Stepping into the Conversation

1 Thessalonians 1:1 KJV 1900

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.

Have you ever walked into the middle of a conversation?

It can be disastrous. My kids are learning this life lesson slowly. When you step into an existing conversation you have already missed some vital information to be useful in that conversation. Unless someone throws you some clues you are left the job of filling in the topic and context of the conversation.

When we start reading the epistles that Paul wrote to others we are stepping into the conversation that Paul had already started with those God used him to reach through the Gospel. Now we need to catch up.

The Context for the Church in Thessalonica

Acts 17:1–10 KJV 1900

Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews: And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures, Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ. And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few. But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people. And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also; Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus. And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things. And when they had taken security of Jason, and of the other, they let them go. And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.

This was after a difficult ministry in Philippi. Paul had been beaten and placed in jail. And now in Thessalonica Paul had to leave quickly when an angry mob drug some of the leaders God had allowed Paul to appoint to the church. This was done because some claimed that the believers were against the decrees of Caesar, mainly the misunderstanding about their allegiance to King Jesus not Caesar.

Although Paul could not stay as long as he desired God still grew the church, with Paul staying in correspondence with them and then sending Timothy.

1 Thessalonians 3:1–3 KJV 1900

Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone; 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: That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.

The difference between studying the Scriptures (especially the epistles) and studying a history book is that we are not just spectators or learners of the contents of the book. We are participants in the conversation. We are saved by grace through faith in Christ and now we are learning from His supernatural revelation which is illuminated in our hearts by the Holy Spirit.

As God inspired Paul to write these Scriptures to teach doctrine and practice to the church in Thessalonica we too are instructed to grow in our knowledge of Christ through prayerful study.

Ministry and the church

We are given the privilege to participate in the conversation with Paul and the church that gives details about his great concern for the church and each believer.

Chapter 2 gives some insight to Paul’s view of ministry.

1 Thessalonians 2:3–6 KJV 1900

For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: 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. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.

This desire was not to bolster high self-esteems but the Gospel.

Suffering and Persecution

We will see Paul’s theology of suffering and trials.

Suffering is not a result of their sin

This suffering is for the sake of the gospel

those opposed to the gospel are not outside of God’s power but under God’s wrath

understanding suffering and affliction involves a proper understanding of God, who He is, and what He is doing.

To preach a prosperity gospel is to preach a false doctrine that is found nowhere in Scripture.

Acts 14:22 KJV 1900

Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

The Future and Christ’s Second Coming

In a logical flow of conversation we are brought from suffering to the believers final destination, glorification.

Both 1 and 2 Thess include an ongoing conversation about the second coming. It is included in every chapter of the first epistle.

We are told what to expect.

The catching up

Unbelievers subjection to God’s wrath

Christian life and godliness in this world

Because we know that Jesus is coming again and we do not know when we should live life as if He is coming today.

1 Thessalonians 5:23–24 KJV 1900

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. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

God is faithful; he will do it.