1Thessalonians Chapter 1

Salutation

1:1 Paul and Silvanus and Timothy (N M P + c.c. Pau/loj Paulos kai. Silouano.j Silouanos (Latin spelling of Silas) kai. Timo,qeoj Timotheos) to the church of the Thessalonians ( D F S w/d.a. h` evkklhsi,a ekklsia (lit the called out assembly) to the church + G M P Qessalonikeu,j Thessalonikeus of Thessalonians) in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: (prep w/ L M S evn qeo,j path,r in God the Father + c.c. kai, and + L M S ku,rioj VIhsou/j Cristo,j the Lord Jesus Christ) Grace to you and peace. (N F S ca,rij charis grace + D 2p pro su, you + c.c. kai, and + N F S eivrh,nh eirn peace)

1) The structure of this salutation conforms to the prevailing letter-writing practice of the ancient Middle East. cp Ezr 7:12 Artaxerxes, king of kings, to Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, perfect peace.
a) Writers name
b) Recipient(s)
c) Greeting
2) This structure was flexible, and could be adapted or expanded as the occasion warranted. cp Gal 1:1-5
3) Paul is the human author, but was accompanied and aided by Silvanus and Timothy. Ac 18:5 (it is possible that one of them acted as his amanuensis, as was Pauls customary method of writing a letter cp 2Th 3:17) also cp 2:18
4) The sequence of names reflects seniority and authority.
5) Pauls Hebrew name, Saul, was abandoned when he began his ministry to the Gentiles in favor of his Roman name. Ac 13:9
6) As a Jew who was born a Roman citizen, he no doubt carried both names from birth, a common practice of the dispersion.
7) There is no mention of his apostolic office or authority here, since:
a) he was not writing to correct problems (as in Corinthians),
b) he was not establishing his authority (as in Romans),
c) his office had not been challenged (as in Galatia).
d) there were attacks against him, but on a personal level, not against his office. cp 2:1-12, 17-19
8) The second man mentioned is Silvanus, called Silas in Acts. (a comparison of Ac 18:5 with 2Cor 1:19 proves the two to be synonymous)
9) Paul had chosen him to replace Barnabas on the missionary journey, after the disagreement recorded in Ac 15:39-40.
10) He was present with Paul at the time of the founding of the church in Thessalonica. Ac 17:1-4
11) He was first mentioned at the time of the Jerusalem Council, being a highly regarded member of the Jerusalem church. Ac 15:22 Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren
12) He was one of the bearers of the letter to the Gentiles from the Jerusalem Council, further confirming his standing and reliability one would not send an inexperienced individual into such a potentially explosive situation.
13) In Ac 15:32 he is called a prophet, referring to his God-given ability to speak forth the Truth.

