Introduction
The first Epistle to the Thessalonians is a letter of simplicity, gentleness and affection. It was written by Paul from Corinth shortly after his departure from Thessalonica in early A.D 51 (Acts 18:5; 1 Thess 3:6). It was probably among the earliest of Paul’s inspired writings. Thessalonica was Roman free city and the capital of the province of Macedonia. It was a port city and was on the main east-west Roman highway. Today this city is known by the name, Salonika. Paul visited Thessalonica on his second missionary journey and preached the gospel in the synagogue for three successive Sabbaths (Act 17:1-9). It was during his visit that the light of the gospel reached this pagan city. Paul used every opportunity to reach people with the gospel of Christ. Thus the church was established. When Paul proved that Jesus of Nazareth is the promised Messiah, the unbelieving Jews incited a riot in the city. Because of the violent persecution, Paul was sent away to Berea for his personal safety. Paul wanted to visit them again but Satan hindered him (2:17-18). When Paul was in Athens, he sent Timothy to help this rapidly growing church (3:1-6). It is evidently in response to Timothy’s reports that Paul wrote this letter. The purpose of writing this letter was to commend the church for their steadfast faith and love in the Lord (3:6). They became example to all believers in Macedonia and Achaia (1:7). In addition, Paul wanted to admonish them of the importance of personal holiness. He also warns the church of the danger of immoral practices of the heathens (4:1-8). Also Paul wanted to instruct them concerning the Lord’s return and correct them about the erroneous ideas concerning the resurrection of the dead and the coming of Christ (4:13-18). This epistle is a source of great comfort to all believers.
Chapter 1
Greetings and Thanksgiving: 1 Thess 1:1.
Paul begins the epistle with standard greetings. Out or the nine letters Paul wrote to churches, this letter is considered the first one. Paul includes the names of Silvanus and Timothy in his greeting to the church. They were Paul’s fellow workers. Paul always recognizes the fellow workers in his letters and ministry. We must follow his example in our ministry. Timothy was a son in the faith and like-minded fellow worker (Phil 2:20; 1 Tim 1:2). Silvanus was the Latin form of the Semitic name “Silas”. He was a Jew as well as a Roman citizen (Act 16:37). He served Christ faithfully, enduring hardship for Christ (Acts 16:22-25). Suffering for Jesus is to suffer with Jesus (Mat 28:20; Isaiah 63:9; Heb 13:5). This letter was addressed to the church of Thessalonica. The church belongs to God and is made up of born again believers (Acts 17:2-4). The word “Church” is used over 100 times in the New Testament and never refers to a building. Since Paul was in Thessalonica for less than a month, it is probable that believers were baptized immediately after their conversion like the Philippian jailor (Acts 16:33-34). Paul wishes them grace and peace from God. Paul begins and ends the epistle with grace (5:28). Grace is the heartbeat of the gospel. Grace always precedes peace and they come from God. Grace is the unmerited favor from God which we don’t deserve. Peace is the holy restfulness God gives in difficult circumstances. Christ is the prince of peace. The grace of God produced in the Thessalonians a steadfast hope in Christ that sustained their faith and labor of love.
Thanksgiving and Praise: 1 Thess 1:2.
Paul and his fellow workers are thankful for the church of Thessalonica. Paul thanked God for their work of faith, labor of love and their steadfastness of hope in the Lord Jesus Christ. Thanksgiving is the highest spiritual exercise of memory (Psalms 103:1-3). Faith, love and hope are the essential Christian virtues (5:8; 1 Cor 13:13; Gal 5:5-6).
Work of Faith: 1 Thess 1:3.
Christian life begins in faith in Christ, grows in love for Christ and completes in hope in the appearance of Christ. Their faith in Christ is evidenced by turning from idols to serve the living God (1:9). It produced results. They received the Gospel, in much affliction with joy of the Holy Spirit (1:6). Faith trusts in the promises of God in spite of consequences. Without faith it is impossible to pleases God (Heb 11:6). Our object of faith is Christ. The true faith is entrusting our lives and plans entirely to God with no agenda of our own. Faith is the starting point that leads to faithfulness in everything. Someone has said "Thank you is the language of faith". Jesus gave thanks to his Father always. Faith in Christ saves and transforms life. Thessalonians were faithful in their work for the Lord. Their faith was manifested in obedience. Faith gave them assurance about the things they believed but never had seen (Heb 11:1). May the Lord help us to return to our work of faith before the lamp-stand (church) is removed from its place.
Labor of Love:1:3.
Paul thanked the Lord for their labor of love. Their faith in Christ enabled them to abound in the labor of love. Faith and love are closely related. Only the genuine faith in Christ can lead to the labor of love. We love God because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). God manifested His love by sending His son into the world to die on our behalf (1 John 4:9). Only when we look at the cross of Christ we understand the wonder of God’s love. “There is no love like the love of a dying Savior”. We know that God loves us, because he sent his Son to save us. He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our heart with his love (Rom 5:5). Christ loved us and gave himself for us (Ephesians 5:25). Christ loved us so much that he was willingly endured the cross despising the shame (Heb 12:2). We ought to love him because we the fruit of his labor (Isaiah 53:11). Our labor of love is not in vain and will not suffer loss at the judgment seat of Christ (1 Cor 3:14-15; 15:58). Love is everything, because without it everything is nothing. Without love, all our labor, worship, service and sacrifices are empty (1 Cor 13:1-3). If we use our gifts without love, Paul says, "I am nothing; I do nothing; I gain nothing". "Labor of love" will never say “It is vain to serve God” (Malachi 3:14). God knows us and loves us through and through. Labor carries the idea of “work to the point of exhaustion”. Paul wrote “I labored more abundantly than all apostles; yet it was not I but the grace of God which was with me (1 Cor 15:10). The labor of love is serving God faithfully. Paul was motivated by the love of Christ to serve others (2 Cor 5:14). Pray that God would fill our hearts with his overflowing love to serve others.
Patience of Hope: 1:3.
The work of faith and the labor of love and the steadfast hope are the positive response to the gospel (1:5-9). They are the essential characteristics of Christian life. These three operate together and cannot operate one without the other (1 Cor 13:14). Hope is the confident expectation of what we are ultimately going to experience in Christ. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied (1 Cor 15:19). Without hope, we have no sense of joy, fulfillment, purpose or life. Scholars suggest that there are about 158 verses in the Bible that address hope. Faith is our attitude towards God. Love is everything that is true of God, including his wrath. If God is not angry with sin, we would have to question His love. The church of Thessalonica was facing persecution from Jews (1:6; 2:14; 3:5). But they had their hope in the return of Christ and drew comfort from it. The hope of Christ’s return gave them strength to endure affliction in the world (John 14:1-4). No persecution can stop our hope in Christ. Labor of love pleases God. The patience of hope produces steadfastness in our Christian life. Hope comes from knowing that Jesus will faithfully bring us safely into his heavenly kingdom (2 Pet 1:11). Pray that God would give us comfort and strengthen us with hope (2 Tim 4:18).Thank God for the hope we have in Christ and for the wonderful assurance of eternal life.
