The Thessalonian Epistles

Background: Written by Paul who founded the church at Thessalonica (Acts 17). These believers were facing persecution and affliction from the Jews but their response to the Lord was an example to other churches. These were the earliest of Paul’s letters (approx. 51 AD).

Thessalonica: In Paul’s day, Thessalonica was the chief seaport of the Roman province of Macedonia.

Thessalonica ranked with Corinth and Ephesus, the main ports of the provinces of Achaia and Asia, as a great shipping center.

First Thessalonians reflects the moral climate of the city. The pagan Greek religion of the largest segment of the population produced many forms of immorality but whetted the appetites of some for spiritual reality. Evidently the higher standards of Judaism attracted disillusioned Greeks, Romans and Orientals to the synagogue (Bible Knowledge Commentary).

Key verse: 2Th 3:5 Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.

Purpose of 1 Thessalonians: The letter was written to urge the Thessalonians to worthwhile conduct and work in the light of the return of Christ; to comfort them concerning those who had died in the Lord; and to instruct them in the elementary truths of the gospel (Merrill Unger/The New Unger’s Bible Dictionary)

I. Encouragement of the Thessalonians (1-3)A. Their labor1Th 1:1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the

Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

1Th 1:2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, 1Th 1:3 remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of

hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father,

-Silvanus:-also known as Silas-sent along with Paul and Barnabas to Antioch by the Jerusalem council (Acts

15:22)-a prophet of the word (did not declare the future, but presented the word for

exhortation (Acts 15:32)-travelled with Paul (Acts 15:40-18:5)

-Macedonia-Philippi (where they were thrown into jail)-Thessalonica-Berea-Corinth

-Timothy-son of a Greek father and a Jewish mother who was a believer (Acts 16:1)-travelled with Paul and Silas (Acts 16:4)-recipient of 1 and 2 Timothy

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-Work characterized by faith; labor characterized by love and patience (endurance in the face of afflictions) characterized by the confident expectation of the Lord’s returning for them.

These believers, facing persecution and affliction, were not sitting idle. They were responding to the Lord and as a result, He was using them to be an encouragement and an example to other churches.

B. Receiving the Lord in much affliction and becoming examples to others1Th 1:5 For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the

Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.

1Th 1:6 And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit,

-followers (mimetes/3402): imitators

1Th 2:13 For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.

1Th 2:14 For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus. For you also suffered the same things from your own countrymen, just as they did from the Judeans,

Heb 6:11 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end,

Heb 6:12 that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

-received (dechomai/1209): to take as one’s own; to receive favorably-affliction (thlipsis/2347): pressing together, distress, oppression

2Co 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,

2Co 1:4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

2Co 4:16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.

2Co 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,

2Co 8:1 Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia:

2Co 8:2 that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality.

-joy (chara/5479): gladness, calm delight

2Co 7:4 Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation.

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1Th 1:7 so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. 1Th 1:8 For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and

Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything.

-examples (tupos/5179): strike an object to create an image; pattern by which something is made (stamping machine)

Notice that they received the word with affliction and joy. This is how they had imitated the Lord and the apostles. Externally there was affliction; internally there was joy. It is an unusual combination! For the man of the world, it is impossible to experience joy and affliction simultaneously; to him, sorrow is the opposite of joy. The Christian has a joy of the Holy Spirit that is independent of circumstances; to him, the opposite of joy is sin. The affliction they endured was the persecution which followed their conversion.

The Thessalonians became model Christians. First of all, their example of joy in the midst of persecution was an example to believers in Macedonia and Achaia, that is, to all the Christians in Greece (William MacDonald/Believer’s Bible Commentary).

C. Their threefold response 1Th 1:9 For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you,

and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 1Th 1:10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even

Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

-turned (epistrepho/1996): be converted; to return-aorist active indicative (historical point in time)

-from idols (eidolon/1497): false god; that which illicts worship -to serve (douleuo/1398): to serve as a bond servant; to obey-the living and true God: in contrast to the dead idols-wait (anameno/362): to wait with patience and to wait for one whose coming is foreseen-for His Son from heaven-Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come

-in context of 1 Thessalonians, the wrath is referring to the Tribulation or Great Wrath that will come up the whole earth

1Th 5:8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.

1Th 5:9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,

1Th 5:10 who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.

Rev 6:14 Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place.

Rev 6:15 And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains,

Rev 6:16 and said to the mountains and rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the 3

face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! Rev 6:17 For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?"

What a response from the Thessalonians! They turned to God from their idols (with no hint from Paul that they turned back) to embrace their roles as bondservants waiting for their Master to return for them.

Not only were the Thessalonians serving the living and true God (in contrast to idols which are lifeless and false), but they were waiting for the Lord Jesus. Notice the details of their expectation:

1. The Person—His Son2. The Place—from heaven3. The Pledge—whom He raised from the dead4. The Precious Name—even Jesus5. The Prospect—who delivers us from the wrath to come

The Thessalonians were waiting for God's Son from heaven. This implies the possibility of His coming during their lifetime, in fact, at any moment during their lifetime. The imminent return of the Lord Jesus is the Christian's hope (BBC)

Php 3:20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,

Php 3:21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.

Tit 2:11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, Tit 2:12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live

soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, Tit 2:13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and

Savior Jesus Christ,

D. Timothy’s encouraging report1Th 3:6 But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always have good remembrance of us, greatly desiring to see us, as we also to see you—1Th 3:7 therefore, brethren, in all our affliction and distress we were comforted concerning you by your faith.

But contrasts Paul’s previous anxiety with his present relief at the report of Timothy who returned to Paul in Corinth. Rather than bringing bad news that the Thessalonians’ faith had wavered, Timothy had brought good news that their faith was bearing fruit in love. This good news was as thrilling to Paul as the gospel; he used the same Greek word for both messages.

The Thessalonians were strong in faith toward God and love toward His apostles (cf. 1Th_1:3). Though Paul did not mention their hope explicitly here, he did so implicitly by referring to their desire to see the apostles again; they were looking forward to this. The fact that the Thessalonians looked back on the visit of the missionaries with pleasant memories and looked forward to seeing them again evidenced their genuine love for the apostles. Paul loved them too, and reminded them by restating his longing to see them again (Bible Knowledge Commentary).

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II. Paul’s exhortation to a godly walk (4:1-12)1Th 4:1 Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God; 1Th 4:2 for you know what commandments we gave you through the Lord Jesus.

-urge (erotao/2065): ask, beg-exhort (parakaleo/3870): to call alongside of; to encourage, comfort

Unlike the Mosaic Law, which demands obedience to its ordinances, Paul is asking and encouraging the Thessalonian believers to walk in the light of the instruction he has given to them.

1Th 4:3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; 1Th 4:4 that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, 1Th 4:5 not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God;

-sanctification (hagiasmos/38): a setting apart-abstain (apechomia/567): to refrain from-sexual immorality (porneia/4202): illicit sex of any kind-possess (ktaomai/2932): get; obtain-vessel (skeuos/4632): in this context, our own body

Paul is addressing the need for believers to have their bodies/vessels be set apart from sexual sin of any kind. Of course we understand that the very nature of our heart is toward such things:

Mar 7:20 And He said, "What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. Mar 7:21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts,

adulteries, fornications, murders, Mar 7:22 thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye,

blasphemy, pride, foolishness. Mar 7:23 All these evil things come from within and defile a man."

