Thessalonica was a significant city and capital of the Roman province of Macedonia. It is currently located in Greece. Acts 17:1-8 tells the story of Paul’s visit to the city. According to Luke, the author of Acts, a number of people came to Christ during the apostle’s visit to Thessalonica. This, however, stirred up the jealousy of the Jews and Paul was compelled to leave. Despite this difficult beginning, the church in Thessalonica would become an example to believers in both Macedonia and Achaia (1 Thessalonians 1:6-8).
Paul was concerned about the Thessalonica and sent Timothy to inquire about their wellbeing. This letter was written after Timothy returned and gave his report to Paul (1 Thessalonians 3:6). Paul writes to express his gratitude to God for the Thessalonians and their witness, and to encourage them to persevere in their faith. He warns them about sexual immorality (1 Thessalonians 4:3-7) and challenges them to grow in their demonstration of brotherly love (1 Thessalonians 4:9-12).
It appears that the Thessalonians had questions about the resurrection and those who died in the Lord. Paul takes a moment here to clarify this truth and shares with them a word about the return of the Lord Jesus. Knowing the Saviour will return like a thief in the night, Paul exhorts the believers in Thessalonica to live each day in expectation.
Chapter 1
Select Verse:
Verse 1
This letter was written to the church of the Thessalonians. Paul visited Thessalonica and spoke in the synagogue on the Sabbath about Jesus Christ. While in the city, the apostle convinced some Greeks to follow the Saviour, but the Jews stirred up a mob against him, forcing him to leave (see Acts 17:1-8). It appears that despite this humble beginning, that was the start of an important work of God in the city. Paul reconnects with the established church as a result of this letter.
Note that the letter is from Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy. Silvanus is the Latin form of the name Silas. Most commentators agree that Silvanus and Silas are the same person. In Acts 15, Paul and Barnabas parted company. Barnabas chose John Mark as his traveling companion, while Paul chose Silas (Silvanus).
(39) And there arose a sharp disagreement so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, (40), but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. (41) And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. – Acts 15:39-41 ESV
Silvanus then was a longtime traveling partner of Paul.
Paul would meet Timothy on his missionary journey in Lystra. He was a young man with an excellent reputation among the people of the region. The apostle determined he would be an excellent ministry partner and invited him to accompany him and Silvanus (see Acts 16:1-5).
Paul begins his letter by sending his greetings from himself, Silvanus and Timothy. In this greeting, the apostle recognized the church of Thessalonica to be “in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” That is to say, it was a genuine church that walked in fellowship with the Father and the Son.
The apostle wishes these believers the grace or unmerited favour of the Lord and peace with God. Of course, this peace with God is not just through the work of the Lord Jesus but also with one another, for there can be no true peace with God unless there is peace with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Verse 2
The apostle begins by telling the Thessalonians he did two things regularly for them.
First, he always gave thanks to God for them. The word always does not mean that every time he prayed, he thanked God for the Thessalonians, but rather, whenever he thought of them, he was always thankful to God for their life and example and gave God thanks.
Second, Paul assured the Thessalonians that he constantly mentioned them in his prayers. The word mentioned is μνεία (mneía) and speaks of recollecting or remembering. Not all prayer is heart-wrenching, filled with tears and agony. Paul brings the names of these believers to God and commits them to His keeping. He does this on a regular and consistent basis.
Verse 3
Notice why Paul was thankful to the Lord for the Thessalonians. He gives three reasons here.
First, Paul remembered the work of faith demonstrated by the Thessalonian believers. The word translated work here is ἐˊργον (érgon) and refers to employment, the fruit of one’s effort or possibly even the effort itself. Notice that the work referred to here is a work of faith. That is to say, their relationship with Jesus Christ and the Father produced visible fruit.
Second, Paul was also thankful for the Thessalonian “labour of love.” The word labour is κόπος kópos and means to cut down, to strike or to beat. It refers to an intense and costly effort. The work the Thessalonians did was not easy. It required a sacrifice of themselves. What caused them to be beaten, struck down or to pay the high price necessary? Paul recognized it was a labour of love. In other words, love for Christ and His people drove these Thessalonians on. They endured long hours, strain and hardship out of love for God and His people.
Third, Paul was grateful for the “steadfastness of hope” demonstrated by the Thessalonian church. Note that this hope was in “our Lord Jesus Christ.” Life was not always easy. These men and women struggle in their labours for the Lord. There were sacrifices to make. Through all this, they found strength in the truth Paul had taught them. They trusted the words of the Lord Jesus and waited upon Him. They did not lose faith in the promise of Christ but trusted Him no matter what arose.
The apostle Paul had every reason to thank God for these Thessalonian believers.
Verse 4
Paul has three things to say about the Thessalonians here.
First, note that he calls them brothers. The word ἀδελφός (adelphós) comes from the word delphús meaning womb. The idea was that brothers shared the same womb. The word expanded to refer to those who share the same experience or society. Brothers are those who have a common bond. In this case, the bond is the Lord Jesus and their relationship with Him. Paul recognizes the bond he had with the believers in Thessalonica through the person of Jesus Christ.
Second, the Thessalonians were loved by God. There is a general sense in which God loves the entire world. The love Paul speaks about here, however, is deeper than this and is demonstrated in the third characteristic Paul expresses here.
The third characteristic of the Thessalonian believers was that God chose them. The word translated chosen is ἐκλογή (eklogḗ) and is translated as election in the King James Version of the Bible. It refers to a choice made by God. In this case, the choice of God was to reach down, forgive the believers of Thessalonica, and draw them into a relationship with Himself.
Verse 5
Paul explains his bond with the Thessalonians in more detail in this verse.
Note first the phrase “our gospel.” The word “our” can be confusing. Paul is not saying that the gospel belonged to him or originated with him. The word “our” shows us how the Thessalonians heard the message of the gospel for the first time. It was the gospel presented to them by Paul and his co-workers. In other words, Paul says something like this: “The gospel we presented to you.”
Note what Paul tells the Thessalonians about the gospel he presented to them.
First, the gospel did not come in word only. Paul was not just a teacher of philosophy and doctrines. The gospel is not just a new way of thinking. Many like the idea of a God who would send His Son to die for sinful humanity. While this is, in essence, the gospel’s message, if we stop there, we miss the whole point. The gospel is much more than doctrines and truths.
Second, the gospel came with power and conviction in the Holy Spirit. The message of the gospel is life-changing when it is accompanied by the convicting work of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is pleased to work in the proclamation of the gospel to bring conviction of sin and hope of forgiveness. The seed of the gospel truth and the light and water of the Spirit produce new life. This is what took place in Thessalonica. The seed of the word planted by the apostle was given life by the Spirit and transformed the lives of the Thessalonians.
Paul concludes the verse with the words, “You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.” While the message of the gospel is life-changing, bringing that message is not an easy task. In the case of Paul and his co-workers, the message came to Thessalonica with great difficulty. Paul had been forced to leave the city of Thessalonica because of the opposition of the Jews (see Acts 17:1-8). Despite the opposition in Thessalonica, the apostles faithfully presented the gospel to them in the power of God’s Spirit. Paul and his co-workers demonstrated passion for the Thessalonian’s souls and even now were following up on their spiritual growth. They proved their sincere character and genuine love for the Thessalonians.
Verse 6
The apostles not only preached the gospel among the Thessalonians but demonstrated what that gospel looked like in the life of one who has been transformed by it. The Thessalonians saw this godly example and became imitators of the apostles and their Lord. Note that the gospel is preached in both words and example. People ought to see how the salvation of Christ impacts our lives.
Paul confirms his understanding that the Thessalonians were imitators of both the apostles and the Lord, not only in character but also in suffering. It was not easy to be a Christian in Thessalonica. Paul had been forced to leave the town because of the Jewish mob. The Thessalonians did not have the option of leaving. They had to remain and live as believers. As a result, they suffered “much affliction” for their faith in Jesus Christ.
Note that while the Thessalonians were much afflicted, they endured with the joy of the Holy Spirit. It was a privilege for them to suffer for the cause of Jesus Christ. They did not back down. Despite their trial, they experienced great joy and fellowship in the Holy Spirit. They knew His peace, joy and comfort in what they endured.
Verse 7
Paul recognized that the Thessalonian believers, despite their trials and afflictions, had become and example for all believers in the region. Thessalonica was a principle city in the region of Macedonia. Corinth was a principle city in the neighbouring region of Achaia. Both of these cities are in modern day Greece.
Verse 8
Word about the faith of the Thessalonians spread from region to region. In verse 7, Paul declared that their testimony of Christ was heard throughout the provinces of Macedonian and Achaia. The apostle moves beyond this, however, to state that the Thessalonians’ reputation and faith in God had spread beyond their immediate region to distant shores, so that Paul tells them he hardly had to say anything; their testimony was sufficient.
Understand here that there was a cost involved in having such a testimony. The Thessalonian church “received the word in much affliction (verse 6).” These afflictions were their loudspeaker. Their testimony in affliction spoke volumes to people in their region and beyond. Without this affliction, their testimony may not have been heard or observed by the nations around them. God uses what we suffer to amplify the message of the gospel in us.
Verse 9
As Paul and his co-workers travelled through Macedonia, Achaia, and the surrounding regions, they heard a constant theme. People in these regions reported how they had been touched by how the Thessalonians welcomed the apostles and received their message.
Understand that not everyone in Thessalonica received the apostles. The Jews actually formed a mob and drove them out of the city. There was, however, a group in the city that not only received the apostles but heard their message and turned from idolatry to serve the living and true God. The gospel’s impact had been so profound on these individuals, that their lives were radically transformed. The testimony of this change spread like wildfire throughout the region.
Verse 10
Not only did the Thessalonians turn from idols to serve the living God, but Paul tells us that they also waited for His Son from heaven. Consider what the apostle John describes in Revelation 6 regarding the return of the Lord Jesus and the response of the kings of the earth to that return:
(15) Then the kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals and the rich and the powerful, and everyone, slave and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains, (16) calling to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, (17) for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?” – Revelation 6:15-17 ESV
The return of the Lord Jesus from heaven is not something everyone looks forward to seeing. For those who do not know the Lord, this will be a terrible day of judgment. The Thessalonians waited for the Son from heaven, however, with delight and great anticipation. They had experienced His salvation and knew Jesus the Son as the one who was raised from the dead and delivered them from the wrath to come. They had no fear of the Lord Jesus. He was their Saviour and Lord. Their union with Him would be joyous, and so they looked forward to the day when He would return.
Chapter 2
Select Verse:
Verse 1
Paul begins the chapter with a statement about his time in Thessalonica. According to Paul, it was not in vain. The apostle passed through the region after a time in Philippi. He met with the Jews of Thessalonica in the local synagogue and “reasoned with them from the Scriptures” (see Acts 17:2). We read that a “great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women” (Acts 17:4) were persuaded by the apostle’s teaching. This stirred up the jealousy of the Jews, and they “formed a mob” and “set the city in an uproar (Acts 17:5).” As a result of this commotion, the brothers in the city “immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night (Acts 17:10).”
