THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PAUL TO THE THESSALONIANS
After Paul left Philippi , Paul established a church at
Thessalonica , which was the capital of the Roman province
of Macedonia .
There was opposition from some of Jews who were jealous of
Paul's success in preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ
to the Gentiles.
Paul was forced to leave Thessalonica . When he reached
Corinth , his fellow worker Timothy gave him a report about
the situation in the church at Thessalonica.
Paul's First Epistle to the Thessalonians was written to
encourage and reassure the believers at Thessalonica.
Paul answers their questions about the return of Christ .
When will Christ return? If a believer died before Christ's
return , will he share in the eternal life with the Lord ?
Paul tells them to go on working quietly while waiting in
hope for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.
1Thes 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:
1Thes 4:17 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.
1Thes 4:18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
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. Those who have died
believing in Christ will rise to life first .
Then we who are alive at that time will be gathered up along
with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we
will be always with the Lord .
So then , encourage and comfort one another with these words.
What is the relationship of the second coming of Christ to
the experience of the believer ?
The fact of the second coming of Christ produces faith.
The believer is to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised
from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to
come.
1Thes 2:19 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?
1Thes 2:20 For ye are our glory and joy.
1Thes 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.
The fact of the second coming of Christ is the abiding confidence
that inspires labour of love.
1Thes 2:19 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?
1Thes 2:20 For ye are our glory and joy.
The fact of the second coming of Christ is the ultimate victory
that produces patience.
1Thes 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.
The believers are waiting for their Lord to come again.
They turned from idols to God to serve God and to wait for
His Son.
The work of faith is that act of faith by which men and women
become believers.
Jesus said,
"This is the work of God , that ye believe on Him
Whom He hath sent."
They turned from idols to God to serve God and to wait for
His Son. The Thessalonians had been living in the midst of idols
which they could be seen.They turned from idols to God who is unseen.
That is faith. They are making a declaration that the Lord is
coming again.
They turned from the disorder of idols in the midst of which they
were living . And they turned from the anarchy of idolatry to
God's government of peace and order.They were waiting for
the Son of God to come again.
The second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ became their living
confidence , inspiring their labour of love to serve a living and
true God.
Their faith trusts in the first coming of the Lord Jesus and
waits for the second coming of the Son of God.
Paul gave these Thessalonian folks comfort in the midst of their
suffering . Paul told them ,
1Thes 2:19 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?
What is the reason for their rejoicing ? They were Paul's hope
and joy and reason for boasting of their victory in the presence
of our Lord Jesus at His coming.
The great reward will be those folks whom we have led to Christ
are presented faultless at His coming.
At His second coming the Lord Jesus will establish us
unblameable and holy.
We shall be patient with ourselves, if we rest our hearts in
our Lord. We know we shall be perfected. We believed that the
Lord Jesus Christ will be coming again the second time.This give
us patience with God. We will be patience with God about the world.
There have been moments it has seemed that God is doing nothing.
But we see the fact of Christ's second coming as a definite happening ,
our heart is patient with God , and with all conditions. We will
trust God and wait for the Lord.We know the result of our toil and
labour in the Lord.
1Thes 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.
We believe that Jesus died and rose again .So we believe that
God will take back with Jesus those who have died believing in Him .
This is the transfiguration of death. This is the abolition of death.
Our Lord Jesus has defeated death for us. The child of God waits
not for death . The child of God waits for the Lord Jesus Christ.
The ancient prophets spoke of the Day of God , which will be a day
of Judgment .But we , believers , are not appointed to judgment.
The believers are appointed to salvation and to deliverance from the
disasters of that day.
Belief in the second coming of Christ should be the inspiration
of labour of love .
1Thes 5:23 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.
May the God who gives us peace make you holy in every way .
May God preserve your whole spirit and soul and body blameless
at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ .
1Thes 5:24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
Faith is He who calls you . He who calls you will also do it.
CHAPTER 1
1Thes 1:1 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.
Paul joins Silas and Timothy with himself in greeting
the Thessalonians. Silas and Timothy had just returned
to Paul from their visit to the Thessalonians .
