about the people you are trying to reach with the gospel? What motivates you? Is it seeing them eternally saved and standing bravely at the second coming of Jesus?

Comments on 1 Thessalonians 2:13, 16

Comments on 1 Thessalonians 2:13, 16

V13 “thank we God”

  1. Thankfulness in 1 Thessalonians
    1. Paul was thankful to God, for the Thessalonians. 1 Thessalonians 1:2.

      1 Thessalonians 1:2-4–[2] We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; [3] Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; [4] Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.

    2. Paul was thankful that when the Thessalonians received the word of God from Paul and his associates, they received it as the word of God. 1 Thessalonians 2:13.

      1 Thessalonians 2:13–[13] For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received [it] not [as] the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

    3. Paul was thankful for the Thessalonians. 1 Thessalonians 3:9.

      1 Thessalonians 3:9-10–[9] For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God; [10] Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

    4. Paul exhorted the Thessalonians to give thanks in everything, because it is the will of God for them. 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

      1 Thessalonians 5:18–[18] In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

      “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18. This command is an assurance that even the things which appear to be against us will work for our good. God would not bid us be thankful for that which would do us harm.…{MH 255.1}

      1. Personal application: Are you thankful in everything? Even the “bad” things that happen to you? Do you thank God, or curse Him? Do you have faith in God. If so, believe that all things are according to His will.

V16 “Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved”

  1. Paul needed to speak to the Gentiles that they “might be saved.”
    1. Personal application: Do you know someone who is not a Christian? Would you like them to be saved? Maybe you need to speak to them so that they will not “fill up their sins alway” and received the wrath which is to to come?
  2. “Forbidding”
    1. The Jews forbade Paul to speak to the Gentiles, resulting in the Gentiles being lost.
      1. Personal application: Do we sometimes “forbid” ourselves or others to speak to the “Gentiles” of our days? Maybe we are scared to be “defiled” by their sinful ways, but how else will they be saved if we don’t allow ourselves and others to speak to them so that they might get an opportunity to be saved?