While Paul and Silas were forced to leave Thessalonica because of the Jewish response to the gospel, their time proved very beneficial. A good number of Thessalonians did come to Christ, and the church was established.
Verse 2
Paul and Silas ministered in Philippi before arriving in Thessalonica. Acts 16:22-24 describe the response of the Philippians to their ministry:
(22) The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods. (23) And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely. (24) Having received this order, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. – Acts 16:19-24 ESV
Paul and Silas were healing from their wounds when they arrived in Thessalonica. Notice how Paul declares here: “We had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God amid much conflict.”
Paul’s experience in Philippi was difficult. Notice, however, that he went from being beaten and imprisoned in Philippi to declaring the same message that caused his trouble again in Thessalonica. This required a boldness Paul did not have in himself. He told the Thessalonians, however, that he experienced boldness “in our God to declare the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict.” God gave these men the boldness required to persevere. The result, of course, was establishing the church in Thessalonica. The work was not easy, but God gave them the courage to do what they would naturally not have had the strength or boldness to do.
Verse 3
Paul has just told the Thessalonians that he had suffered greatly to bring his message to them. Notice what Paul has to say about the gospel he brought to Thessalonica.
First, note how he speaks of his message as an appeal. The word used here is παράκλησις (paráklēsis). It carries the sense of exhorting, admonishing, comforting or encouraging. The word shows us something of Paul’s heart. He believed the message he proclaimed and felt a very strong need to warn, encourage and plead with the Thessalonians to turn to the Lord Jesus. The message Paul spoke came from a heart that had the well-being of the Thessalonians in mind.
Second, the gospel appeal Paul made did not spring from error. The message Paul brought to the Thessalonian church was new to them, but the apostle assured them that it was true. He was so convinced of the truth of this message that he willingly risked his life to share it with them.
Third, Paul’s message did not come from an impure heart or motive. He was not seeking any personal benefit from the Thessalonians. He was not attempting to gather a following for himself. There was no financial incentives to the apostle. Sincere motives and a deep conviction of truth moved him. His intentions toward the Thessalonian were honourable.
Finally, Paul assured the Thessalonians that he had no intention to deceive them. False prophets were willing to say anything to gain the support of those who heard them. This was not Paul’s method. He shared the truth, and sometimes that led to persecution and imprisonment, but he would not compromise the truth given to Him by Jesus Christ.
Verse 4
Paul assured the Thessalonians that he had been approve by God and entrusted by Him with the gospel message. This was, something he took seriously.
Understand here that Paul did not feel that he was qualified to be an apostle. Consider what he told the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 15:
(8) Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. (9) For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle because I persecuted the church of God. (10) But by the grace of God, I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I but the grace of God that was with me. – 1 Corinthians 15:8-10 ESV
Paul saw himself as the least of all the apostles. He did not feel worthy of the call on his life. He lived, however, with deep gratitude to God for His salvation and calling. He devoted himself to the task given to him by God and worked harder than any apostle.
When Paul was called to the ministry of the gospel, God asked Ananias to go to see him. Ananias, knowing how much Paul (then known as Saul) had persecuted the church, questioned God about this. Listen to God’s response to Ananias regarding Paul:
(13) But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem… (15) But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. (16) For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” – Acts 9:13,15-16 ESV
Paul’s conversion to Christ and call to the gospel were quite spectacular. God’s hand was on him to preach the gospel to many nations. The message he proclaimed would not be well received, and Paul would suffer greatly for its proclamation. He refused to compromise the message in any way, however. He would not be a people pleaser but committed himself to pleasing and honouring the call of God on his life. He knew that in the end, he would stand before the one who tested the hearts and motivations of every servant. He wanted to be guiltless before Him.
Verse 5
Paul assures the Thessalonians of two things about his ministry here.
First, the apostle never resorted to “words of flattery” in his gospel presentation. Flattery relates to giving exaggerated praise to advance one’s interests. This was not Paul’s method. He did not resort to human tactics to advance the work of God. He proclaimed the unadulterated truth and trusted the Spirit of God to minister in the hearts and lives of those who heard.
Second, Paul was committed to rejecting a heart of greed. Paul was not in the ministry for the money. He was not interested in making a good life for himself. He was not concerned about worldly comforts and possessions. He offered the gospel freely and with no desire to profit financially or materially from his preaching.
Paul ends the verse with the words, “God is my witness.” He knew he was accountable to God for how he ministered.
Verse 6
Another aspect of Paul’s ministry was that he chose not to seek glory from people. He understood that as an apostle chosen by God, he had a position of great honour in the church. Just because you have a position of honour does not mean that you should demand glory and honour from people. Consider Paul’s advice to the Philippians in this regard:
(5) Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, (6) who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, (7) but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. (8) And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. – Philippians 2:5-8 ESV
How did Jesus live His life? Even though He was equal with God, He humbled himself and took on the form of a servant, and willingly laid down His life for His creation.
It was the opinion of Paul that he needed to follow the example of Jesus Christ in this matter. He chose not to seek praise and glory from people. Paul saw his position in the church not as something that lifted his status among people but as an obligation before God to serve these people.
Verse 7
When Paul was among the Thessalonians, he was like a nursing mother caring for her children. The Thessalonians were infants in the gospel when Paul was among them. They required the apostle’s care and provision. Any nursing mother can tell you that the task of nursing infant children is a difficult one involving little sleep and selfless devotion.
It is important to understand the verse in its context. Paul has been speaking of not being a people pleaser, flattering, and greedy for what he could get from those he served. He wasn’t seeking people’s attention or demanding respect and glory. In contrast, Paul chose the role of nursing mother to demanding, weak and helpless children. He spent sleepless and thankless nights ministering to their needs and feeding their souls.
The nursing mother Paul refers to here is caring for her children and not someone else’s. Paul saw the Thessalonians as his children and was willing to give everything to provide for their safety and security. He fed and cared for them with deep affection and devotion, as a mother would care for her children. This is the heart of a true, selfless pastor who cares not for his own needs but devotes himself to the needs of the people under his care.
Verse 8
Note Paul’s deep affection and devotion to the Thessalonians here. He tells them that he was “affectionately desirous” of them. The word used here is ἱμείρομαι (himeíromai) and refers to a longing or deep yearning for someone or something.
This deep affection was demonstrated in the willingness of Paul to be a “nursing mother” (see verse 7) to the Thessalonians. It also was seen in how he faced persecution to share the gospel with them. Beyond this, however, was the apostle’s confession that he was willing to give of himself for their good. He would suffer or even die for these Thessalonians. Such was the apostle’s devotion to these believers.
Verse 9
What Paul told the Thessalonians in verse 8 about his affection for them was indisputably proven by how he lived among them. Paul reminds the Thessalonians that he laboured and toiled night and day so that he would not be a burden to them as he lived and proclaimed the gospel in their midst.
Writing to Timothy, Paul tells him that the elder who ruled was to be paid for his work:
(17) Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honour, especially those who labour in preaching and teaching. (18) For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The labourer deserves his wages.” – 1 Timothy 5:17-18 ESV
By paying an “elder who rules well,” that elder is free to give himself full-time to the work of the gospel. Paul believed in the responsibility of the church to provide for its workers. While he understood that the church should pay the elder, Paul also knew the burden this would place on the church, especially a young church like the church in Thessalonica. So as not to be a burden to them, the apostle chose to get a job on the side to provide for his personal needs. This principle not only removed any sense of burden from the church but also any accusation that he was only doing the job for the money.
Verse 10
Paul has no regrets about his time in Thessalonica. He knew the believers there had seen his conduct toward them. They witnessed his righteous and blameless conduct while he ministered in their midst. Note also that more important than the witness of the Thessalonians was the witness of God. Paul had the assurance that his conduct in Thessalonica honoured the Lord God he represented.
Verse 11
In verse 7, Paul told the Thessalonians that he had been like a nursing mother to them. He compares himself here to a father with his children. He explains what he means by this in verse 12.
Verse 12
The apostle Paul explains what he meant in verse eleven when he told the Thessalonians he had been like a father to them. As a father figure, the apostle did three things.
First, Paul exhorted the Thessalonians. The word used here is παρακαλέω (parakaléō). It comes from pará, meaning alongside, and kaléō, meaning to help, comfort or encourage. The idea is that he came alongside the Thessalonians to comfort, console or encourage. The word seems to imply a hands on shoulder-to-shoulder type of encouragement and support.
Second, as a father, Paul encouraged the Thessalonians. The word encoura8ged is the Greek word παραμυθέομαι (paramuthéomai). Once again note the word pará, meaning alongside of. The second part of the word is muthéomai, which means to speak kindly or with comforting words. The sense here is that Paul spoke encouragement and comfort to the Thessalonians. Remember that these believers faced much affliction and persecution (see 1 Thessalonians 1:6), and these comforting words would have been welcome.
Finally, as a father, Paul charged the Thessalonians. The word used here is μαρτυρέω (marturéō). It refers to a witness or one who testifies to a truth seen or heard. The idea here is that Paul passed on to them what he saw and heard.
This exhorting, encouraging and charging had as its goal to equip the believers in Thessalonica to live in a manner worthy of the God who called them to be part of His kingdom and eternal glory.
Verse 13
Paul thanks the Lord for the response of the Thessalonians to the gospel he shared with them as a nurturing mother and encouraging father.
Note that Paul thanked God “constantly” for their response to the gospel. That is to say, he thanked God on a frequent and regular basis for the work of God in the church of Thessalonica.
Notice how the Thessalonians responded to the word of God presented to them by the apostle.
First, the Thessalonians received the word they heard from Paul. Imagine that you were standing at a street corner handing out gospel tracts. Many people walk by and refuse to take what you are offering. They politely say, “No, thank you, I am not interested,” and walk on. Then, some stop and receive what you are offering. Receiving does not mean they believe the message in the tract, but they have at least taken what you were offering. The Thessalonians listened to the Word of God that Paul proclaimed, took it in and considered what it said.
Second, the Thessalonians not only received the word, but they also accepted it not as the word of men but of God. Upon considering the message Paul preached, they believed it was the Word of God.
Finally, note that the Thessalonians allowed the Word of God to work in them. We see this in the words, “Which is at work in you believers.” The Word of God began to do its work in the lives of these Thessalonian believers, transforming their lives.
Verse 14
Notice what occurred when the Thessalonians allowed the Word of God to work in them (see verse 13). They became imitators of the church of God in Christ Jesus. Paul explains what he means by this when he says, “For you suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they did from the Jews.
When the Thessalonians received the Word, accepted it as the Word of God, and allowed it to work in them, they found themselves in conflict with their Jewish countrymen. That is to say, they were persecuted and afflicted for their new-found faith. The Word of God rebukes our society and its worldly ways. Those who stand firm on its principles will conflict with this world. Some will face persecution.
Verse 15
The fact that obedience to the Word of God brings persecution should not surprise us. Paul reminded the Thessalonians about what the Jews of their day did to the Lord Jesus, the prophets and even the apostles who brought the gospel message to them.
Notice how Paul reminded the Thessalonians that the Jews “drove us out” of their city (see Acts 17:1-10 for the story of how Paul was opposed in Thessalonica). Paul experienced the same opposition as the Thessalonians when he first visited them. He identifies with their suffering.