By joining their names together , the Thessalonians
would know that they are all in agreement concerning
this epistle .
1Thes 1:2 We give thanks to God always for you all,
making mention of you in our prayers;
Paul had a big prayer list .Paul gave thanks to God
because of many things . One of the reason was that
they were an example .The church of the Thessalonians
was a model church.
1Thes 1:3 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;
Paul associates the three Christian grace : faith , love,
and hope.Paul also brought these together in 1 Corithians .
And now abideth faith , hope , love, these three ;
but the greatest of these is love .
(1 Cor.13:13)
What is work of faith ? One example is
" How you turned to God from idols "
Faith is the response of the soul of man to God, according
to the Word of God .When a person responds to God
according to His Word , then he walks in faith .
Paul urges them to do their work of faith without ceasing ,
yet we are told that
"... by grace are ye saved through faith ;
and that not of yourselves ;
it is the gift of God ;
Not of works , lest any man should boast "(Eph 2:8-9)
Paul is in complete agreement with James ,who writes ,
Yea , a man may say , Thou hast faith ,
and I have works ;
shew me thy faith without thy works ,
and I will shew thee my faith by my works
(James 2:18 )
The work of faith is the way faith is demonstrated to others .
Faith will reveal itself in the life that is lived.
Living faith will manifest itself .
For we walk by faith , not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).
What shall we do , that we might work the works of God ?
Jesus answered and said unto them , This is the work of God ,
that you believe on him whom He has sent (John 6:28-29).
Faith is faithfulness produced by the Holy Spirit in the
believer's life. Faith brings positive results.
To walk by faith brings glory to God .
The person of faith is standing on the most secured foundation ,
the Lord Jesus Christ .
Without faith it is impossible to please God .
Whatsoever is not faith is sin .
Faith always acts according to the mind of Christ ;
and we know that all things work together for good
to them that love God , to them who are the called
according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).
Faith is the substance of things hoped for ,
the evidence of things not seen(Hebrew 11:1).
To have faith is to be sure of the things we hopefor .
To have faith is to be certain of that what we hope
for is waiting for us , even though we cannot see it
up ahead .
It is by faith in God that the people of the ancient
times won God's approval .
Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed
by the Word of God , so that what can be seen was made
out of what can not be seen .
By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice
than Cain. Through his faith Abel won God's approval as
a righteous man , because God approved of his gifts.
And by faith he being dead yet he speaks.
But without faith it is impossible to please God ;
for he who comes to God must believe that He is ,
and that God is a rewarder of them that diligently
seek Him .
By faith Noah , being warned of God of things not
seen as yet , moved with fear , prepared an ark to the
saving of his family ; by faith Noah became heir of
the righteousness . Because of his faith in God,
Noah became one of those whom God has accept .
A labour of love is to serve the living and true God .
God saves by grace , that is love in action .
Love will labor . Love makes all the difference .
Labor isn't labor when it is a labor of love.
It is not a burden when it is a labor of love .
Your love for God is expressed in your obedience
to God . Love is manifested in obedience to God .
If you claim to love God , then prove it.Jesus said,
" A new commandment I give you . Love one another .
As I have love you , so must you love one another,
then everyone will know that you are my disciples ".
Owe no man anything , but love each other , for he who
loves another had fulfilled the law.
For this , You shall not commit adultery.
You shall not kill , You shall not steal ,
You shall not bear false witness , You shall not
covet ; if there be any other commandment ,
it is briefly comprehended in this saying , namely ,
You shall love your neighbour as yourself .
Who is your neighbour ? Every human being is your
neighbour .
Love works no ill to his neighbour.
Therefore love is the fulfilling of the
law (Romans 13:8-10)
Love is expressed in action.
For God so loved the world that He gave His
only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him
should not perish but have everlasting life
Love is doing .
Little children , let us not love with word or tongue ,
but in deed and truth (1John 3:18 )
Jesus is the true way to love . We follow Him .
We must love one another as our Lord Jesus Christ has
loved us . Our strong love for each other will prove to
the world that we are disciples of Christ .
Jesus is the pattern to love . Jesus is the way , the truth,
and the life . Only Jesus can show the
true way to love that will be pleasing to God .
