Remember, the audience whom Paul was speaking to is . . Around AD 51 or 52. . 4 knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. DATE: 51 AD. - Psalm 69:30 e) Bless the Lord, O . Theme: Living in view of the coming of Christ . We've been doing this now for all the time that I've been at Grace Church. Paul established the congregation at Thessalonica during his 2nd missionary journey, and remained there for about one month. Message of 1 Thessalonians. Finally, it was an opportunity to encourage them about the end times and life after death (1 Thessalonians 4v13-18). The background of 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 was the failure of the Thessalonians to incorporate Paul's teaching about resurrection into their thinking, so that they feared that their dead would be excluded from future salvation (pp. John: Tonight we are going to have just a little fellowship time here with some question and answers. The Septuagint Greek translation of Isaiah 57:3-4 similarly speaks of the "sons of lawlessness" who are "children of destruction" (cf. The First Epistle to the Thessalonians is a Pauline epistle of the New Testament of the Christian Bible.The epistle is attributed to Paul the Apostle, and is addressed to the church in Thessalonica, in modern-day Greece.It is likely the first of Paul's letters, probably written by the end of AD 52. Paul and his companions had spent only three weeks in Thessalonica, but according to the accounts of Acts and Thessalonians, their ministry had been characterized by enormous success. John 17:12) and the . 1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. This is Part 1 of 2 of our Introduction to this letter, where we will be discussing issues of authorship, the location of the the author, the dates of 1&2 Thessalonians, and the target audience. . The believers in the town of Thessalonica. At the time Paul wrote 2 Thessalonians, he had also learned that the Thessalonian Church members were experiencing increased persecution (see 2 Thessalonians 1:4-7). In 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, Paul is evidently concerned that society is getting a wrong view of the church. This is seen clearly in 1 Corinthians and 1 Thessalonians. Roman Empire Map - Large Map of the Roman Empire in the Early First Century - Click around on the Places.. 4 knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. In 1 Thessalonians as elsewhere, Paul views Christ's death and resurrection as the climax of all human history. He "died for us" to bring us back to God ( 5:10 ). 3:13. Some think that Paul was in Thessalonica less than a month (only three Sabbaths are mentioned in . Sermon Central . Some think that Paul was in Thessalonica less than a month (only three Sabbaths are mentioned in . Paul's relationship with the Thessalonians - 1 Thess 2:1-3:13; The Thessalonians' relationship with God and each other - 1 Thess 4:1-5:22; Benediction and closing - 1 Thess 5:23-28; Part 1 Walkthrough. The audience sat enthralled as beautiful music flowed from his disciplined fingers. "Paul's emphatic calling of the Thessalonians to witness did two things. His life, death, and resurrection . 1 Apparently Meletius was a prophet, for his statement has proven true. Paul desired to clear them up in his letter. The misunderstanding of Paul's intended audience required 2 Corinthians and 2 Thessalonians in which the apostle sought to correct this misunderstanding. 2 J. Hiebert, The Thessalonian Epistles, 11.. 3 W. Ramsay, St. Paul the Traveller and Roman Citizen, 236.. 4 See discussion in our introduction to Philippians.. 5 Although this is not the view we adopt, it is quite plausible . 4 giving it major consideration (1:9-10; 2:19-20; 3:13; 4:13-18; 5:23-24). Faith, Love, and Hope in the face of affliction (1 Thessalonians 1v3). Subjects/Main Teachings: Continue to serve the living and true God, The will of God is for us to be holy, God didn't call us to impurity but holiness, Whoever rejects that God calls us to be holy is rejecting God, Jesus will come like a thief in the night, etc. Browse Sermons on 1 Thessalonians 4:7. Original Audience: Paul's defense of his ministry & encouragement for new converts. 1:3 "Hope" is translated from the Greek word, 'elpis'. When was 1 Thessalonians written? 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 . "You know, brothers, that our visit to you was not a failure. Let's turn to first Thessalonians. Where was it written from? Paul is aware that when Christians evade their responsibility to work, the standing of the church as a whole is undermined. They sit at a crossroads in life, figuring out who they are and what they believe. AUTHOR: Paul. In no other generation did God pour out his Spirit except upon those living in Paul's day, -in the first century. . He knew that it mattered for the sake of the Gospel. We are challenged within ourselves; by God; and from outside of ourselves to accomplish these two goals. Please read: The "Top 10" list below is a starting point for learning about 1-2 Thessalonians commentaries. 