The
Book of 1 Thessalonians
The
Book of 1 Thessalonians
The first letter to the Thessalonians was likely the second of all Paul's letters, probably written by the end of A.D. 52. It was written after Timothy had returned from Macedonia, relating the state of the church in Thessalonica (Acts 18:1-5, 1 Thessalonians 3:6). For the most part, the letter is personal in nature, with only the final two chapters spent addressing issues of doctrine, almost as an aside. Paul's main purpose in writing is to encourage and reassure the Christians there. Paul urges them to go on working quietly while waiting in hope for the return of Christ. This book addresses the second advent, and Paul gives us every sign of Christ's return.
I Thessalonians 1
1Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. The salutation from Paul, Silas and Timothy.
2We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; We thank God for you and pray for you constantly.
3Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; Never forgetting your works (loving deeds), as we talk to the Father about your strong faith and steady looking forward to the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.
4Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. The brethren chosen by God. Paul was also a chosen vessel by God when he was struck down on the road to Damascus. (Paul always taught on three levels). To the Gentiles, to the kings and rulers, and to the nations and children of Israel. (Acts 9:15).
5For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. You listened when we brought you the "Good News" and you listened with great interest. You saw the proof of power in the Holy spirit and it gave you proof that what we were saying was true. Are very lives became more proof to you of the truth of our message.
6And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost. You became followers of us and the Lord's; receiving our message with joy form the Holy spirit even with the trials and sorrows it brought you.
7So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. You became examples to all other Christians in Greece. (Just as we as Christians are to become examples to others).
8For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing. The Word has spread everywhere, far beyond your boundaries and you did it on your own. (With God's help). How are you doing on spreading the Word?
9For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; How wonderful you welcomed us and turned away from your idols to serve the living and true God.
10And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come. We here how you are looking forward to the return of God's Son who will deliver us from God's anger against sin. Paul is speaking of the second advent, the return of Christ.
I Thessalonians 2
1For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain: They new how worthwhile that visit was and why he came.
2But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention. You know how badly we were treated at Philippi just before we came to you. Paul and Silas were thrown in jail. (Acts 16:22-23).
3For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: We were not preaching with any false motives or evil purpose in mind, but we were perfectly straightforward and sincere. "No nonsense, just truth."
4But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. We speak as messengers of God, trusted by Him to tell the truth. We don't change His message one bit to please or suit the taste of those who hear it. We teach it bold and to the point. There are many men pleasers out there teaching what pleases people. They teach them what they want to hear so they feel more secure, and it also brings more to the collection plate.
5For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: We do not try to flatter anyone so we can just get their money. We just teach God's word the way it is. In most churches today there is a lot of flattery going on, and those who donate the most get the most attention. (Money talks even in religion).
6Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. We have never asked for praise or anything else from you, although as apostles of Christ we had a right to some honor from you. (Never begged for money even though they were deserving to be paid).
7But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: We were as gentle with you as a mother feeding her child.
8So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. We not only gave you God's message, but we gave you our own lives too. (Dedicated themselves to spread the gospel).
9For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. We worked hard at our trades so we would have enough money not to be a burden to anyone. (Paul was a tent maker). They didn't make their living off of God's word. (Take a look at your super preachers today). How many of them live in excessive luxury? Many live in mansions, drive luxury cars, have private planes, jets, helicopters and yachts. Do you think they labored in their own trades for this money. "Not the majority of them." (They get it from your hard earned donations).
10Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe: You are our witness along with God that we have been pure and honest with you.
11As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, We talked to you as a father to his own children, pleading and encouraging you.
12That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory. God gave you the calling and your daily lives should not embarrass God.
13For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. You received the Word as God's Word, not ours, or mans word. "It was God's word that changed your lives when you believed it." (Yes, the word of God changes lives).
14For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews: You suffered what the churches of Judea did, persecution form your own countrymen, just as they suffered from their own people the Jews. (The word Jews here is referring to a resident of Judea). The Kenites were residence of Judea but were not true Jews. (They were trouble makers).
15Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men: Again, it was the work of the Kenites who killed Jesus and the prophets. (John 8:44, Revelations 2:9). "The Kenites work for devil because they are children of the devil."
16Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost. The subject here is the "Kenites." (The wrath will come upon them in the end).
17But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire. Paul really wanted to return there, but it would be around another five years before he did.
18Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us. "Once again Satan puts on the breaks." (Satan will throw every brick in the road at you when you work for Christ).
19For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? What is it that we live for, that gives us hope and joy? It is you! You will bring us much joy when we stand together before our Lord Jesus Christ when He returns.
20For ye are our glory and joy. You are our trophy and joy.
I Thessalonians 3
1Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone; I Paul decided to stay alone in Athens.
2And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith: I sent Timothy, our brother and fellow co-worker to visit and strengthen you in your faith.
3That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. To keep you from becoming fainthearted in all the troubles you were going through.
4For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know. We told you when we were with you before of the suffering that would come. Any time you teach truth of God's Word you will not become very popular. (Only those with eyes to see and ears to hear truth will accept what you teach).
5For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain. Paul had to find out if their faith was still strong in the Lord, and that the deceiver had not got the best of them. Who is the deceiver? Satan himself! He is coming soon to deceive the world.
6But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you: Timothy returned with the good news that their faith and love were as strong as ever. They took the word far beyond their church to many others.
7Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith: You made it all worthwhile now that we know that you are standing true to the Lord.
8For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord. We can bear anything now that we know that you remain strong in the Lord. We as Christians can have eternal life in the Lord. (The choice is yours).
9For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God; How can we thank God enough for you (the Thessalonians), and what a joy you are to God.
10Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith? We pray that we will see you again to fill up any little cracks there may yet be in your faith. (At times we need to fill in the blanks).
11Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you. May God our Father and Jesus Christ send us back to you again.
12And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: This is Christian love that truth brings towards one another by sharing your faith.
13To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints. The results of this is in your hearts being made strong, sinless and holy by God our Father, so that you may stand before Him guiltless on the day our Lord Jesus Christ returns. Now keep in mind that the subject here in chapters 1,2, and 3 is at the return of Christ.
I Thessalonians 4
1Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. Live as closely to God's Word as possible. "Forget mans word; it will only get you in trouble."
2For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. Speaking of the ten commandments of God.
3For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: Idolatry as well as adultery. Follow the ten commandments and Gods word; not idol teachings and traditions of men.
4That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Sanctification is purification, or holiness. Paul would teach us that the flesh body always wars with the spirit. (Always strive for the spirit to rule). "This will set you aside from the rest of the world."
5Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: To lust and desire for what is forbidden is what the heathens do. This only shows their ignorance of Gods Word. (The lust and practices of the world will never help you).
6That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. What goes around comes around! Their are no unsolved mysteries with God; and He is the avenger.
7For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. God wants us to be as pure and holy as possible; but man always comes up a little short of true holiness. (We are not perfect like God).
8He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit. He who does not try and live by the Holy Spirit, but by evil spirits, hates God!
9But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. The Thessalonians were doing just fine, and God was teaching them to love one another in Christ. (Good old brotherly love).
10And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more; Their brotherly love spread throughout the nation to all the Christian brothers and sisters and beyond.
11And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; Live a quite life, minding your own business, and doing your own work.
12That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing. Those who are not Christians will trust and respect you and you will not need to depend on others to make a living. If you have the truth and spread it around to help others, God will give you what you need to get by.
13But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. Paul is about to explain to them what happens to a Christian when they die, so when it happens, they would not be sorrowed. (This is a good thing to look forward to when we die).
14For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. If we believe that Jesus died and rose again, we must believe that when a Christian dies, God will also bring them with Him. Upon death the body returns to the dust of the earth and the spirit goes back to the Heavenly Father who gave it. (Ecclesiastes 12:7). When we are absent from this flesh body, our soul (or self), and our spirit (intellect of the soul), is present with the Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:7-8). The flesh body is no more part of us when we die.
15For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. Those who are alive when the Lord returns will not prevent (or precede), those who are dead, because the dead are already there with the Lord. Read our study topic titled: "Where are the dead."