Such love is a testimony to the world .
Love glorify God because God is love .
Such love points and shows people to Christ .
Such love frees you from fear , anger, lust ,
greed , selfishness , and sorrow . Such loves frees
you from pride . Unsaved people will recognize the blessings
of such love . And they will be drawn unto Christ , when we
lift up Christ as our Lord . Such love comes from Christ
because Christ shines brightly in the darkness of the world .
Such love brightens people's lives . Such love comes from
Christ because Christ heals the broken-hearted and frees
the oppressed .Such love comes from Christ because Christ
brings hope to the captives .Such love comes from Christ
because Christ brings hope to those who are prisoners by sin .
Such love comes from Christ because Christ frees the
destitutes by giving them hope and love . Such love wins
people to the Lord Jesus Christ because they
shall know that such love comes Christ .
The Lord wants you to live the Spirit of love and peace.
Therefore let love be your greatest aim when you serve
the Lord Jesus Christ .
Love is very patient . Love is not selfish .
Love is not irritable . Love is unselfish .
Love is not happy with evil . Love is happy with
the truth of God . Love never gives up , and its faith ,
hope , and patience never fails .
Love does not hold grudges and hardly even notice when
others do it wrong . Love hungers and thirsts after the
righteousness of God . Love is pure in heart . Love is
glad about justice . Love vaunts not itself .
Love does not behave itself unseemingly .
Love seeks not selfishness.Love is not easily provoked .
Love thinks no evil . Love rejoices not in iniquity ,
but rejoices in truth . Love bears all things,
believes all things , hopes all things ,
endures all things . Love never fails .
To wait for his Son from heaven is the patience
of hope .
After they had turned to God from idols to God ,
the Thessalonians also waited for the Lord Jesus
Christ . That is the patience of hope . The blessed
hope is to serve the living and true God and to wait
for His Son from heaven. Hope is what sustains a person .
What is your hope ? If your hope is in this world ,
you are like chasing the wind .It is of no use at all.
Everything in the world will fail . Your only hope is in
the Lord Jesus Christ ,who will never fail .
This one thing I know ; all things so work together
for good to them who love God , to them who are called
according to His eternal and holy purpose (Roman 8:28).
The work of faith looks back to the Cross ,and produces
good work in the life of the believer . The labour of love
is the present basis and the motivation on which a believer
is to serve Christ . And the patience of hope looks into the
future to the Lord Jesus Christ .
1Thes 1:4 Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.
God has created the heaven and earth in the beginning . It is
God's sovereign right to do whatever pleases Him .
Behind election and all of life is the sovereignty of God .
Gentiles joined Israel as objects of God's elective love .
According as he hath chosen us unto him before the foundation
of the world , that we should be holy and without blame before
him in love (Ephesian 1:4).
We live in the universe that was created by God and exits
for His glory. It is God's universe and God is running it
His way .God has brought you into existence .God has given
the opportunity to make a decision for Him.
God's invitation still stands.Jesus said,
"If any man thirst , let him come unto me , and drink "
(John 7:37)
Christ is ready to receive you . God is offering free
and full salvation to this lost world today.
You can choose Him or reject Him .
1Thes 1:5 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.
We gave out the Word of God , and the God takes the words
and uses powerfully . The Holy Spirit will use the Word
of God powerfully.That is our assurance and confidence.
The Word of God is God speaking to us .
The Holy Spirit can cause the Word of God to penetrate
the listener's heart and life so that he is a transformed
person .People are born again not by the weakness of the
flesh .They are born again because of the work of God .
They are born again , not of corruptible seed , but of
incorruptible , by the word of God , which lives and
abides for ever (1 Peter 1:23).
The Holy Spirit can takes the Word of God and make it
real to the listener . The Holy Spirit can and will
take the Word of God and perform miracles by changing
unbelieving , lost sinners into children of God .
Thessalonica , a Roman colony , was pagan and
heathen .It was controlled by the greatest political
and military powers of the world at the time.
The Word of God went into Thessalonica and reached
into the hearts and lives of people and transformed
them . What happened in Thessalonica is still
happening today in our world .The first step
is for the person to hear the Word of God .