Note what Paul says about the Jews who rejected Christ, the word of the prophets and the apostles. He tells the Thessalonians that they displeased God. Paul understood these Jews who resisted Christ because he had,, at one time, been one of them. Before he came to know the gospel, he persecuted Christians and was responsible for their death.
Paul also tells the Thessalonians that these Jews oppose all mankind. The idea here seems to be that they saw themselves as the children of God, and everyone else was a pagan dog. They sincerely believed that if a person wasn’t born a Jew, they were unclean and destined for an eternity in hell and damnation.
Verse 16
According to Paul, the Jews of Thessalonica hindered them from sharing the message of salvation with the Gentiles. In part, they did this by stirring up a mob and driving them out of the city.
By hindering the proclamation of the gospel, these Jews of Thessalonica “filled up the measure of their sins.” If the measure of sin were a basket, these Jews filled it up to the brim, and it was now overflowing. They had exceeded the limit of God’s tolerance and would now face His judgement.
Verse 17
Paul tells the believers in Thessalonica that he had been torn away from them. This was because the Jews of the city drove them out by force. The apostle assured the Thessalonians that although they were torn from them in person, their heart was still with them, and they longed to see them face to face once again. The fact that they “endeavoured” to see the Thessalonians shows they made efforts to visit them.
Verse 18
Paul assured the Thessalonians that they had been making efforts to return to Thessalonica, but Satan hindered them repeatedly. We need to understand that we are in the midst of a great spiritual battle. Just because we belong to Jesus does not mean that we will not be the target of Satan’s arrows. He will oppose what God wants to do in our lives and ministries.
Verse 19
Paul expressed his desire to see the Thessalonians face to face in verse 17. He told them that while he had been torn away from them by the Jews who drove him out of Thessalonica, they had always been in his heart. Paul says three things about these dear Thessalonians here.
First, they were his hope before the Lord at His coming. The word hope is ἐλπίς (elpís). Hope is an expectation of good. Now, it might be assumed that the expectation of good was a selfish motivation in Paul. That is to say, he wanted to present these Thessalonians to the Lord as the fruit of his earthly ministry to receive a reward from Christ for his faithfulness. I believe, however, that Paul’s hope was not in a heavenly reward but in the Thessalonians themselves. He believed that the work of God in their lives was genuine and would endure through tribulation until the coming of the Lord Jesus. His strong expectation of good was that they would stand approved by Christ at His coming. Paul’s hope was not in some future expectation of reward but in the genuine and sincere faith of the Thessalonians being made evident on the Day of Judgement.
Second, the Thessalonians were Paul’s joy before the Lord at His coming. There is no greater joy for a parent than to see their children grow up to love the Lord and become productive members of society. It seems to me that this is what Paul is sensing here. He brought the gospel to Thessalonica, and now he watched its children grow up, mature and stand faithful in the truth. He watched them live lives that honoured the Saviour he loved and served. What greater joy could there be for Paul than to see his children walk in truth?
Finally, Paul tells us that the Thessalonians were his crown of boasting before the Lord at His coming. Writing to Timothy, the apostle reminded him of how an athlete who competed according to the rules of the game received a crown upon completion of the race:
(5) An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. – 2 Timothy 2:5 ESV
The crown is a reward for faithful service. Peter challenged elders to be diligent pastors of the flock, and they would receive a “crown of glory” as a result:
(2) shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; (3) not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. (4) And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. – 1 Peter 5:2-4 ESV
James tells us that the crown was for anyone who remained faithful to the end:
(12) Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. – James 1:12 ESV
The apostle Paul reminded the Corinthians that when a runner competed in a race, it was expected that he run with an anticipation of receiving the prize:
(24) Do you not know that in a race, all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. – 1 Corinthians 9:24 ESV
What is the natural response of runners who win the race? Don’t they throw up their hands in victory and shout for joy? Their efforts have been recognized and celebrated. There is great joy in the win. This is what Paul seems to be saying here. He looks at the work of God in the lives of the Thessalonians and throws up his hands in celebration before the Lord. Here in the Thessalonian believers is evidence of victory over the hosts of hell. He had fought the good fight and rescued these hostages from the enemy’s grip.
Note here the nature of the victor’s crown. It was not a floral wreath that perished. Nor was it a golden crown that dazzled. The crown Paul wore proudly was the Thessalonians. They were his crown of boasting. Paul boasted of the work of God in their lives. He rejoiced in them as an athlete would rejoice in his crown.
Verse 20
Paul tells the Thessalonians that they were his glory and joy.
It is easy to see how the faithful Thessalonians could be a great joy to the apostle. Their testimony amid affliction had impacted people throughout Macedonia and Achaia (see 1 Thessalonians 1:7).
Note also that the Thessalonians were the glory of the apostles. The word glory is δόξα (dóxa). It literally means to think or recognize. To glory in something is to take the time to think about that object positively. It is to recognize its worth and value. Ultimately, an object worthy of such thoughts and recognition is honoured and respected. To glory in God is to honour Him and recognize His worth.
While God is the object of our greatest thoughts, recognition and honour, to a lesser extent, we may also glory in individuals we feel are worthy of our respect and recognition. Paul valued the Thessalonian believers in this way and saw their genuine worth as servants of the Lord and faithful warriors in the spiritual battle that raged around them.
Chapter 3
Select Verse:
Verse 1
Paul continues here with what he began in chapter 2. There, he told the Thessalonians that he wanted to see them in person, but Satan had hindered him:
(17) But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavoured the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, (18) because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us. – 1 Thessalonians 2:17-18 ESV
The passion to connect with the believers in Thessalonica continued to build in the apostle to the point where he told them that he could bear it no longer.
The context of this verse is found in Acts 17. Paul and Silas had been in Thessalonica, where they reasoned with the citizens from the Scriptures (Acts 17:2). When many Greeks accepted their message, the Jews stirred up a mob against them, and Paul and Silas were forced to leave for Berea (Acts 17:5-10). There in Berea, the apostle had a more favourable reception, and many people believed in the Lord Jesus (Acts 17:11-12). When the Thessalonian Jews heard of their success in Berea, however, they came there and again stirred up the people against the apostle. This time, the believers escorted Paul to Athens, away from the Jewish mob. Silas and Timothy, however, remained in Berea (Acts 17:14-15).
Paul tells the Thessalonians, here, that while the Thessalonian Jews had forced him to leave Thessalonica and Berea, he still had their wellbeing on his heart. While he was unable to see the them personally, he was willing to be left alone in Athens and send Timothy to get a report from them concerning their wellbeing.
Verse 2
Because of Paul’s passion to know of the Thessalonian’s wellbeing, he determined to send Timothy back to Thessalonica to establish and exhort them in their faith.
Understand that it would not have been easy for Timothy to return to a city from which they had been removed. The Jews there had stirred up a mob against them both in Thessalonica and in Berea (see notes on verse 1). Timothy was going back into the city where these Jews lived. Paul understood the danger of sending Timothy back to Thessalonica but his passion for their spiritual walk was so intense that he was willing to risk Timothy’s safety for the Thessalonians’ spiritual walk. Paul commissions Timothy to do two things for the new believers in Thessalonica.
First, Timothy was to establish the believers in their faith. The word Paul uses here is στηρίζω (stērízō) which means to stand or to fix firmly. The idea is that he was to do whatever he could to keep these believers from falling. Remember that they were under a certain amount of persecution. Imagine a statue set up in a town with howling wind and storm battering it. To keep that statue from falling , it needs to be reenforced and secured solidly to the ground. This is the same idea here. Paul sent Timothy to secure the faith of the Thessalonian believers solidly in the truth so that the winds of persecution would not topple them.
Second, Paul sent Timothy to exort the Thessalonians in their faith. The word translated exort is παρακαλέω (parakaléō). The word comes from the Greek word pará, meaning to the side of, and kaléō meaning to call. Together we have the sense of someone coming alongside of another to help, comfort and support them.
A number of years ago my grandaughter was at a track and field event watching a race. As it passed by she noticed a young girl at the back who was struggling and almost in tears because she was so far behind. Feeling compassion for her, my grandaughter, though she was not part of the event, immediately joined her ran beside her encouraging her all the way to the finish line. This is what it means to exhort. It is to come along side of a brother or sister who is struggling and run with them to the finish line.
Verse 3
From verse two, we see that Paul sent Timothy to Thessalonica to establish and exhort the Thessalonians. He tells them the reason for this here — “that no one be moved by these afflictions.” Paul desired that the Thessalonian believers remain firm in their faith without wavering or falling. He sent Timothy to them so they would be established and unmovable in their commitment to the truth of Jesus Christ.
Notice that Paul told the Thessalonians that, as believers, they had been called to steadfastness of faith. This steadfastness of faith would be challenged by the forces of hell and the opposition of those who resisted the gospel. Jesus warned us as believers that we would be despised and rejected for our faith. Believers will suffer for their commitment to the truth. We should not be surprised that the world that crucified the Lord would turn against us as His disciples. We are destined to stand against the world and as such will face opposition and persecution.
Verse 4
The apostle reminds the Thessalonians that when he was with them, he kept telling them they would suffer for their faith in Jesus Christ. This is exactly what was happening to them now.
This concept of taking up our cross to follow the Lord Jesus is not a popular theme. There are some who present a message of prosperity and ease. Paul did not preach such a gospel. This is quite clear from the message he declared in Thessalonica. He told them the truth about Jesus Christ and informed those who believed that the life before them would be difficult and full of trials and afflictions. Those who refused this life were not genuine in their faith. God is looking for those who stand firm for the truth amid opposition and trial. Paul sent Timothy to the Thessalonians to establish and encourage the believers to live up to this standard.
Verse 5
While the Christian life is a difficult one, we are not alone in it. Notice that while Paul does not apologize for the struggle the Thessalonians faced, he demonstrates tremendous compassion for them in this verse. Observe several details here.
First, note the words, “when I could bear it no longer.” The word used here is στέγω (stégō). It means to cover over in silence. Imagine holding in one’s pain to a point where it was no longer possible and needed to explode in waves of grief and agony. This seems to be the sense here. Paul could no longer hold in his feelings for the Thessalonians and needed to do something about them. In this case, he was compelled to send Timothy to discover how the Thessalonians were doing. God has given us men and women like Paul, who have a God-given pastoral heart for the wellbeing of the flock. These individuals have no rest until they know we are safe and secure in our walk with God and built up in our faith.
Note next Paul’s concern. He wanted to be sure that the tempter had not tempted the Thessalonians beyond their ability to endure. The apostle understood that the enemy would be hot on their trail. The Jews of Thessalonica were quite aggressive against the message Paul preached and chased him out of two cities. These same Jews would not be any more compassionate toward Paul’s followers. The apostle knew that the temptation for these young believers would be to pull back to avoid the controversy and challenge to their new faith. Satan would tempt them to compromise or return to their former ways. The apostle was aware of the spiritual battle before the Thessalonians and wanted to do all he could to strengthen and encourage them in their ongoing walk with Jesus Christ.
