First Thessalonians Bible Studies

This is the page for all my resources and documents for the book of First Thessalonians. The first section contains documents that survey the entire book. The second section has a survey video lecture covering the entire book. The next section is broken down by each passage. Click the label of any document or video to expand for access. Click the label of any passage to expand for access to documents and information about each individual passage. In each section, you can also click to see a detailed, annotated outline of this section. Feel free to use and distribute any information you find helpful as long as you give credit where appropriate.

General Documents

Outline

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Outline of First Thessalonians

Epistolary Introduction 1:1

Author 1:1a

Recipients 1:1b

Peace Wish 1:1c

Thanksgiving 1:2-3:13

Thanksgiving for the Thessalonians' Faith 1:2-10

Thanksgiving/Prayer Report 1:2-3

Reason: We Know God Has Chosen You 1:4-10

Description of Paul's Ministry in Thessalonika 2:1-12

Paul Was Empowered to Speak the Gospel Freely in the Midst of Persecution 2:1-8

Paul Worked Hard to Preach the Gospel Without Being a Burden 2:9

Paul Was Blameless and Holy in their Midst 2:10

Paul Encouraged and Urged Them to Walk Worthy of God 2:11-12

Thanksgiving for the Thessalonians' Response 2:13-16

We Give Thanks Continuously 2:13a

Reason: 2:13b-16

You Received the Word as It Truly Is 2:13b

You Became Imitators of the Church in Judea 2:14-16

Description of Paul's Longing for the Thessalonians 2:17-20

Paul Tried to Come to Them 2:17-18

Reason: The Thessalonians are Important to Paul 2:19-20

Explanation of Timothy's Visit 3:1-5

Description of Paul's Joy in Timothy's Report 3:6-10

Prayer Report for the Thessalonians 3:11-13

Instructions for Some Problem Issues 4:1-5:24

Holy Living 4:1-12

Walk/Live as Pleasing to God 4:1-2

Your Sanctification is the Will of God 4:3-8

Grow in Love and Right Living 4:9-12

Question About the Second Coming 4:13-5:11

The Manner of the Parousia 4:13-18

The Timing of the Parousia 5:1-11

Miscellaneous Instructions 5:12-24

Re: Living with One Another 5:12-15

Re: Attitude 5:16-18

Re: Prophecy 5:19-22

Re: Power For Life 5:23-24

Conclusion 5:25-28

Pray for Us 5:25

Greet All the Brothers with a Holy Kiss 5:26

Read This Epistle to All the Brothers 5:27

Grace Be With You 5:28

Summary

Introduction Presentation

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Survey Video

First Thessalonians Survey

Watch on YouTube

Download Audio

Individual Passages

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1:1-3:13 Thanksgiving

1:1-10 Introduction and Thanksgiving

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1 Epistolatory introduction

Paul opens the letter with a normal introduction of author and recipients, followed by a peace wish and thanksgiving

1a Author: Paul, Silas and Timothy

All three of them were there at the founding visit to Thessalonika
All three are listed as authors and authority
It is very likely that Paul was the primary author and authority

1b Recipients: to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ

1c Greeting: Grace and peace to you

2-10 Thanksgiving for the Thessalonians' faith

In this first major section, Paul is responding to Timothy's news concerning the Thessalonians
He rejoices in their faithfulness - they are doing well under suffering
He also apparently reacts to the pressure coming from them because of Paul leaving town in a hurry
Paul does not necessarily defend Himself against the persecutors - Paul does not necessarily care what they think about Him
Paul is not protecting his own reputation - Paul does not necessarily care for his own reputation
But as much as Paul's reputation is tied up with the Gospel and the life of the Thessalonians, he has to say something to commend the Gospel and encourage them
In doing so, we not only learn how Paul defends himself in the 1st century
We also get a close up view of faithful Gospel ministry that can and should inform and impact our ministries in the 21st.