14) From Ac 16:37 he appears to have been a citizen of Rome as well. But Paul said to them, They have beaten us in public without trial, men who are Romans
15) In short, he appears to be a Hellenized Jew, who was of sterling character and spiritually qualified in every way.
16) The third member in the salutation is Timothy, who receives more frequent mention in Pauls letters, including Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, and Philemon (as well as in Hebrews).
17) He had been added to the team when Paul and Silas revisited the area, and was probably converted during the first visit. Ac 16:1f
18) He was later entrusted with difficult and potentially volatile missions, evidence that Paul had complete confidence in him. cp 1Cor 4:17; 1Tim 1:3
19) The letter is addressed to the church or assembly of the Thessalonian believers, who assembled to pursue the Plan of God, worshipping and fellowshipping together.
20) The term evkklhsi,a ekklsia was a familiar, non-religious word among the Greeks.
a) It is literally a called out company/assembly, i.e. one called together for a specific purpose such as town assembly or political parties.
b) It later acquired a religious connotation among the Jews of the dispersion and reformed pagans who frequented the synagogue, and meant the assembled people of God.
c) It is often used in the LXX to translate the Hebrew word lh'q' QaHaL , as in 2Ch 6:3 Then the king faced about and blessed all the assembly of Israel, while all the assembly of Israel was standing.
d) Just as Israel was called out from among the nations to be the people of God, so Christians are called out from among unbelievers to be a holy people for Him. 1Pet 2:9 But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light
e) Jesus gave the name specifically to all believers of this dispensation (the Church Universal), in Mt 16:18. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades shall not overpower it.
f) It never refers to a building or structure, it is the group of believers in a specific geographical area who study Gods Word together.
21) This church was composed of some Jews, though primarily Gentiles, both proselytes and converts from paganism. cp 1:9
22) The phrases which follow, in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ, qualify the phrase the church of Thessalonians, referring to Positional Truth. cp in Him of Eph 1:3-14.
23) There is no definite article in the Greek (church of the Thessalonians), since relatively few of the citizens of the city were actually worshippers the point is that those who comprised the local church were all Thessalonian citizens. cp Col 4:16
24) These phrases placed side by side also give clear evidence of Pauls conviction on the matter of the Deity of Christ a monotheist like Paul would never place the name of a mere man in a position of equality with the name of God.
25) The official greeting now follows, beginning with ca,rij charis , translated grace.
26) Grace is the unearned, undeserved goodness and favor of God to guilty mankind all and everything He has provided for us apart from any merit on our part.
27) The second desire Paul has for this group of believers is peace, which refers to a lack of conflict; with God, their authorities, themselves, their neighbors, etc. as well as inner peace.
28) Both desires are Ph2 wishes, since they are forever the recipients of Ph1 grace and peace.
29) These two terms are never reversed in the NT, since there is no true peace apart from the grace of God.
30) The believer maximizes theses concepts in his life via the pursuit of the Word of God. 2Pet 1:2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord
31) The second phrase from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ, found in some translations, is not a part of the original it was added later by a scribe to imitate 2Th 1:1-2.

Thanksgiving and the Reason

1:2 We give thanks to God always for all of you, (P A I 1p euvcariste,w euchariste we continually give thanks + D M S w/d.a. o` qeo,j to the God (w/d.a. = God the Father) + adv pa,ntote pantote always + prep w/ G M P + G 2p pro peri. pa/j su, concerning/about all of you) making mention of you in our prayers; (P M P N M P poie,w poie making + Ac F S mnei,a mneia remembrance; memory (used with poie, = making mention cp Rom 1:9) + prep w/ G F P evpi. h` proseuch proseuch upon the prayers + G 1p pro evgw, of us; our)

1:3 constantly bearing in mind (adv avdialei,ptwj adialeipts constantly; consistently; without fail + P A P N M P mnhmoneu,w mnmoneu recalling; remembering your work of faith and labor of love (G 2p pro su, of you; your + G N S w/d.a. to. e;rgon ergon the work/action + G F S (sub) w/d.a. h` pi,stij pistis of the faith + c.c. kai, and + G M S w/d.a. o` ko,poj kopos the labor/ toil + G F S (sub) w/d.a. h` avga,ph agap of the love) and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ (c.c. kai, and + G F S w/d.a. h` u`pomonh, - hupomon the patience under circumstances/ testing + G F S (sub) w/d.a. h` evlpi,j elpis of the hope/confident expectation + G M S (obj) w/d.a. o` ku,rioj kurios of the Lord + G 1p pro evgw, of us; our + G M S VIhsou/j Cristo,j Isous Christos Jesus Christ) in the presence of our God and Father, (prep. e;mprosqen emprosthen in the presence (lit to the face) w/ G M S w/d.a + c.c. w/ G M S o` qeo,j kai. path,r patr of the God-Father (Granville-Sharp rule) + G 1p pro evgw, of us; our)

