Paul's First letter to the thessalonian church
As we examine this short letter we will learn some things about the writer, about the young church that was receiving this letter, and we will learn some wonderful truths that apply to us.
First, some important background details to this letter:
As you may or may not know, the writer, the Apostle Paul was a specially chosen missionary. He was chosen by God and sent to the gentiles. Should that mean something to us?
Paul was born a Jew. His father was of the tribe of Benjamin and a member of the Pharisee 'denomination'. His mother was also a devout Jew.
Paul was also raised as a Pharisee. Paul's father was a Roman citizen. We are not told how he achieved that, but Paul also inherited Roman citizenship. As a young person, Paul was taught by Gamaliel1 who was apparently one of the best teacher/lawyers at the time. His Jewish name was Saul. The name Paul was given to him also. The name means 'small'. He might have been a small baby at birth, or the name was given him like a nickname as he grew up because he was perhaps a bit on the short side.
Paul was a strong Jewish believer. He was born about the same time as Jesus was. As he matured he, no doubt, heard stories from the Pharisee leaders, (known as the Sanhedrin Council), about Jesus … the impostor who dared call himself the Son of God. He grew up with a hatred for Jesus and a hatred for the disciples of Jesus. He expressed his hatred by becoming a leader in the movement to stamp out Christianity. He was instrumental in arresting many and responsible even for the death of some2.
God put a stop to what Paul (Saul) was doing. What God did was unique. You can read the story of his conversion in his own words in Acts 22:1-13. God literally, physically blinded him. God had him lead to a Christian ('pastor'?) who explained salvation to him. God made it clear to Paul that he was a chosen person … chosen to become a missionary … not to bring Jews to Jesus, but to bring gentiles to the light.3
It was a few years later before Paul could actually go to work as a missionary. When he started it was from a church in the city of Antioch, Syria. This became his home church to which he reported.
His first 'tour of duty' was with a partner by the name of Barnabas. Actually, it was Barnabas who got the idea4 and went and found Paul.
The plan was to start out in a 'clock-wise' direction, to reach the world for Jesus, beginning at the island of Cyprus, moving to mainland Asia, going from city to city ...planting new churches … then doubling back. Barnabas had included his nephew, Mark as a team member, but Mark 'quit on them' early on and went home.
The second of Paul's great tours of duty was to take place after a bit of a break. They would visit the existing new churches, see how they were doing, and then expand to new areas. They were about ready to leave and Barnabas again wanted to take Mark.
Paul adamantly says, "No, we cannot take a quitter with us."
Barnabas believed Mark had grown up since that first trip and insisted on taking Mark.
Paul still disagrees and it ended with Paul as much as saying, “OK. Go then, but I'm not coming with you.” Barnabas seems to say, “We will see you later”. This leaves Paul having to make another decision … 'Do I just stay home or or should I head out … but who will go with me?' He finds a Christian brother from his home church in Antioch, Silas, and the two set out for Asia Minor… in a counter clock-wise direction.
It is on this second journey that Paul ends up in Thessalonica. God had called Paul to Macedonia which is a large province above Greece.
The new church 'plants' were, number one .. in the capital city of Philippi, then Thessalonica, and then Berea … and then all the way down to Athens and Corinth in Greece.
Paul had developed a method that seemed to be working for him, but at the same time it always caused trouble. For one reason or another many Jews had scattered out and away from the land of Israel and settled in various gentile towns and cities. To maintain their religion they would, as soon as possible, have a synagogue built.
A synagogue is like a church building and was used on Saturdays for church meetings, but the building would be used during the week by Rabbi's who held school for the little Jewish kids.
Paul's method was to locate the synagogue in the town, go there on Saturday as if he were a good Jew. He would wait for his chance and then start a discussion proving that the Messiah which the Jews were hoping would show up … would (according to the scriptures) not be coming as a liberating, conquering Hero of War, but, as the prophets pointed out, was going suffer and die. Once he could get them to see that, he could say … “And guess what … he did come, he did suffer and die … and he is alive again!” That stirred up controversy – some believed Paul … others vehemently opposed him.
Then Paul would take the believers aside and start a church.
The method worked but it meant that the new church had some enemies right at the outset.
Lets read about the beginning of this Church.
Acts 17:1 -10
Paul makes a night-time getaway … and goes to Berea. Here he plants another church. When the results of his success becomes news that gets all the way back to Thessalonica … his enemies quickly come there to put a stop to his ministry.