So then faith comes by hearing , and hearing by the
word of God (Rom 10:17)
Without the Holy Spirit the Gospel is merely words .
With the Holy Spirit , the Word of God is the power
of God unto salvation to every person that believes .
This is exactly what the Lord Jesus said the Holy Spirit
would do . Jesus said ,
Nevertheless I tell you the truth ;
It is expedient for you that I go away :
for if I go not away , the Comforter will not come
unto you ; but if I depart , I will send him to you .
And when he come ,he will reprove the world of sin ,
and of righteousness , and of judgment . Of sin ,
because they believe not on me ; Of righteousness ,
because I go to my Father , and you see me
no more ;Of judgment , because the prince of this
world is judged (John 16:7).
Preached by men , the Good News is ratified by
the Holy Spirit . The Holy Spirit cause the
Good News to be received in much assurance that
it is truly the word of God .
As ye know what manner of men we were among you
for your sake.
The apostles practiced what they preached .
Their lives that had been changed by the Holy Spirit
reinforced their message .
1Thes 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:
They were followers of Paul , Silas, Timothy , and the Lord
Jesus Christ .They had received the Word of God in much
suffering , with joy of the Holy Spirit. Suffering and
affliction can not dampen the true joy that the Holy Spirit
gives them. The believer received the Word of God in much
suffering because the world is opposed to Christ.
1Thes 1:7 So that ye were ensamples to all that believe
in Macedonia and Achaia.
The church became an example (a pattern or model ) for the
believers in Macedonia and Achaia . The area is all of Greece .
1Thes 1:8 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.like a clap of thunder . The Good News is spread abroad
every place .
Your faith to God-ward is spread abraod .Their work of faith
was well known . They turned to God from idols to serve the
living God.
Paul found that wherever he traveled their faith to God-ward
has already gone ahead of him . The believers were already
talking about the church at Thessalonica , so it wasn't
necessary for Paul to speak any thing .
1Thes 1:9 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;
The people in general gave the welcome reception to the
apostles for their successful mission with
the Thessalonians .The people show them what manner of entering
in they had had with the Thessalonians. This was their response
to Paul's mission to them. Paul remembered their work of faith.
How they turned to God from idols. Paul remembered their labour
of love . Their labour of love is to serve the true and living
God . Paul remembered their patience of hope . They waited for
His son from heaven .
When Paul arrived at Thessalonica, he preached the
Lord Jesus Christ . When he preached Christ , they turned to
God from idols .When they turned to God , they repented by
turning from idols . The repentance followed the turning to
God .
1Thes 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. We are to wait for His son from heaven .
That's doesn't mean to wait doing nothing . It means we are
to be busy doing His work while waiting for Him .
If you love the Lord , you will serve Him . You are to
be patiently serving the Lord , giving out the Word of God
while you wait. That is the patience of hope.
CHAPTER 2
1Thes 2:1 For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in
unto you, that it was not in vain:
Paul's work was not in vain . It was not useless .When he came
to Thessalonica , he gave them the word of God .The Good News
walked into the city and it got into the hearts of men and
women . And it brought into existence a church .
1Thes 2:2 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.
Because they were preaching the Good News ,Paul and Silas
were seized and dragged to the authorities in the public
square at Philippi .And the crowd joined in the attack
against them . The officials tore the clothes off Paul
and Silas , and ordered them to be whipped . After a
severed beating , they were thrown into jail .
Paul and Silas had suffered before, and were shamefully
entreated at Philippi .There were much contention or
conflict , when Paul came to the Thessalonians .
There was much inward agony when Paul came to them .
Paul was not a secret believer. Paul and Silas were bold
in their God to speak the Good News to them . He spoke
boldly just as he did in Philippi.
1Thes 2:3 For our exhortation was not of deceit,
nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:
Paul's exhortation was not of error. Paul did not water
down the Good News . Paul never changed the Good News
to suit different groups.
Paul was not motivated by greed.There was no deceit or
error in his exhortation . He come to Thessalonica not
because of the offerings that he would get.There was no
sensuality or uncleanness in his motives. Their appeal
to them is not based on error or impure motives ,nor do
they try to trick anyone .