1:4 knowing, brethren beloved by God, His choice of you; (Pf A P N M P oi=da knowing from experience + V M P avdelfo,j brethren + Pf P P V M P avgapa,w agapa having been loved (and still so) + prep w/ G M S u`po, qeo,j by God (w/o d.a. = entire Godhead) + Ac F S w/d.a. h` evklogh, eklog the choice/election (lit calling out from) + G 2p pro su, of you; your)
1) Paul now gives his typical thanksgiving formula, based on the situation of the recipients. cp 1Cor 1:4; Col 1:3-4
2) The plural of the verb, we give thanks, indicates that although Paul was the senior member of the team, all were in agreement that the Thessalonians reaction to and continuation with BD was a cause of rejoicing.
3) His gratitude is evident throughout this letter, based on their initial positive volition and its continuation despite his enforced absence from them and the persecution under which these believers came.
4) Principle: a congregation manifesting continued commitment to the Truth and application of the same produces a grateful teacher. cp Phi 2:2 make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.
5) The use of the word pa,ntote pantote always, states that whenever these men set aside time for formal, private prayer, they consistently mentioned the Thessalonians.
6) The phrase in our prayers at the end of verse 2 is more literally upon/at the time of our prayers.
a) this clearly teaches that Paul and his team had a certain amount of time set aside for praying about the issues which confronted them, and the various groups to which they ministered. cp Eph 6:18; Phi 1:9
b) this is one very real function which the PT cannot afford to neglect prayer for those under his charge.
c) this is a great responsibility and privilege which each man must take seriously.
7) His thanksgiving is directed toward God since He is ultimately the One who was the cause of their relationship and the present results of that relationship (He was blessing the positive volition of all parties).
8) The reason they continually offered up prayer for them is that these positive believers were continually in their hearts and minds.
9) While commentators disagree as to whether constantly (avdialei,ptwj adialeipts) refers to their prayers offered on behalf of the Thessalonians, or the fact that the Thessalonians were constantly being remembered, the simplest approach is to realize that the action of the adverb can easily go either way.
10) Application: the adjusted communicator cannot disengage himself from those who have been allotted to him spiritually, and are often in his thinking and his prayers (individually and corporately) just as there can be no legitimate separation physically, there is no separation in prayer or thinking.
11) Three specific areas are mentioned (there were others, mentioned later).
12) Each one is a noun coupled with another noun in the Genitive case, which functions as a Subjective Genitive (producing the action):
a) Ph2 faith produces the action of work
b) love produces intense labor (even under hardship)
c) confidence, in our Lord and future reward, produces patience
13) Each overt, visible application bore witness to the fact that the unseen qualities of faith, love and hope were realities among these believers.
14) The first phrase your work of faith refers to the general lifestyle of the Thessalonians which was based on their faith in the BD they had been taught.
15) Each work we perform should have its basis in the Word of God as it is taught to us activities not delineated in His Word are, to some extent, a waste of time.
16) Faith is expressed in action: Gal 5:6; 2Th 1:11; Js 2:17 Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.
17) People who claim to believe the doctrines of the Scripture (positive volition), yet do not manifest a high level of application in the Local Church are deceiving themselves, and attempting to deceive others. 1Jn 2:4 The one who says, I have come to know Him, and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him
18) The second phrase labor/toil of love demonstrates the lengths to which a positive believer will go out of devotion to the Plan of God, which are far more than some altruistic do-goodism.
19) The word for labor (ko,poj kopos) refers to a labor or burden which produces fatigue or exhaustion. cp 2Cor 11:27 I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure.
20) By using this word, Paul links these activities not with what is beautiful and poetic, but with what is toilsome, difficult, and wearing taking up ones cross daily until the end.
