A Study of 1 & 2 Thessalonians Lesson 1- "THE FIRST EPISTLE TO THE THESSALONIANS" AUTHOR: The apostle Paul, joined in his salutation by Silvanus and

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1 A Study of 1 & 2 Thessalonians Lesson 1- "THE FIRST EPISTLE TO THE THESSALONIANS" AUTHOR: The apostle Paul, joined in his salutation by Silvanus and Timothy (1:1), and with specific mention of his name again later in the epistle (2:18). Early sources in church history that attribute this letter to Paul include: Clement of Alexandria (200 A.D.), Tertullian (200 A.D.), and Irenaeus (200 A.D.). THE CITY OF THESSALONICA: Thessalonica was originally an ancient town named Thermai, meaning Hot Springs. In time it became an important city because of its strategic location near the Aegean Sea. It was the capital and largest city of the Roman province of Macedonia. Located on the Via Egnatia (Egnatian Way/Road), a major conduit from Rome to the eastern provinces, the city served as center of trade and commerce. Today, it is known as Thessaloniki, or Salonica. THE CHURCH AT THESSALONICA: The establishment of the church is recorded in Acts 17:1-9. On his second preaching journey, Paul and his companions (Silas and Timothy) had just left Philippi and passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia to arrive at Thessalonica. As was his custom, Paul immediately located the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews for three Sabbaths concerning Jesus Christ. While some of them were persuaded, including a great number of devout Greeks and leading women, the unbelieving Jews became jealous and created an uproar in the city. Therefore it became necessary to send Paul and Silas away secretly by night to Berea. Despite such ominous beginnings, a strong church was established in Thessalonica (cf. 1:2-10). Mostly Gentile (cf. 1:9), its members included Jason (Acts 17:9), Aristarchus, and Secundus (Acts 20:4). TIME AND PLACE OF WRITING: First Thessalonians is considered one of Paul's earliest epistles, if not the first. From the letter itself (3:1-6), and the record of Paul's travels in Acts (Acts 17:10-18:11), it appears that Paul wrote this letter soon after arriving in Corinth on his second journey. This would put it somewhere around A.D. PURPOSE OF THE EPISTLE: The abrupt departure from Thessalonica so soon after the beginning of the church naturally left Paul anxious about the condition of the brethren. When Timothy joined Paul at Athens (cf. Acts 17:14-16), his concern prompted Paul to send Timothy at once back to Thessalonica to encourage and ground the new disciples in the faith, and to learn how they were enduring persecution (cf. 3:1-5). When Timothy returned to Paul in Corinth (cf. Acts 18:5), the news was mostly encouraging (cf. 3:6-7). Despite persecution they had remained strong (2:13-16), and even proved themselves to be an example to others (1:6-8). Yet, as with any young church, they needed further instruction concerning holy living (cf. 4:1-12). They also needed to be reassured that their loved ones who died in Christ would not miss out on the blessings involving the coming of our Lord (cf. 4:13-18). Therefore we can summarize by saying that Paul's purpose in writing was: * To praise them for their steadfastness under persecution * To instruct them concerning holy living * To correct any misunderstanding, especially about the second coming of Christ THEME OF THE EPISTLE: This book is unique in that every chapter ends with a reference to the second coming of Christ (1:10; 2:19; 3:13; 4:13-18; 5:23). With his emphasis on steadfastness and holy living, an appropriate theme might be: "HOLINESS IN VIEW OF THE COMING OF CHRIST" KEY VERSES: 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13 "And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you, so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints." Lesson 1 continues on next page

