Category: Thessalonians

God Our Father

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2Thessalonians 1:1-2 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church [congregations] of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 

‘Paul’ – In all his epistles except 1 Thessalonians and 2 Thessalonians, Philippians and Philemon, Paul calls himself an apostle. It may be that he was held in such affection by these congregations that he did not need to assert his apostolic authority.

‘Silvanus’ – The same as Silas, Paul’s companion on his second missionary journey. He took part in the founding of the Macedonian congregations (Acts 15:40-18:18).

‘Timotheus’ – was called Timothy (2Cor. 1:1; 1Tim. 1:2, 18; 6:20; 2Tim. 1:2; Phm. 1; Heb. 13:23). Converted by Paul on his first trip (Acts 14:6-7 with 1Tim. 1:2). Part Jew and Greek, uncircumcised, but a true Christian (Acts 16:1-3). A miracle worker like Paul (1Cor. 16:10). Paul’s companion from here on (Acts 16:1-3; 17:14-15; 18:5; 19:22; 20:4; Rom. 16:21; 1Cor. 4:17; Php. 2:19). It is believed by some that he was Paul’s scribe in writing Hebrews and Galatians.

‘Unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.’ This and the second epistle are the only ones so addressed. Compare this with the other salutations in other epistles.

‘In God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.’ One in unity (John 10:30; 17:11, 21-23), not one in person or individuality (Dan. 7:9-14; 1Jn. 5:7; Acts 7:55; Rom. 8:34; 1Cor. 8:6; 11:3; Eph. 1:20-23; 4:1-6; 1Tim. 2:5; Heb. 1:3; 8:1; 12:2; 1Pet. 3:22; Rev. 5:1-7).

‘God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.’ Twice here it is made clear that the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ are two separate and distinct persons. Believers are in both and the salutation is from both through Paul.

Faithfulness Part 3

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Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen…

Twelve things’ Christians hoped for (continues): [12] Being like Christ – the hope of the rapture is an incentive to purify one’s self even as Christ is pure (1Jn. 1:7, 9; 2:6; 3:3, 5-10; 5:1-4, 5:18).

From 1John 3:1-3 we can see that we have to live a life of purity and there are twenty proofs that purity is now possible: He shall save … from … sins (Matt. 1:21). For the remission of sins (Matt. 26:28). Dead to sin (Rom. 6:2). Body of sin might be destroyed, that we should not serve sin (Rom. 6:6). Reckon oneself dead to sin (Rom. 6:11). Let sin not reign in your body (Rom. 6:1-23). Sin shall not have dominion over you (Rom. 6:14-23). Being made free from sin (Rom. 6:18). Made me free from sin (Rom. 8:1-4). They that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts (Gal. 5:16, 24). That we should be holy and without blame before Him in love (Eph. 1:4). Live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world (Tit. 2:12). Purged our sins (Heb. 1:3; 9:14). Be holy; for He is holy (1Pet. 1:16). The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin (1Jn. 1:7, 9). Ought to walk even as He walked (1Jn. 2:6). Whosoever abides in Him sins not . . . is righteous, even as He is (1Jn. 3:6-7). He that sins are of the devil (1Jn. 3:8-10; John 8:44). Whoever is born of God sins not (1Jn. 4:17; 5:4-5, 18). Without holiness, no man shall see the Lord (Heb. 12:1-29).

Faithfulness – Part 2

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Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen…

