Thessalonians

Thessalonians

The two Pauline epistles to the Thessalonians are traditionally called the “Eschatology Letters.” While most of the two letters are about how to live the Christian life correctly, the context is in an intense eschatological expectation in the first century of the Christian era. The “end-time fever” lasted for four centuries during 200 B.C.—A.D.200. How Paul taught the Thessalonians is very relevant for the Christians today, who have seen more signs of the End Time than all the generations before.

Introduction to the Thessalonians: Historical Background for the “Eschatological Letters”

From the second century B.C. to the second century A.D., the prophecy in Daniel 9:24-27 had been variously interpreted by the Jews, resulting in many expected dates for the Messiah. The Maccabeans, Julius Caesar, Herod the Great, Jesus of Nazareth, Herod Agrippa I, the Zealots, and Bar Kokhba, each fit certain calculation, and each failed in a sense. Who is the Messiah, and when shall he come (again), were the questions at the day. The two letters to the Thessalonians were written under the expectation of a soon second coming of Christ. Paul taught them to have a warm heart together with a cool mind.

Introduction to 1 Thessalonians: The Story Behind the Book

Paul, Silas, Silvanus and Timothy were deeply devoted missionaries trying to finish to commission of witnessing for Christ “to the end of the earth” in their lifetime. Life, however, does not seem to be easy. It is true for both these workers of Christ, and their fruit of work, the believers in Thessalonica. This simply confirmed for them that everything is eschatological.

Why Was Paul Thankful? (1 Thess 1:1-10)

Paul was thankful to God for the positive change of life the Thessalonians have demonstrated after they believed in Jesus Christ. Their faith, hope and love became the model for the first generation Christians throughout the Greco-Roman world.

Why Did Paul Have a Clear Conscience (1 Thess 2:1-16)

Paul served God and not men. He was rejected and persecuted by unbelievers, even the Jews, his brethren in blood. But he had clear conscience for having done all things in truth and love, in holiness and righteousness. He has nothing to regret, and he can leave the judgment to God.

Why Was Paul Apologetic? (1 Thess 2:17-20; 3:1-13)

Paul was apologetic to the Thessalonians for not being able to visit them. His personal travel plan was thwarted by Satan, but he was comforted by the good news of the spiritual growth in this new church. The apology reflects the love and care Paul had for his spiritual children.

What Are the Floors of Sanctification? (1 Thess 4:1-12)

Paul taught the Thessalonians to live a life that is pleasing to God. They were exhorted to live in holiness, love, and financial independence, like going up the floors of sanctification.

What about the Rapture? (1 Thess 4:13-18; 5:1-11)

This passage in 4: 13-18 is the only one in the Scripture clearly stating what the Rapture is. Building around it with other biblical passages, we can have a theology on this “Blessed Hope.” The timing of the Rapture, Paul pointed out, must be before God pouring down His wrath on the earth.

How to Live a True Christian Life? (1 Thess 5:12-28)

Christian life is living out the life of Christ within the Christians. Paul gave a series of “golden verses” as instructions on how to make this life real, exciting, peaceful, and fruitful.

Introduction to 2 Thessalonians: Why Happens when You Just Think about the End?

A few months passed after Paul wrote 1 Thessalonians. He was busy dealing with the challenging situation in Corinth. But he heard enough and was compelled to write 2 Thessalonians. His tone changed from warm, appreciating and encouraging, to seemingly cold, admonishing and warning. The two tones seemed to be the parentheses necessary for dealing with any “end-time fever.”

The Theology of Retribution (2 Thess 1:1-12)

Paul promised to the Thessalonians that all acts of people on earth have eternal consequences. God will pay back the evil done to the Christians by their opponents. Christians can leave the justice to God, and only strive to fulfill God’s calling on faith and goodness.

The Man of Lawlessness (2 Thess 2:1-12)

Paul challenged the doctrine of imminence on the second coming of Christ. He declared that it must be after the revealing of the Man of Lawlessness (Antichrist), whose appearance depends on the departure of the “restrainer.”

The Preordained Life (2 Thess 2:13-17; 3:1-5)

Israel was chosen in time to play out time, but Christians are elected in eternity for eternity. Paul called the Thessalonians to hold fast to the apostolic teaching, and glorify God by refusing deception, and doing service to God by praying for one another.

The Life in the Will of God (2 Thess 3:6-18)

Some Thessalonians were discouraged by the end-time scenario, and became financially dependent on other Christians. Paul declared that those who do not work do not eat; but he also called other Christians to be merciful and graceful.