1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11 and 2 Thessalonians 1:5-2:12 ; Problems in the Parousia

The Context

Acts 17:1-15 and 1 Thes 2:1-8 l

Paul wrote to the Thessalonian believers from Corinth during his ~18 month stay in Corinth, circa 49-51 AD.

Paul uses language from Christ, this could be an allusion to the olivet discourse or some other revelation such as the ones he recieved during his time in the Arabian desert.

The Texts - 1 Thessalonians

Paul encourages the Thessalonians by defending the gospel against early forms of Gnosticism and other heresies.

At the trumpet and shout of an archangel, Jesus will come for his bride - dead and alive!

See also 1 Corinthians 15:23-26 ; 50-58.

It appears that Paul is sayin the “rapture” is the final Parousia of Christ.

The Texts - 2 Thessalonians

These believers were persecuted and suffered for their faith. Paul was encouraging his readers with the reality of Jesus’ revelation and coming.

The man of lawlessness was being restrained in the first century. Paul taught the Thessalonians who/what this was during his time with them.

At the parousia of Christ, the lawlessness will be destroyed by the revelation of Christ.

Other Texts - Matthew 24/Luke 21/Mark 13

What is the referent of these passage?

What do these passages contribute to our eschatology?