I did a study of 1 Thessalonians back in the early 1980s as part of a Moody correspondence course. Since then, I’ve heard many takes on it in the realm in which I frequently travel, that of eschatology, but I’ve not really taken it on verse by verse.
It’s “famous” for its “proof texts” on the rapture. Immediately, if you’re astute, you’ll excitingly point out that the word “rapture” is not found in the letter. True. But the Greek word harpazo (1 Thessalonians 4:17), a term meaning to be “caught or snatched up” is. In the Latin translation of the Bible, the word is “rapturo,” from which we get the familiar term rapture. Thus, the book is the source of rudimentary teaching on the return of Christ, not so much on a white horse, but in the air, the same way he left, as described in Acts 1:11. You’ll note that each of five chapters end with something eschatological. But first some general background.
Aside from Paul quelling the fears of those thinking their loved ones who had died were caught in limbo, there is significant New Testament teaching in this book, it being Paul’s first epistle. The church at Thessalonica was born in a tempestuous short time span during Paul’s initial foray into Europe (Acts 17:1-9). Paul, Silvanus (Silas), and Timothy came on the scene, stirred up trouble in the city’s synagogue by teaching Jesus, and had to leave out the back door at night. Their host, Jason, was dragged before the magistrates to answer for these men who had allegedly “upset the world.” Out of this chaos was born a special body of believers. They became the example of a local church body as they imitated their founding fathers and the Lord. So dramatic and obvious was their calling, one minute they’re following idols, the next they’ve turned 180 degrees to serve “a living and true God.” 1 Thessalonians 1:9
1 Paul and Silvanus and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace. 2 We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers; 3 constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father, 4 knowing, brethren beloved by God, His choice of you. 1 Thessalonians 1:1–4
Absence does not necessarily make the heart grow fonder in cases like these, but more unsettled and anxious in not knowing what’s going on. With no cell phones or reassuring texts, Paul was in a constant state of prayer for all the churches he founded, especially the one in Thessalonica, since he had to leave so quickly.
28 Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches.2 Corinthians 11:28
The word constantly in verse 3 can mean incessantly, whereby the Apostle was ringing up the Father with every pang of worry. No wonder they got his very first letter!
Energized faith. Laborious love. Perseverant hope.
These are the traits exhibited in spirit-led Christianity. You will be hard pressed to find these attributes sustained over time but in an authentic born again Christian. Of course, he or she will flag a bit here and there, but they’ll quickly get back in the game, reassured by the presence of their God and Father on the sidelines (verse 3).
These characteristics were most assuredly due to the basis upon which the church was formed, that the selection of this group of people in Thessalonica was God’s sovereign choice (verse 4). The account in Acts 17 says something interesting.
Now when they had traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. Acts 17:1
You’ve got to ask why not minister in Amphipolis or Apollonia? The answer. He chose Thessalonica.
5 for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. 1 Thessalonians 1:5
True Christians are resilient not only because of the faith, love, and hope installed in them at their rebirth, but because these traits have been activated for full force and effect (dunamis, from which we get the words “dynamite” and “dynamic”) by the unique power of the Holy Spirit (hagio pneumati) working within them. Moreover, like Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, who exuded supreme confidence, the exercise of such power was with plerophoria, that is, the full assurance with conviction that the gospel would be completely and utterly effective.
Thus, the church at Thessalonica was born in only three weeks, fully orbed and ready for action.
Leave a Reply