1Thes 2:4 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.
Instead they always speak as God wants them to ,
Because God has judged them worthy to be entrusted with
the Good News . They did not try to please men but to
please God, who tests our heart and our motives.
1Thes 2:5 For neither at any time used we flattering
words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is
witness:
Paul did not come to them with flattering talk. Nor did
Paul used words to cover up greed .God is their witness.
1Thes 2:6 Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you,
nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome,
as the apostles of Christ.
They did not try to get praise from anyone , either from
Thessalonians or from others . They did not wish to be a
burden as the apostles of Christ .
1Thes 2:7 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse
cherisheth her children:
They were gentle among them , like a mother hen taking
care of her chicken .
1Thes 2:8 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.
Because of their love for the Thessalonians , they were
ready to share with them not only the Good News from
God but even our own lives.
1Thes 2:9 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.
A mother's work is never done . She labours night and
day .Paul was saying that he was not a paid baby-sitter.
He was not a paid nurse.Paul was labouring and working
night and day over them because he loved them. We are to
care for one another with the loving care of a mother.
They worked day and night so that they would not be any
trouble to them as they preached to them the Good News
from God .
1Thes 2:10 Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily
and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among
you that believe:
They are witnesses , and God also. Paul was speaking
about something that they knew it was true .
Paul conducted himself holily among them. Paul
carefully discharged his duty to God because
he had behaved holily among the Thessalonians .
Paul also discharged his duty to man when he behave
justly among them .There was no charge against Paul
and his companions . They behaved themselves
unblameably among them.
1Thes 2:11-12 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.
They treated them as a father would treat his own
children .
Paul and his fellow workers encouraged them ,
comforted them , and they kept urging them to live
the kind of life that pleases God , so that they would
walk worthy of God . who had called them unto His kingdom
and glory.
1Thes 2:13 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.
There is another reason why they always give thanks
to God .When they brought them God's message , they
heard it and accept it , not as man's message but
as it is in truth , God's message . God is at work in
those people who believe .
1Thes 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:
The same things that happened to the dear Thessalonian
brothers happened to the churches of God in Judaea ,
to the folks there who belong to the Lord Jesus Christ .
They all suffered the same persecution .They were
brothers in suffering.
1Thes 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 Thessalonians suffered the same persecution from
their own gentile countrymen that the Jewish Christians
suffered from the Jews , who both killed the Lord Jesus ,
and their own prophets , and persecuted Paul and his
fellow believers .How displeasing they are to God .
How hostile they are to everyone .They even tried to
Paul from preaching the Good News to the gentiles that
would bring them salvation .In this they have brought
to completion all the sins they have always committed .
God is permitting the cup of iniquity to be filled .
And now God's anger and wrath has at last come down
on them .
1Thes 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.
They were separated from the Thessalonians for a little
while, not in their thoughts , but only in body .
How they missed them . How hard they tried to see them
again . They with great desire endeavoured to see them
again .
1Thes 2:18 Wherefore we would have come unto you,
even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.
They wanted to return to them Paul wanted to see
them once again , but Satan hindered them.
1Thes 2:19 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?
What is the reason for their rejoicing ? They were Paul's
hope and joy and reason for boasting of their victory
in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming.
1Thes 2:20 For ye are our glory and joy.
Indeed , you are our pride and our joy .
CHAPTER 3
1Thes 3:1 Wherefore when we could no longer
forbear, we thought it good to be left at
Athens alone;
Paul wants to return to the Thessalonians
but remains in Athens.
1Thes 3:2 And sent Timotheus, our brother,
and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in
the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to
comfort you concerning your faith:
Paul sent Timothy to establish them in the faith ,
and to comfort them in their faith.
1Thes 3:3 That no man should be moved by these
afflictions: for yourselves know that we are
appointed thereunto.
The Lord wants you to stand for Him in the midst
of the afflictions. Timothy was sent to them to
strengthen them and help their faith , so that
none of them would turn back because of these
persecutions , afflictions, and storms .
Such persecutions are part of God's will for us .
1Thes 3:4 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.