21) What motivates a believer to push himself to his limits (and beyond) in the service of the Local Church? Love for God, for His Plan, for His Word, and the love for those He Himself loves.
22) To claim love for God when basic applications are lacking from your life is to utter a hollow claim. 1Jn 3:16-18
23) To love God is, very simply, to place His Will above your own likewise, to love believers is to place their well-being and ultimate good over your well-being, interests, and desires.
24) By the same token, work or physical toil apart from FHS is worth nothing, since we cannot produce fruit if we do not abide in Him. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in Me. also cp 1Jn 2:28
25) The final phrase steadfastness of hope refers to our willingness to endure our circumstances, however lowly they may be.
26) Patience (u`pomonh, - hupomon) refers to patience in regard to circumstances, whatever those circumstances may entail.
27) For the Thessalonians, those circumstances entailed:
a) relative poverty 2Cor 8:1-2
b) persecution by the Jews and fellow citizens 1Th 2:14
c) the loss of their Right Apostle Ac 17:10
28) Hope, or confidence, refers to our Ph3 expectation which we possess in the midst of our struggle.
29) It is the hope of SG3 which induces us not to throw in the towel spiritually, but continue to endure testings which come upon us.
30) The confidence we possess, that we have the Truth, are rightly related to God, are properly pursuing His Plan, and will be rewarded for all this temporary suffering gives us incentive to press on during times of trial and distress. cp Heb 12:2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
31) The final phrase in/of our Lord Jesus Christ governs all three clauses, Jesus Christ being the object of faith, love and hope.
32) This is the first of three times in Pauls writings that the triad faith, hope and love is used. cp 5:8; 1Cor 13:13
33) They are listed here in their logical order faith leads to love, which leads to hope in things not yet seen.
34) The phrase in the presence of our God and Father refers to the sphere or place where Paul gives thanks, not to Jesus or the Thessalonians.
35) It should provide great encouragement to positive believers to know that their PT is ever mindful and thankful for them, and constantly brings them before the Throne of Grace.
36) This construction is covered by the Granville Sharp rule, a grammatical rule which states that two nouns of the same case, gender, and number which are governed by a single definite article before the first noun are, in effect, hyphenated and convey a single idea with dual aspects. cp Pastor-Teachers of Eph 4:11
37) The general term God stresses the fact that Deity is invoked on their behalf.
38) The second term Father deals with the reality of the new birth and the subsequent relationship which the believer enjoys as a child in the Royal Family.
39) Paul is communicating the mystery of the Church Age, i.e. that we are not only worshippers of the Sovereign Majesty of the Universe, we are even His own children, and inheritors of His Infinite Nature. 1Tim 3:15-16
40) Verse 3 continues to expand on the thought of the main verb of vs 2, give thanks, by providing added information as to why these Thessalonians were in their prayers.
41) The word brothers points to the relationship which every member of the Royal Family has with every other member these relationships transcend earthly relationships of any kind, as taught explicitly by Christ. Mk 3:31f
42) Beyond their virtues which have already been listed, the ultimate reason for their thanksgiving is the Divine election of the Thessalonians.
43) Election is the act of God in Eternity Past, in which He chose certain members of the human race to be conformed to the image of His Son. Rom 8:29-30
44) The sequence of events:
a) God foreknew of the believers volitional response EP
b) His election was based on that foreknowledge, not sovereignty EP
c) predestination to the end result based on His decision to honor positive volition EP
d) the call of the Gospel, the invitation to accept that which we desired: a relationship with Him Ph1
e) a righteous position is granted to the believer based on that acceptance (CPT) Ph2
f) the ultimate (and as yet still future) glorification to fully revealed children Ph3
45) If they are beloved by God and under Divine approbation, Paul (and any adjusted communicator) has no reticence in accepting and acknowledging them as his brothers.