Beloved Brethren and Chosen by God: 1 Thes 1:4.
Paul knows that the Thessalonians are the beloved and chosen people of God. God had chosen them and called them through the preaching of the gospel. The fact of election cannot be known until after a person has been saved. Paul recognized that Thessalonians were chosen by God by their positive response to the gospel (1:5-9). God in his own sovereign will set his love on Israel and chosen them (Deut 7:6-8). We do not deserve God’s love (Rom 5:6-10). Yet God loves us with his everlasting love in Christ (Jer 31:3; Ephesians 1:4). In the same way the New Testament believers are the chosen people of God (1:4; 2 Thess 2:13, 14). There is no hope of salvation unless God has chosen us through the preaching of the gospel. God does not make one person evil and another one good. God never created anyone for destruction. Men fit themselves for destruction by rejecting the gospel and God’s mercy (Rom 9:22). The sinners are saved by believing in Jesus Christ (Rom 9:24). This is something that God does in his wisdom and natural man can never understand it (1 Cor 2:14). Not understanding trinity and virgin birth does not mean it is not true. Foreknowledge is God’s intimate knowledge of those who believe Him. God knows his own (John 10:27; 2 Tim 2:19). They are also chosen according to the purpose of God (Rom 9:11; Acts 9:15). Since we are in Christ, God loves us as much as he loves his Son (John 17:23). How thankful we must be for God’s great love and his salvation!
How do we know we are chosen by God? 1 Thes 1:5-10.
In Christian life nothing happened by accident. How did Thessalonians know that they were loved and chosen by God? In Chapter 1:5-9, we find the answer to that question. The gospel reached them through the preaching of Paul and Silas (Acts 16:8-10). They received the gospel when they were awakened by the Holy Spirit (1:5). The gospel is the power of God to save sinners (Rom 1:16-17; 1 Cor 2:3-4). Paul preached gospel with full conviction that it is the faithful Word of God (2 Pet 1:19; 1 Tim 1:15). Only the Holy Spirit can bring salvation and transformation in life (John 16:8; Acts 17:6). Thessalonians became imitators of Jesus Christ and the apostles (1:6). Christians are called to imitate Christ by following his steps (1 Pet 2:21-23; Mat 5:16). They received the gospel in much affliction with joy of the Holy Spirit (1:6)). Christ is the source of their joy (John 15:11). Paul rejoices that they became example for other believers in the province of Macedonia and Achaia (1:7). Their faith in God was known to all people because they turned from worshiping idols to serving the true God (1:9). Anything that becomes more important than God in life is an idol. From the very beginning this church was a Christ-centered church . Conversion produces both positive and negative results. They did not get religious but turned from idols to serve the true God. Christian character and conduct should go together. They lived in anticipation of the return of the risen and glorified Christ (1:10; 4:16). They hoped in the second coming of Christ to deliver them from the wrath to come (1:10). God's wrath is his holy aversion to all that is evil. It is essential to divine righteousness. Their faith in Christ was active and not passive, visible and not hidden. The epistle of 1 Thessalonians is a message of good news from start to finish. We are entrusted with the gospel to share it with others.
Paul begins the epistle with standard greetings. Out or the nine letters Paul wrote to churches, this letter is considered the first one. Paul includes the names of Silvanus and Timothy in his greeting to the church. They were Paul’s fellow workers. Paul always recognizes the fellow workers in his letters and ministry. We must follow his example in our ministry. Timothy was a son in the faith and like-minded fellow worker (Phil 2:20; 1 Tim 1:2). Silvanus was the Latin form of the Semitic name “Silas”. He was a Jew as well as a Roman citizen (Act 16:37). He served Christ faithfully, enduring hardship for Christ (Acts 16:22-25). Suffering for Jesus is to suffer with Jesus (Mat 28:20; Isaiah 63:9; Heb 13:5). This letter was addressed to the church of Thessalonica. The church belongs to God and is made up of born again believers (Acts 17:2-4). The word “Church” is used over 100 times in the New Testament and never refers to a building. Since Paul was in Thessalonica for less than a month, it is probable that believers were baptized immediately after their conversion like the Philippian jailor (Acts 16:33-34). Paul wishes them grace and peace from God. Paul begins and ends the epistle with grace (5:28). Grace is the heartbeat of the gospel. Grace always precedes peace and they come from God. Grace is the unmerited favor from God which we don’t deserve. Peace is the holy restfulness God gives in difficult circumstances. Christ is the prince of peace. The grace of God produced in the Thessalonians a steadfast hope in Christ that sustained their faith and labor of love.
Thanksgiving and Praise: 1 Thess 1:2.
Paul and his fellow workers are thankful for the church of Thessalonica. Paul thanked God for their work of faith, labor of love and their steadfastness of hope in the Lord Jesus Christ. Thanksgiving is the highest spiritual exercise of memory (Psalms 103:1-3). Faith, love and hope are the essential Christian virtues (5:8; 1 Cor 13:13; Gal 5:5-6).
Work of Faith: 1 Thess 1:3.
Christian life begins in faith in Christ, grows in love for Christ and completes in hope in the appearance of Christ. Their faith in Christ is evidenced by turning from idols to serve the living God (1:9). It produced results. They received the Gospel, in much affliction with joy of the Holy Spirit (1:6). Faith trusts in the promises of God in spite of consequences. Without faith it is impossible to pleases God (Heb 11:6). Our object of faith is Christ. The true faith is entrusting our lives and plans entirely to God with no agenda of our own. Faith is the starting point that leads to faithfulness in everything. Someone has said "Thank you is the language of faith". Jesus gave thanks to his Father always. Faith in Christ saves and transforms life. Thessalonians were faithful in their work for the Lord. Their faith was manifested in obedience. Faith gave them assurance about the things they believed but never had seen (Heb 11:1). May the Lord help us to return to our work of faith before the lamp-stand (church) is removed from its place.
Labor of Love:1:3.