Paul again makes a run for it. But he leaves his partner, Silas behind to finish the job. Timothy is mentioned as having been with Paul, and he too, is left there with Silas.
Some friends conduct Paul down to Athens. When the friends go back to Berea, Paul says “Tell Silas and Timothy to meet me here, quickly.”
Meanwhile Paul is busy lecturing on 'Mars Hill' in Athens. After a time his partners arrive and he sends Timothy back up to Thessalonica to 'establish them'. (1 Thess 3:2). After a period of time Timothy comes back down and finds Paul in Corinth, and reports how the young church is doing (1 Thess 3:6). Next Paul writes this letter to the Thessalonians and sends it to them … likely in the hands of Timothy.
So let's look closely at the letter
1Co 13:8 ¶ Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will be done away with. Where there are various languages, they will cease. Where there is knowledge, it will be done away with. (9) For we know in part, and we prophesy in part; (10) but when that which is complete has come, then that which is partial will be done away with.
He said that three gifts were not temporary … would not pass away5. They would remain through the ages. Those three, Faith Hope and Love are three gifts of the Spirit that are with us to this very day. Other gifts may have passed away, but these three remain.
And even of these three, one stands out above the others as being greater. That is love. The gift of faith will stick around until faith becomes sight, and we see Him face to face. The gift of Hope will stick around until our 'hope' becomes a reality and we are walking around in heaven. At that point we not longer need faith and hope. But the gift of Love is greater in that it will be in use forever and ever.
Paul sees in this young church, evidence of these three gifts and he thanks God for it. You too, Christian reader, have these three gifts from the Spirit of God. Stir them up! Let their presence be evident by everyone who knows you!
Theirs was a 'work of faith'. In other words, the work with which they occupied themselves was the kind of work that was based on belief of God's word and promises. It was the kind of work that unbelievers would consider a foolish waste of time. The work that the world sees as worthwhile is the kind that pays off in cash or some other kind of reward. The work of faith does not seek to be paid in this lifetime. Jesus said, 'Lay up your treasures in heaven' … that is a work of faith.
They had a 'labor of love'. Love is evidenced by giving. The work, the labor that filled their time involved a lot of giving. A lot of 'freebees' in the form of assisting others were given out as they went about their days.
They had a 'patience of hope in Jesus Christ. This is saying, 'In God's own time' He will make this all worthwhile.
Then, in verse 4 Paul acknowledges their 'election by God'. He says 'I see evidence of it in you'. What is 'election of God'? First I will state what we already know, there is not much difference between 'election' and 'selection'. Another biblical word that means much the same thing, is the word 'chosen'. Chosen, elected, selected … mean pretty much the same thing.
So as to avoid confusion, let's allow the scripture to clarify things. Two references, Matthew 20:16 and Matthew 22:14 both contain words that Jesus spoke. He says there that 'many are called but few are chosen.' It is implied that God is the one who both calls and chooses. God calls many. (John Calvin, the father of Calvinism, taught that God only called the 'elect'. His belief totally contradicts these verses)
God calls many. How? By using us to proclaim the word (1 Cor. 1:21 and Romans 10:18). The call goes out as evangelists proclaim it. The call goes out as you tell a neighbor about Jesus. The call goes out when salvation is made clear from our pulpits. Many people reject the call. Many couldn't care less. But some pause to listen. Paul reasoned in the synagogue with them. Some argued but some listened. Those that listen, God chooses. John 4:23 "But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. These are the ones that He chooses.
The Thessalonians have been chosen by God … Paul is sure of it! How? By what he sees (or has heard from Timothy about them). This really blesses his heart. Can you put yourself in Paul's place for a minute? You go to a place … give it 150% … wind up with some joyful converts … but are they real, you wonder? Are they genuine? Will they last? Every christian worker has this concern. Paul is sure these are for real … elected of God.
You and I have been called by God. Has he chosen us? We can be sure. Apostle Peter tells to make sure. For this reason, my brothers, take all the more care to make your selection and approval certain; for if you do these things6 you will never have a fall: (2 Peter 1:10)
Paul says that the Word of God came to them, not in word only, but in power. This would be a good time to include Paul's affirming remark regarding the gospel in his letter to the church in Rome. He said in Romans 1:16, I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.
This something for us to take note of and never forget … the gospel has power, and it is God's power. When you speak the gospel, it will not be your powerful words that have any effect at all. The gospel is God's power. It is real. The word of God is sharper than a double-edged sword. So do not be afraid to use it … and expect to see results.