And knowing that sanctification does not come from the law:

Rom 7:5 For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions which were aroused by the law were at work in our members to bear fruit to death.

Rom 7:6 But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter.

But from our position in Christ and our identification with His death, burial and resurrection with our response being know, reckon and yield.

-See Romans 6:1-13

1Th 4:6 that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified.

-take advantage (huperbaino/5233): to step over a limit; to trespass; to defraud in

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business-defraud (pleonekteo/4122): to take advantage of-avenger (ekdikos/1558): punisher

In addition believers are warned against taking advantage of other believers in matters of business and finance. Those who do will face punishment from the Lord.

1Th 4:7 For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness.

-uncleanness (akatharsia/167): impure motives-holiness (hagiasmos/38): a setting apart

Uncleanness (here going beyond not just what we do, but to our impure motives themselves) is contradictory with a life that set apart for the Lord and waiting for His return for us.

1Th 4:8 Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit.

-reject (atheteo/114): to disregard; to refuse

Anyone who rejects this instruction isn't simply despising the teaching of a man, such as Paul; he is defying, disregarding, flouting, and rejecting God Himself—who has also given us His Holy Spirit. The word Holy is emphatic here. How can one who is indwelt by the Holy Spirit indulge in sexual s in? (see 1 Corinthians 6:12-20)

Notice that all members of the Trinity are mentioned in this paragraph. The Father (v. 3), the Son (v. 2), and the Holy Spirit (v. 8). Wonderful thought! All three Persons in the Godhead are interested and involved in the sanctification of the believer (BBC).

1Th 4:9 But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another;

-brotherly love (philadelphia/5360): love of kin

The love that Paul is talking about is that love which is demonstrated between those of the same family.1Th 4:10 and indeed you do so toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; 1Th 4:11 that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, 1Th 4:12 that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing. -aspire (philotimeomai/5389): lit. love of honor; from a love of honor to strive to bring something to pass-quiet life (hesuchazo/2270): to keep quiet, not running here and there but minding your own business-mind your own business (prasso/4238): mind to your own affairs-work with your own hands: not to be idle-that: purpose-walk (peripateo/4043): to conduct one’s self-properly (euschemonos/2156): orderly

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-toward those who are outside: unbelievers-See 2 Thess. 3:6-15

It’s apparent that there were believers at Thessalonica that had problems with idleness (it’s also addressed in 2 Thess. 3:6-15) and sticking their noses in other peoples’ business. We as believers are keenly aware of the ‘big’ sins (drunkenness, sexual sins and the like) but let slide the ‘smaller ones’ like gossip and idleness (or as I’ve seen them called: passing along ‘prayer requests’ and ‘resting in the Lord’). Paul makes it clear that just as sexual immorality is wrong, so is gossip and idleness.

III. Comfort of the Rapture (4:13-18)1Th 4:13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have

fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 1Th 4:14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with

Him those who sleep in Jesus.

-ignorant (agneo/50): not understand-fallen asleep: those believers who have died

The sleep is referring to those believers have gone on ahead to heaven (2 Cor. 5:6-8). The Bible does not teach soul sleep.

-sorrow (lupeo/3076): to be in grief, heaviness-hope (elpis/1680): joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation-if: since (the statement is presented as fact)-died (apothnesko/599): to be dead

-aorist active indicative (a historical fact)-rose (anistemi/450): rise up, raise from the dead; to leave a place to go somewhere else

-aorist active indicative (a historical fact)-those who sleep in Jesus: those believers who have died and gone home to be with the

Lord already

Tit 2:11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, Tit 2:12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live

soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, Tit 2:13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and

Savior Jesus Christ, Paul is addressing the issue of these believers experiencing sorrow and grief regarding

those believers who have gone home to be with the Lord. They needed to be reminded that they will indeed see them again because of the work of Jesus Christ.

-See 1 Corinthians 15

One of the great facts of the Christian faith is that we have hope when our loved ones in Christ are taken away from us in death. Christians often fail to realize the hopelessness that characterizes heathen religions. There is no hope in the future life apart from the Lord Jesus Christ. A Christian has a wonderful hope that after this life there is going to be a glorious, unending existence in the presence of God with all the joy and ecstasy that will be ours when we are joined to Christ and with our loved ones who have gone on before us (John Walvoord/The Thessalonian Epistles)

1Th 4:15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep.

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-coming (parousia/3952): presence, coming, arrival

-Christ’s 2nd coming (Christ’s presence on the earth)-Matt. 24:3, 27, 37, 39

-Rapture (brought into the presence of Jesus Christ)-1 Cor. 15:23; 1 Thess. 2:19; 3:13; 5:23; 2 Thess. 2:1, 8; James 5:7-8; 1 John

2:28

-Lawless One-2 Thess. 2:9

-Day of God (new heaven and earth)-2 Pet. 3:10

-word (logos/3056): decree, mandate, order-precede (phthano/5348): to go before

"By the word of the Lord" is Paul's assurance that he is giving God's answer to their question. Paul knows that they had been worrying about those who had died before the Rapture and wants them to know that the dead in Christ will have part in the Rapture. "We which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep." The word prevent is an old English word meaning "precede." Those who are alive at the time of the Rapture will not be going ahead of them—in fact, the dead in Christ will be going first (BBC).

1Th 4:16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.

-descend (katabaino/2597): to come down from the upper regions of the air-shout (keleuma/2752): military command, a shout from a general to his soldiers-voice of an archangel: possibly the shout just mentioned (possibly Michael)-trumpet of God: used in the OT to herald an announcement or the presence of God

Himself (Ex. 19:16; Ps. 47:5; Is. 27:13; Joel 2:1 (this is not to be confused with the trumpet of Rev. 11:15-18).

-dead in Christ: there is some disagreement among dispensationalists if this resurrection includes the Old Testament saints also. I think the phrase ‘in Christ’ limits this group to those of the Church (see the handout on the Seven Resurrections)

1Co 15:50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption.

1Co 15:51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—

1Co 15:52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

-mystery (musterion/3466): truths hidden now revealed-changed (allasso/236): to exchange one thing for another

-future passive indicative (seen as fact)8

-moment (atamos/823): that which is indivisible (as in time; an atom of time)-twinkling (rhipe/4493): an instant; the bat of an eye-trumpet: same as 1 Thess. 4; a call to assemble in the air; not to be confused with

the use of trumpets in Revelation which herald judgment and God’s wrath on the unbeliever

-incorruptible (aphthartos/862): imperishable, not liable to corrupt nor decay

Rev 4:1 After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, "Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this."

Rev 4:2 Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne.