Twelve things’ Christians hoped for [1] Salvation – we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what we see (Rom. 8:24-25); salvation is a hope and not actually an unforfeitable possession until the next life (Rom. 8:20-25; 1Thess. 5:8; 2Thess. 2:16; 1Pet. 1:5, 9, 13). [2] Righteousness – through the Spirit we wait for the hope of righteousness by faith (Gal. 5:5). [3] Calling – the hope of His calling (Eph. 1:18). [4] Christ in them –the unity with Christ, the hope of glory; Jesus Christ is the basis of our hope of all things (Col. 1:27; 1Tim. 1:1). [5] Greater New Testament glory – the ministration of righteousness exceeds in glory (2Cor. 3:7-12). [6] Future life – we cannot just hope in Christ for the things of this life, because then we will be seen as most miserable; the righteous, however, have hope of reaping life eternal (1Cor. 15:19; Pro. 14:32; Gal. 6:7-8). [7] Resurrection – the whole Christian religion is built around Christ and His physical resurrection and without faith in both men are lost (Acts 23:6; 24:15; 26:6-7; Rom. 10:9-10; 1Cor. 15:1-23). [8] Final rewards – our hope, joy and crown of rejoicing in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming (1Thess. 2:19). [9] Final grace – hope to the end for the grace and salvation that are to be brought at the coming of Christ (1Pet. 1:13; Rom. 8:24-25). [10] Coming of the Lord – the first and last prophecy in Titus (Tit. 2:13; Php. 3:20). [11] Eternal life – unforfeitable eternal life is now hope. Hope that is seen is not hope (Rom. 8:24-25). How can it be a hope and a present possession, as stated in John 3:16, 36; 5:24; 10:28-29? Why do we yet hope for it if we have it, as stated in Titus 1:2; 3:7; 1Timothy 1:1? The simple truth is that it is now given to everyone who is in Christ on condition of remaining in Him (1Jn. 5:11-12; John 15:1-8; Gal. 1:6-8; 4:19; 5:4; etc.).

To be continued…

Faithfulness – Part 1

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Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen…

From Hebrews 11:1 we have eighteen definitions of faith: Substance of things hoped for (Heb. 11:1). Evidence of things not seen (Heb. 11:1, 7). Invisible backing of elders (Heb. 11:2). Creative power of divine works (Heb. 11:3). Divine testimony of right doing (Heb. 11:4). Cancellation of natural laws (Heb. 11:5). Basis of pleasing God (Heb. 11:6). Dependence upon God’s word (Heb. 11:7). Trust in an unknown future (Heb. 11:8-10). Counting things that be not as though they were (Heb. 11:11-12; Rom. 4:17). Seeing invisible things (Heb. 11:13-16). Assurance of God’s faithfulness (Heb. 11:17-19; 10:23). Confidence in things to come (Heb. 11:20-31; 3:6, 14; 10:35; Eph. 3:12; 1Jn. 3:21). Stimulus of the Christian faith (Heb. 11:32 – 12:2). The life-blood of the just (Heb. 10:38). Shield of Christian armour (Eph. 6:16). Down payment of things desired (Heb. 3:6, 12-14; 6:11-12; 10:22-23, 35-39). Guarantee of answered prayer (Matt. 21:22; Mark 11:22-24; Heb. 11:6; Jas. 1:1-27).

Hebrews 11:6 warns that without faith it is impossible to please Him: for when we come to God we must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him and here we have four secrets of answered prayer: To please God (1Jn. 3:21-22; 5:14-15). To come to God with the right attitude and motives (Matt. 6:5-15; 7:7-11; Php. 4:5-6). To believe that He is (John 16:23). To believe He is a rewarder of them diligently seeking Him. If one can believe this as much as he believes in the existence of God, prayer will be granted. If one believes firmly in His existence and doubts His word, he makes Him a liar and God is under no obligation to answer prayer (Jas. 1:4-8). The Greek for diligently is ekzeteo, translated diligently seek (Heb. 11:6); seek after (Acts 15:17; Rom. 3:11); seek carefully (Heb. 12:17); require (Luke 11:50-51), and enquire (1Pet. 1:10).

To be continued…

Faithful is He – Part 3

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1Thessalonians 5:24-28 Faithful is he that called you…

Just as God is faithful, we are called to faithfulness and are equipped by the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23): But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

‘Faith’ [Greek: pistis] is confidence, faithfulness, trust, and a pledge of good faith. Used 244 times. Translated belief (2Thess. 2:13); fidelity (Tit. 2:10); assurance (Acts 17:31); and faith 239 times (Heb. 11:1-39; 12:2; etc.). Here it means fidelity or faithfulness in contrast to the Lord who is faithful (2Thess. 3:2-3).