2-3 Thanksgiving/Prayer report:

2a Thanksgiving: We always give thanks to God concerning all of you

2b-3 Elaborating the manner in which we give thanks:

2b Making mention/recollection [of you] in our prayers

3 We remember your deeds:

We unceasingly remember before our God and Father

What we remember/mention

Your work that comes from faith

Literally "work of faith" etc.
The relationship between work and faith must be interpreted from the context and the meaning of the two terms in order to determine how they are connected
NIV is good, seeing them connected as root and fruit

Your toil that comes from love

And your patience that comes from the hope in our Lord Jesus Christ

Faith-Hope-Love changes us so that we labor and persevere

4-10 Reason:

4-5b We know God has chosen you

4 Knowing, brothers beloved by God, your election/special choice

5a-b Reason: the Gospel was effective in your midst

5a Neg: because our Gospel did not come about to you in word only

5b Pos: but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and in much full assurance/conviction

Paul bases his confidence in God's election of the Thessalonians on the evident power and working of the Holy Spirit
Paul's description of the power of the Holy Spirit may refer to miraculous demonstrations in their midst
This is certainly possible, however, there is no evidence in 1 or 2 Thessalonians or in Acts to prove that this is the case
More likely, when Paul refers to the powerful working of the Holy Spirit, he is referring to the convincing and convicting work in the lives of the Thessalonians, so that they believed the Gospel
v. 6, vv. 9-10 and Acts 17:2-4 seem to argue for this second option

5c-10 You know how we lived and your response

5c Just as you know what sort of people we were among you because of you

6-10 And you imitated us

6 You imitated us

6a You became imitators of us and of the Lord

6b Receiving the word [even] in much tribulation with joy from the Holy Spirit

7-10 The result is that you became a model for others

7 You became a model for all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia

8-10 Specific Elaboration:

8 The Word and news about you went out

8a The Word of the Lord was sounded out from you

Not only in Macedonia and in Achaia

But also in every place

8b-c News about your faith went out successfully

8b [News about] your faith toward God went out

8c So that we did not have need to tell something [about it]

9-10 For they heard these things about you

9a These announced concerning you

9b-10 What they announced:

9b First: What sort of welcome/reception we had concerning you

9c-10 Second: You turned to God from idols

9c And how you turned to God from the idols

9d-10 The purpose of the turning:

9d to serve the living and true God

10 and to expectantly wait for His Son from heaven

His Son Who rescued us from the coming wrath

This is a great way to measure the effectiveness of a church/mission/event/etc.
Changed lives and smashed idols and groundswell buzz about God's working
Without the need of resorting to PR and promotion
True renewal draws attention to God and raises esteem for Jesus, and does not primarily draw attention to the ministry or ministry leader

Summary:

The thanksgiving is thanks for God's working in the lives of the Thessalonians through the ministry of Paul
Which resulted in changed lives and model faith.
This passage serves both as a thanksgiving and a reminder/rehearsal of their past and their relationship with Paul.
This section is obviously the first of the letter and is thus introductory/preparatory for what follows
It is a true thanksgiving, but it also serves as a reminder of God's work in their midst, and their own faithfulness.
With this reminder, Paul is preparing them to reaffirm his right to speak to them, and motivating them to continue in faithfulness and zealousness in the matters he is about to address.

2:1-12 Paul's Ministry in Thessalonika

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Intro:

Notice how Paul appeals to their knowledge/testimony and to God's testimony to the facts of what Paul says - he is confident in its truthfulness and public verifiability
Notice the introductory formulas = "you know...," "you remember...," "God is witness that...," etc.
This is a good model of what good ministry looks like
Success in ministry is when you can honestly say to people, "you know that these things are true, God is my witness" about the kind of things which Paul describes in the following section

1-8 Paul was empowered to speak the Gospel freely in the midst of persecution

1a Intro Formula: You yourselves, brothers know about our coming to you

See Acts ch. 17 for the narrative of Paul's time in Thessalonika

1b-8 Specifically: What it was not, and what it was

1b-2 Our coming to you was powerful by God

1b Neg: Our coming to you was NOT in vain

2 Pos: BUT we were emboldened to speak the Gospel of God

2a-c Even though we suffered in Philippi

2a-b Even though we were suffering and being mistreated in Philippi

2a We were suffering

2b We were being treated insolently

See Acts ch. 16 for the narrative of Paul's time in Philippi

2c Like you already know

2d We were emboldened by our God to speak the Gospel of God to you in much opposition

3-8 Reason: God entrusted us with the Gospel task

3-4 Reason: Our exhortation comes from God's call

3 Neg: Our exhortation does not come from error or from impure motive or from deceit

Paul is defending himself in order to defend the Gospel and encourage the Thessalonians
This is a good safety check for our own ministries - don't be underhanded/scheming

4 Pos: BUT by contrast, we speak from God

4a-b We speak in this way:

4a Just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the Gospel

4b We speak in this way [appropriate to that calling]

The weight of our calling should have a strong impact on the way we approach any type of ministry - especially proclamation types of ministry

4c-d The manner in which we speak:

4c Neg: Not as attempting to please men

4d Pos: BUT attempting to please God Who is testing our hearts

Same word as "approved" earlier
But present tense - continually testing here, tested and approved there

5-8 The Evidence: We displayed God's character and ways

5-7b Neg: We were not seeking to take from you

5 Our methods were not bad

5a-b We did not flatter

5a We did not act with a word of flattery nor in a pretense for greed

5b Just like you know!