How were the Thessalonians impacted by the powerful presentation of the gospel? Verse 6 says that in spite of affliction (persecution) which surely would make a person think twice before making a decision to follow Jesus, they actually were filled with Joy and took the plunge!
And even further … (according to the reports that Timothy has just brought back) these new Christians have spread the gospel everywhere, even to other cities and regions. (7-8)
In verses 9 and 10 Paul is still going on in his rejoicing about the reality of their faith. They are not like those in Jesus' story of the sower and the seed … some fell on stony ground and sprang up … these are they who received the word with joy … but because of persecution fell away. No, these are genuine believers. They had left their idols and turned to God. Actually, no, it was the other way around … they turned to God … from idols. We cannot stop all our sinning to get us into shape to turn to God. We turn to God first. Then all these other things fall off.
Is it possible for Christians to slip back into idol worship? Of course it is. People in the free world worship comfort, pleasure and freedom. They expect to be served. Jesus came, not to be served but to serve and give his life.7 We were part of the free world of 'self-worship' but we came to Christ. We dropped all that self-cult attitude … but after the newness wears off, do we go right back into it?
Another evidence of 'real conversion' in these Thessalonians, was the way they waited for the return of Jesus. How expectant are we of Jesus' return? He can come for any of us at any moment, but for some He gives an opportunity to 'get ready'. We should all be thinking in terms of eternity and live expectantly, waiting for Jesus who has delivered us from the wrath to come.
Now there is an unpopular term …. wrath? Can we say that in the same sentence as the word, 'God'? Isn't God pure love? We may talk more about this in a future chapter, but for now we rejoice in the fact that God's wrath is not for His children.
In the next session we will see a refreshing look into the heart of a minister of the Gospel.
1 Ac 5:34 Then one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people, and commanded them to put the apostles outside for a little while. (see also Acts 5:34-39)
2 Acts 26:10 "This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them”
3 Ro 11:13 I am talking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch as I am the apostle to the Gentiles, I make much of my ministry, (14) in the hope that I may somehow arouse my own people to envy and save some of them.
4 Acts 11:22-25
5 1 Corinthians 13:13
6 What things? The things mentioned in the first ten verses of the chapter.
7 Mark 20:28
First, some important background details to this letter:
As you may or may not know, the writer, the Apostle Paul was a specially chosen missionary. He was chosen by God and sent to the gentiles. Should that mean something to us?
Paul was born a Jew. His father was of the tribe of Benjamin and a member of the Pharisee 'denomination'. His mother was also a devout Jew.
Paul was also raised as a Pharisee. Paul's father was a Roman citizen. We are not told how he achieved that, but Paul also inherited Roman citizenship. As a young person, Paul was taught by Gamaliel1 who was apparently one of the best teacher/lawyers at the time. His Jewish name was Saul. The name Paul was given to him also. The name means 'small'. He might have been a small baby at birth, or the name was given him like a nickname as he grew up because he was perhaps a bit on the short side.
Paul was a strong Jewish believer. He was born about the same time as Jesus was. As he matured he, no doubt, heard stories from the Pharisee leaders, (known as the Sanhedrin Council), about Jesus … the impostor who dared call himself the Son of God. He grew up with a hatred for Jesus and a hatred for the disciples of Jesus. He expressed his hatred by becoming a leader in the movement to stamp out Christianity. He was instrumental in arresting many and responsible even for the death of some2.
God put a stop to what Paul (Saul) was doing. What God did was unique. You can read the story of his conversion in his own words in Acts 22:1-13. God literally, physically blinded him. God had him lead to a Christian ('pastor'?) who explained salvation to him. God made it clear to Paul that he was a chosen person … chosen to become a missionary … not to bring Jews to Jesus, but to bring gentiles to the light.3
It was a few years later before Paul could actually go to work as a missionary. When he started it was from a church in the city of Antioch, Syria. This became his home church to which he reported.
His first 'tour of duty' was with a partner by the name of Barnabas. Actually, it was Barnabas who got the idea4 and went and found Paul.
The plan was to start out in a 'clock-wise' direction, to reach the world for Jesus, beginning at the island of Cyprus, moving to mainland Asia, going from city to city ...planting new churches … then doubling back. Barnabas had included his nephew, Mark as a team member, but Mark 'quit on them' early on and went home.
The second of Paul's great tours of duty was to take place after a bit of a break. They would visit the existing new churches, see how they were doing, and then expand to new areas. They were about ready to leave and Barnabas again wanted to take Mark.
Paul adamantly says, "No, we cannot take a quitter with us."
Barnabas believed Mark had grown up since that first trip and insisted on taking Mark.