1 Thessalonians 1 (The spread of the gospel in Thessalonica) (1:1) "Paul and Silvanus and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace." . In 4:13 Paul begins to move into an encouragement to the Thessalonians. Thus, Paul's first two letters were written to Thessalonica. Read 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10. Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ. God has chosen us in and by Jesus to become fully devoted followers of Jesus and to make fully devoted followers of Jesus. J.K. McKee 16 October, 2021. . He also reminds them that the wrath is to come, but that they weren't destined for wrath, but for salvation. This was the second place the gospel was preached in Europe (Philippi was first). 1 Thessalonians 1 (The spread of the gospel in Thessalonica) (1:1) "Paul and Silvanus and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace." . 1 Thessalonians 4:1. Encountering the growing persecution, sufferings, and even death of . All believers will meet Jesus in the . When they got to Derbe, Timothy joined their evangelistic team. 1 Thessalonians 1:1-4 AV 1873. If we can maintain the perspective that we live for an audience of one, we can seek to please Him in every aspect of our lives. J.K. McKee of Messianic Apologetics introduces this study of Paul's letters to the Thessalonians. 1 Thessalonians 4:17 NASB. Nevertheless, a list based on aggregate reviews is likely to point many people in the right direction to find the right resource for their purposes. 2:8-9. He encourages the Saints to grow in love toward one another and toward all men. Original Audience: Or request of you in the most kind and tender manner, from real and hearty love and affection for you, and with a view to your good, and the glory of God: and exhort you: or beseech and entreat you. "So you received the message with joy from the Holy Spirit in spite of the severe suffering it brought you. Bible. Paul. Summary of 1 Thessalonians 1 The words "caught up" are the Greek word harpazo, it means: "to snatch away." This is where the word "rapture" comes from. In fact, we used t Date of Writing: The Book of 1 Thessalonians was written in approximately A.D. 50. The earliest book of the New Testament to be written. It is not intended to be the "final word" because of its limitations. At the time Paul wrote 2 Thessalonians, he had also learned that the Thessalonian Church members were experiencing increased persecution (see 2 Thessalonians 1:4-7). iii. Audience: Paul wrote to the church he founded in the city of Thessalonica during his second missionary journey (Acts 17:1-9). New Testament- 1 & 2 Thessalonians study guide by poarche includes 28 questions covering vocabulary, terms and more. AUTHOR: Paul. The people could hardly take their eyes off this young virtuoso. Author: 1 Thessalonians 1:1 indicates that the Book of 1 Thessalonians was written by the apostle Paul, probably along with Silas and Timothy. In general, he wanted the Thessalonians to get to work, mind their . This must have been a largely Gentile audience, if they were turning from idolatry. In this context, hope in the . Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. The History of Rome - Brief Overview Of Roman History from Her Dawn to the First Punic War.. This was the second place the gospel was preached in Europe (Philippi was first). Audience. The apostle does not lay his commands upon them as he might have done, and . Target Audience: Jewish and Greek believers who gather as a "church" in Thessalonica. This must have been a largely Gentile audience, if they were turning from idolatry. Paul first must remind the Thessalonians of what he has already taught them, that the Lord will not return until "the man of lawlessness" is revealed, and this person cannot be revealed until "the restraining force" is taken out of . 1&2 Thessalonians: Audience. The two letters are often designated as the eschatological letters of Paul. After Paul's forced separation from the Thessalonians, he grows increasingly concerned about the progress . We learn from the Book of Acts . Paul and his companions labored diligently among the Thessalonians ( Acts 17 ), and by God's grace they could glorify God as they witnessed the steadfast faithfulness of the . This book is the rhetorical approach to 1 Thessalonians, particularly on funeral orations. #1 Sermon for Pentecost Sunday. The Identity of the Audience A. 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 . At the rapture, Christ will return for His people. 1:10 ). The background of 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 was the failure of the Thessalonians to incorporate Paul's teaching about resurrection into their thinking, so that they feared that their dead would be excluded from future salvation (pp. The first letter 1 Thessalonians was written to a community of believers who had been Christians for only a short period of time, probably no more than a few months. 