T he only good news that we ought to know and remember is that Jesus Christ had already won the war against sin and death. He has made it possible for us to join Him in the afterlife. All we need now to do is accept Him as He is. God is alive today and it may be sometimes be difficult to see this. The world and its demonic nature has still made it look like that only worldly things matter and that the ultimate goal of each one is to achieve their own personal happiness. This is the biggest lie of all, that we should do all to make us happy. Individual happiness at the expense of someone else is the biggest deception of all. The truth is, our lives are never really about us. It is ultimately about God and about others. It is about how you can provide and give joy even at our own expense. This is the model of ultimate and genuine love that Jesus shown us at the cross. "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s frie...
The books of 1 and 2 Thessalonians are two of the Apostle Paul's earliest letters, written to the church in Thessalonica, a major city in ancient Macedonia. These letters provide valuable insights into early Christian beliefs, particularly concerning the second coming of Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians
Historical Context: Paul, accompanied by Silas and Timothy, established the church in Thessalonica during his second missionary journey (Acts 17:1-9). However, their stay was cut short due to persecution from some of the Jewish community. After leaving Thessalonica, Paul went to Berea and then Athens. Concerned about the new believers in Thessalonica, he sent Timothy back to check on them. Upon Timothy's return with a positive report, Paul wrote 1 Thessalonians from Corinth, likely around A.D. 50-51, making it one of the earliest, if not the earliest, of his surviving letters.
Summary: The letter begins with Paul expressing his gratitude for the Thessalonians' faith, love, and endurance in the face of persecution. He commends them for becoming an example to other believers in Macedonia and Achaia.
Thanksgiving and Paul's Conduct (Chapters 1-3): Paul reminds them of his sincere and gentle ministry among them, emphasizing that he did not seek personal gain but shared the gospel out of love. He recounts his joy upon hearing Timothy's good report about their steadfastness in faith.
Notable Quote: "For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction." (1 Thessalonians 1:4-5)
Notable Verse: "And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit." (1 Thessalonians 1:6)
Exhortations for Holy Living (Chapter 4): Paul encourages the Thessalonians to continue growing in holiness, specifically addressing sexual purity and brotherly love. He urges them to live quiet lives, mind their own business, and work with their hands, so that they may win the respect of outsiders.
Notable Verse: "For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God." (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5)
The Coming of the Lord (Chapter 4-5): This section is central to 1 Thessalonians. Some believers in Thessalonica were concerned about those who had died before Christ's return, wondering if they would miss out on the resurrection. Paul assures them that believers who have died will rise first, followed by living believers, and together they will meet the Lord in the air. He then discusses the timing of Christ's return, stating that it will come like a "thief in the night" and urging them to be watchful and sober.
Notable Quote: "For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord." (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)
Notable Verse: "But concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night." (1 Thessalonians 5:1-2)
Final Exhortations and Benediction (Chapter 5): Paul concludes with various practical instructions, including living in peace, encouraging the fainthearted, helping the weak, being patient with everyone, and always rejoicing, praying continually, and giving thanks.
Notable Quote: "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
2 Thessalonians
Historical Context: Paul wrote 2 Thessalonians shortly after 1 Thessalonians, likely from Corinth as well, around A.D. 51-52. It seems that some misunderstandings and false teachings had arisen since the first letter. Specifically, some believed that the "day of the Lord" had already arrived, causing confusion and idleness among certain members of the community.
Summary: Paul addresses these issues and offers further encouragement and correction.
Thanksgiving and Encouragement Amid Persecution (Chapter 1): Paul again praises the Thessalonians for their enduring faith and love, particularly in the face of intensified persecution. He reassures them that God will justly repay those who trouble them and bring relief to the suffering believers when Jesus returns.
Notable Verse: "We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is fitting, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you toward one another is increasing." (2 Thessalonians 1:3)
The Day of the Lord and the Man of Lawlessness (Chapter 2): This chapter is crucial for understanding Paul's eschatology. Paul corrects the false belief that the Day of the Lord had already come. He explains that certain events must precede Christ's second coming: a great rebellion or apostasy, and the revealing of the "man of lawlessness" (often identified as the Antichrist), who will oppose God and exalt himself. Paul also mentions a "restrainer" who is currently holding back the full manifestation of this lawless one.
Notable Quote: "Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we ask you, brothers, not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by a spirit or a spoken word, or a letter seeming to be from us, to the ef
fect that the day of the Lord has come. Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless th e rebel lion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction." (2 Thessalonians 2:1-3) Notable Verse: "And now you know what is restraining him, so that he may be revealed in his time. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way." (2 Thessalonians 2:6-7)
Exhortation to Work and Final Instructions (Chapter 3): Paul addresses the issue of idleness and disorderly conduct among some believers who had stopped working, perhaps because they believed Christ's return was imminent. He strongly condemns this behavior, stating that those unwilling to work should not eat. He emphasizes the importance of diligent work, quiet living, and not growing weary in doing good.
Notable Quote: "For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat." (2 Thessalonians 3:10)
Notable Verse: "May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all." (2 Thessalonians 3:16)
Both letters offer a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of the early church, emphasizing foundational Christian doctrines like the return of Christ, the importance of holy living, and the need for perseverance in faith amidst trials.