5c God is witness

6-7b Our motivations were not bad

6 We did not seek praise/glory from men, either from you or from others

7a-b Even though, as apostles of Christ, we were able to be a burden

7a Even though we were able to be a burden to you

7b Because we are apostles of Christ

7c-8 Pos: But rather we were seeking to give to you

7c But we were innocent in your midst

Our methods were good
We were childlike/innocent
Textual issue, reading nepioi - "children" instead of epioi - "gentle"

7d-8 Specifically: We gave ourselves because we cherish you

Our motives were good

7d-8b We gave ourselves for you

7d Just like a nursing mother cherishes her own children

8a-b So also we gave ourselves for you

8a Having a similar strong yearning for you

8b We gave you the Gospel and ourselves

We were pleased to give you not only the Gospel of God

But also ourselves as well

8c Because we cherished you

9 Paul worked hard to preach the Gospel without being a burden

9a Intro Formula: You, brothers, remember our work and labor (hardship)

9b-d Specifically: how I worked and preached

9b-c The manner in which we lived while preaching

9b Working night and day

-cf. 3:10, 2 Thes. 3:8 on "night and day"

9c Purpose: So that we would not be a burden to you

9d We preached to you the Gospel of God

10 Paul was blameless and holy in their midst

10a Intro Formula: You and God are witnesses

Notice how Paul calls God as his witness
But he also calls on the Thessalonians to acknowledge the truth for themselves

10b Specifically: We were holy, righteous and blameless to you who believed

"holy" = morally upright, devout, pure
"righteous" = upright, just, correct
"blameless" = innocent, without fault

11-12 Paul encouraged and urged them to walk worthy of God

11a Intro Formula: You know

11b-12 Specifically: How we dealt with you

11b-c I dealt with you as a Father

11b I dealt with each one of you

11c As a father deals with his own children

Notice that Paul has describe himself as exercising virtues of both parents
The mother in vv. 7-8 and the father here in v. 11
This demonstrates his genuine care for the Thessalonians

12 Manner that he dealt with them

12a-c What Paul did:

12a Urging/exhorting you

12b And consoling/comforting you

12c And testifying/witnessing [to you]

12d Purpose for all this:

So that you may walk worthily

"worthily" = appropriately, suitably for the circumstances
Not meritorious/measuring up to God, which is impossible

Worthy of the God who called you into His own Kingdom and Glory

2:13-16 Thanksgiving for Their Response

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13a Because of this, we give thanks to God continuously

13b-16 Reason: You accepted the Word of God and bore suffering for it

13b-f You received and accepted the Word of God

13b Means: by receiving the Word of the message of God from us

13c-13f You did not accept the word of man, but the Word of God

13c Neg: You did not accept/receive the word of man

13d-f Pos: But the Word of God, which it truly is

13d But, just as it truly is

13e-f The Word of God

13e You accepted/received the Word of God

13f Which is active and effective in the midst of you who believe

14-16 Reason: You suffered from your countrymen, just like them

14a You became imitators of the churches of God in Judea in Christ Jesus

14b-16 Reason: You suffered in the same kind of circumstances

14b You suffered the same things under your own countrymen

14c-16 Just as these Jewish believers suffered under the Jews

14c Just as these [suffered] under the Jews

15-16 Specific description of the Jews

15-16d the Jews have been opposing Christ and the Gospel

15a They killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets

15b And they pursued/harassed/persecuted us/drove us out

15c And they were not pleasing to God

15d And they were being hostile to all people

16a-d Worst of all, they tried to prevent us from preaching to the Gentiles

16a-c They tried to prevent us from speaking salvation to the Gentiles

16a They prevented/hindered us

16b-c What they tried to prevent us from doing

16b to speak to the Gentiles/nations

16c Purpose: So that they may be saved

16d Result: They always fill up/complete their sins

16e The wrath has arrived upon them to the full

2:17-20 Description of Paul's Longing for Them

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17-18 We desired and tried hard to come see you again