When Paul was with them , he told them ahead of time
that they were going to be persecuted . As they
well knew , that was exactly what happened .
1Thes 3:5 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.
For this reason , when he could no longer bear it ,
Paul sent Timothy to find out about your faith.
Paul wanted to protect them because he was afraid
that the Devil might tempt them .If they gave in to
the tempter , all Paul's labour would be in vain and
useless .
1Thes 3:6 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:
Now Timothy came back to Paul , and brought back
the welcome news about their faith and love .Timothy
told them that the Thessalonian believers always
thought well of Paul and his companions and wanted
to see them just as much as Paul and his companions
wanted to see them .
1Thes 3:7 Therefore, brethren, we were comforted
over you in all our affliction and distress by
your faith:
It is their faith that encouraged Paul and his fellow
workers .Paul also had afflictions, distress ,
and storms . The good report of their faith is a
comfort to Paul .
1Thes 3:8 For now we live, if ye stand fast
in the Lord.
If you stand fast in the Lord ,you will enjoy life .
Beloved , think it not strange concerning the
fiery trial which is to try you , as though some
strange thing happened unto you . But rejoice ,
inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings;
that , when his glory shall be revealed ,
ye may be glad also with exceeding joy
(1 Peter 4:12-13)
As a believer , you can not lose . God is going to
work it out for your good.
1Thes 3:9 For what thanks can we render to God
again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy
for your sakes before our God;
They give thanks to God for the joy they have in
His presence because of them .
1Thes 3:10 Night and day praying exceedingly that
we might see your face, and might perfect that
which is lacking in your faith?
Night and day they prayed to the Lord with all their
heart and asked Him to let them see the
Thessalonians personally and supply what was
needed in their faith .
1Thes 3:11 Now God himself and our Father,
and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.
Paul prayed for an opportunity to return to them .
May our God and our Lord Jesus Christ prepare the way
for Paul and his companions to come the Thessalonian
believers .
1Thes 3:12 And the Lord make you to increase and
abound in love one toward another, and toward all
men, even as we do toward you:
May the Lord make your love for one and another and
for all people grow more and more , and as great as
our love for you .
1Thes 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.
In this way God will strengthen you, and you will be
perfect and holy in the presence of our God and
Father , at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ
with all the folks that belong to Him.
CHAPTER 4
1Thes 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.
In the light of the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ ,
the believer must walk in a way to please God .
1Thes 4:2 For ye know what commandments we gave you
by the Lord Jesus.
These commandments are commandments of love by the
authority of the Lord Jesus .
1Thes 4:3 For this is the will of God, even your
sanctification, that ye should abstain from
fornication:
God wants you to be holy and free of sexual immorality .
1Thes 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:
Each of you should know how to live with his own wife
in a holy and honorable way not with a lustful desire,
like the heathen who do not know God.
1Thes 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.
No man should do wrong to his fellow believers or take
advantage of him, because the Lord will punish those
who do that .
1Thes 4:7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness,
but unto holiness.
God did not call us to live in immorality , but in
holiness.
1Thes 4:8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not
man, but God, who hath also given unto us his Holy Spirit.
Whoever rejects this teaching is not rejecting man ,
but God , who has also given unto us His Holy Spirit .
1Thes 4:9 But as touching brotherly love ye need not
that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of
God to love one another.
Paul did not feel that he should write to them about
brotherly love. They themselves have been taught by
God on how to love one another .
1Thes 4:10 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;
In fact , they had shown their love toward all the
brothers in all of Macedonia . But Paul begged them
to increase their love even more .
1Thes 4:11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do
your own business, and to work with your own hands,
as we commanded you;
Make it your aim in live a quiet life , to mind your
own business , and to earn your own living .
1Thes 4:12 That ye may walk honestly toward them
that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.
In this way you will win the respect of those folks who
are not believers , and you will not depend on anyone
for what you need .
1Thes 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.
We need to know the truth about those who have died ,
so that we will not be sad , as are those who have no hope .
1Thes 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.
We believe that Jesus died and rose again .So we believe
that God will take back with Jesus those who have died
believing in Him .
1Thes 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.