Paul thanked the Lord for their labor of love. Their faith in Christ enabled them to abound in the labor of love. Faith and love are closely related. Only the genuine faith in Christ can lead to the labor of love. We love God because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). God manifested His love by sending His son into the world to die on our behalf (1 John 4:9). Only when we look at the cross of Christ we understand the wonder of God’s love. “There is no love like the love of a dying Savior”. We know that God loves us, because he sent his Son to save us. He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our heart with his love (Rom 5:5). Christ loved us and gave himself for us (Ephesians 5:25). Christ loved us so much that he was willingly endured the cross despising the shame (Heb 12:2). We ought to love him because we the fruit of his labor (Isaiah 53:11). Our labor of love is not in vain and will not suffer loss at the judgment seat of Christ (1 Cor 3:14-15; 15:58). Love is everything, because without it everything is nothing. Without love, all our labor, worship, service and sacrifices are empty (1 Cor 13:1-3). If we use our gifts without love, Paul says, "I am nothing; I do nothing; I gain nothing". "Labor of love" will never say “It is vain to serve God” (Malachi 3:14). God knows us and loves us through and through. Labor carries the idea of “work to the point of exhaustion”. Paul wrote “I labored more abundantly than all apostles; yet it was not I but the grace of God which was with me (1 Cor 15:10). The labor of love is serving God faithfully. Paul was motivated by the love of Christ to serve others (2 Cor 5:14). Pray that God would fill our hearts with his overflowing love to serve others.
Patience of Hope: 1:3.
The work of faith and the labor of love and the steadfast hope are the positive response to the gospel (1:5-9). They are the essential characteristics of Christian life. These three operate together and cannot operate one without the other (1 Cor 13:14). Hope is the confident expectation of what we are ultimately going to experience in Christ. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied (1 Cor 15:19). Without hope, we have no sense of joy, fulfillment, purpose or life. Scholars suggest that there are about 158 verses in the Bible that address hope. Faith is our attitude towards God. Love is everything that is true of God, including his wrath. If God is not angry with sin, we would have to question His love. The church of Thessalonica was facing persecution from Jews (1:6; 2:14; 3:5). But they had their hope in the return of Christ and drew comfort from it. The hope of Christ’s return gave them strength to endure affliction in the world (John 14:1-4). No persecution can stop our hope in Christ. Labor of love pleases God. The patience of hope produces steadfastness in our Christian life. Hope comes from knowing that Jesus will faithfully bring us safely into his heavenly kingdom (2 Pet 1:11). Pray that God would give us comfort and strengthen us with hope (2 Tim 4:18).Thank God for the hope we have in Christ and for the wonderful assurance of eternal life.
Beloved Brethren and Chosen by God: 1 Thes 1:4.
Paul knows that the Thessalonians are the beloved and chosen people of God. God had chosen them and called them through the preaching of the gospel. The fact of election cannot be known until after a person has been saved. Paul recognized that Thessalonians were chosen by God by their positive response to the gospel (1:5-9). God in his own sovereign will set his love on Israel and chosen them (Deut 7:6-8). We do not deserve God’s love (Rom 5:6-10). Yet God loves us with his everlasting love in Christ (Jer 31:3; Ephesians 1:4). In the same way the New Testament believers are the chosen people of God (1:4; 2 Thess 2:13, 14). There is no hope of salvation unless God has chosen us through the preaching of the gospel. God does not make one person evil and another one good. God never created anyone for destruction. Men fit themselves for destruction by rejecting the gospel and God’s mercy (Rom 9:22). The sinners are saved by believing in Jesus Christ (Rom 9:24). This is something that God does in his wisdom and natural man can never understand it (1 Cor 2:14). Not understanding trinity and virgin birth does not mean it is not true. Foreknowledge is God’s intimate knowledge of those who believe Him. God knows his own (John 10:27; 2 Tim 2:19). They are also chosen according to the purpose of God (Rom 9:11; Acts 9:15). Since we are in Christ, God loves us as much as he loves his Son (John 17:23). How thankful we must be for God’s great love and his salvation!
How do we know we are chosen by God? 1 Thes 1:5-10.
In Christian life nothing happened by accident. How did Thessalonians know that they were loved and chosen by God? In Chapter 1:5-9, we find the answer to that question. The gospel reached them through the preaching of Paul and Silas (Acts 16:8-10). They received the gospel when they were awakened by the Holy Spirit (1:5). The gospel is the power of God to save sinners (Rom 1:16-17; 1 Cor 2:3-4). Paul preached gospel with full conviction that it is the faithful Word of God (2 Pet 1:19; 1 Tim 1:15). Only the Holy Spirit can bring salvation and transformation in life (John 16:8; Acts 17:6). Thessalonians became imitators of Jesus Christ and the apostles (1:6). Christians are called to imitate Christ by following his steps (1 Pet 2:21-23; Mat 5:16). They received the gospel in much affliction with joy of the Holy Spirit (1:6)). Christ is the source of their joy (John 15:11). Paul rejoices that they became example for other believers in the province of Macedonia and Achaia (1:7). Their faith in God was known to all people because they turned from worshiping idols to serving the true God (1:9). Anything that becomes more important than God in life is an idol. From the very beginning this church was a Christ-centered church . Conversion produces both positive and negative results. They did not get religious but turned from idols to serve the true God. Christian character and conduct should go together. They lived in anticipation of the return of the risen and glorified Christ (1:10; 4:16). They hoped in the second coming of Christ to deliver them from the wrath to come (1:10). God's wrath is his holy aversion to all that is evil. It is essential to divine righteousness. Their faith in Christ was active and not passive, visible and not hidden. The epistle of 1 Thessalonians is a message of good news from start to finish. We are entrusted with the gospel to share it with others.
Chapter 2
Paul’s Example: 1 Thes 2:1-12.
Paul explains how they conducted themselves among Thessalonians. Their conduct was holy, just and blameless towards them (2:10). There had been accusations against Paul’s work and motives. He wants them to know that he was not preaching the gospel for money or for human approval (2:4). Paul never tried to deceive the Thessalonians with words of flattery or tried to advance his own influence over them (2:5-6). He suffered shame at Philippi and knew that this would happen again (Acts 16:20-24; 17:5). Yet they did not quit the ministry. Paul argues that if it was for money and for reputation, they would have quit the ministry. They were not preaching with any deceit or impure motives. They were purposeful and committed to the spiritual welfare of believers. They were confident that the God had entrusted this ministry to them (1 Tim 1:11-12). Being an apostle Paul could have made some demands of them. Paul believed that the gospel work should be supported by the gifts of God’s people. But Paul did not seek anything from them. He was gentle among them like a mother feeding and caring her children knowing their needs. He imitated Christ before the eyes of the watching world. Paul and companions worked hard to support themselves in order that they might not be a burden to believers. Paul’s trade was tent making (Acts 18:3). Paul did not consider it wrong to receive help from believers but did not make any demand for preaching the gospel. Paul received gift from the church of Philippi while he was at Thessalonica (Phil 4:16). He acted like a loving Father and encouraged them. They were in need of comfort in the face of opposition from Jews. Paul urges believers to live a life worthy of God who has called them to his kingdom and glory (2:12).
The Reception of the Word of God: 1 Thes 2:13-16.