Note, finally, that Paul did not want his labour in Thessalonica to be in vain. Paul did not just preach the gospel and walk away. He did not abandon those who came to faith in Jesus Christ under his ministry. He felt compelled to follow up and encourage these believers in their walk with God. He stood with them as any true father would stand with his children.
While the Christian life is not an easy one, God does raise men and women who will stand with us, support us and strengthen us along the way.
Verse 6
As Paul writes, Timothy had been to Thessalonica and returned with his report. Note what Paul heard from Timothy about the Thessalonians here.
First, Paul heard good news about the faith and love of the Thessalonian church. Despite the opposition they faced in Thessalonica, they persevered in their devotion to Christ and the truth. Their love for Jesus Christ and His gospel had not diminished.
Second, Paul also heard from Timothy that the Thessalonians remembered the apostles kindly and longed to see them. Not only did they love the Lord Jesus, but they also loved His servants.
When asked what the greatest commandment was, Jesus responded:
(37) And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. (38) This is the great and first commandment. (39) And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. – Matthew 22:36-39 ESV
Paul seems relieved that the Thessalonians were demonstrating this two-fold command of Jesus by loving God with all their heart, soul and mind and by maintaining a good relationship with their brothers and sisters in Christ as well.
Verse 7
The report brought back by Timothy was a great blessing to the apostle. Notice how he describes his concern for their well-being here. He tells them that he and his fellow workers had been in distress and affliction about them. There is a depth of concern in these words. Paul and his co-workers had a great passion for the Thessalonians and their faith in Jesus Christ. They agonized at the thought that persecution and trial might cause them to wander from the truth they had received from them.
Note that their concern was not in the fact that they were being persecuted but in their perseverance despite that persecution. Paul understood that anyone serious about their faith in Jesus would suffer in this world. His deepest concern, however, was to see his children face those trials with the strength of the Lord and persevere in the truth to the end.
When Timothy arrived with his good report of their faith and love, Paul was deeply relieved and comforted. We catch a glimpse here of the tremendous pastoral heart of Paul for his spiritual children in the faith.
Verse 8
Notice the response of Paul to the good report he received about the Thessalonians from Timothy – “Now we live if you are standing fast in the Lord.”
In verse 7, Paul spoke of being in distress and affliction, not knowing how the Thessalonians were doing spiritually. Now that Timothy had brought a good report, it was as if the curse of death had been lifted off his shoulders, and he felt alive and joyful. The burden was lifted, and he was free again to rejoice in the Lord on behalf of the Thessalonian church.
What concern do you have for your brother and sister in the Lord? If we are honest with ourselves, we can be more concerned about their physical well-being and comfort than their relationship with the Lord. This was not the case for Paul. He could accept that they were being persecuted and facing deep struggles for their faith, but was more concerned about their relationship with the Lord and perseverance in the truth. If their relationship with the Lord were right, then they would be able to face the trials afflicted upon them.
Verse 9
Paul’s delight in the steadfast faith of the Thessalonians despite their trials and afflictions can be seen in this verse. He finds himself at a loss to thank the Lord for the joy he felt for them.
Note that his thanksgiving is not directed toward the Thessalonians but to God. Paul attributed what He saw in the Thessalonian church to God and His mighty grace in their lives. Admittedly, the Thessalonian believers received that grace and walked in it, but the glory ultimately went to God.
Understand also here that the joy Paul felt in his heart was related to how the Thessalonians remained faithful to God amid opposition to their faith. Paul experienced joy in how the believers in Thessalonica dealt with their persecution and trials. He did not rejoice in their suffering but rather in the growth of their faith and relationship with God amid opposition.
Verse 10
Paul rejoiced in the faith of the Thessalonians amid opposition and persecution. That did not make him indifferent to their need and struggle, however. Note that while rejoicing in their spiritual example, he also prayed earnestly for them. Note the nature of his prayer here.
First, the apostle prayed earnestly. The word translated “earnestly” in the English Standard Version comes from two Greek words. The first is ὑπέρ (hupér), meaning over, above or beyond. The second word is περισσός (perissós), also meaning over and above or more than enough. The idea is that Paul went over and above what could be expected of him when praying for the Thessalonians. This certainly demonstrates his deep concern for them. He petitioned heaven beyond what any normal person would do on their behalf.
Second, Paul tells the Thessalonians that he prayed night and day for them. In other words, the Thessalonian believers were regularly on his mind, and their situation drove him to pray constantly for them.
Note third that Paul prayed that God would allow him to see the Thessalonians face to face so that he could supply what was lacking in their faith. Paul’s statement here is interesting and merits some consideration.
Paul wanted to supply what was lacking in the Thessalonian’s faith. The assumption is that their faith was imperfect, and these believers needed to grow. Though they were an example of faith throughout Macedonia and Achaia (1 Thessalonians 1:7-10), there was still room for growth.
Consider this for a moment. The Thessalonians already had a reputation for their faith amid persecution. Paul could have been content with that. He saw even greater potential, however, in these believers and did not want them to become content with where they were. Don’t stop growing. Keep reaching out for more of the Lord. Ask Him to continue stretching you and make your life an even greater example and testimony.
When Paul said that he wanted to supply what was lacking in the faith of the Thessalonians, he understood that God had equipped and gifted him to minister to believers for their growth and spiritual maturity. In telling the Thessalonians that he wanted to supply what was lacking in their faith, Paul does not see himself as perfect. Writing to the Philippians, he said:
(12) Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own because Christ Jesus has made me his own. (13) Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead. (14) I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (15) Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. – Philippians 3:12-15 ESV
While Paul did not see himself as perfect, his imperfections did not keep him from giving what God had called him to give or serving where God had called him to serve. God uses imperfect people to accomplish His purpose. He empowers those who have not yet arrived to build His kingdom. Paul knew he was an imperfect instrument in God’s hands. He expected, however, that despite his inadequacies, God would use him to support the Thessalonians and bring them to a place of new growth and maturity.
While none of us have cause to boast of our perfection, we can be powerful instruments in God’s hands to support and encourage brothers and sisters in the faith.
Verse 11
Having expressed his passion to see the Thessalonians face to face, and his desire to supply what was lacking, Paul now leaves the matter in the Lord’s hands. Paul prays that their God and Father and the Lord Jesus would direct his way to the Thessalonians.
What is important for us to note here is that after expressing his interest in seeing the Thessalonians, Paul does not immediately phone the travel agency and arrange his trip. Instead, he commits the matter to the Lord, His timing and purpose. The phrase, “May the God and Father and the Lord Jesus direct our way,” expresses how Paul ministered. He had a passion, but even greater than His passion to serve the Lord in this way was the leading of God, His timing and blessing. If God did not lead and direct him, then despite his desire, Paul clearly would not go to Thessalonica. We need to see more people like this who commit their passions to the will and purpose of God.
Verse 12
Paul prays that the Lord God would increase the love of the Thessalonian church for one another and God’s servants. Consider the words of Jesus in this regard when He said:
(35) By this all people will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.” – John 13:35 ESV
Love for one another and God’s servants is a testimony to the world of our relationship with the Lord Jesus. Nothing will damage our testimony more than bitterness and strife between children of God.
The demonstration of love for one another is not found in the nice feeling we get when we are together but in how we care for and support each other. In the case of the Thessalonian church, this would imply supporting each other amid persecution. It may mean helping a brother who lost his job because of his faith. There were any number of practical expressions of that love required in the persecuted church of Thessalonica.
Verse 13
Paul prayed for the Thessalonians and wanted to supply anything lacking in their faith. He asked God to increase their love for one another. Paul desired that the Thessalonian church have hearts “blameless in holiness” when the Lord Jesus returned with all His saints.
How can we have a heart blameless in holiness? While all of us have fallen short of God’s standard, we can know the forgiveness and cleansing of the Lord Jesus. We can walk in obedience to Him and His purpose for our lives, turning from our sins and confessing our wanderings. We can stand before God as those who have built our lives on the foundation of Jesus Christ and His Word. We can have a clean conscience before Him as we walk in obedience and faithful service.
Note how this could become a reality in the words, “So that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father.” The ability to have a blameless heart is ultimately a work of God. He would establish such hearts in the Thessalonians. Their role was to walk in obedience and sensitivity to His leading as He built this heart in them.
Chapter 4
Select Verse:
Verse 1
Paul began his letter by speaking to the Thessalonians about their powerful testimony throughout Macedonia and Achaia (see 1 Thessalonians 1:6-10). As we begin chapter 4, he brings a particular challenge to these faithful brothers and sisters in Christ.
Note two words in Paul’s challenge. First, observe the word ask. The word is translated from ἐρωτάω (erōtáō), meaning to inquire, request or entreat. Paul is making a request here.
Second, notice the word, urge. This translation comes from παρακαλέω (parakaléō), which carries the sense of coming alongside someone to aid, comfort or encourage. Imagine a soldier wounded in battle. As the battle rages around him, and his life is at risk, a friend comes to him, gets him back on his feet, and, supporting his weight, leads him to a safe place where he can get the medical attention needed. Getting to that safe place was not without its emotional and physical struggle. Were it not for the physical and emotional support of that friend, this soldier may have died on the battlefield. His friends “urging,” however, got him to safety.
Observe that Paul asks and urges the Thessalonians “in the Lord.” The idea here is that what he is telling them is from the Lord and for the sake of His kingdom.
What is the challenge of Paul to a church that has a reputation for being faithful to Jesus Christ and walking in the truth? The apostle asks and urges them to “do so more and more.” They were not to become complacent and happy with where they were spiritually. They were to draw closer and closer to the Lord Jesus. They were to learn to be more and more fruitful. They were to aspire to greater faithfulness and intimacy with their God. Wherever you are with God right now, aspire to something greater still.
Verse 2
The apostle Paul has every assurance that he had properly instructed the Thessalonians in their walk with God. Note here that the instructions given to the Thessalonians were “through the Lord Jesus. In other words, what Paul taught was not his own ideas but the words of the Lord Jesus. This is what gave what Paul said authority. There is a world of difference between preaching our own ideas and instructing people in the words and teachings of Jesus. Paul’s bold request that the Thessalonians follow their instructions comes from the fact that it is not his ideas he is promoting but the inspired teaching of the Lord Jesus Himself.
Verse 3
All kinds of evil practices surrounded the Thessalonians. Paul exhorts them, however, not to compromise their faith or lower their standards. He reminds the Thessalonian believers that it was the will of God that they be sanctified.
The word translated, sanctified, in the original language is ἁγιασμός (hagiasmós). It means to be holy or set apart for God, His purpose, and will. Sanctification is the process of becoming more and more like God in life, thought and passion.
The process of sanctification is a cooperative one. God works in us, transforming our minds and hearts, and we respond by surrendering to that inner work and resisting the pull of the flesh to do what is not pleasing to Him or in tune with His purpose.
Paul gives some examples of this here in the next few verses. He reminds the Thessalonians first that if they were to become more and more like Christ, they would have to resist the pull of sexual immorality. Clearly, this would have been a temptation for the Thessalonians in their city. Paul challenges them, however, to have the heart and mind of Christ in this matter of their sexuality and abstain from the lust of the flesh and its cry for satisfaction in ungodly ways.