We who are alive on the day the Lord comes will not go
ahead of those who have died .
1Thes 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:
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. Those
who have died believing in Christ will rise to life first .
1Thes 4:17 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.
Then we who are alive at that time will be gathered up
along with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.
And so we will be always with the Lord .
1Thes 4:18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
So then , encourage and comfort one another with these words.
CHAPTER 5
1Thes 5:1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren,
ye have no need that I write unto you.
There was no need for Paul to write to them about the
times and occasions when these things will happen .
1Thes 5:2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day
of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
The day of the Lord will come so suddenly and
unexpectedly like a thief in the night .We must be
prepared for that day .
1Thes 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.
When people shall say , Everything is quiet and safe" ;
then sudden destruction comes upon them . It will come
as suddenly as the pains that come upon a woman in
labor , and the people will not escape .
1Thes 5:4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that
that day should overtake you as a thief.
But you are not in darkness , and that Day should not
take you by surprise like a thief .
1Thes 5:5 Ye are all the children of light, and the
children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of
darkness.
You are all the children of light , and children of the
day . We are not of the night , nor of darkness.All of
you are people who belong to the light , who belong to
the day . We do not belong to the darkness or the night .
1Thes 5:6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others;
but let us watch and be sober.
Therefore let us not sleep ,as do others. We should not
be sleeping like the others , we should be awake and
sober.Let us be awake and sober. Let us be alert and
watch for our Lord .
1Thes 5:7 For they that sleep sleep in the night;
and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
It is in the night that people sleep . It is in the
night that people get drunk .
1Thes 5:8 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.
But we who belong to the day. We should be awake and
sober . We must wear the breastplate of faith and
love , and our hope of salvation as a helmet.
1Thes 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 did not choose us to suffer His anger , but
to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
who died for us in order that we might live together
with him.
1Thes 5:11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together,
and edify one another, even as also ye do.
So encourage one another, comfort one another ,
help one another , edify one another ,just as you
are now doing .
1Thes 5:12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know
them which labour among you, and are over you in the
Lord, and admonish you;
Respect those folks who labour among you , who guide
and instruct you in the way of the Lord .
1Thes 5:13 And to esteem them very highly in love for
their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
Treat them with the greatest respect and love because of
the work they do . Be peace among yourselves .
1Thes 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that
are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the
weak, be patient toward all men.
Now we urge you , brothers . Warn the idle folks.
Comfort the timid folks . Support the weak. Help the
weak folks . Be patient toward everyone .
1Thes 5:15 See that none render evil for evil unto
any man; but ever follow that which is good,
both among yourselves, and to all men.
See that no one pay back wrong for wrong , but at all
times make it your aim to do good to one another and to
all people .
1Thes 5:16 Rejoice evermore. Be joyful always.
1Thes 5:17 Pray without ceasing.
Pray at all times.
1Thes 5:18 In every thing give thanks:
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Be thankful to God in all circumstances . This is what
God wants from you in your life in union with
Christ Jesus .
1Thes 5:19 Quench not the Spirit. Do not restrain
the Holy Spirit .
1Thes 5:20 Despise not prophesyings.
Do not despised inspired messages.
1Thes 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast
that which is good.
Test all things . Keep what is good.
1Thes 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
Avoid every kind of evil . Keep away from all
appearance of evil .
1Thes 5:23 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.
May the God who gives us peace make you holy in every
way . May God presearve your whole spirit and soul and
body blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ .
1Thes 5:24 Faithful is he that calleth you,
who also will do it.
Faith is He who calls you . He who calls you will
also do it.
1Thes 5:25 Brethren, pray for us. Brothers , pray for us.
1Thes 5:26 Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.
Greet all the believers with a holy kiss.
1Thes 5:27 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle
be read unto all the holy brethren.
Paul urges them by the authority of the Lord to read this
letter to all the holy believers.
1Thes 5:28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with
you. Amen.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you . Amen.
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Title: The First Epistle of Paul to the Thessalonians Author Anthony Ing Publisher Good News Publishing paperback 1997 ISBN 10 0-921947-66-6 ISBN 13 978-0-921947-66-0 Digitized 2014