Jesus Christ now sits at the right hand of God in heaven (Rom_8:34; Eph_1:20; Col_3:1; Heb_1:3). He will leave this position and descend to the earth. By the words the Lord Himself Paul emphasized that it would be the same Jesus who had ascended through the clouds (cf. Act_1:11).The sounds mentioned in this verse — a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God — are difficult to interpret. Who will voice the loud shout? Will it be Jesus Himself (cf. Joh_11:43), or the archangel Michael (Dan_10:13; Jud_1:9), or another angel? Is this a literal trumpet call, or was Paul speaking figuratively in describing the call of God by which He will announce the Advent of His Son? (cf. 1Co_15:52) These three phenomena may all refer to the same thing, but probably they are three separate almost simultaneous announcements heralding Christ’s return. Though one’s curiosity about these aspects of the Rapture is not fully satisfied in this passage, one thing is clear: Christ’s return for His saints will be announced from heaven forcefully and dramatically.Then the dead in Christ will be resurrected, that is, believers of this dispensation will be raised. Old Testament saints will evidently be raised at the end of the Great Tribulation (Dan_12:2), for the phrase “in Christ” refers exclusively to Church-Age saints. The bodies of the dead in Christ will rise before the living Christians are caught up to meet the Lord in the air (1Th_4:17).How will God raise the bodies of people who were buried hundreds of years ago? What about the bodies of those Christians who were burned to death and those whose ashes were thrown to the wind, and Christians who perished at sea? The resurrection of the dead poses a great problem to the faith of many. Perhaps that is why Paul stressed that this revelation came from Jesus Christ Himself and that it is as certain of future fulfillment as Jesus’ resurrection is a fact of past history. The God who created the universe out of nothing with a word is fully able to reassemble the decayed bodies of all His saints in a moment of time (cf. 1Co_15:35-58) (BKC).

1Th 4:17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.

-caught up (harpazo/726): to snatch away (Mt. 13:19; Jn. 10:28-9; Acts 8:39; 2 Cor. 12:2, 4)

-with (sun/4862): denotes union with or together with (but much closer than the words meta or para), also includes the idea of completeness (Rom. 6:8; 2 Cor. 4:14)

-air (aer/109): the lower and denser air as in contrast to the higher and rarer air

The term for air is also used to describe Satan’s realm over the earth as the prince of the power of the air (Eph. 2:2). One person commented that the Rapture and the gathering of

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the saints will take place right smack in Satan’s domain. Nothing more satisfying than beating a team on their home court and then rubbing their face in it!

Think of all that is included in these verses! The earth and the sea yielding up the dust of all the dead in Christ. Then the transforming miracle by which this dust is formed into glorified bodies, free forever from sickness, pain, and death. Then the space-flight to heaven. And all of this taking place in the twinkling of an eye (1Co_15:52) (BBC).

1Th 4:18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.

-Therefore: because of the truth of the Rapture and the salvation for both living and dead saints

-comfort (parakaleo/3870): exhort, console, encourage, and strengthen-present active imperative (a command to continuously comfort each other)-this word for comfort occurs 8 times in this book (2:11; 3:2, 7; 4:1, 10, 18; 5:11)

The logical and practical outcome of this revelation is comfort and encouragement. Paul applied his eschatology to life and called on his readers to encourage (parakaleite; cf. 1Th_2:12; 1Th_3:2) each other with these words. The facts that Christians who have died will be resurrected to join the living saints with the Lord Jesus when He comes, that they will actually precede those who are alive in that day, that those who are alive will be united with them, and that they will all be with the Lord forever, give abundant reasons for rejoicing. Not only do Christians not grieve like unbelievers, but followers of Christ can actually look forward eagerly to that great day. This is the great hope of the church, to see the Lord and be united with Him forever. It is that which every believer in this Age should anticipate. It is a

blessed hope (Tit_2:13) with respect to the dead in Christ as well as for the living! (BKC)

Rev 22:20 He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming quickly." Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

Why is the Rapture important? 

1)      It marks the end of the dispensation of the grace of God and the Church’s presence on the earth (1 Thess. 4:17)2)      It is the Blessed Hope of the believer where we will be together with our Lord forever (1 Thess. 4:17; Titus 2:13)3)      It is the third piece of our salvation through the gospel in which we will be delivered from Satan, the world system, the present evil age and our sinful bodies4)      It is God’s promise of deliverance from the Great Day of Wrath that will come upon the whole earth (Tribulation/1 Thess. 1:10; 5:9; Rev. 6:17-18; 11:18)5)      It is the day in which we will receive our immortal, eternal, glorified bodies (1 Cor. 15:40-58; Phil. 3:20-21; 1 John 3:1-3)6)      It is the fulfillment of God’s promise to us which began with the down payment of the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:13-14)7)      It marks the beginning of the Day of Christ in which our works will be judged at the Judgment Seat of Christ (1 Cor. 3-4) and which will culminate in the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Rev. 19)8)      The Church will be made whole with all its parts together forever with no more divisions9)      It is the removal of the presence of the Spirit, who permanently resides within the Church, as a restraining force from the earth which will allow for the revealing of the Antichrist during the Tribulation (2 Thess. 2:6-7)10)   It is the day in which we will go home to the mansion (residence) that the Lord has prepared for us (John 14:1-3)

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11)   It is an incentive to abide in our lives down here (1 John 3:3)

IV. Day of the Lord (5:1-11)In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, we looked at the mystery of the translation of the saints (the

rapture) and its events at the end of the dispensation of the Church. In chapter 5, Paul continues on future things by presenting elements of the Day of the Lord. This day is not a mystery, but is described in many places in the Old Testament and the Gospels. It is a period of 1007 years and focuses on the nation of Israel.

(See handouts on the Day of the Lord Summary and the Millennial Kingdom).

1Th 5:1 But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you.

-times (chronos/5550): time of a duration, related to a specific event-seasons (Kairos/2540): opportune or seasonable time, the right time

-see Acts 1:6-7

Bible teachers often apologize for chapter breaks, explaining that the subject should continue without interruption. But here the chapter break is appropriate. Paul begins a new subject. He leaves his discussion of the Rapture and turns to the Day of the Lord. The words translated but concerning (Greek, de peri) indicate a new line of thought, as so often in 1 Corinthians.

For true believers the Rapture is a comforting hope, but what will it mean for those who are outside of Christ? It will mean the beginning of a period referred to here as the times and the seasons. This period is primarily Jewish in character. During this time God will resume His dealings with the nation of Israel, and the endtime events to which the OT prophets pointed will occur. When the apostles asked Jesus when He would set up His kingdom, He answered that it was not for them to know the times and the seasons (Act_1:7). Paul felt no need to write to the Thessalonians about the times and the seasons. For one thing, the saints would not be affected by them; they would be taken to heaven before these epochs began.Also, the times and the seasons and the Day of the Lord are subjects that are found in the OT. The Rapture is a mystery (1Co_15:51), never revealed until the time of the apostles (BBC).

1Th 5:2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.

-day of the Lord: period of 1007 years immediately following the Rapture-thief in the night

-see 2 Peter 3:10; Rev. 16:15

The saints already knew about the day of the Lord. They knew that the exact time was unknown, and that it would come when least expected. What does Paul mean by the day of the Lord? It is certainly not a day of twenty-four hours, but a period of time with certain characteristics.