17 Even though we were apart, we did all that we could to be with you again

17a Being separated from you for a time

Lit. "orphaned from you"
-cf. the "mother" and "father" illustrations used in ch. 1
For a short time

In personal presence

Not in heart

17b-c Response: We did all that we could to be with you again

17b We made excessive effort with much desire

17c Purpose: to see your face

i.e. to be with you and experience your presence

18 Therefore: We (unsuccessfully) tried to come back to see you

18a-b Pos: We tried to come to you more than once

18a We desired to come to you

18b I myself [tried] once and twice (time and again)

18c Neg: but satan (the accuser) hindered us

19-20 Reason: You are important to us!

19 We have no joy and prize before Jesus at His coming except you

19a Q: Who is our prize?

Who is our hope?

Our joy?

The crown of our boasting?

Before our Lord Jesus in His advent

19b A: Except you

20 Reason: Because you are our glory and joy

3:1-5 Explanation of Timothy's Visit

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1-4 We sent Timothy to help you stand up against troubles

1-2a We sent Timothy to answer our anxiety

1a Because we could no longer bear it

1b-2a Result: We sent Timothy and were left alone in Athens

1b We thought it good to remain behind in Athens alone

2a And we sent Timothy - our brother and God's fellow worker in the Gospel of Christ

2b-4 Purpose: To help you bear up under troubles

2b-3a to reinforce you against the pressure of your troubles

2b-c To strengthen and encourage you

2b To strengthen you

2c And to encourage [you] concerning your faith

3a Purpose: So that no one would be shaken by these troubles

Timothy would remind them of the things they already knew (see below)
And their faith would be strengthened in order to endure any trials that might come their way
Because they had been warned that trials would come
And they were taught that trials would be temporary
And they were taught that the coming vindication and reward would be worth it

3b-4 Reason: You know that troubles are a part of the Christian life

3b-c For we were destined for this

3b For you yourselves know:

3c That we were destined/appointed for this

4 And we predicted that we would experience troubles

4a-b We predicted this when we were with you

4a When we were with you

4b We told you ahead of time

4c-e That we would experience affliction/persecution/tribulation

4c That we are about to be afflicted/troubled

4d-e Just as you know it actually happened

4d Just as it happened

4e And you know [and acknowledge, from personal experience]

5 I also sent to find out about your faith

5a-b I also sent to you

5a Because of this, I could no longer bear it

-cf. v. 1a
Paul repeats this for emphasis - to show his care and passion for the Thessalonians

5b Result: I also sent

5c-e Purpose: To find out if you are standing firm in faith

5c In order to know your faith

5d-e Specifically: that you did not give in to temptation

5d That the tempter did not somehow tempt you

5e And our labor would turn out to be in vain

3:6-10 Paul's Joy in Timothy's Report

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6 Timothy told us the good news that you are remaining faithful

6a When Timothy came to me from you

6b-e And he told me the good news about you

6b And he told me the good news about your faith and love

using the same word "good news" usually used for preaching the Gospel

6c-e [And he told me] that you miss us and long to see us

6c That you always have good memory of us

6d-e Specifically: You long to see us

6d You are longing to see us

6e Just as we [are longing to see] you

7-10 Result: We are celebrating as if we had come back to life

7 Brothers, we were encouraged

Because of this, we were encouraged, brothers

About you

In all our distress and trouble

Because of your faith

8-10 Explanation: We have figuratively come back to life at the news

8 We now live since you are standing firm

8a Because we now live

This shows Paul's heart
That he cared so much for the young church
That he was so relieved that they are standing firm

8b Condition: Since you are standing firm in the Lord

9-10 Explanation: We are celebrating the news and praying for you

9 We are able to give back thanksgiving to God

Concerning you

Upon all joy

With which we are rejoicing before our God because of you

10 By praying that we might see and help you

10a Praying night and day to an extraordinary degree

-cf. 2:9 Paul worked night and day, here he prays night and day

10b-c Purpose: that we might see and help you

10b In order to see your face

10c And in order to fix any deficiency or shortcoming of your faith

Remember, this is a very young church

3:11-13 Prayer Report for the Thessalonians

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11 May God direct our way toward you