1 Thessalonians 1:4-7 AV 1873. When Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica, he began by expressing his thanks for the Church in very warm and tender terms. Date Written: AD 51: Key Verse(s) 1 Thessalonians 1:5, 3:7, 4:14-17, 5:16-18: Audience: Churches in Macedonia: Theme(s) Holy living to stand firm agains persecution & clarifying issues about the return of Christ It was from Corinth that Paul wrote both 1 & 2 Thessalonians in AD 51 - making it Paul's very first epistle, about a year after the very first NT book of James and about 3-4 years before the next NT book of Galatians; . (1 Thessalonians 4:9-12) Paul begins with praise for the Thessalonians but finishes his thoughts with a warning. As a result, you have become an example to all the believers in Greece throughout both Macedonia and Achaia." (NLT) Fourth, the central problem in 2 Thessalonians is the false report about the return of Christ (2:1-12). Paul and Silas had been in Thessalonica for three Sabbaths (Acts 17:1-8). Purpose of Writing: In the church of Thessalonica there were some misunderstandings about the return of Christ. The Epistle of James is a general epistle and one of the 21 epistles ( didactic letters) in the New Testament . Author: Paul, Silvanus (Silas), and Timothy, as noted in 2 Thessalonians 1:1. In 1 Thessalonians, Paul cannot stop rejoicing that the gospel came to the Thessalonians in word, in power, and with full conviction by the Holy Spirit ( 1 Thess. Survey of 1 Thessalonians Book Type: The New Testament's eighth Pauline Epistle; the thirteenth book of the New Testament; the fifty-second book of the Bible. If Paul was discredited, then the Gospel message itself would be discredited. Jesus' coming two thousand years ago will not be his only coming, however. After all, idolatry was uncommon in Jewish . The author identifies himself as "James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ" who is writing to "the twelve tribes scattered abroad" (James 1:1). See Acts 18:1-8 and 1 Thessalonians 3:6-10. Two letters that Paul wrote to the church in Thessalonica are preserved in the New Testament. 3. Paul, the apostle, on his second missionary journey had taken Silas with him, who was commended by the church in Jerusalem as one of the leaders. Summary and Analysis 1 and 2 Thessalonians. One of the major themes of First Thessalonians is persecution since 1 Thessalonians 1:6-10 records Paul commending the Thessalonians for persevering . Thus, the second coming seems to permeate the letter and may be viewed in some sense as its theme. This epistle was most likely written in A.D. 50 or 51, and 2 Thessalonians was written shortly thereafter. 1:3 "Hope" is translated from the Greek word, 'elpis'. 6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much . Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:4-10. Who caries the letter? 6 That 2 Thessaloniansas a letter so soon written after 1 Thessalonianshas been preserved for us is a . However, some scholars believe the Epistle to Galatians may have been written by AD 48. Author: Paul, Silvanus (Silas), and Timothy, named directly in 1 Thessalonians 1:1. 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 (ESV) We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.. In the context of the Greco-Roman world his concern makes a lot of sense, for what was happening in the . Paul's First Letter to the Thessalonians: c) Body of the Letter: Paul's Affection for the Community(2:1-12): 1 You yourselves know, brothers and sisters, that our coming to you was not in . While today the word 'hope' often has the connotation of an unsubstantiated optimism for the future, this is not Christian hope. Timothy. In 1 Thessalonians Paul seems to be reminding these folks to keep alert because the day of the Lord is near. 2 Thessalonians would be his 2nd letter. - Psalm 118:1 c) Let them give thanks to the LORD for His loving devotion; and declare His works with rejoicing. Who is the audience of 1 Thessalonians? DATE: 51 AD. What was the issue that occurred that made Paul write this letter? After all, idolatry was uncommon in Jewish . Every chapter of 1 Thessalonians ends with a reference to the second coming of Christ, with ch. Ministry: Winning college students to Christ, building them up in their faith, and sending them out into the world to do the same for others Missionaries: Mark and Roxanne Johnson College students are one of the most unique groups of people on the planet. Some say that 1 Thessalonians was the earliest of Paul's epistles.However, computer analysis indicates that 1 Thessaloniansdoes not share the same style as other epistles considered to be genuine . 10 Best 1-2 Thessalonians Commentaries. The dead in Christ shall rise first, while those still living will follow close behind. Chapters: 5. For example, between 1 and 2 Corinthians there was another letter writtenone which deals with roughly the same content as is found in the canonical letters (viz., the basis of Paul's authority and his relation to the audience). Author. This book is the rhetorical approach to 1 Thessalonians, particularly on funeral orations. 