Paul never stopped thanking God for the reception of the Word of God by the believers of Thessalonica. His message is the authoritative Word of god himself (2:13; 2 Tim 3:16)). They welcomed the message with open heart. They did not consider Paul’s message as mere human ideas. Paul encouraged them to grow in the faith by his teaching and examples. He was available to them when they were facing challenges in their life. Paul helped them like, fathers setting rules and boundaries to children to build conviction in their lives, so that they will make the right choices. Many people hear the Word of God but few listen (Is 53:1; Rom 10:16-21). The hearing will not profit anyone if it is not being mixed with faith (Heb 4:2). Only the Word of God makes us wise for salvation through faith in Christ (2 Tim 3:15). The church of Thessalonica became the imitator of the churches in Judea (2:14). They suffered from their own countrymen. Jews killed both the Lord Jesus and their prophets (Mat 23:34). Now they persecute apostles and forbid them to speak to the gentiles (2:16; Acts 17:1-9). By doing this they pile up their sins for the wrath to come upon them. Jesus has condemned those who hindered people from believing in Christ (Mark 9:42). Paul received the good report from Timothy that in spite of persecution they were growing in the faith. Their faith was tested and proved to be true. Someone has said “The faith that is not tested can’t be trusted”. God allows trials in life to prove and to establish us in faith. Satan brings temptations and doubts to destroy us. God promises to give us grace and strength in our trails to strengthen us (2 Cor 12:9; 1 Cor 10:13). Ask God to reveal the purpose of trails in your life so that you may bring glory to him (2 Cor 12:10). Believers are exhorted to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might to stand against the schemes of the devil (Ephesians 6:10-11).
Good Report Encourages Paul: 1 Thes 2: 17-20.
Paul was emotionally attached to Thessalonians. They were his children, his joy and crown. Paul longed to visit them and encouraged them in the faith (2:18). But Satan somehow hindered him from visiting them personally. So he sent Timothy to help them. The good report Timothy brought about them encouraged Paul. Paul assured Thessalonians of his deep love and desired to see them face to face (2;17). They are going to be his hope of joy or crown of boasting before the Lord at his coming (2:19). Scholars suggest that, this is the first time the Greek term “Parousia” is used in the New Testament. It refers for the formal visit of royalty and has become the technical term for the Second coming of Christ. It is used 18 times in the New Testament and 7 times in these two epistles. At Christ’s second coming, believers will be rewarded for their faithful service (2 Cor 5:10). The crown of rejoicing is the reward for those who win the souls (2:19). Paul says ‘For you are our glory and joy”. Pray that our hearts may be captivated by the blessed hope of Christ’s return.
Paul explains how they conducted themselves among Thessalonians. Their conduct was holy, just and blameless towards them (2:10). There had been accusations against Paul’s work and motives. He wants them to know that he was not preaching the gospel for money or for human approval (2:4). Paul never tried to deceive the Thessalonians with words of flattery or tried to advance his own influence over them (2:5-6). He suffered shame at Philippi and knew that this would happen again (Acts 16:20-24; 17:5). Yet they did not quit the ministry. Paul argues that if it was for money and for reputation, they would have quit the ministry. They were not preaching with any deceit or impure motives. They were purposeful and committed to the spiritual welfare of believers. They were confident that the God had entrusted this ministry to them (1 Tim 1:11-12). Being an apostle Paul could have made some demands of them. Paul believed that the gospel work should be supported by the gifts of God’s people. But Paul did not seek anything from them. He was gentle among them like a mother feeding and caring her children knowing their needs. He imitated Christ before the eyes of the watching world. Paul and companions worked hard to support themselves in order that they might not be a burden to believers. Paul’s trade was tent making (Acts 18:3). Paul did not consider it wrong to receive help from believers but did not make any demand for preaching the gospel. Paul received gift from the church of Philippi while he was at Thessalonica (Phil 4:16). He acted like a loving Father and encouraged them. They were in need of comfort in the face of opposition from Jews. Paul urges believers to live a life worthy of God who has called them to his kingdom and glory (2:12).
The Reception of the Word of God: 1 Thes 2:13-16.
Paul never stopped thanking God for the reception of the Word of God by the believers of Thessalonica. His message is the authoritative Word of god himself (2:13; 2 Tim 3:16)). They welcomed the message with open heart. They did not consider Paul’s message as mere human ideas. Paul encouraged them to grow in the faith by his teaching and examples. He was available to them when they were facing challenges in their life. Paul helped them like, fathers setting rules and boundaries to children to build conviction in their lives, so that they will make the right choices. Many people hear the Word of God but few listen (Is 53:1; Rom 10:16-21). The hearing will not profit anyone if it is not being mixed with faith (Heb 4:2). Only the Word of God makes us wise for salvation through faith in Christ (2 Tim 3:15). The church of Thessalonica became the imitator of the churches in Judea (2:14). They suffered from their own countrymen. Jews killed both the Lord Jesus and their prophets (Mat 23:34). Now they persecute apostles and forbid them to speak to the gentiles (2:16; Acts 17:1-9). By doing this they pile up their sins for the wrath to come upon them. Jesus has condemned those who hindered people from believing in Christ (Mark 9:42). Paul received the good report from Timothy that in spite of persecution they were growing in the faith. Their faith was tested and proved to be true. Someone has said “The faith that is not tested can’t be trusted”. God allows trials in life to prove and to establish us in faith. Satan brings temptations and doubts to destroy us. God promises to give us grace and strength in our trails to strengthen us (2 Cor 12:9; 1 Cor 10:13). Ask God to reveal the purpose of trails in your life so that you may bring glory to him (2 Cor 12:10). Believers are exhorted to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might to stand against the schemes of the devil (Ephesians 6:10-11).
Good Report Encourages Paul: 1 Thes 2: 17-20.
Paul was emotionally attached to Thessalonians. They were his children, his joy and crown. Paul longed to visit them and encouraged them in the faith (2:18). But Satan somehow hindered him from visiting them personally. So he sent Timothy to help them. The good report Timothy brought about them encouraged Paul. Paul assured Thessalonians of his deep love and desired to see them face to face (2;17). They are going to be his hope of joy or crown of boasting before the Lord at his coming (2:19). Scholars suggest that, this is the first time the Greek term “Parousia” is used in the New Testament. It refers for the formal visit of royalty and has become the technical term for the Second coming of Christ. It is used 18 times in the New Testament and 7 times in these two epistles. At Christ’s second coming, believers will be rewarded for their faithful service (2 Cor 5:10). The crown of rejoicing is the reward for those who win the souls (2:19). Paul says ‘For you are our glory and joy”. Pray that our hearts may be captivated by the blessed hope of Christ’s return.
Chapter 3
Paul’s Anxiety in Athens: 3:1-10.