Paul still disagrees and it ended with Paul as much as saying, “OK. Go then, but I'm not coming with you.” Barnabas seems to say, “We will see you later”. This leaves Paul having to make another decision … 'Do I just stay home or or should I head out … but who will go with me?' He finds a Christian brother from his home church in Antioch, Silas, and the two set out for Asia Minor… in a counter clock-wise direction.
It is on this second journey that Paul ends up in Thessalonica. God had called Paul to Macedonia which is a large province above Greece.
The new church 'plants' were, number one .. in the capital city of Philippi, then Thessalonica, and then Berea … and then all the way down to Athens and Corinth in Greece.
Paul had developed a method that seemed to be working for him, but at the same time it always caused trouble. For one reason or another many Jews had scattered out and away from the land of Israel and settled in various gentile towns and cities. To maintain their religion they would, as soon as possible, have a synagogue built.
A synagogue is like a church building and was used on Saturdays for church meetings, but the building would be used during the week by Rabbi's who held school for the little Jewish kids.
Paul's method was to locate the synagogue in the town, go there on Saturday as if he were a good Jew. He would wait for his chance and then start a discussion proving that the Messiah which the Jews were hoping would show up … would (according to the scriptures) not be coming as a liberating, conquering Hero of War, but, as the prophets pointed out, was going suffer and die. Once he could get them to see that, he could say … “And guess what … he did come, he did suffer and die … and he is alive again!” That stirred up controversy – some believed Paul … others vehemently opposed him.
Then Paul would take the believers aside and start a church.
The method worked but it meant that the new church had some enemies right at the outset.
Lets read about the beginning of this Church.
Acts 17:1 -10
Paul makes a night-time getaway … and goes to Berea. Here he plants another church. When the results of his success becomes news that gets all the way back to Thessalonica … his enemies quickly come there to put a stop to his ministry.
Paul again makes a run for it. But he leaves his partner, Silas behind to finish the job. Timothy is mentioned as having been with Paul, and he too, is left there with Silas.
Some friends conduct Paul down to Athens. When the friends go back to Berea, Paul says “Tell Silas and Timothy to meet me here, quickly.”
Meanwhile Paul is busy lecturing on 'Mars Hill' in Athens. After a time his partners arrive and he sends Timothy back up to Thessalonica to 'establish them'. (1 Thess 3:2). After a period of time Timothy comes back down and finds Paul in Corinth, and reports how the young church is doing (1 Thess 3:6). Next Paul writes this letter to the Thessalonians and sends it to them … likely in the hands of Timothy.
So let's look closely at the letter
- The three partners are mentioned in the opening verse. The address is mentioned in the opening as well. It is a double address. The first address: The church is in Thessalonica. The second address: The church is in God the Father and Jesus Christ. Isn't it good to know that we, too, are in two places at once? Or … at least we have two real addresses. Once we leave this address we arrive at the other one.
- In verse 2 and 3 Paul mentions prayer … and just what it was he was mentioning. He mentions
- work of faith
- labor of love
- patience of hope.
1Co 13:8 ¶ Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will be done away with. Where there are various languages, they will cease. Where there is knowledge, it will be done away with. (9) For we know in part, and we prophesy in part; (10) but when that which is complete has come, then that which is partial will be done away with.
He said that three gifts were not temporary … would not pass away5. They would remain through the ages. Those three, Faith Hope and Love are three gifts of the Spirit that are with us to this very day. Other gifts may have passed away, but these three remain.
And even of these three, one stands out above the others as being greater. That is love. The gift of faith will stick around until faith becomes sight, and we see Him face to face. The gift of Hope will stick around until our 'hope' becomes a reality and we are walking around in heaven. At that point we not longer need faith and hope. But the gift of Love is greater in that it will be in use forever and ever.
Paul sees in this young church, evidence of these three gifts and he thanks God for it. You too, Christian reader, have these three gifts from the Spirit of God. Stir them up! Let their presence be evident by everyone who knows you!
Theirs was a 'work of faith'. In other words, the work with which they occupied themselves was the kind of work that was based on belief of God's word and promises. It was the kind of work that unbelievers would consider a foolish waste of time. The work that the world sees as worthwhile is the kind that pays off in cash or some other kind of reward. The work of faith does not seek to be paid in this lifetime. Jesus said, 'Lay up your treasures in heaven' … that is a work of faith.
They had a 'labor of love'. Love is evidenced by giving. The work, the labor that filled their time involved a lot of giving. A lot of 'freebees' in the form of assisting others were given out as they went about their days.