The word “believe” denotes the act and process of faith. It comes from the Greek verb pisteuo which occurs 248 times in the New Testament. This use of the present tense indicates that faith must be continued in to receive its benefits (Acts 14:22; Eph. 6:16; Col. 1:23; 2:5-7; 1Thess. 5:8; 1Tim. 2:15; 3:9; 6:12; 2Tim. 3:8; 4:7; Tit. 1:13; Heb. 10:23-38; 2Pet. 1:5-10). It can be lost (Luke 8:13; 1Tim. 1:19; 4:1; 5:8, 12; 6:10, 21; 2Tim. 2:18; 3:8; Jude 1:3; Rev. 2:13). Faith means: To be persuaded of (Rom. 4:17-22; 8:38-39; 2Tim. 1:12). Place confidence in (Eph. 3:12; Php. 1:6; Heb. 3:6, 12-14; 10:35; 1Jn. 3:21; 5:14). The substance or conviction of things hoped for, the assurance of things not seen (Heb. 10:19-38; 11:1, 6; Rom. 4:17; 8:24). Absolute dependence upon and reliance in the Word of God and of Christ (Matt. 8:8-10; 15:28; Rom. 10:17; Heb. 11:1 – 12:3). Full surrender, yieldedness, and obedience to all known truth (Rom. 1:5; 6:11-23; 16:26; Jas. 2:14-26; 2Cor. 10:4-7; Heb. 11:6). Trust wholly and unreservedly in the faithfulness of God (Matt. 6:25-34; 12:21; Luke 12:28-31; Eph. 1:13; 1Tim. 4:11; 6:17; 1Cor. 10:13). Give one’s self over to a new way of life (Rom. 1:17; 6:11-23; 8:1-16; 2Cor. 10:4-7; Gal. 5:16-26; Col. 3:5-10; Heb. 12:1-15; Tit. 2:11-14; 1Jn. 1:7; 2:6; 3:8-10; 4:17; 5:1-5, 18). The attribute of God and restored faculty of man whereby both can bring into unseen existence things (Rom. 4:17; Gal. 5:22; Matt. 17:20; 21:22; Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; Luke 17:6; Heb. 11:1-40). The whole body of revealed truth (Luke 18:8; Jude 1:3; Rom. 10:17; 1Tim. 4:1, 6; 6:10; 2Tim. 3:16-17). Joyful faith in, and acceptance of Christ as the substitute for sin and our Saviour whereby one receives salvation (Mark 16:16; Acts 4:12; 10:43; Rom. 1:16; 3:24-31; Eph. 2:8-9); access into grace (Rom. 5:2); fulfilment of the promises (Heb. 6:12); the Holy Spirit (Gal. 3:14); righteousness (Rom. 4:1-25; 9:30, 32; 10:6; Php. 3:9); sonship (Gal. 3:26); healing (Jas. 5:14-16; 1Pet. 2:24); eternal life (John 3:15-18, 36; 5:24; 6:47); and answers to every prayer (Matt. 7:7-11; 21:21; Mark 11:22-24; Luke 18:1-8; John 14:12-15; 15:7, 16).

Faithful is He – Part 2

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1Thessalonians 5:24-28 Faithful is he that called you…

We note ten attributes of God from Psalm 36:4-9: Mercy – high as the heavens (Ps. 36:5). Faithfulness – far-reaching as the clouds. Righteousness – high as mountains (Ps. 36:6). Justice – deep as the abyss. Preservation – universal as existence. Kindness – excellent (Ps. 36:7). Providence – complete (Ps. 36:8). Satisfaction – rivers of pleasure (Ps. 36:9). Life – the fountain of life. Light – the source of truth.