The Overt Example of Paul and Company

1:5 for our gospel did not come to you in word only, (exp con o[ti for; that; because + N N S w/d.a. to. euvagge,lion, - euangelion the gospel (lit- good news) + G 1p pro evgw, of us; our + neg ptcl w/ A D I 3s ouvk gi,nomai ginomai did not come/become + prep w/ Ac 2p pro eivj su, unto you + prep w/ L M S (sphere) evn lo,goj logos in word + adv mo,noj only) but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; (str adv avlla, but; rather + adj c.c. kai, also + prep w/ L M S (sphere) evn du,namij dunamis in power + c.c. kai, and + prep w/ L N S evn pneu/ma a[gioj in the Holy Spirit + c.c. kai, and + L F S plhrofori,a polu,j plrophoria polus much assurance; most certain confidence) just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. (comp adv kaqw,j just/ exactly as + Pf A I 2p oi=da you know from experience + N M P rel pro oi-oj what sort/ kind of men + A D I 1p gi,nomai we became + L 2p pro su, in/among you + prep w/ Ac 2p pro dia, su, because of/on account of/for the sake of you)

1) Verse 5 begins with a conjunction (o[ti hoti) which connects with the participle knowing of verse 4.
2) The reason Paul could be so certain that they were the elect of God is two-sided, as stated in vss 5-6.
3) Not only was the Thessalonians election clear from their reception of the gospel, but also in the way Paul and company adjusted their lifestyle to more effectively witness to them. cp 2:7; Gal 4:14
4) The way in which they were allowed and empowered to proclaim the message of the gospel among these people spoke more eloquently than any words could have.
5) Note the emphasis on the message as opposed to the messenger our gospel came to you instead of we came to you.
6) In dealing with the concept of election, one must recognize that Gods eternal purposes are accomplished through the proclamation of the gospel.
a) election occurs in Eternity Past, but the gospel is presented in time, and being elected is made manifest by believing the gospel.
b) in order to believe, one must hear a specific and lucid message which will, obviously, consist of words.
c) then the volition of the individual functions according to their own freewill acceptance or rejection of the offer.
7) Paul and his team were well able to articulate a reasoned, logical message with the appropriate vocabulary which communicated the realities of the gospel.
8) This is a responsibility which each believer of any local church should recognize and fulfill (as God presents opportunity).
9) Words alone are not enough to cause a lost person to change their mind about the course they have been pursuing in life the other three elements of vs 5 must be realities for the message to be effective.
10) The power aspect comes from the ministry of God the Holy Spirit, working in the life of the Spirit-filled believer, which presumes correct content as well.
11) The message must be completely in line with what the Word of God has revealed the communicator must be led by the Spirit so as to know what to say, to whom to say it, and when to say it. cp Ac 16:6 And they passed through the Phrygian and Galatian region, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia
12) Each believer is to know the basic truths of the gospel, not to pursue communication thereof, but to recognize that when they are confronted with an opportunity, the Spirit will lead and guide them.
13) God has each believer in their respective niche, since only that believer can effectively perform this aspect of the work of the ministry.
14) The idea if only someone else were here, who knew more than I do, they would know what to say is erroneous God places each of us where He wants us, in the periphery of those to whom we are to witness (verbally and overtly), to be a light in the darkness and gain SG3 by bearing witness to the Truth of Bible Doctrine, Ph1 and Ph2. Col 4:5
15) He has also promised to give us the appropriate words, based on how much BD we have and if we are in fellowship. Lk 21:14-15
16) The Holy Spirit operates through the proclamation of the gospel and brings the necessary conviction, and if one believes, the new birth. Jn 16:7-11
17) The words of the gospel were also characterized by their own deep conviction that what they were telling these believers was the absolute truth their confidence could not be hidden.
18) The communicator of Doctrine must first believe the Truth which they have heard, and express that confidence in it, before they can ever hope to effectively communicate it to someone else.
19) Principle: Communication without confidence inspires no one.
20) This is the reason for calling it our gospel not because it originated or was unique with them, but because they themselves had embraced its realities.
21) The final phrase of vs 5 details what the Thessalonians knew about Paul and his company when they were with them.
22) Just as Paul knew the manner in which the gospel came to these people, they likewise knew what sort of men presented it to them.
23) This is the first round of this epistle fired in retaliation against the charges that Paul was a religious fraud, seeking to take advantage of the Thessalonians.
24) If the lifestyle of the communicator was not consistent with the message he proclaimed, one could hardly expect anyone to believe him.
25) The character of these men, which was patently observable by anyone in their periphery, provided no occasion to question the validity of their message or motives.
26) When one brings the Truth to those who have never heard it, there must be some representation of what the Truth is all about if not from those who bring it, where else will they see it?
27) Their lifestyle and activities were carried out for your sakes, indicating that they had the interests of the Thessalonians as the basis for their actions and manner of life.
28) Principle: God does not bless the words (or lives) of those who are a walking contradiction to what they teach.
29) This beginning defense will be more fully elaborated in 2:3-12.

The Response of the Thessalonians

1:6 You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, (c.c. adj kai, also + N 2p pro su, you yourselves + A D I 2p gi,nomai ginomai you became something you were previously not + N M P mimhth,j mimts imitators + G 1p pro evgw, of us + c.c. kai, and + G M S w/d.a. o` ku,rioj kurios of the Lord) having received the word in much tribulation (A D P N M P de,comai dechomai having received + Ac M S w/d.a. o` lo,goj logos the word + prep w/ L F S (accomp) evn qli/yij polu,j thlipsis polus in/along with much tribulation; affliction) with the joy of the Holy Spirit, (prep w/ G F S meta, cara, chara accompanied with joy + G N S pneu/ma a[gioj pneuma hagios of the Holy Spirit)