Our God and Father, Himself

And our Lord Jesus Christ

12-13 May God bring you to full Christian maturity/perfection

12 May the Lord grow you and your love

12a May the Lord cause you to increase

May the Lord 'superabound' you

12b-c And may the Lord cause your love to abound

12b And may the Lord cuase you to abound in love to one another and to all

May the Lord overflow you with love toward all

12c Just as we [abound in love] to you

13 Purpose: to establish/strengthen your hearts

Purpose: to be blameless

in holiness

before our God and Father

in the coming of our Lord Jesus

-cf. 2:19 - Paul will rejoice over the Thessalonians at the coming of Christ

with all His saints

4:1-5:24 Instructions for Some Problem Issues

4:1-8 Walk in Sanctification

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1 Continue to grow in your Christian lifestyle pleasing to God

1a-b We are asking and encouraging you

1a Therefore, finally, we are asking you

1b And we are encouraging [you] in the Lord Jesus

1c-e Purpose: that you would live a Christian lifestyle to a greater degree

1c-d Just as you know how you should live, and are already doing

1c Just as you received from us how it is necessary

1d And just as you are [already] walking

1e That you may abound/do so to a greater degree

2-8 Continue to live in God's will by being sanctified in sexual purity

2 For you know which commands we gave you through the Lord Jesus

3-8 Specifically: Regarding God's will for you

3a For this is the will of God:

Many people - us included - wish to know God's will for our life
We cannot expect to know or claim to seek God's will if we ignore passage like this which clearly state His revealed will
Pursue this aspect of His will which is clearly taught, and all the other necessary guidance and direction will be given
Ignore this and you shouldn't expect guidance in other things - God will direct you back here

3b-8 Specifically: Be sanctified in your lifestyle

3b Your sanctification [is the will of God]

Both the process and the resulting reality of sanctification

3c-8 Specifically: Be holy in all sexual matters

3c-6b Refrain from sexual immorality which harms your brother

3c That you would refrain from sexual immorality of any kind

Then, as now, sexual sin is a common hindrance to sanctification
This is defined generically, not precisely, with a broad term for sexual sin
Therefore, there are no loopholes - we are to refrain from ALL types of sexual sin

4-6b the way to keep from sexual immorality:

4-5 That you would master your desires like a Christian

4 Pos: That each of you would know to gain possession of his own vessel with sanctification and honor

This is often translated "control/gain full possession over one's own body/desires" - of course, we should do this
It could also be translated "acquire your own spouse" -cf. Prov. ch. 5 - the solution to chasing the 'foreign' woman is to be enraptured with your own wife
Guys should get a wife - not as a sex toy to solve your lust problems, but as a life partner to love and cherish, and who will fight your lust problem with you
This will help, but not solve your lust problem
Positive holiness is the only true solution to the negative problem of lust
"In holiness" (same word as v. 3) "and honor" - Positive virtues to combat negative vices

5 Neg: Not in lusts characteristic of the unregenerate

5a Not in strong desire of lusts

5b Just as the Gentiles who do not know God

Knowing God is not compatible with passionate lusts
If you pursue/allow room for passionate lusts, God will be squeezed out over time
If you pursue/allow room for god, passionate lusts will be squeezed out over time
-cf. "The Expulsive Power of a New Affection" by Thomas Chalmers
Notice that this is primarily connected with God, not ourselves and our desires
What are you looking at? Looking at your lust will never cure it, only grow it. Looking at God will solve your lust issue

6a-b That you would not wrong your brother by this

6a That [each of you] would not transgress

6b And take advantage of his brother in this matter

How is this connected?
How would you feel if your spouse cheats on you? How can you expect to be faithful/self-controlled after marriage if you cannot exercise self-control before marriage?
If you are fooling around with some girl before marriage, you are training her to be unfaithful. this is someone's daughter and possibly someone's future wife. You are wronging them (not to mention her)
Make sure you see that connection - it is not just about you and your desires, other people are involved and ultimately hurt
And make sure you also see the connection with what follows

6c-8 Reason: God's design for humanity is not sexual immorality, but holiness

6c-7 God holds you to this standard because He has designed you for it

6c-e We warned you that the Lord exercises justice in these matters

6c Because the Lord is the One who punishes concerning all these things

If the girl's Green-beret, black-belt father walked in, your sex drive would shut off like a light - because of a stronger desire (self-preservation)
If we keep God and the Gospel in view, our sex drive can be controlled - because of a stronger desire