Psalm 40:10 reads as follows: “I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation…” His faithfulness here refers to the fulfilment of the covenants and promises through Jesus Christ and His great salvation (John 1:16-17; Rom. 3:2; 9:4-5; 2Cor. 1:20).

The faithfulness of God is eternal – unto all generations. This is another scripture stating eternal generations of natural people (Gen. 8:22; 9:12; Isa. 9:6-7; 59:21; Dan. 2:44-45; 7:13-14, 18, 27; Luke 1:32-33; Rev. 11:15; 21:3-7; 22:4-5).

Two great qualities of the Messiah (Isa. 11:5 – His righteousness (Heb. 1:9) and faithfulness (Heb. 2:17; Rev. 1:5).

To be continued…

Sanctify You Wholly – Part 2

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1Thessalonians 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.

All souls are fully conscious between death and the resurrection, the righteous souls being conscious in paradise and heaven (2Cor. 5:8; Php. 1:21-24; Heb. 12:22-23; Rev. 6:9-11), and the wicked souls in hell (Isa. 14:9; Luke 16:19; Rev. 20:11-15). For example, compare Acts 2:27 with Psalm 16:10; 1Corinthians 15:45 with Genesis 2:7; etc.

Psuche (G5590) is used for: Lower animals (Rev. 8:9; 16:3); Man as an individual (Acts 2:41, 43; 3:23; 7:14; 27:37; Rom. 2:9; 13:1; 1Cor. 15:45; Jas. 5:20; 1Pet. 3:20; 2Pet. 2:14; Rev. 6:9; 18:13; 20:4). The life of man, which can be lost, destroyed, saved, etc. and translated life (Matt. 2:20; 6:25; 10:39; 16:25; 20:28; Mark 3:4; 8:35; 10:45; Luke 6:9; 9:24, 56; 12:22-23; 14:26; 17:33; John 10:11-17; 12:25; 13:37-38; 15:13; Acts 15:26; 20:10, 24; 27:10, 22; Rom. 11:3; 16:4; Php. 2:30; 1Jn. 3:16; Rev. 12:11). The life of a man, which can be lost, destroyed, saved, etc. and translated soul (Matt. 10:28; 16:26; Mark 8:36-37; Luke 12:20; 21:19; 1Thess. 2:8; 5:23; Heb. 4:12; 6:19; 10:39; 13:17; Jas. 1:21; 1Pet. 1:9; 2:11, 25; 4:19). Man, to emphasize self, such as my soul, or myself (Matt. 11:29; 12:18; 26:38; Mark 14:34; Luke 1:46; 12:19; John 12:27; Heb. 10:38; 1Pet. 1:22). The powers of one’s being (Matt. 22:37; Luke 2:35; 10:27; Acts 4:32; 3Jn. 1:2; Eph. 6:6; Php. 1:27).

‘Body’ – The body is the house of the soul and spirit and goes back to dust again at death (Gen. 3:19) and becomes immortal in the resurrection (1Cor. 15:54-58).

‘Unto’ [Greek: en] Translated as “at,” 1Thessalonians 2:19; 3:13. It is at the rapture that saints will be set apart wholly unto God and His eternal will and made whole in body, soul, and spirit (1Cor. 15:51-58; Php. 3:21; Rom 8:18-25; 1Pet. 1:5, 9, 13).

‘Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.’ In each chapter of this epistle, the coming of the Lord is presented in a different aspect: 1Thessalonians 1:10; 2:19; 3:13; 4:13-18; 5:23.

Sanctify You Wholly – Part 1

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1Thessalonians 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. 

‘And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly …’ This is the 5th and last New Testament prophecy in 1Thessalonians (5:23-24). If you will obey the commands of the note on 1Thessalonians 5:22, the God of peace will sanctify you (set you apart) wholly for His service and will.