They had a 'patience of hope in Jesus Christ. This is saying, 'In God's own time' He will make this all worthwhile.
Then, in verse 4 Paul acknowledges their 'election by God'. He says 'I see evidence of it in you'. What is 'election of God'? First I will state what we already know, there is not much difference between 'election' and 'selection'. Another biblical word that means much the same thing, is the word 'chosen'. Chosen, elected, selected … mean pretty much the same thing.
So as to avoid confusion, let's allow the scripture to clarify things. Two references, Matthew 20:16 and Matthew 22:14 both contain words that Jesus spoke. He says there that 'many are called but few are chosen.' It is implied that God is the one who both calls and chooses. God calls many. (John Calvin, the father of Calvinism, taught that God only called the 'elect'. His belief totally contradicts these verses)
God calls many. How? By using us to proclaim the word (1 Cor. 1:21 and Romans 10:18). The call goes out as evangelists proclaim it. The call goes out as you tell a neighbor about Jesus. The call goes out when salvation is made clear from our pulpits. Many people reject the call. Many couldn't care less. But some pause to listen. Paul reasoned in the synagogue with them. Some argued but some listened. Those that listen, God chooses. John 4:23 "But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. These are the ones that He chooses.
The Thessalonians have been chosen by God … Paul is sure of it! How? By what he sees (or has heard from Timothy about them). This really blesses his heart. Can you put yourself in Paul's place for a minute? You go to a place … give it 150% … wind up with some joyful converts … but are they real, you wonder? Are they genuine? Will they last? Every christian worker has this concern. Paul is sure these are for real … elected of God.
You and I have been called by God. Has he chosen us? We can be sure. Apostle Peter tells to make sure. For this reason, my brothers, take all the more care to make your selection and approval certain; for if you do these things6 you will never have a fall: (2 Peter 1:10)
Paul says that the Word of God came to them, not in word only, but in power. This would be a good time to include Paul's affirming remark regarding the gospel in his letter to the church in Rome. He said in Romans 1:16, I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.
This something for us to take note of and never forget … the gospel has power, and it is God's power. When you speak the gospel, it will not be your powerful words that have any effect at all. The gospel is God's power. It is real. The word of God is sharper than a double-edged sword. So do not be afraid to use it … and expect to see results.
How were the Thessalonians impacted by the powerful presentation of the gospel? Verse 6 says that in spite of affliction (persecution) which surely would make a person think twice before making a decision to follow Jesus, they actually were filled with Joy and took the plunge!
And even further … (according to the reports that Timothy has just brought back) these new Christians have spread the gospel everywhere, even to other cities and regions. (7-8)
In verses 9 and 10 Paul is still going on in his rejoicing about the reality of their faith. They are not like those in Jesus' story of the sower and the seed … some fell on stony ground and sprang up … these are they who received the word with joy … but because of persecution fell away. No, these are genuine believers. They had left their idols and turned to God. Actually, no, it was the other way around … they turned to God … from idols. We cannot stop all our sinning to get us into shape to turn to God. We turn to God first. Then all these other things fall off.
Is it possible for Christians to slip back into idol worship? Of course it is. People in the free world worship comfort, pleasure and freedom. They expect to be served. Jesus came, not to be served but to serve and give his life.7 We were part of the free world of 'self-worship' but we came to Christ. We dropped all that self-cult attitude … but after the newness wears off, do we go right back into it?
Another evidence of 'real conversion' in these Thessalonians, was the way they waited for the return of Jesus. How expectant are we of Jesus' return? He can come for any of us at any moment, but for some He gives an opportunity to 'get ready'. We should all be thinking in terms of eternity and live expectantly, waiting for Jesus who has delivered us from the wrath to come.
Now there is an unpopular term …. wrath? Can we say that in the same sentence as the word, 'God'? Isn't God pure love? We may talk more about this in a future chapter, but for now we rejoice in the fact that God's wrath is not for His children.
In the next session we will see a refreshing look into the heart of a minister of the Gospel.
1 Ac 5:34 Then one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people, and commanded them to put the apostles outside for a little while. (see also Acts 5:34-39)
2 Acts 26:10 "This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them”
3 Ro 11:13 I am talking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch as I am the apostle to the Gentiles, I make much of my ministry, (14) in the hope that I may somehow arouse my own people to envy and save some of them.
4 Acts 11:22-25
5 1 Corinthians 13:13
6 What things? The things mentioned in the first ten verses of the chapter.
7 Mark 20:28