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In the OT this term was used to describe any time of judgment, desolation, and darkness (Isa_2:12; Isa_13:9-16; Joe_2:1-2). It was a time when God marched forth against the enemies of Israel and punished them decisively (Zep_3:8-12; Joe_3:14-16; Oba_1:15-17; Zec_12:8-9). But it was also any occasion on which God punished His own people for their idolatry and backsliding (Joe_1:15-20; Amo_5:18; Zep_1:7-18). Basically it spoke of judgment on sin, of victory for the cause of the Lord (Joe_2:31-32), and untold blessing for His faithful people.

In the future, the day of the Lord will cover approximately the same period as the times and the seasons. It will begin after the Rapture and will include:

1. The Tribulation, i.e., the time of Jacob's trouble (Dan_9:27; Jer_30:7; Mat_24:4-28; 2Th_2:2; Rev. 6:1-19:16).2. The coming of Christ with His saints (Mal_4:1-3; 2Th_1:7-9).3. The thousand-year reign of Christ on the earth (Joe_3:18 [cf. v. 14]; Zec_14:8-9 [cf. v. 1]).4. The final destruction of the heavens and earth by fire (2Pe_3:7, 2Pe_3:10)

The day of the Lord is the time when Jehovah will publicly intervene in human affairs. It is characterized by judgment on the enemies of Israel and on the apostate portion of the nation of Israel, by deliverance of His people, by establishment of Christ's kingdom of peace and prosperity, and glory for Himself.The apostle reminds his readers that the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night. It will be completely unexpected, taking men off guard. The world will be wholly unprepared. (BBC)

1Th 5:3 For when they say, "Peace and safety!" then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.

-sudden (aiphnidios/160): unexpected, unforeseen-destruction (olethros/3639): ruin, destroy (2 Thess. 1:9)-not: double negative for emphasis-escape (ekfuego/1628): to flee out of; to seek safety

This day will begin when world conditions appear calm rather than calamitous. This peace will come with the signing of the seven-year covenant, predicted in Dan_9:27. Note that Paul did not include himself and his readers with the group who would see the day of the Lord, as he did when describing the Rapture (1Th_4:15, 1Th_4:17). Evidently them refers to those left behind at the Rapture, that is, non-Christians. They will be ignorantly expecting peace and safety, but instead destruction will come on them. This “destruction” (olethros; cf. 2Th_1:9) is not annihilation, but the breaking up of their peace and security through the outpouring of God’s wrath on earth in the Great Tribulation. Destruction will come suddenly. The illustration of the commencement of labor pains suggests both unpredictable suddenness and great personal discomfort (cf. Mat_24:8;

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Mar_13:8). The wrath of God that will have been building up over some time will suddenly break forth. The signs of its coming are discernible, even though the moment of its arrival is unpredictable. No more can the world escape the coming wrath of God, when it breaks out on the day of the Lord, than a pregnant woman can escape labor pains. A strong expression is used in the Greek (a double negative: ou me) to stress that fleeing (ekphygosin) will be futile. (Bible Knowledge Commentary)

1Th 5:4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief.

Eph 5:8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light

It is important to notice the change in pronouns from “they” and “them” in the previous verses to you and we in the following verses.The Day of the Lord will be a time of wrath for the unsaved world. But what will it mean to us? The answer is that we are not in danger because we are not in darkness.This Day will come as a thief in the night (v. 2). The only way it will overtake anyone is as a thief, and the only persons it will overtake will be those who are in the night, that is, the unconverted. It will not overtake believers at all, because they are not in darkness.At first reading, this verse might seem to say that the Day of the Lord will overtake believers but not as a thief. But this is not so. It will not overtake them at all because when the thief comes to this world's night, the saints will be dwelling in eternal light. (BBC)

1Th 5:5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness.

Paul’s comparison here is between believer and unbeliever.

1Th 5:6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. 1Th 5:7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night.

-sleep (katheudo/2518): to be indifferent to one’s salvation (spiritual condition)-watch (gregoreo/1127): to give strict attention to-sober (nepho/3525): to be calm and collected in spirit

Therefore, since we are of the light, let us walk accordingly, not as the unbeliever who is in darkness (Eph. 4:17)

1Th 5:8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.

-day: in contrast to night and darkness (our spiritual reality)-sober (nepho/3525): calm and collected in spirit; temperate-putting (enduo/1746): to clothe one’s self

The truths presented here by Paul provide us with spiritual armor needed in defense of attacks against our thinking which cause confusion and discouragement. The breastplate is

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needed to protect our heart which is the inner man where judgments and decisions are made. The helmet of the hope (confident expectation) of salvation (in this context third tense salvation from this earth and unto our eternal destiny) provides us with clear thinking in seeing present and future things in the correct Biblical context.

The illustration of believers as soldiers is found in other portions as well:

Rom 13:12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.

Eph 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

Eph 6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

1Ti 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

2Ti 2:3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 2Ti 2:4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life,

that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.

1Th 5:9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,

-appoint (tithemi/5087): to set forth, establish-wrath (orge/3709): anger exhibited in punishment

-see 1 Thess. 1:10; Rev. 6:17-obtain (peripoiesis/4047): possession, one’s own property

For (hoti, “because”) introduces another reason why believers should prepare themselves. God’s intention for them is not the wrath that will come on the earth in the day of the Lord, but the full salvation that will be theirs when the Lord returns for them in the clouds. The wrath of God referred to here clearly refers to the Tribulation; the context makes this apparent. Deliverance from that wrath is God’s appointment for believers. This temporal salvation comes through the Lord Jesus Christ just as does eternal salvation. (BKC)

1Th 5:10 who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.

Because of Christ’s work for us, whether we remain alive or go home to be with Him through death, all believers are guaranteed His eternal presence with us through the salvation that is the rapture and will not go through the period of wrath reserved for those in darkness.

1Th 5:11 Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.

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-Therefore: because the future salvation of our bodies awaiting us-comfort (parakaleo/3870): to exhort, encourage, strengthen

-present active imperative-edify (oikodomeo/3618): to build, to promote Christian growth

-present active imperative

With the use of the imperative in this verse, we are commanded to use these truths to encourage and build each other up with the fact that at any moment Christ will return for His Church and that it is God’s program for us not to pass through that time of indescribable wrath that will come upon this earth during the Tribulation.

V. Closing instructions (5:12-28)1Th 5:12 And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are

over you in the Lord and admonish you, 1Th 5:13 and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. Be at peace

among yourselves.

-urge (erotao/2065): beseech-recognize (eido/1492): to cherish-labor (kopiao/2872): to toil, to labor with wearisome effort-over you (proistemi/4291): care for, give attention to-admonish (noutheteo/3560): to caution or reprove gently

-Rom. 15:14; Col. 1:28; 3:16; 2 Thess. 3:15-esteem (hegeomai/2233): to count-peace (eireneuo/1514): to live peaceably, to be in harmony

-present active imperative

From 5:11 to the end of the book, there are 19 uses of the imperative indicating commands (I have bolded these so that they can be identified). These commands are not rooted in a law, but based upon the believer’s willingness to respond to the word in the light of Christ’s coming back for His Church.

Paul starts with their attitude to those who were laboring in the word for them. These were men who were placed there by the Lord for those believers’ growth and maturity.

