This is one of Paul's earliest letters. He loves the church of Thessalonia. He was not able to return to it, so he sent Timothy to it to encourage them. Timothy brought back a good report to Paul. This was a very young church that needed to mature in its faith. Believer's were also being persecuted.....the persecution was ugly and Paul understood it because he had once been one who was doing the persecution.
Because this was such a populated city, there were others that brought sexual immorality into the culture. Paul wanted to make sure that the church understood that they were to stand firm from this. Do you think we have any of the same influences today? We are to live as good citizens in a sinful world. We are all to be prepared for the second coming of Christ because Christ could return at any moment. Those Christians who had died in the faith will be resurrected.
If you look at Chapter 4, you will see where the concept of the Rapture comes from. It is never mentioned specifically as The Rapture, but the word "caught up" comes from the word "rapturo" in the Greek. I have a footnote in my bible associated with ..."will be caught up together with them in the clouds"...to Acts1:9....this is where Jesus ascended into Heaven and a cloud covered him.....those of us that have studied Revelation with Beth Moore have been exposed to the many different theories associated with the Rapture....just remember that it is not a saving issue, so try not to get caught up in it.
Paul closes with some final instructions for Christian living.
Now I see a contradiction in the last reading.....last time it said as Christians we were to help others with their sins.....that is was our business....here he says 4:11 "that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you." I guess here this means to not worry about others not following the law of God, but to do what they were taught and what they believe.
ReplyDeleteYep.....4:16 sounds familiar from Beth Moore study....
Oh....I really like 5:1618....such encouraging words.
This is a letter of encouragement to the new church .....