Since Paul could not visit Thessalonica, he sent Timothy to encourage them. Paul always had a great burden for fellow believers (2 Cor 12:28). He feared that Satan could tempt the believers and his labor would be in vain (3:5). Timothy was sent to strengthen, to establish and to encourage the believers in the faith. Paul warned them that if the afflictions would shaken their faith, it would be evident that they never truly believed the gospel. The believers are not immune from sufferings (John 16:33; Acts 14:22). Paul was encouraged by Timothy's good news about their faith and love in Christ. Paul always worked with others servants of God and sought their help in the ministry. He considered them as brothers, ministers of God and fellow laborers. Paul was thankful for what God is doing in their lives (3:9). He also longed to see them face to face to minister what is lacking in their faith (3:10). His stay among them was brief and they still have much to learn about Christ ( Acts 17:2). This should be the earnest desire of all who are in the ministry. The true power for change comes from Christ in whom we trust. Pray that God would increase our faith in Christ to do great things for God. Our labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Paul’s Prayer and Blessing: 3:11-13.
Paul prays that the Thessalonians may be encouraged and strengthened in their Christian life. In Paul’s prayer, we see threefold request. He earnestly prays that God would direct his way back to them. His prayer was personal, particular purposeful and submissive. Prayer is not persuading God to move things on our way or overcoming God’s reluctance. It is laying hold of God’s will in life. Paul waited for God’s timing to visit them (Act 19:21; 20:1). His prayer was addressed to “God our father and our Lord Jesus”. God is not indifferent towards the object or the manner of prayer. We must pray to the Father through Christ in the Spirit ( John 14:13, 14; Jude 20). God is our Father through Jesus Christ (John 1:12). The Father and the Son are one and whatever the Father does, the Son also does (John 10:30; 5:19). In light of the imminent return of Christ, Paul prays that the Thessalonians may increase and abound in love for one another and for all people (3:12). Humanly it is impossible. Only the Lord makes our love to grow. We love God because he first loved us (1 John 4:19). God has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love (Rom 5:5). Christ sets an example for us to love one another (John 13: 34). We are commanded to love our enemies (Mat 5:44). Love covers a multitude of sin and never keeps record of wrong doings (1 Pet 4:8; 1 Cor 13:5). There is no fear in love because perfect love expels all fear (1 John 4:18). Without love our worship and sacrifices are empty and gain nothing (1 Cor 13:1-3). Only the sincere love can strengthen our hearts and keep us from sin. Paul prays that Thessalonians may be strengthened in holiness as they wait for the coming Savior. Christ is coming with all his saints. The Lord is the one ultimately make us blameless (Ephesians 5:26-27; Jude 24). Everyone who has this hope in Christ purifies himself, just as He is pure (1 John 3:3).
Since Paul could not visit Thessalonica, he sent Timothy to encourage them. Paul always had a great burden for fellow believers (2 Cor 12:28). He feared that Satan could tempt the believers and his labor would be in vain (3:5). Timothy was sent to strengthen, to establish and to encourage the believers in the faith. Paul warned them that if the afflictions would shaken their faith, it would be evident that they never truly believed the gospel. The believers are not immune from sufferings (John 16:33; Acts 14:22). Paul was encouraged by Timothy's good news about their faith and love in Christ. Paul always worked with others servants of God and sought their help in the ministry. He considered them as brothers, ministers of God and fellow laborers. Paul was thankful for what God is doing in their lives (3:9). He also longed to see them face to face to minister what is lacking in their faith (3:10). His stay among them was brief and they still have much to learn about Christ ( Acts 17:2). This should be the earnest desire of all who are in the ministry. The true power for change comes from Christ in whom we trust. Pray that God would increase our faith in Christ to do great things for God. Our labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Paul’s Prayer and Blessing: 3:11-13.
Paul prays that the Thessalonians may be encouraged and strengthened in their Christian life. In Paul’s prayer, we see threefold request. He earnestly prays that God would direct his way back to them. His prayer was personal, particular purposeful and submissive. Prayer is not persuading God to move things on our way or overcoming God’s reluctance. It is laying hold of God’s will in life. Paul waited for God’s timing to visit them (Act 19:21; 20:1). His prayer was addressed to “God our father and our Lord Jesus”. God is not indifferent towards the object or the manner of prayer. We must pray to the Father through Christ in the Spirit ( John 14:13, 14; Jude 20). God is our Father through Jesus Christ (John 1:12). The Father and the Son are one and whatever the Father does, the Son also does (John 10:30; 5:19). In light of the imminent return of Christ, Paul prays that the Thessalonians may increase and abound in love for one another and for all people (3:12). Humanly it is impossible. Only the Lord makes our love to grow. We love God because he first loved us (1 John 4:19). God has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love (Rom 5:5). Christ sets an example for us to love one another (John 13: 34). We are commanded to love our enemies (Mat 5:44). Love covers a multitude of sin and never keeps record of wrong doings (1 Pet 4:8; 1 Cor 13:5). There is no fear in love because perfect love expels all fear (1 John 4:18). Without love our worship and sacrifices are empty and gain nothing (1 Cor 13:1-3). Only the sincere love can strengthen our hearts and keep us from sin. Paul prays that Thessalonians may be strengthened in holiness as they wait for the coming Savior. Christ is coming with all his saints. The Lord is the one ultimately make us blameless (Ephesians 5:26-27; Jude 24). Everyone who has this hope in Christ purifies himself, just as He is pure (1 John 3:3).
Chapter 4
The Life that Pleases God: 4:1-5.
People often wonder how to know God’s will in their lives. The Bible clearly reveals them. God does all things according to His eternal purpose in Christ Jesus. God wants us to live a holy life (4:3; Eph 3:11). Paul refers to the Thessalonians that they are saints of God (3:13). So he urges them to live separated life in this world. It is vital to know our identity in Christ to live a life that pleases God. Paul wants them to live a life that pleases God. Paul already instructed them the importance of it while he was with them. Now he gives specific instructions about it (4:3-8). They should live a pure and holy life by abstaining from sexual immorality. Premarital and extramarital sexual relationship are not the will of God. The only sexual relationship God blesses is that of a man and woman committed to each other in marriage. The Adultery will bring irreparable damage to marriage and children. It will destroy the reputation of church and the testimony of Christ. Adultery is a sin against God. Thessalonians came out of a corrupt culture and they were in need of clear instructions in this area. Paul compares our body to a vessel of clay set apart for God’s use (2 Tim 2:20-21). The believers should control their bodies in holiness and honor. They are chosen to be holy and without blame before Him in love (Eph 1:4). The Holy Spirit and the Word of God are given for our sanctification (2 Thess 2:13; John 17:17). They are commanded to flee from sexual immorality (1 Cor 6:18). The more we are controlled by the Holy Spirit, the less likely we will be given to sexual temptations (Rom 13:14; 2 Cor10:5; Gal 5:1). Ask God to give a desire and strength to live a holy life.