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom
"The primary question for sex ethics, or any ethical question taking the Scriptures seriously, must not be simply, 'What must/ought/should/may I do?' but rather 'To whom am I accountable, and for what?'" Robert Yarbrough

But also the blessedness of seeing God's face should motivate us toward purity of heart (see Matt. 5:8)

6d-e Just as we told and swore to you beforehand

6d Just as we told you beforehand

6e And we made a solemn declaration

7 Reason: God's destiny for you is sanctification, not uncleanness

7a Neg: For God did not call you into uncleanness

7b Pos: but [He called you] into sanctification

By faith, with need to concentrate on our goal and better reward
We need to love holiness more than sex
We need to see Jesus as more desirable than Miss October
Connect this with God's character, the cross and our eschatological inheritance
"Be killing sin or it will be killing you" - John Owen

8 Therefore: Whoever rejects this standard rejects God

8a Neg: For this reason, the one rejecting [this standard] is not rejecting man

8b Pos: But [he is rejecting] God, Who gave His Holy Spirit to us

Again, notice the close connection to God and the Gospel
Why does Paul bring up the Holy Spirit here?
The emphasis in the way Paul says it (in the original language) is on the word "Holy" - literally, "His Spirit, the Holy One"
God's nature and character is holiness
God's will for us is holiness
God's Holy Spirit works in us toward holiness
What a great idea, what a great thing to have in our lives!
What could be worth going in the other direction?
Actively, strongly, passionately pursue holiness and lust problems will be conquered

4:9-12 Grow in Love and Right Living

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9-10a You have brotherly love taught by God

9a You do not have a need for me to write to you concerning brotherly love

9b-10a Reason: You have already been taught by God and you love

9b For you yourselves are taught by God

This is true not only of the Thessalonians, but also of every genuine Christian

9c-10a Result: you love one another and all the brothers

9c So that you love one another

10a Reason: For you are doing the same thing to all the brothers in the whole of Macedonia

10b-12 We encourage you to love more and be peaceful, productive people

10b We are encouraging/exhorting you, brothers

10c-12 Specifically: What we are encouraging you to do

10c To abound/excel to a greater degree

In context, this refers to brotherly love
-cf. v. 1 where this same word refers to excelling in Christian lifestyle

11a-12b To aspire to be peaceful productive members of society

11a And to aspire, have ambition

11b-12 Specifically: what they should aspire to:

11b To not disturb the peace

11c And to mind your own things

Attend to your own affairs
Don't be a busybody
But the emphasis is not on avoiding others' affairs
The emphasis is on tending your own affairs well

11d-12 And to work with your hands to provide needs and protect reputation

11d-e And to work with your hands like we told you

11d And to work with your own hands

11e Just as we have commanded you

12a-b Purpose: to provide needs and protect the reputation

12a So that you would conduct your life becomingly toward those outside

12b And so that no one would have need

Not only take care of your own needs, but supply the needs of others
This issue will continue to be a problem in Thessalonika, and Paul will have to address it again in his next letter to them

4:13-18 The Manner of the Parousia

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Intro:

Paul clears up some misconceptions the Thessalonians had about the afterlife and coming of the Lord
From this passage we can infer that they may have worried that their departed loved ones would not experience the second coming and vindication of Christ which Paul preached about,
Or that they would miss out on something significant by not being alive when Jesus returned

13-17 What Paul wants them to know

13 Paul wants them to not be discouraged on account of their ignorance

13a I want you to know about those who have fallen asleep

Literally, "I want you to not be ignorant" suggesting that they were ignorant and probably believing mistaken implications and conclusions because of their ignorance
Sleep is a euphemism for death - cf. Jn. 11:11

13b-c Why I want you to know this

13b So that you will not be sorrowful and depressed

13c like those who have no hope

The Greek view of the afterlife was different
The Jewish view of the afterlife developed over time
We are not sure what the Thessalonians believed about the afterlife.
Many world-views offer nothing to look forward to after this life
There is no hope to be had outside of Christ.