Verse 4
If the Thessalonians were going to be sanctified, they would have to learn how to control their own bodies with their passions and desires. According to Paul, they would do this in holiness and honour.
Note that sanctification involves controlling one’s body with its passions and desires. God is at work in us, but we must submit to that work, which requires active obedience and discipline. There can be no true sanctification unless we are willing to submit to God’s purpose and what He is doing in us.
How do we control our bodies? According to Paul, we do so in holiness and honour.
First, we control our bodies in holiness. The word translated holiness is ἁγιασμός (hagiasmós) and refers to being set apart for God.
Now, some people determine that they are going to be holy. To do this, they separate themselves from everything ungodly and live a lifestyle that is in accord with the teaching of Scripture. The problem, however, is that there is a difference between holiness and a good life. You can live a good life and not be holy or set apart for God. The holiness Paul speaks about here is not of human origin but divine. The one that does the separating is God. The holiness that Paul speaks about here is the fruit of the Holy Spirit in the lives of those God has separated for Himself.
Notice what Paul says here to the Thessalonians in the phrase “control his own body in holiness.” Those who seek to be holy by means of their good life do so with the understanding that to obtain holiness, they need to control their bodies. In their minds, holiness is the fruit of a disciplined and good life.
This is not what Paul is saying here. He tells the Thessalonians they were to control their body “in holiness.” That is to say, they needed to be holy already to control their body. They were to draw upon their holiness in Christ to find strength to control their body’s ungodly passions and desires. They would not be able to be sanctified if they did not first have this holiness to draw upon.
Second, Paul tells the Thessalonians to control their bodies in honour. The word used here is τιμή (timḗ) and refers to respect or reverence. It can speak of individuals who have a place of honour in society or deserve special respect.
When Paul tells the Thessalonians that they were to control their bodies in honour, he is telling them that they were to esteem their bodies as the temple of God. Consider what Paul wrote to the Corinthians in this regard:
(18) Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. (19) Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, (20) for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. – 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 ESV
The basis of Paul’s argument against sexual immorality in 1 Corinthians 6 is that their bodies were the temple of God, and they were not to dishonour that temple in which God dwelt. This seems to be Paul’s argument here in 1 Thessalonians 4:4. The Thessalonians were to control their bodies, finding strength in the holiness that had been imparted to them by God, and they were to honour the bodies in which His Holy Spirit dwelt.
Verse 5
In verse 4, Paul challenged the Thessalonians to control their bodies in holiness and honour. Having told them what to do in verse 4, he now tells them what they should not do in verse 5. They are not to allow the passions of lust to control them. According to the apostle, this was the way of those who “do not know God.”
The apostle tells the Thessalonians here that there ought to be a difference in how believers live their lives. That difference should be seen in how they honour their bodies and walk in holiness. Of course, the application of these verses is not just for sexual behaviour but in every aspect of life. These bodies are instruments for the glory of God. We must shun anything that would hinder that glory. We have a God-given obligation to care for and use these bodies to bring their Creator honour.
Verse 6
Paul has been challenging the Thessalonians to live sexually pure lives (see verse 4). He encouraged them to be in control of their bodies and not allow their lusts and passions to cause them to fall into sin. Here, in verse 6, he warns them not to transgress or wrong a brother in this matter.
Notice how Paul saw sexual sins here. They were transgression against a brother or sister and wronged them. Sexual sin involves another person. By engaging in sexual sin, we do not hurt ourselves only, but also the other party involved.
Notice the warning of Paul here to those who wrong a brother or sister through sexual immorality — “The Lord is an avenger in all these things.” The word, avenger, is ἐˊκδικος (ékdikos). It is derived from the word ek, meaning from or out, and díkē, which means justice. An avenger brings or executes justice. In other words, he will call those who have wronged another sexually to account. They will answer for the wrong they have done.
Note how Paul reminds the Thessalonians that he had already “solemnly warned” them about this matter of sexual sin and how they would answer for it. The words translated solemnly warned is διαμαρτύρομαι (diamartúromai). It means to bear witness repeatedly or to testify as if under oath. The word seems to imply that Paul was not just informing them of the dangers of sexual sin, but He was warning them of the serious consequences of wronging a brother or sister in this way.
Verse 7
Paul warned the Thessalonians about wronging a brother or sister sexually and told them how God would avenge this wrong (see verse 6). He now reminds them of their calling before God as believers in Jesus Christ. They were called in holiness.
The phrase “in holiness” (ἐν αγιασμω) is quite interesting. The word ἐν speaks of the manner, circumstances, or conditions under which the Thessalonians were called. What were the conditions under which they were called? The holiness of God enveloped them. God descended in holiness like a cloud and overwhelmed them. This holiness brought them to their knees in confession of sin and repentance. It transformed their lives and brought them into a new relationship with God. Like Moses descending from the mountain, they now reflected the glorious holiness of God. Their calling in life now was to cultivate and surrender to that holiness. They were to resist anything less than this. They were to walk now in the newness of life they had received from God.
Verse 8
According to Paul, being called “in holiness” was a serious matter. Such an encounter with God was life-changing and not something to take for granted. God revealed His holy presence to us. He placed His hand on our lives, pardoned us, adopted us as His children, placed His Holy Spirit in us, and chose us to be His servants. This is not something we can walk away from or disregard. We cannot shut our eyes, block our ears and walk away from such an encounter. To do so would be to walk away from God Himself.
Verse 9
Paul commends the Thessalonians in this matter of brotherly love. This was something very important for the apostle in any church. It was also a very important priority for Jesus. Listen to what He taught in John 13:34-35:
(34) A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. (35) By this all people will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.” – John 13:34-35 ESV
While many things mark maturity in the church, brotherly love is an important quality.
According to Paul, the Thessalonians did not need any instructions on how to do this. They were already demonstrating this kind of love to one another.
Note that, according to Paul, God Himself had taught them how to love each other. In other words, this love was a natural reflection of their relationship with God.
Verse 10
The Thessalonians demonstrated brotherly love, according to Paul, toward all the brothers in Macedonia. He does not detail how they did this in the verse. Note, however, that the apostle wanted them to persevere in this demonstration. In fact, he calls them to do what they are doing more and more.
All too often, we become content with where we are or in what we are doing for the Lord. Paul challenges this attitude here. He calls upon believers to do more and more. There is such a thing as holy discontent. We are to dispel any laziness and apathy and press on to experience more and more of what God has for us. I am not speaking here about burning out but rather striving to know God and His purpose more deeply. We need to address spiritual apathy in the church. God is looking for men and women who will strive for greater maturity and empowerment in service. Wherever we walk with God today, we can be sure that God has even more for us.
Verse 11
Paul encourages the Thessalonians to aspire to live a certain way as believers. He brings three charges to them here in this verse.
First, the Thessalonians were to aspire to live quietly. The word quietly comes from the Greek word ἡσυχάζω (hēsucházō). It means to be still, silence, and rest from labour. This type of lifestyle allows for peaceful relationships. The opposite of quiet is turmoil, confusion and agitation. Those who do not live a quiet life are constantly disturbing their neighbours and disrupting the harmony of the community. As believers, we are to create peace and harmony in our neighbourhood and not disruption, confusion and chaos. We are to strive for peace.
Second, Paul encourages the Thessalonians to “mind your own affairs.” In our day, the term “mind your own business” refers to someone who meddles in other people’s affairs. There is likely a sense of this in what Paul is saying here. Consider the words of Proverbs 26:17:
17 Whoever meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a passing dog by the ears. – Proverbs 26:16 ESV
Sometimes, we must let other people work out their issues without intervening. This, however, does not take away our obligation to minister to our neighbours in their time of need.
There is another understanding of the words “mind your own affairs.” Paul is telling the Thessalonians not to depend on other people for everything. Believers were to take care of their affairs so as not to be a burden on anyone else. Paul demonstrated this when he was in Thessalonica. Consider what he told the Thessalonians in 1 Thessalonians 2:9:
(9) For you remember, brothers, our labour and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. – 1 Thessalonians 2:9 ESV
Paul did not want to be a financial burden on the Thessalonians, so he worked on the side to provide for his own needs. Christians, according to Paul, need to be ministering to others and not a burden on their society.
Finally, Paul tells the Thessalonians to work with their hands. This phrase is connected with the challenge of Paul to mind their own business. They could do this by working hard, earning money and providing for their families. Paul discourages a lifestyle of dependence on other people when it is in our power to work and earn our living.
Verse 12
Living a quiet and nondisruptive lifestyle and minding our own affairs, we “walk properly before outsiders.” In other words, we show ourselves to be productive members of society who care for ourselves and are not a burden to others.
Paul encouraged the Thessalonians not to be dependent on other people. We should not see this to mean that we don’t need anyone else or their support. Paul speaks here in the context of working with our hands (verse 11). In other words, we are to get a job, earn money and provide for our family’s needs rather than depend on others. Believers are to recognize their God-given obligation to provide for their own families and not rely on others to do that for them.
Verse 13
Paul moves now to speak about some issues troubling the Thessalonian church. Note here the first of these issues — what happens to “those who are asleep.” The word sleep here refers to death. The question is about what happens to believers who die. Notice two details here in this verse.
First, Paul did not want believers to be uninformed about death. Death will come to each of us. More importantly, in this case, death will come to those we love. It is one of life’s most difficult challenges. What comfort do we have when a family member or loved one dies? Paul believed it was important for the Thessalonians to have the understanding necessary to answer this question.
Second, the apostle reassures the Thessalonians that they did not have cause to grieve as other do, who have no hope. What the apostle is saying is that there is hope in death for the believer. This, however, is not the same for the unbeliever. The believer’s relationship with Jesus Christ completely changes how they face death. Death is not the end of hope but its beginning.
Verse 14
Note the hope the believer has in death here. Paul reminds the Thessalonians of a central truth in their faith — Jesus died and rose again. That truth has implications for us as we face the uncertainty of death. By dying and raising again, Jesus demonstrated that He had power over death and the grave. He conquered death’s eternal grip and gave us hope for our victory.
Paul tells the Thessalonians that God will “bring with Him those who have fallen asleep.” Just as Jesus rose from the death and went to be with His Father, so also will He raise those who love Him and bring them also to be with the Father. Death is not the end for the believer. Just as Jesus rose from the dead, so also will we. He will raise us, and we will be with Him forever.
Verse 15
The apostle goes on to tell the Thessalonians that, as apostles, they had specific instructions from the Lord about the matter he would address here. He told them that those alive when the Lord returned would not precede those who had fallen asleep. In verse 14, Paul reminded the believers that the Lord Jesus would bring those who were dead to be with Him. He tells us here that there is an order in which that will take place. The first people to be with the Lord will be deceased believers. Those who are alive will need to wait for the resurrection of the dead before they rise to be with the Lord. Paul is telling the Thessalonians that they did not have cause to be overwhelmed with grief over the death of a believing loved one, for that loved one would be with the Lord before them.
Verse 16
Paul has some things to teach the Thessalonians about when the resurrection of the dead will occur. They could expect to see this resurrection when the Lord descended from heaven.
While God is everywhere present, Scripture speaks of His dwelling place in heaven. It is here that His manifestation and glory are most powerful. Jesus is currently in heaven with the Father but will return to this earth to bring His people to Himself.