16For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: At the last trump (7th trump), the dead in Christ of course will rise first because they are already there.
17Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. As "gathered like a cloud" is used as a statement. "Like a cloud of locust" or "cloud of witnesses." (Hebrews 12:1). Now, what about the ones which are alive to meet the Lord in the air? We must go back to the original Greek to translate air which is (Aer = Breathe, Strong's 109 Greek Dictionary), prime from (Psucho = To Breathe, 5594) prime from (Psuche = Breath or Spirit, 5590) prime from (Pneuma = Spirit or Breath of Life, 4151). When Christ returns at the seventh trump, we will be changed into our spirit bodies to meet him. (This is not a rapture of the church as many believe). "This is a gathering back to Christ." Do not be deceived with false doctrine!
18Wherefore comfort one another with these words. Comfort and encourage each other with this news. The words of truth; not a bunch of fables and traditions of men.
I Thessalonians 5
1But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. The times and seasons when the Lord will return.
2For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. Jesus will come as a thief in the night. So, we need to remain on guard and not spiritually asleep. (Study the word and you will know what is going to happen in the end times).
3For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. Those who are saying everything is quite well and peaceful along with the misled and ignorant, will not escape. Destruction will fall upon them suddenly. Who will bring in this cry for peace and safety? The one world order and one world religious system.
4But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. You are not in darkness about these matters, but rather you know what is going to happen. You will not be surprised as by a thief when the day of the Lord comes.
5Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. We are children of the light because Christ is the light. "Christ has no darkness in Him." Satan is a child of the night and darkness. (He is the dark one).
6Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. Know Gods Word. "Be on watch for His return."
7For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. i.e. When you fall into the darkness of ignorance, you will fall away from God, just as a drunk in the night. (Don't let the darkness take you over).
8But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. Let us who live in the light stay on guard; protected by the Gospel armor of God. (Ephesians 6:11-17).
9For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, God has not chosen to pour out His anger upon us, but rather save us through our Lord Jesus Christ.
10Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. Christ died for us so we could live with Him forever, whether we are dead or alive. "We can live in Christ and dwell with Him."
11Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. Encourage each other and help each other out in the Word. (Never hold on to a truth for yourself, share it with others so they may also benefit).
12And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; Speaking of those who work hard and are skilled in the Word. They can warn you against what is wrong, and make you aware of false teachings.
13And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves. Love them for the work they do. We can all find peace in the Word of God if we let the Word do the correcting and not man. (God's word has its own special way of correcting all people).
14Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. Warn the lazy, comfort the frightened, take care of the weak, and be patient with everyone. (Qualities of a good Christian teacher).
15See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. Do not pay back evil for evil, but rather try to do good towards each other. (All people).
16Rejoice evermore. Always be joyful. "A smile goes a long way."
17Pray without ceasing. Always keep on praying. Even if you do not always get what you pray for, our Heavenly Father knows what you need. (Our Heavenly Father loves when you call on Him, even just to talk).
18In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will concerning you who belong to Jesus Christ.
19Quench not the Spirit. "Do not smother the Holy Spirit." This can also refer to the unpardonable sin spoke of in (Luke 12:10-12). Refusing to let the Holy Spirit speak through you if you are delivered up against the antichrist. (Let the spirit speak for you).
20Despise not prophesyings. Do not scoff at those who prophesy, but on the other hand; don't listen to a fool either. (Always check them out with God's Word).
21Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Test everything that is said to be sure it is true. Again, check it out with the Word and stay focused on what is good.
22Abstain from all appearance of evil. "Stay away from evil things."
23And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Try to stay focused on Gods Word and live the best you can. Then you will be blameless at the Lord's return. (God only wants you to try your best to be a good person).
24Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. God called you to become His child and He will do all this for you just as He promised. "Know that He will return." He is coming soon!
25Brethren, pray for us. Pray for others as well as yourself.
26Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss. Always greet others with Christian love. "Praise the Lord," is a popular greeting among most Christians.
27I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren. I command you to read this letter to all Christians, or to all that will listen.
28The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. May the grace of God be with you. Amen.
Keep The Faith,
Bart