2 Lesson 1- continued OUTLINE OF THE LETTER: INTRODUCTION (1:1-4) 1. Salutation (1) 2. Thanksgiving for their faith, hope, and love (2-4) I. PERSONAL REFLECTIONS (1:5-3:13) A. REGARDING THEIR CONDITION (1:5-10) 1. Their reception of the gospel (1:5-7) 2. Their reputation in every place (1:8-10) B. REGARDING HIS CONDUCT (2:1-12) 1. The manner of his preaching (2:1-8) 2. The manner of his life (2:9-12) C. REGARDING HIS CONCERN (2:13-3:13) 1. For their faithfulness (2:13-3:10) 2. For their continued growth (3:11-13) II. APOSTOLIC INSTRUCTIONS (4:1-5:28) A. WALK IN HOLINESS (4:1-8) 1. To please God (4:1-2) 2. To abstain from sexual immorality (4:3-8) B. WALK IN LOVE (4:9-10) 1. As they are taught by God to love one another (4:9) 2. To increase more and more (4:10) C. WALK IN DILIGENCE (4:11-12) 1. To work with their hands (4:11) 2. To walk properly toward those who are outside (4:12) D. WALK IN HOPE (4:13-18) 1. With no sorrow concerning those who have died (4:13-14) 2. For we will be rejoined with them when Christ returns (4:15-18) E. WALK IN LIGHT (5:1-11) 1. For the Day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night (5:1-4) 2. For we are sons of light and sons of the day (5:5-8) 3. For God has appointed us to salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ (5:9-11) F. WALK IN OBEDIENCE (5:12-22) 1. With respect toward those over us (5:12-13) 2. With concern for one another (5:14-15) 3. With joy, prayer and thanksgiving (5:16-18) 4. Don't quench the Spirit or despise prophecies, but don't be gullible either (5:19-22) CONCLUDING REMARKS (5:23-28) 1. A prayer for their sanctification and preservation (5:23-24) 2. A request for prayer in his behalf (5:25) 3. A charge to greet one another with a holy kiss, and to read the epistle to others (5:26-27) 4. Blessing of grace from the Lord Jesus Christ (5:28)

3 Lesson 2-1 Thessalonians 1: Notice how Paul starts the letter. What elements does it have in common with Paul s other letters? a. What does he convey or accomplish in the first four verses? What can we learn from this? 2. In v. 3, we find Paul s first use of the phrase; faith, hope, and love (also found in 1 Thes. 5:8 and 1 Cor. 13:13). a. How do the three work together in a Christian s life? b. Notice the action words used in connection with each of these: of faith of love of hope c. How does each of these qualify our faith, hope, and love? 3. How did the gospel come to them? (v. 5) Explain these phrases: Not in only, but in, in the and in/with. a. How does it come to us today? b. How does much of the religious world think it comes? 4. How did they receive the gospel (vs. 6)? Describe all that Paul says of them that comments on their reception of the gospel. a. What does this say about what it really means to receive the gospel? 5. Consider what Paul has to say in this chapter about their attitude and commitment. If Paul were writing to our congregation today, what things would you like him to say to us and about us? a. Are we living up to these? b. What areas do we need to work on?

4 Lesson 3-1 Thessalonians 2: Highlight the words we or us in this section. How many times does it occur in these 16 verses? In general, what is Paul trying to accomplish in this passage? 2. Why did Paul say their coming was not in vain? (v. 1) 3. Describe the boldness of Paul and his companions (v. 2). Why was this crucial? 4. (vv. 4-11) Think about some fraudulent ministries today. Why are so many people often taken in by them? What should be the nature of our ministry? Are we accomplishing it? 5. What is the difference between vindicating oneself and making excuses for oneself? What is Paul doing here? (vv. 1-12) Why? 6. What is Paul thankful for? (v. 13) What does this say about the Thessalonians? What does it further say about Paul s ministry? 7. Notice the phrase we thank God without ceasing (v. 13). Can we describe any of our thanksgiving this way? 8. How were the Thessalonian Christians like the Judean Christians (v. 14)?

5 Lesson 4-1 Thessalonians 2:17 3:13 1. What are some of the words used in 2:17-20 that show the sincerity of concern Paul has for them? 2. How did Satan hinder them (2:18)? How does he work today? 3. How is Timothy described (3:2)?. a. Why is he described this way? b. What was the purpose of sending him back to Thessalonica? 4. What had Paul warned them about (3:4)? a. Was it possible for them to lose their faith (3:5)? How? 5. What news did Timothy bring about them (3:6)? What characteristics of the Thessalonians does Paul speak of that he also spoke of in the first chapter? 6. How does Paul describe the effect Timothy s news had on them? (3:8) Explain what he means by this. (see also 2 Cor. 11:23-28) 7. Once again Paul speaks of the prayers on their behalf (3:9-10). Read this as if Paul were writing it to you. a. What affect does it have on you? b. Do we ever tell others such things as this in such strong language? c. Why do you think we may tend not to do so? 8. What things does Paul pray for in 3:11-13? 9. How could they (and we today) increase and abound in love to one another and to all? 9. Elaborate on the phrase establish your hearts blameless in holiness (3:13). a. What is holiness? b. Why don t we hear much talk in the religious world today about the subject of holiness?