Notice what Paul tells us about the return of the Lord Jesus.
First, He will return with a “cry of command.” The picture is of a great military commander issuing orders to his army to attack. Consider the words of Joel 2:11:
11 The LORD utters his voice before his army, for his camp is exceedingly great; he who executes his word is powerful. For the day of the LORD is great and very awesome; who can endure it? – Joel 2:11, ESV
When Jesus returns, He does so as a great commander with His army. He will come to conquer and defeat the enemy. The “cry of command” is a command to attack and destroy.
Second, the return of the Lord will also be with the “voice of an archangel.” Scripture speaks of an archangel named Michael. In Daniel 10:13, he is pictured fighting the Kingdom Persia. He is described as “the great prince” who delivered his people in Daniel 12:1. In Revelation 12:7, he fights the dragon Satan and casts him from heaven. The archangel, as a military commander, battles the spiritual forces of evil. Jesus is pictured here shouting like an archangel amid battle.
The trumpet was used to call an army to war. It sounded the attack. Jesus comes as a great commander, set to deliver His people from the forces of hell and the oppression of sin. The trumpet sounds His attack.
Notice what Paul tells us will happen at His appearance — “the dead in Christ will rise.” This is no ordinary battle. This is a battle that defeats the power of the grave and sets its captives free.
Verse 17
When the Lord Jesus returns, the dead will be raised first. When that takes place, those who are still alive will be caught up together with them in the clouds and meet the Lord in the air. Let’s break this verse down and examine its individual details.
First, consider the phrase, “we who are alive, who are left, will be cuaght up together with them.” Paul speaks here about those living at the time of Jesus’ return. When the dead have been raised to be with the Lord, those who are alive will join their resurrected brothers and sisters.
Second, note the words “caught up.” The Greek word used here is ἁρπάζω (harpázō). It means to seize, snatch away or plunder. Remember that Jesus returns as a great military commander. We are His plunder. We are snatched from this sin-cursed earth and from the ravages of sin to become His trophies of grace.
Third, after seizing us from the enemy, Paul tells us that Jesus will take us to be with our resurrected brothers and sisters in the clouds. We will meet the Lord “in the air.” Those who are alive will be taken from this sin-cursed earth. Of course, there will be a new heaven and new earth, but before that takes place, believers alive at the return of Jesus will be taken off this earth, and it will be destroyed and replaced. Consider what the apostle John saw in his vision in Revelation 21:1-2:
(1) Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. (2) And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. – Revelation 21:1-2 ESV
Paul reminds the Thessalonians of their incredible hope despite the fierceness of that final battle –they will be forever with the Lord. Not even death could separate them from an eternity in the presence of the Lord.
Verse 18
Paul challenged the Thessalonians to encourage one another with the truth he had just taught them. Understand that the Thessalonians were wondering what happened after death. They were also being persecuted as believers, and some were possibly facing early death because of that persecution. Paul wanted to encourage them with the truth about death and the return of the Lord so that they would have no cause to fear what was ahead. This teaching of Paul would have brought hope to these believers in Thessalonica.
Chapter 5
Select Verse:
Verse 1
In chapter 4, Paul addressed questions about the resurrection and what happened to the dead. Another question needing to be considered related to when the Lord would return and take His people to be with Himself.
Paul begins this section by saying, “You have no need to have anything written to you.” The apostle was assured that regarding this matter and what could be known about it, the Thessalonians were quite knowledgeable already and didn’t need much more instruction. This is understood from the phrase, “For you yourselves are fully aware,” in verse 2.
Verse 2
The apostle knew that the Thessalonians were aware that no one could be certain of when the Lord would return. He compares this to a thief in the night. The thief does his best to come when the homeowner is not expecting him. So it is with the Lord’s return. He has not told us when He will return. Any effort to determine the exact date and time of His coming is futile. Anyone who tells us that they know when Jesus is coming should not be trusted, for our Lord Himself tells us that no one knows the day or hour:
(36) “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. – Matthew 24:36 ESV
Verse 3
Paul describes the Lord’s return in two ways here in this verse.
First, he speaks of a situation where people are experiencing peace and security. Then, suddenly, without warning, the enemy falls on them and takes everything they have.
Second, he speaks about a pregnant woman who gets up one day and, without warning, begins to experience labour pains. The baby inside her does not give her any advanced notification. She has to be ready at any time to deliver.
Notice how Paul concludes the verse with the words, “and they will not escape.” The apostle speaks here about those who are taken by surprise and who are not ready. The day of the Lord will come without warning, like a thief in the night, an attacking enemy invader, or labour pains to a pregnant woman. We will suddenly and without warning face our Saviour. We must be ready for that moment, which could be any time.
Verse 4
The apostle Paul has just told the Thessalonians that the day of the Lord would come like a thief in the night (see verse 2). The idea is that no one knows the day or the hour our Lord will return to this earth. He takes this illustration a step further here in this verse.
Notice first how Paul recognized that the Thessalonians were not in the dark. He calls them brothers here in this verse. Darkness in Scripture is a picture of ignorance and alienation from Christ. As brothers, the Thessalonians, however, knew Jesus Christ and His work in their lives. They were walking in His teaching and fellowship with Him.
Because the Thessalonians were in a relationship with Christ, they would not be surprised that He returned as He promised. In fact, they waited for His return with great anticipation and longing.
The day of the Lord’s return would be a joyous occasion for the Thessalonians. This will not be the case for those who are “in darkness.” Consider what the apostle John tells us will be the reaction of those who are in darkness when the Lord returns:
(15) Then the kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals and the rich and the powerful, and everyone, slave and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains, (16) calling to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, (17) for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?” – Revelation 6:15-17 ESV
The return of the Lord, for the believer, is not like a thief who takes away and steals. It will be like the return of a loved one we have longed to see.
Verse 5
In verse 4, Paul told the Thessalonians they were not “in the darkness.” He tells them here that they were all “children of light.” Light, in Scripture, speaks of a relationship with Jesus Christ and an acceptance of His work and teaching.
Note the contrast between day and night, darkness and light. Many evil deeds are committed in the darkness of night. Those who practice these deeds want to be hidden from view. The thief does not want people to know when he is coming, so he uses the cover of darkness for his evil deed. Children of darkness are children who practice evil. They do not walk in the truth but in sin and rebellion against God.
On the other hand, we are generally on our best behaviour during the day when everyone can see us. In the light of day, we live honestly and devotedly. Children of the light walk in truth, integrity and sincerity before everyone. Such are believers who the blood of Jesus Christ has genuinely saved.
Paul has the assurance that the Thessalonians had experienced genuine salvation and walked with all sincerity before Christ as children of the day and children of the light.
Verse 6
Because the Thessalonians knew that Jesus was coming, they were, according to Paul, not to sleep but to keep awake.
In verses four and five, Paul distinguishes between children of darkness and light. He knew that the Thessalonians had escaped the darkness of sin and come into the light of Christ’s salvation. While they were no longer in darkness, there was still a temptation they needed to avoid. As children of the light, they could fall asleep.
To fall asleep here refers to becoming spiritually lax or lazy. It speaks of those who begin to compromise their faith and commitment to the Lord Jesus or their service for Him.
Notice the phrase, “Let us not sleep as others do.” It is unclear who the “others” are. Paul is speaking here to the Thessalonian believers when he challenges them not to sleep or slack off regarding their faith. It is possible, therefore, for the believer to do this. Paul may be referring to believers in other churches who had not been diligent in their faith and walk with God. Writing to the Corinthians, for example, Paul has to address division among believers (1 Corinthians 1:10-11), sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 5:1), lawsuits among believers (1 Corinthians 6:1-2), and disorderly worship (1 Corinthians 14:26-40).
The apostle encourages believers in Thessalonica to be diligent in their spiritual walk. They were to address any issues that would hinder their fellowship with each other and with God. They were to be careful never to compromise their faith or spiritual walk. They were to be highly alert to anything hindering or diminishing their commitment to Jesus, His Word and His people.
Notice that the Thessalonians were also to be “sober.” The Greek word used here is νήφω (nḗphō) and speaks of being watchful. It also carries with it the sense of not allowing any substance to diminish their capacity to be vigilant and sensitive to what is happening around them.
Many things can keep us from being sober in this sense. The word nḗphō can refer to how alcohol or drugs hinder discernment and judgement. There are many, however, who never use alcohol or drugs whose soberness is being hindered. As I write, I fully know how much I have taken on as a servant of Christ. I am currently taking a two-week break from my church obligations because I blacked out. Medical tests indicate that I am perfectly healthy. This led me to conclude that my dizziness, confusion and blacking out are a result of taking on too many obligations. My lack of soberness or alertness is due to fatigue and overextending myself.
I share this personal illustration to remind the reader that many things can take away our soberness in our Christian ministry and walk. We need to be alert and mindful of anything that distracts us or diminishes our ability to be everything God wants us to be.
Verse 7
Paul reminded the Thessalonians here that sleep is for the nighttime. Those who get drunk and engage in sinful behaviour also do this at night.
The apostle tells the Thessalonians that sinful behaviour and sleep are nighttime activities. He is not condoning sinful behaviours at night here but simply reminding believers that this is when evil deeds are generally practiced.
Paul speaks of sleep alongside drunkenness. Both of these activities keep us from being alert and diligent. To be drunk is to lack the soberness Paul talks about in verse 6. It keeps us from being diligent and watchful. To sleep is to let down our guard. Both of these activities are nighttime activities.
We can, even as believers, live as the world lives, in the darkness of sin and worldliness, or walk in the light of our faith and relationship with Jesus Christ. We walk in the darkness by the sleep of compromise, indifference and unwatchfulness. We walk in drunkenness when we allow other things to keep us from being alert, diligent and fruitful in the practice of our faith. Paul warns the Thessalonians about living as people of the night.
Verse 8
Paul has no doubt as to the genuineness of the Thessalonian’s salvation. According to the apostle, they belonged “to the day.” They were children of the light who had come to know Christ and the salvation He offered. As believers in Jesus, they walked in God’s purpose for their lives. It is to these individuals whose testimony had an impact in Macedonia and Achaia that Paul brings his challenge here in this verse. Paul’s exhortation to the Thessalonian believers is four-fold.
First, he calls them to be sober. The word νήφω (nḗphō) used here speaks of watchfulness, and particularly being alert and aware of one’s circumstances. The soberness Paul speaks of here relates to keeping our minds, hearts, and wills alert and in control. We often think of soberness as it pertains to alcohol or drugs. We are sober, in this sense, when we are not being controlled by these substances. Alcohol and drugs, however, are not the only things that can keep us from being of sound mind and body. Sexual sins, fatigue, and other distractions can take over our lives and minds and keep us from being “sober,” watchful and aware. Paul challenges the Thessalonians to watch out for anything that would blind them or hinder their judgement and keep them from being alert and vigilant in their walk with God. We are in the midst of a spiritual battle, which requires soldiers who are aware of the distractions and tactics of the enemy.