See Hebrews 13:17

1Th 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.

-warn (noutheteo/3560): to caution or reprove gently-present active imperative

-unruly (ataktos/813): disorderly, out of ranks as a soldier -comfort (paramutheomai/3888): to address one; to calm or console

-present middle/passive imperative-fainthearted (oligopsuchos/3642): lit. little or small soul; feebleminded-uphold (antecho/472): pay attention to; to support

-present middle/passive imperative-weak (asthenes/772): infirm, feeble

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-patient (makruthumos/3114): to be patient in bearing the offenses and injuries of others-present active imperative

While we all need the Lord’s grace at all times in all situations, there are believers who need extra care and attention. And though we are not blind to these conditions, it is the grace and love of God that reaches not just these, but all of us, where we are at.

Gal 6:1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.

Gal 6:2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

1Th 5:15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.

-see (horao/3708): beware -present active imperative

-renders (apodidomi/591): pays back-evil (kako/2556): troublesome, injurious-pursue (dioko/1377): to follow, to seek after eagerly

-present active imperative-good (agathos/18): that which is beneficial

If we are the recipient of an injury we are not to pay back in kind, but to eagerly seek after that which is beneficial to all parties. And the good is that response which brings glory to the Lord.

Rom 12:17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.

Rom 12:18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.

1Pe 3:8 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous;

1Pe 3:9 not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.

1Th 5:16 Rejoice always, 1Th 5:17 pray without ceasing, 1Th 5:18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

-rejoice (chairo/5463): be glad, joyful-present active imperative-A joy or gladness not found in circumstances, but in the Lord Jesus Christ

-always (pantote/3842): at all times -pray (proseuchomai/4336): to offer prayers, supplicate, worship

-present middle/passive imperative-without ceasing (adialeiptos/89): without interruption (like a persistent cough)

-1 Thess. 1:3; 2:13-in everything: every situation, no exceptions-give thanks (eucharisteo/2168): express gratitude

-present active imperative16

-will (thelema/2307): what God wishes to be done by us; desire, pleasure

Paul is stating the necessity of communication with the Lord in every situation (always, without ceasing and in everything) with the emphasis on the correct internal response to their situations.

1Th 5:19 Do not quench the Spirit.

-quench (sbennymi/4570): to suppress, to extinguish-present active imperative with the negative (stop quenching)

To quench the Spirit means to stifle His work in our midst, to limit and hinder Him. Sin quenches the Spirit. Traditions quench Him. Man-made rules and regulations in public worship quench Him. Disunity quenches Him. Someone has said, “Cold looks, contemptuous words, silence, studied disregard, go a long way to quench Him. So does unsympathetic criticism.” Ryrie says that the Spirit is quenched whenever His ministry is stifled in an individual or in the church (BKC).

1Th 5:20 Do not despise prophecies.

-despise (exoutheneo/1848): to make of no account or of no value-present active imperative with the negative (stop despising)

-prophecies: in general, the communication of the word

Remember, the letters to the Thessalonians were Paul’s first letters and the Word of God was far from being completed. During this transitional time, the Lord endowed men with the spiritual ability to present the Word in verbal form until the time in which it was completed being written.

1Th 5:21 Test all things; hold fast what is good.

-test (dokimazo/1381): to scrutinize as whether something is genuine or not-present active imperative

-hold fast (katecho/2722): keep secure, keep possession of-present active imperative

-good (kalos/2570): that which is honorable, praiseworthy, excellent in quality, comforting

In the context of what is being written to the Thessalonians, they were to test those prophecies as to their authenticity (comparing to what Paul had present already) and hang on those securely that passed the test.

In general, it is evaluating everything against the word of God.

1Th 5:22 Abstain from every form of evil.

-abstain (apechomai/567): refrain from-present middle imperative -1 Thess. 4:3; 1 Pet. 2:11

-form (eidos/1491): external appearance-evil (poneros4190): wicked, causing pain or trouble

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It is not enough just to avoid evil, it is also necessary to avoid the appearance of evil in our lives. Those are the situations that may cause others to stumble by appearance even if there is no evil being done. This evaluation comes from sensitivity to the Lord.

1Th 5:23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

-peace (eirene/1515): the tranquil state of our soul assured of its salvation in Christ; quietness

-sanctify (hagiazo/37): to be set apart-aorist active optative (that optative express a wish or desire, not necessarily what is going to happen)

-spirit, soul, body: notice the divine order of importance; our spirit first (that which is regenerated and connected to the Godhead) then our soul (our thoughts, desires, plans, etc…), then our corruptible bodies which are going to be replaced.-preserved (tereo/5083): to guard; to hold fast-blameless (amemptos/274): no cause for censure/rebuke

The apostle also prays for the preservation of the Thessalonians. This preservation should include the complete person—spirit, soul, and body. Notice the order. Man always says body, soul, and spirit. God always says spirit, soul, and body. In the original creation, the spirit was of first importance, the body last. Sin reversed the order; man lives for the body and neglects the spirit. When we pray for one another, we should follow the biblical order, putting spiritual welfare before physical needs (BBC).

All of our parts need to be preserved entire, that is, complete and sound. One commentator has suggested the needs for preservation as follows:

1. The spirit from (a) everything that would defile it (2Co_7:1); (b) everything that would hinder the testimony of the Holy Spirit to the saints' relationship with God (Rom_8:16); or (c) everything that would prevent the worship which He seeks (Joh_4:23; Phi_3:3).2. The soul from (a) evil thoughts (Mat_15:18-19; Eph_2:3); (b) fleshly appetites that war against it (1Pe_2:11); and (c) contention and strife (Heb_12:15).3. The body from (a) defilement (1Th_4:3-8); and (b) evil uses (Rom_6:19) (BBC).

1Th 5:24 He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.

-calls (kaleo/2564): to call by name-faithful (pistos/4103): worthy of trust, can be relied on-do (poieo/4160): perform, to carry out

-future active indicative

1Th 5:25 Brethren, pray for us. 1Th 5:26 Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss. 1Th 5:27 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read to all the holy brethren. 1Th 5:28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

Purpose of 2 Thessalonians: The second epistle of Paul to the Thessalonians was written to correct the erroneous notion among the Christians at Thessalonica that the persecutions that they were suffering were those of “the great and awesome day of the Lord” (Joel 2:31) from which they had been taught to expect deliverance by “the coming of our

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Lord Jesus Christ, and our gathering together to Him” (2 Thess. 2:1). The theme of this epistle, obscured by the mistranslation of the KJV in 2:2 “the day of Christ is at hand,” is correctly rendered in NASB “the day of the Lord has come” Merrill Unger/The New Unger’s Bible Dictionary).

The Second Epistle of Paul to the Thessalonians followed the first epistle by a relatively short time of a few months. Its occasion was the receipt of news that the Thessalonians had received a spurious letter, apparently an intentional forgery, teaching them that they were already in the Day of the Lord and its awful judgments. The background of both the Thessalonian epistles indicates that the church was going through a terrible time of tribulation. In the midst of these trials, they began to wonder whether they were in the Day of the Lord, a period described to them at great length in the Old Testament and

concerning which Paul had taught them in 1 Thessalonians (Walvoord).