14-17 the things Paul wants them to know

14 Your departed loved ones will take part in the resurrection

14a-c If we believe that God has raised up Jesus

Paul is not using this section as a condition for what follows, as if God will not raise the dead unless we believe
Rather, He is assuming belief in these things and saying that what follows is true because these things (which we believe) are true
The emphasis is not on our belief, but on the reality of the things which we believe

14a If we believe:

14b-c Content of our belief - What God has done:

14b Jesus died

14c And He rose

-cf. 1 Cor. 15:3-4
Christ died and rose is a very succinct summary of the Gospel

14d In the very same way, because of Jesus, God will also raise with Him those who are sleeping

Again, sleeping is a euphemism for death, cf. v. 13
Paul here directly states that the dead in Christ will be raised in the same way that Christ was raised

15-17 Your departed loved ones will not take a secondary role when it comes to the final events

15a I have a word of the Lord to tell you

We cannot be certain what "word of the Lord" refers to -
Possibly a private revelation to Paul.
Possibly a saying of Jesus not recorded anywhere else
Possibly a loose expanded paraphrase of some things Jesus said:

-cf. Matt. 24:30-31 "At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, for one end of the heavens to the other."

15b-17 They will take part equally with us in these events

15b We who are living will certainly not have priority over those who are asleep

the Thessalonians thought the dead would miss out on something, but Paul refers to those living as the ones left behind

16-17 Paul elaborates on the coming events to show that this is so

16-17a Christ will come to take us to Him

16 First, those who are dead

16a The Lord will come down from heaven

With a shout of command

Jn. 5:28 "...for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out."
"Shout of command" - military word, Jesus returns as a conqueror

With the voice of the archangel

With the trumpet of God

-cf. 1 Cor. 15:51-53

16b the dead in Christ will be raised first

17a then [at virtually the same time] we will be caught up with them

We who are living and remaining

Those still alive at the time of the Lord's return
Still alive, still around

Caught up with them

"caught up" violent sudden action
like Phillip after he spoke with the Ethiopian or like Soldiers dragging Paul out of the hostile Jerusalem crowd.

In the clouds

-cf. Dan. 7:13, the transfiguration, the ascension - promise that Jesus would return in the same way

In order to meet the Lord

"to meet" is a technical term for the official public welcome of a newly arrived dignitary
"The ancient expression for the civic welcome of an important visitor or the triumphal entry of a new ruler into the capitol city and thus into his reign is applied to Christ."
-cf. Matt 25:6 - virgins meeting the Bridegroom
-cf. Acts 28:15 - Romans coming out to meet Paul

in the air

17b The Result: We will always be with the Lord

Paul's desire as well as ours is to be with Him
-cf. Phil. 1:23, Col. 3:4

18 Resulting command: Encourage one another with these words

How can we encourage one another?
Regarding the dead in Christ:

Jesus is coming soon
They won't miss it and they will be with Him

Regarding one another:

Jesus is coming soon
We won't miss it and we will be with Him
We will be with them and with one another forever

5:1-11 The Timing of the Parousia

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1-10 His coming will be a joy, so live in light of His coming

What Paul wants them to know:

1-7 The timing of His coming is unexpected, but you will not be surprised

1-3 Don't worry about the timing of His coming, because it will be unexpected

1 Brothers, you have no need for me to write to you concerning the times and the seasons

2-3 Reason: The coming will be unexpected and they will not escape

2 You know that the coming will be unexpected

2 For you yourselves know accurately:

2b-c The day of the Lord will come unexpectedly

2b As a thief [comes] in the night

2c In this way the day of the Lord will come

Jesus Himself taught this in Matt. 24:43

3 Destruction will come unexpectedly and they will not escape

Destruction will come unexpectedly and they will not escape

3a-c Destruction will come on them unexpectedly like labor pains

3a-b Destruction will come suddenly when they feel secure

3a When they are saying "peace and security"

3b Destruction will come upon them then suddenly

3c Just as the labor pain to the pregnant woman

3d And they will certainly not escape

4-7 But you won't be surprised, so live as "day people"

4-5 But you won't be surprised, because you are "day people"

Christians are not unprepared

4 You won't be caught by surprise

4a But you, brothers, are not in darkness

4b-c Result: That you would be surprised by the day

4b As a thief [catches you bu surprise]

4c That the day would catch you by surprise

5 Reason: You/We are of the day, not the night

5a Pos: For all of you are sons of light and sons of day

5b-c Neg: We are not of the night or of the darkness

5b We are not of night

5c Neither [are we] of darkness

6-7 Therefore, let us live as the "day people" that we are

6 Therefore: Let's have a watchful lifestyle as appropriate for the day

6a-b Neg: Let us not be asleep

6a Therefore, let us not sleep

6b Like the rest [give in to sleep]