Second, the apostle challenges the believers to put on the breastplate of faith. The word πίστις (pístis) refers to a conviction, belief or persuasion. This faith is based on the truth of God’s Word. This unswerving commitment and conviction of the truth would keep them to the end. That truth would be their comfort and guide in trials and temptations.
Third, the Thessalonians were to put on the breastplate of love. The word ἀγάπη (agápē) refers to love that stirs to action. It is not a feeling but a sacrificial devotion to someone else. Jesus, for example, demonstrated this love by laying down His life on the cross.
Paul speaks of this ἀγάπη (agápē) love as a breastplate. This piece of equipment is for protection. The question we must ask here is how does agape love protect the believer? Without this sacrificial love, what would our faith look like? It would be a faith without hands and feet. It would not demonstrate the heart and work of Christ in our lives. It would be a faith of intellect and mind alone. Such was the lifeless faith of the Pharisees of Jesus’ day. The faith Paul speaks about here is active in the community and demonstrates the heart of Christ in real deeds and sacrifices. The breastplate of love shields us from the kind of faith that is filled with rules and doctrines but devoid of practical application.
Finally, Paul encouraged the Thessalonians to have for a helmet, the hope of salvation. The word hope is ἐλπίς (elpís). It is closely related to faith in that it is based on truth and the expectation of obtaining the promised truth of Scripture. Faith seems to be more connected with the conviction of truth. Hope has to do with expectation and confidence that it will come to pass.
Notice again that this hope is a piece of protective equipment in spiritual battle. Our earnest expectation of salvation will keep us strong against the forces of evil. It will give us perseverance and endurance when things get difficult.
Verse 9
The verse begins with the word “for,” connecting it to Paul’s previous thoughts. He has been challenging the Thessalonians to live as children of the light (verse 5), sober, full of faith, love and hope (verse 6). The apostle states that the reason the Thessalonians were to live sober, loving, faithful and hopeful lives was because God had not destined them for wrath but to obtain salvation through Jesus Christ.
These Thessalonians were not like the unbelievers of their day. Notice the use of the word “destined” here. The idea is that God had placed His hands on these men and women of Thessalonica, and He had a very specific purpose for them. He made them His children by opening their hearts to the salvation of Jesus Christ. He forgave them and gave them an eternal home in heaven. They could live sober lives full of faith, hope and love because of this wonderful work of Christ in them. This was the fruit of lives transformed by Jesus Christ.
Verse 10
The faith, love and hope that filled the Thessalonians resulted from the work of Jesus Christ, who died on their behalf. The apostle reminds them that this work and the promise of Jesus were as real for those who lived as those who died. Death would not take this promise of eternal life from them, nor would being alive at the return of Jesus. All who put their hope in Christ and His work would live with Him forever.
Verse 11
The Thessalonians had experienced a wonderful work of God in their midst. He had filled them with love, faith and hope. The work of Jesus Christ had transformed their lives. Paul encouraged them, therefore, to be sober and alert. Notice, here, that this soberness and alertness was not something they were to do independently of one another. They needed each other if they were to live as Jesus intended. Notice that Paul challenged the Thessalonians to do two things here.
First, they were to encourage each other. The word encourage comes from the Greek word παρακαλέω (parakaléō). The word is derived from pará, meaning to the side of, and kaléō, meaning to call. The idea is to call someone to your side for support or comfort. The Thessalonians were to be able to depend on one another as they lived out their Christian life. They were to humble themselves enough to call out to a brother or sister when they needed their support or encouragement.
Second, the apostle challenges the Thessalonians to build one another up. The word translated “build one another up” is οἰκοδομέω (oikodoméō). It is a construction term and speaks of building a house. In reality, this is what the Thessalonians were doing. They were building a spiritual house with individual members as blocks in that house. Each block in the house was important and formed a part of the whole. When one block suffered, the entire house was at risk. Each block had a role to play, and building up one another ensured each block was strong and could accomplish its purpose.
Paul reminds the Thessalonians that the Christian life is a life in community. We need each other if we are going to be what God called us to be.
Paul ends the verse with the assurance that the Thessalonians were already building each other up and encouraging each other in their faith. He challenges them here to continue doing this.
Verse 12
Paul addresses various issues with the Thessalonians in this final section of his epistle. He begins with a word about those who laboured among them in the Lord. Notice first what the apostle tells us about these brothers.
First, they laboured among the Thessalonians. The word among implies that these individuals were living in Thessalonica. They were inhabitants of the city who lived and walked with the Thessalonians daily.
Second, these brothers were over them in the Lord. This is to say, they had a leadership role in the church of Thessalonica. They may have been elders serving the church of that region.
Third, these brothers admonished the Thessalonians. The word admonish is νουθετέω (nouthetéō). It speaks of warning, rebuking, correcting or counselling. The brothers Paul speaks about here had a particular function in the body of Christ in Thessalonica. They encouraged and exhorted the church regularly, teaching and encouraging its members in their walk with God.
Paul told the Thessalonians that they were to respect these men who admonished them regularly. The word respect in the English Standard Version of the Bible comes from the Greek word εἰˊδω, meaning to see. In this context, it appears that Paul is telling the believers to take note of or have a special interest in those who taught and admonished them. They were to lift them up for their role and honour them as servants of the Lord Jesus.
Verse 13
Paul encouraged the Thessalonians to esteem the brothers who admonished them “very highly in love.” The word esteem is ἡγέομαι (hēgéomai) and means to lead or go before. Paul seems to be conveying to the Thessalonians that they were to regard these individuals before themselves. They were to give them a place of special honour.
The word ἡγέομαι (hēgéomai) conveys sufficiently what Paul was trying to say, but notice that he underlines its importance by adding the phrase esteem them “very highly.” Adding the words very highly adds to the significance of what Paul was teaching. Spiritual leaders who serve well are to be deeply respected and honoured.
Note also that this esteem was not just because these leaders held an important position in the church. The Thessalonians were to esteem their leaders “in love.” The Greek word ἀγάπη (agápē) is used here. It is a love that stirs to action. Those who love their leaders with this kind of love demonstrate this in how they respond toward them and how they care for them through their words and actions. You cannot say you love with this kind of love if it costs you nothing.
Paul goes on to say that they were to love (in action and deeds) their spiritual leaders because of their work. In other words, they were to care for their spiritual leaders because they were God’s servants among them. They were to demonstrate their care in practical ways.
The apostle concludes the verse by challenging the Thessalonians to be at peace among themselves. That is to say, they were to live in harmony. They were to walk together in one accord, dealing with any issue that might cause division among them. Their oneness and concern for each other and their deep respect for their spiritual leaders would be a powerful testimony in their region for the name of Christ.
Verse 14
The apostle challenges the Thessalonians to minister to three groups of people here.
First they were to admonish (warn or exhort) the idle. The Greek word Paul uses for idle is ἀˊτακτος (átaktos) which speaks of those who are disorderly or who neglect their responsibilities. God has given each of us obligations in life. He expects us to be faithful in these matters. Paul believed that if the church saw members who were not taking their responsibilities seriously, they were to speak with these believers. Our testimony for Christ is hindered if we neglect our God-given charges in family and society. As believers, we are to set a good example by being faithful in our responsibilities and obligations.
Second the Thessalonians were to encourage (comfort or console) the fainthearted. The word translated fainthearted is ὀλιγόψυχος (oligópsuchos). The word comes from olígos, meaning small and psuchḗ meaning soul or mind. The word “oligópsuchos” refers to those who are small of soul or mind. That is to say, they do not have a strong mind or soul to bear the responsibilities and trials that stand before them. They are fearful of what is ahead and do not know how to handle the obligations and difficulties that lie before them. Paul encouraged the church to recognize the struggle of such individuals and stand with them to support and encourage. They were to loan them their strength and wisdom to face that battle.
Finally, the Thessalonian church was to help the weak. The word ἀσθενής (asthenḗs) literally means without strength. That weakness may be physical, emotional or spiritual. It may be a temporary situation due to life situations or it may be a more permanent issue that places a brother or sister in a state of weakness. The church, according to Paul, was to stand beside these individuals. They were to make it a priority to help them in their time of need.
Note how Paul exhorts the church to be patient with all three groups of people. The word for patient here is μακροθυμέω (makrothuméō). It comes from the word makrós, meaning long and thumós meaning wrath or anger. Together they have the sense of remaining under the wrath or anger of another person without giving up. In other words, those who demonstrate this kind of patience, put up with difficulties for the good of the brother or sister concerned. Admonishing, encouraging and helping our brothers and sisters will required an intense effort with many sacrifices at times. Those efforts will not always be appreciated or accepted. The apostle encouraged long suffering and patience in those times.
What is clear from this verse is that the apostle Paul believed that the church needed to watch out for each other. The spiritual life is not a life lived in isolation. It is one where we need to embrace the body with all its various members, gifts and burdens. If the church of Thessalonica was going to become all God intended it to become, each member needed to stand with the other, patiently admonishing, encouraging and helping each other.
Verse 15
In a world cursed by sin, evil is a reality. We treat each other sinfully or sometimes with evil intent. Paul tells the Thessalonians they were not to repay evil for evil. The understanding here is that we will su7ffer evil at the handsu of our fellow human beings. This should not surprise us in a sinful worl xx.d.9 What is important for us to see here, however, is that the apostle challenges the Thessalonians not to repay anyone with evil for evil d8one to them. Instead, they were to seek to do good to everyone.
What happens when someone hurts you? You respond with goodness toward them. What do you do when someone speaks evil of you? You respond in kindness and compassion.
Understand here that this does not remove the need for justice in a society. Nor does this mean that we are not to challenge those who have acted with evil intent. In verse 14, Paul encourages the Thessalonian church to admonish brothers and sisters who are not walking as they should. He reminded the church in this letter that the day of the Lord was coming like a thief in the night and that they needed to be ready for this great day of judgment. Understand that while justice is necessary for evil deeds, and believers are to admonish those who are not walking in the Spirit, one evil deed does not justify another. As believers, we must learn to respond to evil in godly ways, demonstrating patience, goodness, kindness and love. The best response to evil is godliness.
Verse 16
The apostle challenges the Thessalonians here to rejoice (χαίρω, chaírō) always. The word always (πάντοτε, pántote) implies that they were to do so at all times and in all circumstances. The only way this is possible is because of our hope in Jesus Christ, the inner work of the Holy Spirit, and our confidence that the Father is over every circumstance in life. If these three realities are true for believers, we have every cause to rejoice no matter what the world throws at us. In essence, Paul tells the Thessalonians to look up in times of trouble to their hope in God and not allow the circumstances of life to make them forget what they have in Him.
Verse 17
The apostle’s next challenge to the Thessalonians was that they were to pray without ceasing. Prayer has to do with communication and communion with God. This is not limited to a specific time of the day when I bow my head and talk to God about my problems. Our communion with God must be, according to Paul, “without ceasing.” The word ἀδιαλείπτως (adialeíptōs) can be translated as permanent or without stopping. The idea is that believers are to be always in communion and communication with God. There should never be a moment when we are not in communion with Him, seeking His purpose, aware of His presence and walking in tune with Him. Our goal in life is to be in constant fellowship with God. Anything that keeps us from that must be addressed.