Continue in Brotherly Love: 4:6-12.
Knowing God’s will gives meaning and purpose to life. Christians should not cheat a brother by committing adultery with his wife (Ex 20:17). God will judge them for such sin. For God has called us to be holy and not to live in impurity (4:7). To be holy means to be different and pure in God’s sight. Anyone refuses to live such life reject human rules but despises God. Paul is reminding the Thessalonians about the importance of brotherly love (4:9). They were already told that they should love one another. The emphasis here is our love and care for other believers (2 Pet 1:7). We love God because He first loved us and given us His Spirit to love others (Rom 5:5). Christ commanded to love one another (John 13:34). The mark of discipleship is love (John 13:35). Love is the bond of perfection that brings perfect harmony (Col 3:14). True love never keeps records of wrong doings (1 Cor 13:5). Paul urges believers to grow in their love more and more. We should live a quiet life, minding our own business. Paul wants them to strive to be the best workers and live properly before outsiders. Do not draw attention to yourself by your laziness. Christians should be diligent in all that they are doing. We can’t expect others to take our message seriously if they don’t see we are diligent and faithful in what we are doing. Such lifestyle will be our greatest sermon. The motivating reason for such life is God’s gracious calling and His great love for us (4:7; 2 Cor 5:14). Pray that God would give you a desire to please him and share His love with others.
The Comfort of Christ’s Return: 4:13-15.
Paul gives considerable emphasis to the second coming of Christ in his letters to Thessalonians. In this passage Paul explanations the implication of Christ’s return. He wanted to comfort the them with the words of hope. Some of them quit working and were waiting for the return of Christ. These believers were concerned about their departed ones. They wondered what happens to them. Paul does not want his readers to be uninformed about those who are asleep (4:13). The word “Sleep” is often used in the New Testament as a metaphor for death (John 11:11; Mat 9:24; 27:52). Though we all sorrow about our departed ones, we don’t sorrow like people who have no hope. The word “Hope” refers to confident expectation in the Bible rather than wishful thinking. Our hope is rooted in Christ’s bodily resurrection and his return(John 11:25). Christ is first-fruits of resurrection and those who belongs to him. The hope of resurrection is the fundamental Christian doctrine. If Christ is not risen, our faith is useless and we are still in our sin (1 Cor 15:14-19). Are you saved? Do you have this hope in Christ?
Are we Ready to Meet the Lord? 4:16-18.
Paul gives details of what will happen when Christ returns. Those who are alive will not meet Christ ahead of those who are in the grave (4:15). The living saints have no advantage over the dead at the coming of Christ. For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trump of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. So we will always be with the Lord (4:16-17). The resurrection of the dead occurs before rapture. From the word "caught up" in the Latin we get the word “rapture”. It means to snatch away by force. Christ himself will come down from heaven. It will be the fulfillment of prophecies (John 14:1-3; Acts 1:11; Phil 3:20-21). We will be caught up together to meet the Lord in the air. Satan is the prince of the power of the air (Eph 2:2). Christ destroyed Satan’s power by His death and resurrection (Heb 2:14). Nobody can stop our Lord from returning to receive his own. Christ is coming with a commanding shout. This is the shout of authority and power over sin and death (John 11:43). Christ is coming with the voice of an archangel. Michael the archangel contented with devil when he argued about Moses’ body (Jude 1:9). The voice of the archangel will silence all Satan’s accusations. He is the accuser of the brethren (Rev 12:10). Christ is also coming with the sound of the trumpet of God. In the Old Testament trumpets were sounded to gather Israel (Numbers 10:1-3). What a glorious day when believers will meet their Lord in the air to be with him forever! Paul points out that the Thessalonians should comfort and encourage one another with these words. This is our blessed hope. We will be reunited with Christ and our departed ones (4:18). This is also the purifying and challenging hope (Titus 2:13; 1 John 3:1-3; 2:28; 1 Cor 15:58). Do you have this hope in Christ?
People often wonder how to know God’s will in their lives. The Bible clearly reveals them. God does all things according to His eternal purpose in Christ Jesus. God wants us to live a holy life (4:3; Eph 3:11). Paul refers to the Thessalonians that they are saints of God (3:13). So he urges them to live separated life in this world. It is vital to know our identity in Christ to live a life that pleases God. Paul wants them to live a life that pleases God. Paul already instructed them the importance of it while he was with them. Now he gives specific instructions about it (4:3-8). They should live a pure and holy life by abstaining from sexual immorality. Premarital and extramarital sexual relationship are not the will of God. The only sexual relationship God blesses is that of a man and woman committed to each other in marriage. The Adultery will bring irreparable damage to marriage and children. It will destroy the reputation of church and the testimony of Christ. Adultery is a sin against God. Thessalonians came out of a corrupt culture and they were in need of clear instructions in this area. Paul compares our body to a vessel of clay set apart for God’s use (2 Tim 2:20-21). The believers should control their bodies in holiness and honor. They are chosen to be holy and without blame before Him in love (Eph 1:4). The Holy Spirit and the Word of God are given for our sanctification (2 Thess 2:13; John 17:17). They are commanded to flee from sexual immorality (1 Cor 6:18). The more we are controlled by the Holy Spirit, the less likely we will be given to sexual temptations (Rom 13:14; 2 Cor10:5; Gal 5:1). Ask God to give a desire and strength to live a holy life.
Continue in Brotherly Love: 4:6-12.
Knowing God’s will gives meaning and purpose to life. Christians should not cheat a brother by committing adultery with his wife (Ex 20:17). God will judge them for such sin. For God has called us to be holy and not to live in impurity (4:7). To be holy means to be different and pure in God’s sight. Anyone refuses to live such life reject human rules but despises God. Paul is reminding the Thessalonians about the importance of brotherly love (4:9). They were already told that they should love one another. The emphasis here is our love and care for other believers (2 Pet 1:7). We love God because He first loved us and given us His Spirit to love others (Rom 5:5). Christ commanded to love one another (John 13:34). The mark of discipleship is love (John 13:35). Love is the bond of perfection that brings perfect harmony (Col 3:14). True love never keeps records of wrong doings (1 Cor 13:5). Paul urges believers to grow in their love more and more. We should live a quiet life, minding our own business. Paul wants them to strive to be the best workers and live properly before outsiders. Do not draw attention to yourself by your laziness. Christians should be diligent in all that they are doing. We can’t expect others to take our message seriously if they don’t see we are diligent and faithful in what we are doing. Such lifestyle will be our greatest sermon. The motivating reason for such life is God’s gracious calling and His great love for us (4:7; 2 Cor 5:14). Pray that God would give you a desire to please him and share His love with others.
The Comfort of Christ’s Return: 4:13-15.