1 Thessalonians 4-5 Paul tells the Saints to be holy and to sanctify themselves. To help the audience with their faith in afflictions and warn them of judgement day. Strength and hope in the Lord. 118-122). This epistle was most likely written in A.D. 50 or 51, and 2 Thessalonians was written shortly thereafter. And now you eagerly expect his Son from heavenJesus, the deliverer, whom he raised from the dead and who rescues us from the coming wrath.". Who is the audience? While today the word 'hope' often has the connotation of an unsubstantiated optimism for the future, this is not Christian hope. The epistle is traditionally attributed to James the brother of Jesus (James . In this way, you imitated both us and the Lord. 6 That 2 Thessaloniansas a letter so soon written after 1 Thessalonianshas been preserved for us is a . The strong element of retributive divine punishment evident in 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9; 2:10 must . What is the theme verse? LIVING TO PLEASE GOD. Paul wrote 2 Thessalonians in order to strengthen the faith of these members and to correct doctrinal misunderstandings. 1 Thessalonians 1:1-4 AV 1873. While the l. ii. 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7. The Babylonians - Learn about ancient Babylon and the people who . What is unique to 1 . AUDIENCE. First Thessalonians provides Christians with the clearest biblical passage on the coming rapture of believers, an event that will inaugurate the seven-year tribulation. The Tabernacle of Ancient Israel - Brief Overview of the Tabernacle of Moses in the Wilderness and the Ark of the Covenant.. Therefore, 1 and 2 Thessalonians are among the earliest letters we have from Paul's hand, the letter to the Galatians holding the only reasonable claim to an earlier date (see "Introduction to Galatians"). As they journeyed on, they came to Troas and Paul's desire was to go to Bithynia, but the spirit . 01.23.22 - The Only Affirmation Required [1 Thessalonians 2:1-6] - When we live our lives for Jesus, He is the only affirmation we need to receive. In this context, hope in the . Paul had brought them the Good News (1 Thessalonians 1:5) and was glad that the visit was not a failure (1 Thessalonians 2:1). Christianity came to Thessalonica through Paul, Timothy, and Silas during Paul's second missionary journey. Paul claimed the title of the "Apostle to the Gentiles", and established gentile churches in several important cities in the Roman Empire. Paul wrote here in a personal manner, but this really wasn't a personal issue for Paul. Encountering the growing persecution, sufferings, and even death of . Turning from idolatry and sin, toward God in faith and service, was their response to . The key verses of 1 Thessalonians are 1:9-10: "You turned to God from idols to serve the true and living God. What was the theme? 4:15-17, as a text speaking about 21st century Christians and argue for a future resurrection , rapture or coming of the Lord in our day and time is illogical and erroneous. Though many scholars have interpreted 1 Thessalonians in light of a thematic perspective, mirror reading, and epistolary approach, the author asserts that Paul employs elements of epideictic funerary oratory to persuade his audience. 1 THESSALONIANS INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW PARTICIPANT HANDOUT 1 | P a g e 1 THESSALONIANS INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW 1 THESSALONIANS 1:1 Topics: Author, Audience, Date Written, Setting, Occasion/Purpose for Writing, Message and Themes, Persecution, Paul's Ministry, Hope, Second Coming Preparation Open It Questions A. - Psalm 107:21-22 d) I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving. For example, between 1 and 2 Corinthians there was another letter writtenone which deals with roughly the same content as is found in the canonical letters (viz., the basis of Paul's authority and his relation to the audience). 5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. Jesus "delivers us from the wrath to come" ( 1 Thess. Therefore, 1 and 2 Thessalonians are among the earliest letters we have from Paul's hand, the letter to the Galatians holding the only reasonable claim to an earlier date (see "Introduction to Galatians"). On his second missionary journey ( Acts 17:1-14 ), Paul went to the Macedonian port city of Thessalonica taking with him Silas and Timothy. 1:5 ). The strong element of retributive divine punishment evident in 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9; 2:10 must . In 1 and 2 Thessalonians, he addressed a number of topics, including the persecution they were enduring, the second coming of Christ, and how they were to live in difficult times. 3. 1 THESSALONIANS INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW PARTICIPANT HANDOUT 1 | P a g e 1 THESSALONIANS INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW 1 THESSALONIANS 1:1 Topics: Author, Audience, Date Written, Setting, Occasion/Purpose for Writing, Message and Themes, Persecution, Paul's Ministry, Hope, Second Coming Preparation Open It Questions A. Audience: Christians in Thessalonica. 1 Thessalonians 1:4-7 AV 1873. Paul draws on this tradition as he discusses the "man of lawlessness," who is the "son of destruction" in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 and the "lawless one" in 2 Thess. 5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. 118-122). We had previously suffered and been insulted in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition." (1 Thessalonians 2 v. 1-2)