Verse 18
The Thessalonians were to give thanks in all circumstances. The word in (ἐν, en) could be translated as within or nearby. We see this use in the phrase “in Christ,” which refers to a close and intimate connection with Christ and His work.
In this case, however, the Thessalonians were “in” various circumstances in life. For some, these circumstances related to persecution for their faith. Not all of their circumstances were negative or difficult, however. I am sure that some proved to be very positive.
Paul is telling the Thessalonians here that circumstances in life should never undermine their thankfulness to God. A thankful heart is a quality that believers are to exemplify, no matter what life throws at them. No matter how difficult life is, our souls have been saved by Jesus Christ, and our eternal destiny has been secured. Imagine a person inheriting a million dollars being ungrateful because he had to cross the street to cash the cheque. The blessings of Christ so far outweigh the trials of life that the believer’s heart has every reason to be thankful, even amid great difficulty and persecution.
There is another aspect to this thankfulness. We have a God who can use all things to accomplish His purpose. Even those things that appear to be tragic can be for our good. Joseph was sold into slavery, but God used it to rescue his family from a famine that would have wiped them out. Jesus laid His life on a cruel cross and died, but that horrible death secured our salvation by the grace of God.
If we are going to be thankful, we need to look beyond our pain and suffering to the greater purpose of God. We need to see Him seated on His throne, working out His purposes. We must understand His plan for our eternal life and blessing in His presence. To be thankful, we need to see the bigger picture and not allow our struggles to blind us to what we have in Christ.
According to Paul, it was the will of God in Christ Jesus for us to live in a constant state of gratitude for what He has done and will continue to do in and through us for His glory and our good.
Verse 19
Next, the apostle Paul warns the Thessalonians about the possibility of quenching the Spirit. The word quench is σβέννυμι (sbénnumi) and speaks of extinguishing a light or fire so that it goes out. Paul tells the Thessalonians they were not to do this with the Holy Spirit.
It is the role of God’s Holy Spirit to lead and empower the believer in service and walk with God. The Holy Spirit will enable the forgiveness, joy, communion and thankfulness Paul speaks about in verses fourteen to eighteen, but believers must be sensitive and receptive to His influence and leading. Speaking to the religious people of his day, Stephen said:
(51) “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you. – Acts 7:51 ESV
Writing to the Ephesians, the apostle Paul said:
(30) And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. (31) Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamour and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. – Ephesians 4:30-31 ESV
Notice the connection between grieving the Holy Spirit and allowing bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour and slander in their hearts. We quench the fire of the Holy Spirit in our lives by resisting or ignoring His inner work and conviction.
The fact is that you cannot live the Christian life in the flesh. You need the inner work of God’s Holy Spirit to live as He intends. It is of utmost importance, then, that we come to know and embrace His inner work. We must learn to hear His voice, trust in His leading and conviction, and allow Him to transform our thoughts and attitudes. We must do nothing that would grieve Him our hinder His work in our lives.
Verse 20
The apostle moves now to speak about prophecy. The word προφητεία (prophēteía) speaks of exhortations, warning, and teaching spoken by those who have been hearing from God and speaking on His behalf. Paul believed the Lord would use His servants to proclaim His heart to His people. He challenges the Thessalonians not to despise these men and women who spoke in God’s name. At the very least, they were to consider whether what they heard from a brother or sister was truly from the Lord.
The word translated despise here is ἐξουθενέω (exouthenéō) and speaks of rejecting or treating with scorn the words of the prophet.
There are various opinions in the church today about whether the office of the prophet still exists. The reality of the matter is that God still speaks today. He does so not only through His inspired Word but also through His servants who challenge us in His name. I have had many times when the Lord spoke to me through godly men and women who shared informally with me, challenging me in one thing or another. I have had to take every rebuke, warning or challenge seriously, for it may indeed be a word from the Lord for my good.
Verse 21
This verse is a continuation of the words of Paul in verse 20. He told the Thessalonians that they were not to despise prophecies. He continues here by telling them what they were to do when someone spoke to them prophetically. They were to test everything. The testing referred to here related to what was being spoken to them by the prophet. Every word of a prophet is to be tested in two ways.
First, the prophet’s word is to be examined in light of the inspired teaching of the Bible. This is what the Bereans did when they heard the word of the apostles in Acts 17:
(11) Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. – Acts 17:11 ESV
Second, the word of the prophet is to be tested by experience. Consider the words of Deuteronomy 18 in this regard:
(21) And if you say in your heart, ‘How may we know the word that the LORD has not spoken?’— (22) when a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word that the LORD has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously. You need not be afraid of him. – Deuteronomy 18:21-22 ESV
God will never lie. What He says will always come to pass. If what a prophet says does not come to pass, they are not speaking from God.
Paul offers a second challenge here in verse 21. He encouraged the Thessalonians to “hold fast what is good.” When the rich young ruler came to Jesus, he called Him a Good Teacher. Listen to the response of Jesus to this title:
(18) And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. – Mark 10:18 ESV
Jesus tells us that the only truly good person is God. He is absolute good and the definition of what goodness is. Paul challenged the Thessalonians to hold tightly to and persevere in what they knew to be true of God and His Word.
Verse 22
The apostle expected the Thessalonians to abstain from every form of evil. The word translated form here is εἰ̃δος (eídos) which means to see or appearance. The sense here is that the Thessalonians were to reject and refuse to participate in anything that had any smell, taste or sense of evil about it. When it came to evil, there was to be no compromise. It is all too easy for us to rate evil. Some evil we see as being so horrendous we want nothing to do with. In fact, this sort of evil repulses us. There is evil, however, that is actually quite attractive to us as it offers pleasure and ease, despite the fact that takes our eyes of God and His purpose for our lives. It is all too easy to compromise our standards where there is great money to be made, or great pleasure to be had. The apostle challenges the Thessalonians here never to compromise but to walk faithfully in the goodness of God and His purpose alone. Believers were to abstain or resist temptation to compromise the truth or a life of true holiness and dependance on God.
Verse 23
Paul concludes his letter with a benediction. Notice two details here.
First, Paul prays that the God of peace would himself sanctify the Thessalonians completely. The word peace here is εἰρήνη (eirḗnē) and speaks of a state of being free from physical, emotional or spiritual conflict and turmoil. The God we serve is characterized by peace. In a perfect world, there is no sickness, war, tragedy or dischord. Where God dwells, there is such peace.
Understanding that the God we serve is a God of peace should help us see the kind of life He has for us. Admittedly, we live in a world of sin and evil that wants to strip away this peace. We strive, however, toward wholeness and reconciliation with God and our brothers and sisters. We strive for health and blessing under the purpose of our God of peace.
How can we know this perfect peace of God? We can only experience it through the process of sanctification. The word ἁγιάζω (hagiázō) used here refers to the process of making someone holy. The process of sanctification is breaking with sin and evil in our lives and embracing the character and purpose of God. It is this process that gives us the peace God intends. Paul prays that the Lord God would do this work in the Thessalonians. This was not something they were capable of themselves. Only God could strip away sin and evil from their heart. This was the inner work of His Spirit in their lives as they submitted to Him and His purpose. It was the heart of Paul that all evil and sin be addressed in the lives of the Thessalonians and that they be made holy and sanctified completely by the work of God in their inner being.
Second, it was the heart of Paul that the whole spirit, soul and body of the Thessalonian believers would be kept blameless until the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is one thing to be changed and quite another to persevere. The God who sanctified them would, however, also keep them in that state of holiness. The Spirit who transformed their lives into the image of Jesus Christ would stand with them, empowering them and giving them ongoing victory over sin, the flesh and the temptations of the devil.
Verse 24
After praying that the Lord would sanctify and preserve the Thessalonians, the apostle reminds them of the God who did the sanctifying and preserving. He has two things to say here.
First, the God who sanctified and preserved is faithful. The word translated faithful is πιστός (pistós) and speaks of something worthy of our confidence and belief. God is trustworthy and fully able to do what He promises. The
Thessalonians could place their full confidence in His work in their lives.
Note here that Paul reminded the Thessalonians that God had called them. That is to say, he had initiated this relationship through the death of His Son Jesus and the indwelling presence of His Holy Spirit. Paul adds to this now the absolute and faithful commitment of God toward those He has called in this way. God is committed to those who respond to His call.
The second point Paul makes here is a personal one. He is assured that the God who called the Thessalonians would not leave them to fend for themselves. Imagine a mother giving birth to a baby and abandoning it. This may happen in a sinful world, but this is not God’s way. He cares for His children and will do everything He can to see them mature in their faith and walk with Him. Paul had an assurance of God’s care for and work in the lives of all of His children.
Verse 25
The apostle asked the Thessalonians to pray for them as apostles and gospel workers. He asked them to do so because he believed in the power of prayer to move the hand of God in his ministry.
God could accomplish His purposes without us, but He has chosen to advance His kingdom through us instead. Some seek to advance God’s kingdom, relying on their human wisdom and skill. God, however, wants to empower and lead us in this work. He had made the power and wisdom required available to all who will ask Him for it.
Those who seek to advance the kingdom of God in their strength and wisdom do so without God’s particular presence and enabling. They treat the work of God like a business. They raise the resources for their projects through their many fund-raising techniques. They set up programmes to attract a crowd and keep their attention. They build their churches and administer their meetings like any secular business leader. The only difference is the cause they represent.
On the other hand, there are those who rely on the power, leading and wisdom of God alone. They distrust human wisdom and skill and choose rather to draw everything they need from God. They understand that God’s ways are not the same as their ways. They know that they can achieve great things that God never asked them to achieve. These individuals pray to God for wisdom, empowerment and the blessing needed. They do not trust their ideas, programmes or experience. Instead, they seek the wisdom of God and His enabling in the work of the kingdom. Paul was one of these individuals who pleaded with the Thessalonians to pray for grace to know the purpose of God and the divine strength and wisdom to accomplish His purpose.
Verse 26
As the apostle concludes his letter, he tells the Thessalonians to greet each other with a holy kiss. He is not telling them to receive his greetings here but rather showing them how to greet each other. They were to do so with a holy kiss. This holy kiss symbolized their relationship and was a sign that they accepted each other as brothers and sisters in the Lord. When they greeted each other, this was a sign and symbol of their bonds in Jesus Christ.
Paul is not requiring that all Christians greet each other with a kiss. The kiss was a proper cultural greeting in that culture, however, and a reminder of their bonds in Christ Jesus whenever they met. A hug or a handshake may also express this same idea.
Verse 27
The apostle placed the Thessalonians under oath to read this letter to all the brothers. The idea here is that he expected them to share what he had written with other believers in their region. The letter was intended to be circulated for the instruction and encouragement of believers. If Paul had the internet in those days, he would likely have made use of it as a tool to make his writing available to as many people as possible.
Verse 28
Paul concludes with a prayer that the grace or unmerited favour of the Lord Jesus Christ be with the Thessalonians. This was not because the Thessalonians were less worthy of God’s grace than other believers. Paul understood that not one of us can merit God’s favour, but He showers that grace and mercy upon us anyway. His prayer is that God would extend this grace in abundance to the Thessalonian believers and that they would know His favour, provision, work and wisdom in their personal lives, church and region.
