1 Thessalonians - session 1
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When Paul visited the town of Thessalonica, a riot ensued! We found this out while reading the Book of Acts in chapter 17. Paul and Silas went to the synagogue there. On three occasions they tried to reason with the townspeople using Scripture, (probably from Isaiah) and revealing the truth of Christ. Some did believe, but many stirred up a riot. Some shouted, "These men have caused trouble all over the world." Paul had to be evacuated.
Yet those who were convinced by Paul's ability to present the Gospel of our Lord, began a Christian community. This church suffered persecution, but persevered and overcame the conflict. Paul complimented them by writing "your faith in God has become known everywhere" (1 Thes. 1:8). He loved them as a "mother". . . "caring for her little children" (1 Thes. 2:11).
Paul was true to his word. As we read these letters to the many churches, we realize his deep devotion to Christ and the followers of Christ; those who strived to build up the body of Christ.
Yet those who were convinced by Paul's ability to present the Gospel of our Lord, began a Christian community. This church suffered persecution, but persevered and overcame the conflict. Paul complimented them by writing "your faith in God has become known everywhere" (1 Thes. 1:8). He loved them as a "mother". . . "caring for her little children" (1 Thes. 2:11).
Paul was true to his word. As we read these letters to the many churches, we realize his deep devotion to Christ and the followers of Christ; those who strived to build up the body of Christ.
For you know that we dealt with each one of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God's calling. (1 Thes. 2:11)
Do you wonder how the members of the church at Thessalonica were able to get along so well? They loved each other (1 Thes. 4:9-10). Earlier in this letter, Paul had sent them a "thank you" message. As I read this verse, I have a tendency to substitute Paul's name. Try this: "How can we thank God enough for you [Paul] in return for all the joy that we have in the presence of God because of you [Paul]" (1 Thes. 3:9). He has left us such a valuable heritage, revealing so much that we need to nourish our Christian lives.
Much has been made of chapter four verses 13-18. Paul encouraged the Believers in the hope, the assurance of the coming of Christ. He later had to--in a sense--calm them down. In his second letter to them (which follows in the New Testament), foremost in his concern was their grief over those "asleep" (those who had already died). He wrote that "God will bring [my emphasis] with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him" (verse 14). The second coming of Christ will herald the full Resurrection of all Believers. Those who have already died will come with Him. In the past, this verse has been taken either literally or Spiritually.
Did Paul want to readers to speculate on these verses and make them complicated? It's possible that he mainly wanted to reassure his "children" to relieve them of their worry over loved ones who had died. Actually, some of the church left their work and sat idle, waiting for Jesus to come. Paul's description today is known as the "rapture". It sounded so wonderful that some church members could hardly wait! Just as the disciple John cautioned Believers to be ready for the coming of Christ, Paul was watching out for his "children". The watchword has always been:
Much has been made of chapter four verses 13-18. Paul encouraged the Believers in the hope, the assurance of the coming of Christ. He later had to--in a sense--calm them down. In his second letter to them (which follows in the New Testament), foremost in his concern was their grief over those "asleep" (those who had already died). He wrote that "God will bring [my emphasis] with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him" (verse 14). The second coming of Christ will herald the full Resurrection of all Believers. Those who have already died will come with Him. In the past, this verse has been taken either literally or Spiritually.
Did Paul want to readers to speculate on these verses and make them complicated? It's possible that he mainly wanted to reassure his "children" to relieve them of their worry over loved ones who had died. Actually, some of the church left their work and sat idle, waiting for Jesus to come. Paul's description today is known as the "rapture". It sounded so wonderful that some church members could hardly wait! Just as the disciple John cautioned Believers to be ready for the coming of Christ, Paul was watching out for his "children". The watchword has always been:
Be prepared . . . Be ready!
God bless!