6 Lesson 5-1 Thessalonians 4: Why does this passage start with Finally then, brethren,? 2. What are they urging and exhorting the Thessalonian brethren to do? (v. 1) 3. Define the word sanctification (v. 3). (You may want to look up the original word). Notice how this word bookends vv a. How does this word sum up what is said here? 4. Why do you think Paul found it necessary to speak to them about these things? (vv. 3-7) 5. What does it mean to possess his own vessel KJV (v. 4)? 6. How could one defraud his brother in this matter (v. 6)? 7. How does our society treat fornication today? Can this (or has it) had an effect on us? 8. What two Greek words for love are found in v. 9?, Comment on what they are being encouraged to do. a. The word brethren is found several times in this passage (and 23 times in the two letters); how does this further emphasize what Paul is teaching? 9. What additional admonitions are found vv ? Why might Paul have found it necessary to speak about these?

7 Lesson 6-1 Thessalonians 4: Meditate on the words of vv Imagine this future event; picture it in your mind. After you have considered it a while, what thoughts and emotions come to mind? 2. Look up the word ignorant (KJV) in a Greek dictionary. How is it defined? a. Should the Thessalonians be offended to be called ignorant? b. What is Paul trying to do in this passage? 3. The New King James version refers to those who have fallen asleep (Gk. koimao ) in v. 13. Who are these? This same term is found in: Mt. 27:52; Jn. 11:11; Acts 7:60; 13:36; 1 Cor. 15:6,16-23,51-53; 2 Pet. 3:1-4. Why is this metaphor used by Paul? 4. What is the foundation of Christian hope (v. 14)? 5. List the order of events noted about the second coming in this passage (vv ). a. b. c. d. Can this be discussing more than one resurrection (i.e. at different times)? Why or why not? How is v. 17 and esp. the word together key in this discussion? Cf. 1 Cor. 15: What does this passage say about the unrighteous dead or living? a. Can we conclude anything about them and the second coming from this passage? b. Find some passages that can be used to address what will happen to the unrighteous and whether it will coincide with the resurrection of the righteous. 7. Will the events noted here be done quietly and in secret? How does this contrast with what some religious groups call the rapture? 8. How can we comfort one another with these words today?

8 Lesson 7-1 Thessalonians 5: How is the phrase the day of the Lord used in the Old Testament? How is it used here? (v. 2) 2. Why is the Lord s return likened to the coming of a thief? What other figure is used to describe this time? (vv. 2-3) 3. There have been various groups and individuals who have predicted the return of the Lord through the years only to have the time pass without incident. Why do you think some want to predict it? What do they have to gain? How does this passage refute such attempts? 4. Contrast the spiritual significance of light and darkness (vv. 4-5). Note too how the image of a thief ties back in. What is the basic point Paul is making to the Thessalonians? 5. How can they (and we) be best prepared for the return of the Lord? (vv. 6-8). 6. Comment on the different ways the idea of sleep is used in this passage (vv. 6-7). 7. Notice the repeated use again of the plural pronouns ( us and we ). Who is Paul describing by using these pronouns? 8. Explain what it means to appoint (KJV) in v How does this passage help them to comfort one another? (v. 11)

9 Lesson 8-1 Thessalonians 5: Is v. 12 speaking of the elders of the church? What three things are involved in this position as noted here? 2. What responsibilities do the brethren have to those over them? (vv ) How are these manifested? (i.e. think more specifically about what this involves) 3. Discuss the brethren s responsibilities toward the unruly, the fainthearted, the weak, and to all. How will fulfilling these make for a strong church? 4. Why do you think the admonition of v. 15 was necessary? Think especially about the circumstances they were in. 5. Explain or elaborate on each admonition of vv a. (v. 16) b. (v. 17) c. (v. 18) d. (v. 19) e. (v. 20) f. ; (v. 21) g. (v. 22) 6. Note some of the topics or themes that are recalled or alluded to in vv as Paul concludes this letter. 7. Note Paul s personal requests in vv Do we make such requests enough today? Do we have the same closeness that this implies? 8. Why was the charge of v. 27 important? A Few Review Questions from 1 Thessalonians: 1. Did you have any new learnings in 1 Thessalonians from this study? 2. What were some of you favorite points in 1 Thessalonians?

