Tag: The Thessalonians

Pray for Us

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2Thessalonians 3:1-2 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith. 

‘Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you.’ In conclusion, pray for us (3:1-2): That the Gospel may have its free course. That the Gospel may be glorified. That we may not be hindered in work. Paul was the only New Testament writer who asked for the prayers of those to whom he wrote (Rom. 15:30; 2Cor. 1:11; Eph. 6:19; Php. 1:19; Col. 4:3; Phm. 1:22; Heb. 13:18).

‘Glorified’ [Greek: doxazo]. Translated “be made glorious” (2Cor. 3:10); “have glory” (Matt. 6:2; 2Cor. 3:10); “full of glory” (1Pet. 1:8); “honour” (John 8:54; 2Cor. 12:1-21); “magnify” (Rom. 11:13); and “glorify” 49 times in the sense of praise and honour (2Thess. 3:1; etc.).

‘Unreasonable’ [Greek: atopos] out of place – under no discipline; absurd; disgusting; disorderly. Translated “unreasonable” (3:2); “amiss” (Luke 23:41); “harm” (Acts 28:6); and “wickedness” (Acts 25:5).

‘Faith’ [Greek: pistis] is confidence, faithfulness, trust, and a pledge of good faith. Used 244 times. Translated belief (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 (3:2-3). See Faith.

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 lifeblood of the just (Heb. 10:38). Shield of Christian armour (Eph. 6:16). The 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).  

Not In Vain

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1Thessalonians 2:1 For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain

‘Know our entrance in unto you’ – Twelve times he called attention to the Thessalonians showing what they know of truth: Know what manner of men we were (1:5). Know our entrance unto you (2:1). Know how shamefully we were treated (2:2). Know we did not use flattering language and were not covetous (2:5). Know how we exhorted, comforted, and charged you (2:11). Know that we were appointed afflictions for the gospel (3:3-4). Know what commandments we gave you by Jesus Christ (4:2). Know how to possess your vessels in sanctification and honour (4:4). Know perfectly about the day of the Lord (5:2). Know your true teachers (5:12). Know what withholds that the Antichrist might be revealed (2Thess. 2:6-8). Know how you ought to follow us (2Thess. 3:7).

Note the twelve “Know You Not’s:” That so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death (Rom. 6:3)? That to whom you yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants you are – sin or righteousness; satan or God (Rom. 6:16)? That I speak to them that know the law – the Jews (Rom. 7:1; cp. 1Thess. 2:12-16)? That you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you (1Cor. 3:16)? That a little leaven leavens the whole lump (1Cor. 5:6)? That saints shall judge the world (1Cor. 6:2)? That saints shall judge angels (1Cor. 6:3)? That the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God (1Cor. 6:9)? That your bodies are members of Christ (1Cor. 6:15)? That he which is joined to a harlot is one body (1Cor. 6:16)? That your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1Cor. 6:19-20)? That they which run in a race all run, but only one wins the prize (1Cor. 9:24)?

‘That it was not in vain’ – A steadfast congregation was established (Acts 17:1-34).

The Thessalonians

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1Thessalonians 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. 

1 Thessalonians was written from Corinth about 54 A.D. by the apostle Paul and this was the first of the author’s 14 epistles. The theme of this epistle was to confirm young disciples in fundamental truths already taught them; to exhort them to continue in holiness, and give comfort concerning those who had already died in the faith. All the doctrines were taught to them during one month (Acts 17:1-9). Converts were mainly Gentiles who became outstanding as examples of demonstrating God’s power taught by Paul to all who believe (1:8; 2:13-14; 3:6; 2Thess. 1:3, 11; 2:17). The coming of the Lord is a very prominent subject in all chapters (1:10; 2:12, 19; 3:13; 4:13-18; 5:1-11).

‘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 which is in God the Father.’ This and the second epistle are the only ones so addressed. Compare this with the other salutations in other epistles.

‘The Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from 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.