This letter was written shortly after Paul’s first letter to them (AD 51).

VI. Paul’s thankfulness (1:1-5)2Th 1:1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God our

Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: 2Th 1:2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2Th 1:3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because

your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other,

Paul and his fellow missionaries to Thessalonica had ample reason to thank God on behalf of this church, and their thanksgiving was continuous (cf. 1Th_1:2). It was right for them to give thanks because these believers were a cause for thanksgiving. In fact Paul felt obligated to give thanks as though he owed a debt which he paid enthusiastically. Their faith had continued to grow (hyperauxanei, “to grow exceedingly”; auxano is used in the Gospels of the growth of plants and babies, and in the epistles of spiritual growth [e.g., Eph_4:15; Col_1:6, Col_1:10], but in the NT hyperauxanei is only used here). The faith of Christians should keep growing all their lives; they should trust God more consistently and more extensively as they grow older in Christ. Faith in God is not a static thing. Since it is trust in a Person, it is always increasing or decreasing. A growing faith indicates a growing Christian.

Not only were the Thessalonians’ relationships with God developing, but so were their relationships with other people. Genuine faith in God is always accompanied by love for others (Jas_2:14-17). Faith is the root; love is the fruit. The Thessalonians’ love… for each other kept increasing (pleonaxei). In 1Th_3:12 Paul had expressed concern that their love “increase” (pleonasai), and now, happily, he said it was increasing. Both faith and love were growing like well-fertilized plants, beyond what would have been normally expected. This was an exceptional church (BKC).

2Th 1:4 so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure,

2Th 1:5 which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer;

-patience (hupomene/5281): endurance, patient continuance, patient waiting-persecution (diogmos/1375): pursuit-tribulations (thlipsis/2347): pressing together, anguish, affliction-endure (anecho/430): to bear, put up with-manifest evidence (endeigma/1730): token, proof

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-counted worthy (axioo/515): deemed worthy; of a favorable estimation of God

-of the kingdom of God: in this context, the future manifestation of the kingdom of God, in particular, rewards

-suffer (pascho/3958): painful impression, tormented

Paul proceeded to nourish the souls of these beleaguered saints so that they would be able to continue to bear up under the pressures of temptation.

The present experiences of the Thessalonians, Paul pointed out to them by way of encouragement, illustrated the righteous judgment of God, that is, that God is just.

When God would judge the Thessalonians they would be declared worthy of God’s kingdom. Endurance in trials does not make one worthy of heaven; one does not earn heaven by suffering. But endurance in trials does demonstrate one’s worthiness. A Christian is made worthy by God’s grace, which he receives as a free gift by faith in Jesus Christ. His trials simply expose what is there already and since the character that emerges through the fire of testing is God-given, God receives all the glory. The grace of God that makes it possible for a Christian to withstand the fires of human experience, which destroy non-Christians, is a Christian’s only claim to being worthy of God’s kingdom. The kingdom of God refers to God’s rule over all, which Christians share as His children.

The purpose of the Thessalonians’ sufferings was to bring glory to God by manifesting His grace in the way they bore up under their trials. Their suffering demonstrated that they were considered worthy of God’s kingdom. In another sense they were suffering as soldiers of Christ (BKC).

These believers correct response to their trials and persecution, faith and love which produced patient endurance, deemed them worthy in the future kingdom of God. This will take the form of rewards:

2Ti 2:10 Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

2Ti 2:11 This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, We shall also live with Him.

2Ti 2:12 If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us.

2Ti 2:13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.

VII. God’s judgment on those who reject the gospel (1:6-10)2Th 1:6 since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble

you,

-repay (antipodidomi/467): in a good sense, to repay; in a bad sense, penalty or vengeance

Paul now addresses God’s righteous judgment as it pertains to those who are persecuting the Thessalonian believers. God will afflict those who have afflicted the believers (how this will manifest itself, Paul doesn’t specify, the point is that He will).

2Th 1:7 and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels,

-rest (anesis/425): rest from persecutions-revealed (apokalupsis/602): manifestation, appearance, to be revealed

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1Pe 1:6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,

1Pe 1:7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,

1Pe 1:13 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

1Pe 4:12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;

1Pe 4:13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.

God and His saints will have the final word in the end. The revealing is Christ’s second coming. It is at this time that He/we will be revealed to the world in glory.

2Th 1:8 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

-vengeance (ekdikesis/1557): lit, out of justice; punishment -those who do not know God: possibly reference to Gentiles-those who do not obey the gospel: possibly reference to the Jews and their rejection of Jesus Christ

-obey (hupakou/5219): to listen, to submit to

Two groups are mentioned here. One possible is those who do not know God (e.g. Gentiles) who have not heard the gospel directly, but rejected God through creation (Romans 1:18-); and those who heard the gospel but chose not to submit to it (Jews/Acts 2-4).

2Th 1:9 These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,

-punished (dike/1349): execution of a sentence-destruction (olethros/3639): ruin, death-from (apo/575): separation-presence (prosopon/4383): face

The destruction to befall both groups is stated in this verse. They will be punished is literally “they will pay a penalty” (diken tisousin). For their rejection of God’s grace they will experience endless or everlasting ruin (olethron aionion). This is “the most express statement in St. Paul’s Epistles of the eternity of future punishment” (Edward Headland and Henry B. Swete, The Epistle to the Thessalonians, London: Hatchard, 1863, p. 137). The punishment of the wicked will be neither temporary nor will it be annihilation, but it will continue throughout eternity and those being punished will be conscious. It is eternal death as opposed to eternal life (Mat_25:46). The nature of the destruction follows in the next phrase.

Separation from the Lord’s presence (lit., “face”) is the essence of eternal punishment. On the other hand being in the Lord’s presence will make heaven heaven. A Christian’s hope is to see and be with the Lord; the judgment of unbelievers is to be eternally inaccessible

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to His presence (cf. Rom_1:18; Rom_2:5-9; Rom_6:21; Php_3:19; 1Th_1:10; 1Th_4:17).The majesty of His power is the visible splendor of the Lord’s presence. The Lord’s

power will be manifest in a majestic display (cf. Rev_19:11-16). Unbelievers will be forever shut out from the Lord’s presence and His power (BKC).

2Th 1:10 when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed.

-Day: referring to the Day of the Lord, specifically when Christ returns to the earth in glory

-admired (thaumazo/2296): to be wondered at, to be marveled at

Every believer, those returning with the Lord and those on the earth, will marvel at the Lord when He returns to the earth in glory.

VIII. Paul’s prayer for them (1:11-12)2Th 1:11 Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power,

In the preceding verses the apostle has been describing the glorious calling of the saints. They have been called to suffer persecution, which in turn fits them for rule in the kingdom. Now he prays that their lives in the meantime will be counted worthy of such a high calling, and that God's mighty power will enable them to obey every impulse to do good, and to accomplish every task undertaken in faith (BBC).

2Th 1:12 that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

The result would be twofold. First, the name of our Lord Jesus Christ would be glorified in them. This means that they would give an accurate representation of Him to the world, and thus bring glory to Him. Then they, too, would be glorified in Him. Their association with Him, their Head, would bring honor to them as members of His Body (BBC).

