A brief introduction and overview of the book of 1 & 2 Thessalonians
1 Thessalonians:
When:
About A.D. 50-51.
Who:
The Apostle Paul (possibly with additions from Silvanus & Timothy).
People & Places:
Christ; Paul; Timothy; Silvanus
Thessalonica; Philippi
Sound-Bites:
for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. (Ch.1:5)
For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. (Ch.4:16)
For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. (Ch.5:9)
The Messianic Link:
The Messiah rescues us from the wrath to come (Ch.1:10)
Summary:
Although Paul seems to spend the first 3 chapters recounting his previous dealings with the church, and his attempts to visit them earlier but for the work of Satan (Ch.2:18), the book in general is eschatologically based. All 5 chapters end with a reference to the second coming of Jesus.
From chapter 4 v 13 onwards, the subject of Christians dying before Jesus returns leads to Paul explaining that they will indeed play a part in the resurrection, and that we will all meet together in the clouds.
The final chapter encourages the believers to wait patiently, to be sober and alert (5:6), so that we are not surprised when the great day arrives ‘like a thief in the night.’ (Ch.5:2)
Notes & Quotes:
The early Church did have a bit of a problem with the ‘second coming’ of Jesus; they were getting older and some of them had passed away, but still Jesus had not appeared—what would happen to them?
Paul then gave them—and us—some good advice… Be patient! The Lord has not forgotten those who have passed away, indeed they will be raised first (Ch.4:15). The only thing we have to concern ourselves with is to be alert and aware that we could be called into Glory at any moment and never experience physical death (v17).
Known as ‘The Rapture of the Church’, this is a passage that should excite and enthuse any follower of Christ. Personally I can hardly wait!
Extract From The Bible Brief
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2 Thessalonians:
When:
About A.D. 50-51.
Who:
The Apostle Paul (Possibly with additions from Silvanus & Timothy).
People & Places:
Christ; Paul; Timothy; Silvanus
Thessalonica
Sound-Bites:
For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way. (Ch.2:7)
But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. (Ch.3:3)
But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good. (Ch.3:13)
The Messianic Link:
The Messiah is the Lord of Peace (Ch.3:16)
Summary:
The Thessalonian church was still plagued by persecution and misunderstanding at this time, hence this second letter is written just shortly after the first.
Again Paul concentrates on clearing up the events leading up to the ‘Second Coming,’ and instructs the believers on what must happen before such events can come to pass.
The second chapter concentrates on the ‘man of lawlessness’ (Ch.2:3-9) and the apostasy that will mark his time here on Earth.
He exhorts them in chapter 3 to live an upright life and not to weary of doing good deeds and working for a living; using himself as an example in this matter.
He concludes by pointing out that the letter has been written by his own hand, so that they may recognize it and grant it due authority.
Notes & Quotes:
The writings to the Thessalonian church are a timely reminder that, although it is right to expect The Lord to come back soon, it is not right just to give up everything and sit down to wait for him!
Many things must first come to pass, such as the appearance of the character Paul calls the ‘man of lawlessness’ also known as the antichrist (2 John 1:7).
Meanwhile, life goes on and we must focus on worshiping The Lord, and going about our everyday business, while at the same time keeping alert for signs of the ‘end days’, if we are to keep things in a proper balance.
Thessalonians In A Nutshell:
Written by Paul around 52 AD, with mention of Silvanus and Timothy, the letter to the Thessalonian Church is a letter of encouragement and exhortation. He calls for patience as they await Christs return, and warns of the “Man of lawlessness” who will appear in the end days.
