Thessalonians

FIRST EPISTLE TO THE THESSALONIANS

Compiled by WD Kemner January 2024

Chapter 1

Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Silvanus is the one called Silas. In the book of Acts 15:22, 32 he is referred to as “…chief man among the brethren…” and “…prophet…”. Timotheus is the one called Timothy. He is also mentioned in Acts 16:1. His Mother was Jewish and father a Greek.

Paul does not start out declaring himself an apostle. He did not need to with the converts at Thessalonica. He is also addressing the people. He refers to the Church of the Thessalonians and not the church of Thessalonica, as he does in all of his other letters. The church had a testimony that generated a statement from Paul that they were “in God…”

1 Thessalonians 1:2-5

We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;

Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

Paul gives us a model for prayer. Giving thanks for the believers and the work that they were accomplishing

1 Thessalonians 1:6

And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:

Greek word for “followers” is “mimetes” meaning to be “imitators”.

The word is used here and in 1 Corinthians 4:16. Paul was not calling them to be his own private army. He was stating that in the same manner that he (Paul) was an imitator of Christ, they were learning Christ by being imitators of Paul

1 Thessalonians 1:7-9

So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.

For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;

Though it was in the midst of tremendous pressures from the others for giving up the Greek gods, the Thessalonians became examples to everyone

1 Thessalonians 1:10

And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

Prophecy - Jesus WILL deliver from the future wrath that is coming.

NOTE: Every Chapter in 1 Thessalonians ends with verses regarding the Second Coming of Jesus

Chapter 2

1 Thessalonians 2:1-2

For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain: But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.

The events of Acts chapters 16 and 17.

1 Thessalonians 2:3-13

For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:

Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.

For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:

As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.

For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

These verses give a perfect model of the action and manner in which one should approach presenting the Gospel in ministry. What are the motives and attitude in approaching those that are unreached?

1 Thessalonians 2:14

For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:

Churches of Judea – no reference to Rome as being the pattern to model after.

1 Thessalonians 2:15-16

Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men: Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.

The Christians in Thessalonica had double the persecution. They were being harassed by fellow Greek countrymen but they were also being attacked by Jews who did not believe that the message of Jesus was allowed to be shared by the Gentiles.

1 Thessalonians 2:17

But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.

From verse 11 Paul is burdened like a father would be when separated from his children.

1 Thessalonians 2:18

Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.

“…even I Paul…” – because of the three men, Paul would be the one not to be able to return to Thessalonica again.

1 Thessalonians 2:19-20

For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? For ye are our glory and joy.

Another reference to the coming of Christ.

Chapter 3

1 Thessalonians 3:1-2

Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone; And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellow labourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:

Paul had been concerned enough that it was decided it was better to be left alone and better to send Timothy to go and see how the Thessalonians were doing. It is the report that Timothy brought back to Paul which Paul is now responding to in this letter that will be sent to the people in Thessalonica

1 Thessalonians 3:3-12

That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know. For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.

But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you: Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith: For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.

For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God; Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you. And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:

1 Thessalonians 3:13

To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.

Another reference to the coming of Christ. This one indicating that Jesus’ coming will include the saints being with Him.

Chapter 4

1 Thessalonians 4:1

Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.

What the apostles had taught them while in Thessalonica was what they had needed. They were taught how to walk the journey of faith in Jesus. Now he tells them there is so much more to learn and experience in the walk.

1 Thessalonians 4:2-3a

For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification,

Greek word for “sanctification” is the word: “hagiasmos” meaning the state of purity – the root word means to “make holy”

1 Thessalonians 4:3b

…that ye should abstain from fornication:

Greek word for “fornication” is the word: “porneia” coming from word “porneuo” – meaning Adultery and incest, indulging unlawful lust.

1 Thessalonians 4:4-5

That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:

Greek word for “concupiscence” is the word: “epithumia” meaning a longing for what is forbidden or a desire, a lusting after.

1 Thessalonians 4:6

That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.

Don’t defraud or cheat one another. Taking advantage of one another is defrauding them.

1 Thessalonians 4:7-10

For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.

But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;

The love that they showed was on display for everyone and was a testimony of them. However, Paul says to increase it even more. You can never give to much love.

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.

Not to “meddle” in the affairs of others? Minding our own business. If we are busy for the kingdom, when do we have time for meddling? This allows you to walk among them with confidence instead of sneakily or afraid of them for what you know.

THE RAPTURE VERSES

This next section of Thessalonians is probably one of the most often quoted passages in scripture. Is it the most understood? See the study guide on Rapture and Second Coming for more notes on this topic and this passage.

Paul now addresses an issue that was of concern to the Thessalonian believers. They were concerned about the believers that were dying. They knew Jesus had taught that he would return. What happens to those that died before the return of Christ.

1 Thessalonians 4:13

But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

Greek word for “asleep” is the word “koimao”, meaning to be dead.

The phrase to be “asleep” was often used by early Christians who believed that there was more for us after death.

1 Thessalonians 4:14

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

Another reference to His return. Those who believe that Jesus died and rose again for them, would be coming with Jesus when He returns. Note: that “God” will bring them. God will be coming as well, when Jesus returns!

If God is going to BRING THEM with him, then they would have to be with him BEFORE he gets here. There must be a “Resurrection” of those that have died (with a commitment to Christ) since the last resurrection that occurred at the time of the death of Jesus at Calvary.

1 Thessalonians 4:15

For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

Those that are dead (in Christ) (from verse 14) WILL go FIRST, BEFORE anyone that is alive when the Lord returns.

1 Thessalonians 4:16

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

Trumpets and angels appear at both the Rapture and the Second Coming. It is simply a matter of who gets to see which event!

1 Thessalonians 4:17-18

Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

The key words here are the ones that refer to being “caught up”. Imagery of a person using a net to “swoop up” a flying insect. The image may be very simplistic, but that is what the verse is telling us.

First, the believers that have died will rise and take on immortal bodies and join the Lord in the clouds. Then the believers that are yet alive will leave this earth, take on immortal bodies and join the Lord in the clouds.

Both will happen in the time it takes to blink an eyelid. Both groups will be together now with the Savior for eternity.

Chapter 5

WATCHING FOR THE RETURN OF CHRIST

1 Thessalonians 5:1-2

But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

Continuing from where last chapter ended. “Day of the Lord” – when Jesus returns. This term is used throughout scripture. Jesus and Peter both also compared that day to a thief. Jesus used it in Matthew 24:43 and Luke 12:39; while Peter uses the same exact words in 2 Peter 3:10.

1 Thessalonians 5:3

For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

Paul is outlining when this “Day of the Lord” would occur. When man begins to think he has it all under control then he seals his own doom.

1 Thessalonians 5:4-6

But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

Watching and being diligent for the return of Christ. If we are not earnestly keeping an eye on watching for His return then we are no different than those who are asleep.

1 Thessalonians 5:7-8

For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.

Those that are too preoccupied with this world will miss it all.

1 Thessalonians 5:9-10

For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

God has no plans for us to face His wrath. He wants us to accept his salvation and avoid the coming wrath on those that do not believe.

1 Thessalonians 5:11-13

Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

We are to recognize and esteem those that are doing the work of the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 5:14-22

Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil.

Reminders on how to live and structure our lives.

1 Thessalonians 5:23-28

And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

Brethren, pray for us. Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss. I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.