IX. Day of the Lord (2:1-12)2Th 2:1 Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you,

-coming (parousia/3952): arrival, presence-see note on 1 Thess. 4:15

-gathering together (episunagoge/1997): to collect together in one place; to assemble-the Rapture

2Th 2:2 not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come.

-soon (tacheos/5030): quickly-shaken (saleuo/4531): to agitate, disturb-nous (3563): the faculties of perceiving and understanding; the power of considering and judging soberly

-troubled (throeo/2360): to be frightened, alarmed

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-day of Christ: better translated the day of the Lord

After presenting the comfort of the Lord’s arrival in the Rapture in verse 1, Paul begins to address the heart of the matter: that the Thessalonians had received a letter, attributed to Paul, stating that they had entered the day of the Lord as evidenced by the persecution that they were facing. The effect of this letter had not produced peace and assurance in them, but had caused them to be agitated and frightened.

2Th 2:3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition,

-deceive (exapatao/1818): to beguile, be lead astray-falling away (apostasia/646): apostasy-man of sin: the antichrist-revealed (apokalupto/601): make known or manifest-son of perdition: the son of ruin, destruction

In the following verses, Paul details the events leading up to the Day of the Lord:

1) The Holy Spirit as the restraining force holding back the antichrist and the full manifestation of lawlessness will be removed via the Rapture

2) There will be an apostasy from truth3) The man of lawlessness will appear

2Th 2:4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.

-opposes (antikeimai/480): adversary-exalts (hyperairo/5229): to carry one’s self haughtily, behave insolently towards one-he sits as God in the temple of God:

He will violently oppose every form of divine worship and will enthrone himself in the temple of God in Jerusalem. This description clearly identifies him as Antichrist, the one who is opposed to Christ and who sets himself up in the place of Christ.

Dan_9:27 and Mat_24:15 show that this blasphemous action of the Antichrist takes place in the middle of the Tribulation Period. Those who refuse to worship him will be persecuted and many will be martyred (BBC).

-see Rev.13:5-8

Who is the Antichrist?

In premillennial eschatology (the study of the future events from a dispensation perspective) the final world ruler who opposes God and His Christ (particularly in relation to His deity), oppresses God’s elect (especially the Jewish people), and seeks to usurp (take over) the place of divine worship through desecration of the holy (especially Jerusalem and its temple) (Dictionary of Premillennial Theology).

1) The little horn of Daniel (Dan. 7:20-25; 11:36)He shall make war against the saintsHe shall speak words against the Most High

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He shall persecute the saints of the Most HighHe shall exalt and magnify himself above every godHe shall speak blasphemies against the God of godsHe shall prosper till the wrath has been accomplished

2) The abomination of desolation (Daniel 9:26-7; Matt. 24:15)He shall make a covenant with many (Israel) for one week (7 years)In the middle of the week (3 ½ years), he will bring an end to sacrifices

3) The beast (Rev. 13:1-18)He will combine the characteristics of the previous Gentile powers Satan will give him his power, throne and authority (John 13:27)He suffers an apparently fatal wound but it is healed and the world follows himHe is given authority to blaspheme against God, war with the saints and overcome

thereHe will be given authority over every tribe, tongue and nationAll who dwell on the earth, those whose names are not in the Book of Life will

worship him4) The man of lawlessness (2 Thess. 2:3-11)

He is the son of perdition (John 17:2)He will oppose himself and exalt himself above all that is called GodHe will sit as God in the temple, showing himself that he is GodHe will operate through the working of Satan with power, signs and lying wondersHe will deceive the unbelievers

5) His destiny is the lake of fire (Rev. 19:20)

2Th 2:5 Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? 2Th 2:6 And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time.

-restraining (katecho/2722): to hinder

2Th 2:7 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.

-mystery of lawlessness: period of iniquity and rebellion against the Lord and His word, previously not revealed in Scripture culminating in the man of lawlessness and the Tribulation

-already (ede/2235): now-work (energeo/1754): operative-He who now restrains: hinders

Paul reminded his readers that the secret power of lawlessness was already at work. The “secret power” (mysterion, whence “mystery”) is one of the mysteries of the New Testament (Rom_16:26; 1Co_2:6-12; Eph_1:9; Eph_3:3-5; Col_1:25-27). A mystery in the New Testament is a new truth previously unknown before its revelation in the present dispensation. In this case the mystery is the revelation of a future climax of lawlessness in the world. Then and now a movement against divine law directed by Satan was and is operative. But it is being restrained somewhat, and this restraining will continue until the time appointed for revealing the man of sin and the climax of lawlessness (BKC).

2Th 2:8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming.

-consume (analisko/355): to destroy-destroy (katergo/2673): to cause to cease; to put an end to

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After the removal of restraint the world will plunge headlong into lawlessness and the man of sin will be revealed (see comments on 2Th_2:3). This man’s name is never given in the Bible, but he will be known by his actions. He is the same person referred to in 2Th_2:3. He is also spoken of in Dan_9:26-27 and 11:36-12:1. Paul was conscious of the spiritual forces behind this individual, and for this reason described his revelation as something that will take place by the power of another, not himself.

This powerful person will be destroyed by the mere breath of the Lord Jesus. Antichrist may control mankind, but he will be no match for Messiah. Jesus is Lord indeed. “The very breathing of the glorified Jesus will slay the lawless one like the blast of a fiery furnace” (Hiebert, The Thessalonian Epistles, p. 315). He will be killed and his work will be destroyed, brought to nothing. (BKC).

2Th 2:9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders,

-lying (pseudos/5579): conscious and intentional falsehood-wonders (teras/5059): miracles

The career of this lawless leader is described in more detail in 2Th_2:9-12. His career will be empowered by Satan (cf. Rev_13:2) and characterized by Satan’s method: counterfeiting. Satan’s desire to counterfeit God’s miracles in the world can be traced from Genesis through Revelation. Paul employed three terms to describe the supernatural power this man will demonstrate. Miracles (dynamei) emphasizes the inherent power behind the works he will perform. Signs (semeiois) refers to the fact that they will have significance. Wonders (terasin) indicates the attitude of awe that they will evoke when people behold them. He will, in short, perform such powerful miracles that it will be evident to all that he has supernatural power, and people will stand in awe of him. One such miracle

and the people’s awe are mentioned in Rev_13:2-4 and Rev_17:8 (BKC).

Mat 24:24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.

2Th 2:10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

-unrighteous (adikia/93): iniquity-deception (apote/539): deceitfulness; that which gives a false impression-perish (apollumi/622): lost

The basis of the people’s deception by the antichrist will be their rejection of the gospel. Their rejection will lead them into more blindness.

2Co 4:3 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 2Co 4:4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the

light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.

2Th 2:11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie,

-for this reason: because of the rejection of the gospel-send (pempo/3992): to dispatch

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-future active indicative-strong (Energeia/1753): operative, working-delusion (plane/4106): error that leads to more error-lie (pseudos/5579): falsehood, that which is not what it seems to be

2Th 2:12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

-condemned (krino/2919): judged-pleasure (eudokeo/2106): to consider something good

The world will be completely upside down during this time. The apostasy will be complete and people will be so blind spiritually due to their rejection of truth, that they will consider unrighteousness to be good.