Paul gives considerable emphasis to the second coming of Christ in his letters to Thessalonians. In this passage Paul explanations the implication of Christ’s return. He wanted to comfort the them with the words of hope. Some of them quit working and were waiting for the return of Christ. These believers were concerned about their departed ones. They wondered what happens to them. Paul does not want his readers to be uninformed about those who are asleep (4:13). The word “Sleep” is often used in the New Testament as a metaphor for death (John 11:11; Mat 9:24; 27:52). Though we all sorrow about our departed ones, we don’t sorrow like people who have no hope. The word “Hope” refers to confident expectation in the Bible rather than wishful thinking. Our hope is rooted in Christ’s bodily resurrection and his return(John 11:25). Christ is first-fruits of resurrection and those who belongs to him. The hope of resurrection is the fundamental Christian doctrine. If Christ is not risen, our faith is useless and we are still in our sin (1 Cor 15:14-19). Are you saved? Do you have this hope in Christ?
Are we Ready to Meet the Lord? 4:16-18.
Paul gives details of what will happen when Christ returns. Those who are alive will not meet Christ ahead of those who are in the grave (4:15). The living saints have no advantage over the dead at the coming of Christ. For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trump of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. So we will always be with the Lord (4:16-17). The resurrection of the dead occurs before rapture. From the word "caught up" in the Latin we get the word “rapture”. It means to snatch away by force. Christ himself will come down from heaven. It will be the fulfillment of prophecies (John 14:1-3; Acts 1:11; Phil 3:20-21). We will be caught up together to meet the Lord in the air. Satan is the prince of the power of the air (Eph 2:2). Christ destroyed Satan’s power by His death and resurrection (Heb 2:14). Nobody can stop our Lord from returning to receive his own. Christ is coming with a commanding shout. This is the shout of authority and power over sin and death (John 11:43). Christ is coming with the voice of an archangel. Michael the archangel contented with devil when he argued about Moses’ body (Jude 1:9). The voice of the archangel will silence all Satan’s accusations. He is the accuser of the brethren (Rev 12:10). Christ is also coming with the sound of the trumpet of God. In the Old Testament trumpets were sounded to gather Israel (Numbers 10:1-3). What a glorious day when believers will meet their Lord in the air to be with him forever! Paul points out that the Thessalonians should comfort and encourage one another with these words. This is our blessed hope. We will be reunited with Christ and our departed ones (4:18). This is also the purifying and challenging hope (Titus 2:13; 1 John 3:1-3; 2:28; 1 Cor 15:58). Do you have this hope in Christ?
Chapter 5
The Day of the Lord: 1 Thes 5:1-11.
Paul points out that whether we live or die in Christ, we who are in Christ will live with him forever. Christ will come like a thief in the night unexpectedly. Paul identifies the Old Testament Day of the Lord with the second coming of Christ. Paul first focuses on the negative aspects of the Day of the Lord. It will be a time of judgment and destruction for unbelievers. Only the Father knows the time of Christ's coming (Mat 24:36). It will surprise the unbelievers and will be like the day of Noah. Paul also compares this to a woman’s labor pain. People are saying, there is peace and security, then suddenly destruction will come upon them. Paul says that the destruction of the Day of the Lord will be sudden and certain, and there will be no escape. But for believers, the Day of the Lord will not scare them. It does not apply to believers because they are children of light and of the day (5:5). Paul admonishes them to be on their guard and be sober minded . Meanwhile Christians should take advantage of every opportunity to serve Jesus Christ. God who saved us is not destined us for the wrath to come but to obtain salvation through Jesus Christ (5:9). Christ died to save us and his resurrection is the basis of our hope (5:10). Christ’s death and His resurrection guarantee that we will live with him forever (John 14:19). Paul urges believers to encourage one another with these words and build them up in the faith (Rom 14:19). This happens only through prayer, fellowship and worship among the believers. Ask God to give you a hunger for His word.
Paul’ final Exhortations: 1 Thess 5:12-15.
Paul ends his epistle with several instructions. He calls believers the term “brethren” indicating their family relationship. Ministry not motivated by love and affection is ineffective. Paul asks readers to know and appreciate the leadership in the church. They should be esteemed highly and loved for their work among them. They are worthy of double honor (1 Tim 5:17). He sums up the Christian responsibility in verses 14 and 15. They should warn the idle and encourage the fainthearted. They should help the weak and to show patience to all (5:14). They should warn those who are unruly and lazy. Unruly believers are disorderly and follow their own traditions and selfish ideas (2 Thess 3:6, 11). They should be patient towards all people. Never pay back evil with evil but always seek to do good to each other and to everyone (5:14-15). Overcome evil with good (Rom 12:21).
Have an Attitude of Gratitude: 1 Thes 5:16-18.
Paul encourages believers to have a Christ-like attitude. Christians should rejoice always. No matter what happens, God wants us to rejoice recognizing that He is in control. He is our Lord and nothing can separate us from His love (Rom 8:38-39). God works all things together for his glory and our good (Rom 8:28). God has a purpose when he allows trials in our life (2 Cor 12:10). God has given His Word so that our joy may be full (John 15:11; 1 John 1:4). Apostles rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer for Christ (Acts 5:41). Paul says, "We are sorrowful, yet always rejoicing and making many spiritually rich"
(2 Cor 6:10). We are commanded to rejoice always in the Lord (Phil 4:4). Christians should pray without ceasing (5:17). Prayer is our lifeline to God. God is not indifferent towards the object or manner of our prayer. We should pray to God through Christ in the Spirit (Mat 6:9; John 14:13-14; Jude 20). God’s ears are opened to our prayers (Palms 34:15). Christians should be a thankful people. This is the will of God in Christ Jesus (5:16-18). Give thanks in all circumstances. No matter what happens, God wants us to be thankful. It is the highest exercises of memory (Psalms 103:1-3). Thankful people are joyful people. It is the antidote for worry (Psalms 50:23; Phi 4:6). It is a sin not to be thankful (Rom 1:21). Praising God is music to our soul. Be thankful for what God has done in our lives. It encourages and energizes fellow believers (Psalms 147). One of the marks of last days is ingratitude (2 Tim 3:2). God not only commands us what to do; he also gives us the power to do it.
Paul’s Warnings: 1 Thes 5:19-22.
God does not merely save our souls to take us to heaven but he changes us inside out by his Spirit to do his will. Paul warns the Thessalonians about their responsibilities. Do not quench the Spirit. God has given us spiritual gifts. When we fail to use these gifts for the edification of believers, we are quenching the Spirit. It is parallel to despising prophecies. A clean hand and pure heart are prerequisite to used of God (Psalms 24:3). When we grieve the Holy Spirit by living in sin. Those who scoff or belittle the ministry of the Word will not be blessed. Prophecy refers to sound teaching of the Word of God. Paul encourages to test all things and do what is good. We are told to test the spirits (1 John 4:1). This is done by applying the spiritual principles already given in the Bible. Christians should keep away from every kind of evil (5:22; Rom 16:19). We should not hinder the work of the Lord but test the spirit of those who claim to be religious and influence people by their teaching.