‘Spirit’ [Greek: pneuma] is the equivalent of the Hebrew ruwach. Pneuma is used 385 times in the New Testament. “Pneuma” is used of [1] God as Spirit (John 4:24; 2Cor. 3:17); [2] Christ (1Cor. 6:17; 15:45); [3] The Holy Spirit (Matt. 1:18, 20; 3:11, 16 – altogether of Him over 240 times); [4] Christ’s spirit (Mark 2:8; 8:12; Luke 2:40; John 11:33; 19:30); [5] Angels (Heb. 1:7, 14; Ps. 104:4); [6] Spirits of men (Matt. 5:3; 1Cor. 2:11; 6:20; 1Thess. 5:23; Heb. 4:12; 12:23); [7] Evil spirits (Matt. 8:16; 10:1; 12:43; Acts 8:7; 16:16; Rev. 16:13; 18:2); [8] The resurrection body (1Cor. 15:44).

‘Soul’ – the soul of man [Greek: psuche] life; soul or spiritual part in contrast to the material body; a departed soul; also the spirit which still retains the shape and size of its living owner; the seat of the desires, feelings, passions, appetites, and emotions. Psuche is the only word translated as “soul” in the New Testament. It occurs 105 times. Translated “soul” 58 times; “life” 40 times; “mind” 3 times; and “heart, heartily, us,” and “you” once each. Psuche corresponds to the Hebrew word nephesh in the Old Testament. Job 14:22 plainly expressed the often repeated doctrine of the material and spiritual natures of man. The flesh was upon him and his spirit within him. Only the body is material and of dust and will return to dust (Gen. 2:7; 3:19; Eccl. 3:19-21). The inner man, which is made up of soul and spirit, is spiritual; it was created to live inside the body (Gen. 2:7). At death the body dies and the inner man leaves it, going to paradise or hell depending on the way the individual lived in his lifetime – whether he accepted God’s provision of salvation and conformed to the righteousness taught in the Bible.

To be continued…

Abstain

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1Thessalonians 5:16-22 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.

‘Abstain from all appearance of evil.’ Twenty-two commands and admonitions: Do not sleep; be spiritually alive (5:6). Watch, and be alert for enemies. Let us be sober, not intoxicated (5:6-7). Put on the armour of God (5:8; Eph. 6:1-24). Comfort one another (5:11; 4:18). Edify or build up one another. Know or be kind to ministers (5:12). Esteem ministers highly in love (5:13). Live in peace among yourselves. Warn the unruly, the disorderly (5:14). Console the fainthearted. Sustain the weak, strengthless (5:14; 1Cor. 8:10). Be patient with all men. Render evil to no man (5:15). Follow that which is good. Rejoice always in all things (5:16). Pray always about all things (5:17). Give thanks always in all things (5:18). Quench not the Spirit (5:19). Despise not prophesyings (5:20). Test all things; retain the good (5:21). Abstain from all appearance of evil, not only from all evil (5:22).

Very Highly in Love

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1Thessalonians 5:12-15 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. 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. 

‘Over’ [Greek: proistemi] to set over; be at the head of; be the chief. Translated be over (5:12); rule (Rom. 12:8; 1Tim. 3:4-5, 12; 5:17); and maintain (Tit. 3:8, 14). These were the apostles, prophets, teachers, pastors and other ministers (Eph. 4:11; 1Cor. 12:28).

‘Very highly in love for their work’s sake.’ These ministers were not only to be respected but esteemed superabundantly. The Greek word perissos is translated as beyond measure (Mark 6:51); exceedingly abundantly above (Eph. 3:20); exceedingly (3:10); very highly (5:13); more abundantly (John 10:10); more (Matt. 5:37, 47); superfluous (2Cor. 9:1); and advantage (Rom. 3:1). This was to be done in love and for their work’s sake.

‘Unruly’ [Greek: ataktos] means those who are out of step and not performing their duty as Christians.

‘Feebleminded’ [Greek: oligopsuchos] fainthearted. Those who lose heart in any battle.

‘Support’ [Greek: antechomai] to hold one’s hand; to shade one’s eyes; to be a help. Translated support (5:14); hold fast (Tit. 1:9); and hold to (Matt. 6:24; Luke 16:13).