X. Paul’s encouragement and comfort (2:13-17)2Th 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, 2Th 2:14 to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

-beginning (arch/746): origin, first-chose (haireo/138): to take for one’s self-through: to/for-sanctification: the work of the Spirit where we are set apart-belief: man’s responsibility in the salvation picture-called you by our gospel: the mode of the invitation is through the presentation of the gospel

-for: purpose-the obtaining (to possess as our own property) the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ

In these two verses we have the complete salvation picture, stretching back into eternity past and its completion in eternity future. We also see the perfect harmony between our Father’s divine work for us and our human responsibility, though we may not understand how it fits together.

In the first twelve verses, Paul described the doom of the Antichrist and his followers. Now he turns to the Thessalonian Christians and thinks of their calling and destiny by way of contrast. As he does so, he expresses thanks to God for these brethren beloved by the Lord, and proceeds to give a summary of their salvation—past, present, and future.

God ... chose you. The Bible clearly teaches that God chooses men to salvation, but it never teaches that He chooses some to be damned. Men are lost through their own deliberate choice. Apart from God's intervention, all would be lost. Does God have the right to choose some to be saved? Basically His desire is for all to be saved (1Ti_2:4; 2Pe_3:9). However, the Bible does not teach “Universalism,” the theory that all will eventually be saved.

From the beginning. This has two possible readings. First, it may mean that God's choice was made before the foundation of the world (Eph_1:4). Second, the expression may also be read “as first fruits,” indicating that the Thessalonians, saved so early in the Christian dispensation, were chosen by God to be among the first of a great harvest of redeemed souls.

For salvation. This should be contrasted with the preceding verses. Unbelievers are doomed by their unbelief to eternal destruction, whereas believers are chosen for salvation.

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Through sanctification by the Spirit. Here we have the Holy Spirit's pre-conversion work. He sets individuals apart to God from the world, convicts them of sin, and points them to Christ. Someone has well said, “If it had not been for Christ, there would have been no feast; if it had not been for the Holy Spirit, there would have been no guests!”

And belief in the truth. First you have God's part in salvation; now you have man's. Both are necessary. Some people can see only God's election, and they imply that man can do nothing about it. Others overemphasize man's part, and neglect God's sovereign choice. The truth lies in both extremes. Election and human responsibility are both Bible doctrines, and it is best to believe and teach both, even if we can't understand how both can be true.

To which He called you by our gospel. God chose us to salvation in eternity. He called us to it in time. The call refers to the moment when a person believes the truth. Our gospel does not mean that there are other genuine gospels. There is only one gospel, but there are many different preachers of it, and many different audiences. Paul is referring to the gospel of God which was preached by him.

For the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Here the apostle peers into the future and sees the ultimate outcome of salvation—to be with Christ and be like Him forever. J. N. Darby captures the thought in his beautiful hymn:

And is it so—I shall be like Thy Son?Is this the grace which He for me has won?Father of glory, thought beyond all thought!In glory, to His own blest likeness brought!Thus in verses 13 and 14 we have “a system of theology in miniature,” a marvelous

summary of the scope of God's purposes with His believing people. He has shown us that salvation “originates in a divine choice, is wrought out by divine power, is made effective through a divine message, and will be perfected in divine glory.” (BBC)

2Th 2:15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle. 2Th 2:16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, 2Th 2:17 comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.

-Therefore: because of the salvation presented in the previous verses-stand fast (steko/4739): to persevere

-present active imperative (command to keep standing firm)-hold (krateo/2902): to take possession of, to continue to hold

-present active imperative-traditions (paradosis/3862): that which has been given by word or written instruction-everlasting (aionios/166): perpetual, eternal-consolation (paraklesis/3874): comfort, encouragement, solace-good (agathos/18): that which is beneficial-hope (elpis/1680): joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation-by grace: the source of the everlasting consolation and the good hope-comfort (paraklesis/3874): encouragement-establish (sterizo/4741): to place firmly, to strengthen-word (logos/3056): speech-work (ergon/2041): labor, employment

Paul’s desire for them is that they persevere and take possession of the truths that have been presented to them either in word or letter, especially as it relates to future things. The comfort and confidence that they needed was available to them by grace, and if

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accessed, would provide them encouragement and strength as they minister in their spiritual employment.

XI. Final exhortations (3:1-18)2Th 3:1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, 2Th 3:2 and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith. 2Th 3:3 But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.

-run (trecho/5143): to run unhindered-establish (sterizo/4741): to place firmly, to strengthen

-future active indicative-guard (phulasso/5442): to preserve safe, to keep from being snatched away

2Th 3:4 And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you. 2Th 3:5 Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.

-direct (kateuthuno/2720): to remove the hindrances of coming to someone

2Th 3:6 But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us.

-withdraw (stello/4724): to abstain from interaction with another-disorderly (atatkos/814): referring to a soldier out of rank/line

2Th 3:7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you; 2Th 3:8 nor did we eat anyone's bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, 2Th 3:9 not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us. 2Th 3:10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. 2Th 3:11 For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies.

-disorderly (takteo/812): soldiers marching out of order, quitting ranks; to be neglectful of duty, lawless

-worked (ergozomai/2038): labor for-labor (kopos/2873): intense labor united with trouble and toil-toil (mochthos/3449): hardship; hard and difficult labot-burden (epibareo/1912): burdensome; to be a load upon-busybodies (periergazomai/4020): to bustle about uselessly, in useless matters

2Th 3:12 Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread. 2Th 3:13 But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good.

-quietness (hesychia/2271): stillness; does not meddle in the affairs of others

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-weary (ekkakeo/1573): to be wearied out, exhausted-doing good (kalopoieo/2569): honorable working which is excellent in quality

2Th 3:14 And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed.

-obey (hupakouo/5219): to hear and obey-note (semeioo/4593): to mark or distinguish

-present middle imperative (command to mark this one for your benefit)-company (sunanamignumi/4874): to mix together, associate with

-present middle imperative

2Th 3:15 Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. -count (hegeomai/2233): to think of

-present imperative-enemy (echthros/2190): hostile, adversary-admonish (noutheteo/3560): warn, gently reprove

In this dispensation, the local assembly is God’s plan for the believer, and as such, is a reflection on Him. If there are believers who are disruptive or who are lazy and not willing to work for a living, this damages the testimony of the church and of the Lord. The local church is a self-governing unit and there are times when it is appropriate to take action against believers in the form of discipline. It is not to be done out of anger, but to admonish that person so that they may return to the Lord.

2Th 3:16 Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all. 2Th 3:17 The salutation of Paul with my own hand, which is a sign in every epistle; so I write. 2Th 3:18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

-peace (eirene/1515): harmony; tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Jesus Christ

This local assembly was facing difficult and trying times as a result of their stand for Christ. And apart from some minor problems, were held up to other churches as an example of how to respond to the Lord under pressure.. In the letters to the Thessalonians, we see how important it is to have a correct understanding of future events and how that understanding can provide comfort and peace to believers undergoing tribulation.

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