Conclusion: 1 Thes 5:23-28.
Paul concludes the epistle with prayer for Thessalonians. He commits believers to the God of peace, who alone can make them holy. Sanctification is the work of the Holy Spirit. Paul is the confidence that the God of peace is faithful to make them holy and their spirit, soul and body will be kept blameless at the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ (5:23). He prays that God would preserve them wholly from all evil. Paul was confident that God who called them is faithful and He will surely do it (1 Thess 5:24). Body gives physical consciousness, soul gives self consciousness and spirit gives God consciousness. God who saves us is faithful to keeps us from falling and present us blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy (1 Pet 1:5; Jude 24). The believers are responsible to live the Christian life. Paul requests prayer from the brethren. He greets the brethren with a holy kiss. Paul commands them to read this letter to all the brethren. Paul ends the epistle by wishing them grace from the Lord Jesus Christ. God’s grace is the saving, sustaining, strengthening, restraining and restoring grace. Have your received the saving grace of God in your life? May God bless my readers with His grace, peace and hope!
Paul points out that whether we live or die in Christ, we who are in Christ will live with him forever. Christ will come like a thief in the night unexpectedly. Paul identifies the Old Testament Day of the Lord with the second coming of Christ. Paul first focuses on the negative aspects of the Day of the Lord. It will be a time of judgment and destruction for unbelievers. Only the Father knows the time of Christ's coming (Mat 24:36). It will surprise the unbelievers and will be like the day of Noah. Paul also compares this to a woman’s labor pain. People are saying, there is peace and security, then suddenly destruction will come upon them. Paul says that the destruction of the Day of the Lord will be sudden and certain, and there will be no escape. But for believers, the Day of the Lord will not scare them. It does not apply to believers because they are children of light and of the day (5:5). Paul admonishes them to be on their guard and be sober minded . Meanwhile Christians should take advantage of every opportunity to serve Jesus Christ. God who saved us is not destined us for the wrath to come but to obtain salvation through Jesus Christ (5:9). Christ died to save us and his resurrection is the basis of our hope (5:10). Christ’s death and His resurrection guarantee that we will live with him forever (John 14:19). Paul urges believers to encourage one another with these words and build them up in the faith (Rom 14:19). This happens only through prayer, fellowship and worship among the believers. Ask God to give you a hunger for His word.
Paul’ final Exhortations: 1 Thess 5:12-15.
Paul ends his epistle with several instructions. He calls believers the term “brethren” indicating their family relationship. Ministry not motivated by love and affection is ineffective. Paul asks readers to know and appreciate the leadership in the church. They should be esteemed highly and loved for their work among them. They are worthy of double honor (1 Tim 5:17). He sums up the Christian responsibility in verses 14 and 15. They should warn the idle and encourage the fainthearted. They should help the weak and to show patience to all (5:14). They should warn those who are unruly and lazy. Unruly believers are disorderly and follow their own traditions and selfish ideas (2 Thess 3:6, 11). They should be patient towards all people. Never pay back evil with evil but always seek to do good to each other and to everyone (5:14-15). Overcome evil with good (Rom 12:21).
Have an Attitude of Gratitude: 1 Thes 5:16-18.
Paul encourages believers to have a Christ-like attitude. Christians should rejoice always. No matter what happens, God wants us to rejoice recognizing that He is in control. He is our Lord and nothing can separate us from His love (Rom 8:38-39). God works all things together for his glory and our good (Rom 8:28). God has a purpose when he allows trials in our life (2 Cor 12:10). God has given His Word so that our joy may be full (John 15:11; 1 John 1:4). Apostles rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer for Christ (Acts 5:41). Paul says, "We are sorrowful, yet always rejoicing and making many spiritually rich"
(2 Cor 6:10). We are commanded to rejoice always in the Lord (Phil 4:4). Christians should pray without ceasing (5:17). Prayer is our lifeline to God. God is not indifferent towards the object or manner of our prayer. We should pray to God through Christ in the Spirit (Mat 6:9; John 14:13-14; Jude 20). God’s ears are opened to our prayers (Palms 34:15). Christians should be a thankful people. This is the will of God in Christ Jesus (5:16-18). Give thanks in all circumstances. No matter what happens, God wants us to be thankful. It is the highest exercises of memory (Psalms 103:1-3). Thankful people are joyful people. It is the antidote for worry (Psalms 50:23; Phi 4:6). It is a sin not to be thankful (Rom 1:21). Praising God is music to our soul. Be thankful for what God has done in our lives. It encourages and energizes fellow believers (Psalms 147). One of the marks of last days is ingratitude (2 Tim 3:2). God not only commands us what to do; he also gives us the power to do it.
Paul’s Warnings: 1 Thes 5:19-22.
God does not merely save our souls to take us to heaven but he changes us inside out by his Spirit to do his will. Paul warns the Thessalonians about their responsibilities. Do not quench the Spirit. God has given us spiritual gifts. When we fail to use these gifts for the edification of believers, we are quenching the Spirit. It is parallel to despising prophecies. A clean hand and pure heart are prerequisite to used of God (Psalms 24:3). When we grieve the Holy Spirit by living in sin. Those who scoff or belittle the ministry of the Word will not be blessed. Prophecy refers to sound teaching of the Word of God. Paul encourages to test all things and do what is good. We are told to test the spirits (1 John 4:1). This is done by applying the spiritual principles already given in the Bible. Christians should keep away from every kind of evil (5:22; Rom 16:19). We should not hinder the work of the Lord but test the spirit of those who claim to be religious and influence people by their teaching.
Conclusion: 1 Thes 5:23-28.
Paul concludes the epistle with prayer for Thessalonians. He commits believers to the God of peace, who alone can make them holy. Sanctification is the work of the Holy Spirit. Paul is the confidence that the God of peace is faithful to make them holy and their spirit, soul and body will be kept blameless at the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ (5:23). He prays that God would preserve them wholly from all evil. Paul was confident that God who called them is faithful and He will surely do it (1 Thess 5:24). Body gives physical consciousness, soul gives self consciousness and spirit gives God consciousness. God who saves us is faithful to keeps us from falling and present us blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy (1 Pet 1:5; Jude 24). The believers are responsible to live the Christian life. Paul requests prayer from the brethren. He greets the brethren with a holy kiss. Paul commands them to read this letter to all the brethren. Paul ends the epistle by wishing them grace from the Lord Jesus Christ. God’s grace is the saving, sustaining, strengthening, restraining and restoring grace. Have your received the saving grace of God in your life? May God bless my readers with His grace, peace and hope!