6c-d Pos: Let's be awake and sober

6c But let us be awake/aware

6d And let us be sober/self-controlled

-cf. 1 Pet. 4:7-8

7 Reason: Night people do night things

7a For those who sleep, sleep at night

7b And those who get drunk, get drunk at night

8-10 Therefore: Let us live the sanctified life Christ has given us

8 Let us live a sanctified life according to God's character and resources

8a-b Let us live decently in the light

8a Being of the day

8b Result: Let us be sober/self controlled

8c-d by being clothed with God's armor/characteristics

-cf. Eph. 6:12-18 Armor of God
-cf. Isa. 59:17 God's Armor

8c Being clothed with the breastplate of faith and love

8d And [being clothed with] the helmet of hope of salvation

9-10 Reason: God's grace has rescued us for His sanctified life

9a Neg: For God has not appointed us for wrath

9b-10 Pos: But He has planned and purchased our salvation

9b But [He has appointed us] into experience of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ

"experience" could be translated "preservation" or "possession" of salvation

10 Specifically: He died so that we may live with Him

10a The One Who died on our behalf

Who died in our place

10b-d Purpose: So that the living and dead may live together with Him

10b-c No matter if we are (physically) living or dead

10b Whether we are awake

Those living and watchful

10c Or we are asleep

Those who had already died

10d So that we may live together with Him

11 Therefore: Encourage and build up one another

What Paul want them to do:

11a Encourage one another

11b-c And build up one another

11b And one of you build up the other one

11c Just as you are doing

5:12-24 Miscellaneous Instructions

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12-22 Practice Christian virtues in a variety of contexts

12-13 Honor your leaders and live in peace

12-13a We are asking you to honor your leaders

12a Brothers, we are asking you:

12b-13a Specifically: To respect and value your leaders

12b To recognize/respect/show honor to:

-cf. Rom. 14:6
Probably all referring to the same group of people - i.e. Christian leaders/pastors
Three different descriptions for the same group of men

Those working among you

And those leading you in the Lord

And those instructing/warning you

13a To value them most highly in love, because of their work

13b Live in peace among yourselves

14 We are exhorting your to encourage and help one another

14a Brothers, we are exhorting/encouraging you:

14b-e Specifically: Encourage and help all

14b Instruct/warn the unruly idle

Same word "instruct" as v. 12
On "unruly idle" see 2 Thes. 3:6, 11

14c Strengthen the faint-hearted

Literally, the "small in faith"

14d Have a helpful concern for the weak and helpless

Take a strong interest in them, in order to help them

14e Be forbearing toward all

15-18a Live Christianly in every situation

15 Do good to others, not evil

15a Neg: See to it that no one pays back to anyone evil in return for evil

15b Pos: But always pursue the good toward one another and toward all

16 Always rejoice

17 Constantly pray

18 Give thanks in everything

18b-22 It is God's will that you be open to the work of the Spirit with discernment

18b Reason: For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you

19-22 Be open to the work of the Spirit, but not to counterfeits

19-20 Neg: Don't automatically reject the work of the Spirit

19 Do not quench/suppress the Spirit

i.e. don't resist the Spirit's work in prophecy
Elaborated and explained by the next command

20 do not disdainfully reject prophecy

Not referring tot he general phenomenon of prophecy
But specific examples purporting to be prophecy

21-22 Pos: Test everything and respond accordingly

21a But critically examine everything by testing

Referring to all prophecies
Test first and finally by Scripture
Test by whether the prophecy points you toward or away from the True God - Deut. 13:1-11
Test also by fulfillment - Deut. 18:18-22
Mature leaders should test by Wisdom and Spirit leading (informed by and submitted to Scripture)

21b-22 Respond accordingly based on the value you find

21b Hold fast to the good

22 Keep away from every form of evil

In this context "every form of evil" = every bad/false/untrue prophecy
Not "appearance of evil" as in outward perception
But every example of evil
Same word "abstain" as in 4:3 "abstain from sexual sin"

23-24 Therefore: May God make these things a reality in your life

Typical prayer report
Notice that Paul is praying for God to give the Thessalonians the same things he just commanded the Thessalonians themselves to do and pursue

23 May God make you holy and blameless for Jesus' coming

23a May this same God of peace sanctify you in every way/completely

23b And may your spirit, soul and body be kept completely blameless in the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ

24 Reason: God is faithful both to call, and to complete

24a The One Who is calling you is faithful

On God's 'call' see 2:12 and 4:7

24b Therefore: He will also do [it]

5:25-28 Conclusion