10 Lesson 9-2 Thessalonians 1: The salutation in the second letter is almost exactly the same as the first. Is there any significance to this? 2. What does Paul express thankfulness for (v. 3)? What does he boast about (v. 4)? Similar to the first letter, what is Paul accomplishing with this introduction? 3. What does Paul have to say about their suffering and persecution that should help the Thessalonians remain faithful? (vv. 4-5) 4. How will the tables be turned in the final judgment? (vv. 6-8) 5. What is the difference in v. 8 of those that; a. know not God? b. obey not the gospel? c. Why is knowledge of God and His will so important? Is ignorance bliss? (v. 8) 6. We learn some more things about the final judgment and what follows it in these verses (vv. 8-10). Comment on this. 7. What is the difference in v. 8 of those that; a. know not God? b. obey not the gospel? 8. How do vv further refute premillennial doctrine? 9. What things did Paul and his fellow-workers pray for the Thessalonians (vv )? Explain each of these. Do we pray for such things for each other?

11 Lesson 10-2 Thessalonians 2: What has apparently troubled the Thessalonians? (vv. 1-3) How might the Thessalonians had a distorted understanding of Christ second coming? What does Paul men by; be not shaken by letter as from us in v. 2? 2. Paul reminds them that two things must first occur before the Lord returns. What are they? (vv. 3-5) 3. What Greek word is translated falling away in v. 3? Define. Other passages speak of coming apostasy: Acts 20:28-30; 1 Tim. 4:1-5; 2 Tim. 3:1-8,13; 4:1-5. What are some of the elements of each? Do you think these all refer to the same thing that Paul is speaking of to the Thessalonians? 4. Describe the man of sin and all that is associated with him. (vv. 3-10) 5. When would this apostasy begin and when would it end? (vv. 7-8) 6. What or who do you think was restraining the apostasy at the time? (vv. 6-8) Note especially the end of v. 7 as you think about this. 7. Who is really behind this apostasy? Describe those who would be deceived. (vv. 9-12) 8. In v. 11 Paul states that God would send strong delusion so they might believe a lie, so they might be condemned Cf. this with 1 Kgs. 22: Now consider Jas. 1:13 and explain what Paul has stated in v Considering all this, who do you think the man of sin, the son of perdition was/is? And what is this apostasy?

12 Lesson 11-2 Thessalonians 2:13 3:5 1. 2:13 starts out with the word But and contains some new thoughts that are in sharp contrast to what has just been said. Write beside each of the contrasting statement about the followers of the lawless one and the beloved by the Lord. 2 Thessalonians 2:10-17 (10) because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Contrast (11) Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, (12a) in order that all may be condemned Contrast (12b) who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. Contrast 2. Now that Paul had warned them in 2:1-12, what does he try to do in 2:13-17? 3. Paul writes that they are bound to give thanks in 2:13. Explain what this means (define bound). 4. Now that they have been chosen for salvation and called by the gospel, what must they do (2:15)? What are the traditions in this verse? 5. Discuss Calvinism and how this passage actually refutes the doctrine. Total Depravity (also known as Total Inability and Original Sin) Unconditional Election (Election unto salvation is not based capitulation of the individual) Limited Atonement (also called- Particular Atonement- Jesus blood shed for the elect) Irresistible Grace (God s grace overwhelms a person making it impossible for then to resist) Perseverance of the Saints (also known as Once Saved Always Saved) 6. Matthew Henry writes that The love of God in Christ Jesus is the spring and fountain of all the good we have or hope for. (2:16) Think about it: do we have this same spring within us producing good for others? 7. What is Paul s prayer request for himself and his companions (3:1-2)? What can we learn from this about prayers for evangelists today? 8. How does he use this prayer request to also instill confidence in the Thessalonians? What will the Lord do? What is Paul confident the Thessalonians will do? (3:1-4) 9. What is Paul s prayer for them? (3:5)

13 Lesson 12-2 Thessalonians 3: Define withdraw (v. 6). Who are they to withdraw from? Is this just a suggestion? Why is withdrawal from a brother necessary? 2. In what things were Paul and his companions an example to the Thessalonians? (vv. 7-10) 3. Why did Paul not receive monetary support from the Thessalonians while he was there? What did he live on (v. 8)? 4. What basic principle is found in v. 10? What do some of the Proverbs have to say about this? (e.g. Prov. 6:6-11; 24:33-34; 26:13-16) 5. What were some among them busy about (v. 11)? What should they have been busy about? 6. What more does vv tell us about discipline within a church? Note other passages that speak about this and what they tell us about church discipline. 7. What does Paul ask that the Thessalonians be given in his closing remarks (vv )? Does this mean that the persecutions they are enduring will end? Explain. 8. How do we know the letter is authentic? Did Paul actually pen the letters attributed to him? A Few Review Questions from 2 Thessalonians: 1. What is something you learned about the letters that you did not know before? 2. What are some of the major themes of the letters? 3. What are some key lessons you have learned?