1:7 so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. (c.c. (result) w[ste hste so that; with the result that + N 2p pro su, you + A D If gi,nomai to become + Ac M S tu,poj tupos a type/model; an example + D M P pa/j to all + P A P D M P w/d.a. (subst ptc) o` pisteu,w pisteu the ones/those who are believing; the believers + prep w/ L F S evn h` Makedoni,a in the region of Macedonia + c.c. kai, and + prep w/ L F S w/d.a. evn h` VAcai<a in the region of Achaia)

1) These verses contain the additional reasons Paul was certain the Thessalonians were the elect of God, based on their response to His call and their continued enthusiasm for His Word.
2) The emphatic words you also bring the Thessalonian believers into the select company of those who had embraced Bible Doctrine. cp 2:14
3) Paul does not begin with the initial Ph1 response to the teaching, but the external manifestation of their adherence to Doctrine after his forced departure.
4) A clearly observable change occurred among these believers, as evidenced by the use of the word gi,nomai ginomai to become.
5) The word mimhth,j mimts imitators does not carry the superficial, belittling connotation of our word mimic.
6) Rather than overtly copying mere external resemblances, it means to sincerely capture the spirit of someone and to reflect that reality in ones own experience.
7) They had changed from a pagan lifestyle of immorality and abuse to become imitators of the apostolic team and the Lord Himself.
8) The believer under an adjusted spiritual authority is to follow his example and imitate his applications, by actively embracing and pursuing what he is taught and shown. 1Cor 4:16 I exhort you therefore, be imitators of me. and 11:1 Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.
9) Their imitation of the Apostolic team as well as the Lord, as they received the Word and came under persecution and rejection by their contemporaries, was further evidence they had been chosen to be Gods children.
a) Jesus possessed this joy, even during His own trials. Jn 15:11 These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.
b) The Lord forewarned His disciples that persecutions based on their faith would come to all who followed Him. Jn 15:18-20
c) He reiterated this before He departed this world. Jn 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.
d) It is taught in the Parable of the Soils, and is the reason some depart from the faith. Mk 4:17 and they have no firm root in themselves, but are only temporary; then, when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they fall away.
e) The endurance of the Thessalonians in the face of this persecution was evidence of their continued Positive Volition.
f) This is the niche of the believer who fully accepts and embraces the realities of the Word of God, and was taught by Paul as a normal and necessary part of the CWL. Ac 14:21-22
g) There is a sense in which each believer has a certain allotment of sufferings which he has to bear for the cause of Christ. Col 1:24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf of His body (which is the church) in filling up that which is lacking in Christ's afflictions.
h) Application: if and when problems arise in your life, of whatever sort, however intense, however difficult, realize that God has neither lost control nor abandoned you follow the example of Ps 23:4.
10) The term the Lord refers not to His Deity alone, but the entire Hypostatic Union, including His humanity and the sufferings which He endured at the hands of those who rejected His teaching His family, friends, peers, countrymen, the religious establishment, the Romans in short, everyone.
11) Tribulation deals with the broad range of pressures which come into the life of the believer due to their pursuit and adherence to BD, but here the focus is on persecution. cp 2:14
12) It is generally the experience of believers who embrace BD in its fullest sense to come under persecution and pressure whether overt antagonism or condescending dismissal.
13) Having received the word does not refer to the written Word of God (there was already at least one copy in the synagogue), but the verbally communicated message of the few months Paul was there.
14) The word translated received (de,comai dechomai) has the nuance of welcoming with open arms, an enthusiastic reception, indicating it was a voluntary and willing act. cp Gal 4:14
15) The reception of Truth in the lives of the Thessalonians produced a two-fold result in their lives:
a) tribulation or pressure.
b) joy produced by the Holy Spirit.
16) This is the paradox of the CWL, the overt or external pressures of life are counterbalanced by the internal reality of the presence and support of the Holy Spirit.
17) This joy is not superficial excitement which fades in a short time, but is an abiding reality for the adjusting believer.
18) It is an internal reality which is not based on pleasant circumstances, but comes as one diligently pursues the Plan of God.
19) As long as the believer maintains the Filling of the Holy Spirit, this fruit, or production, will be a reality. Gal 5:22
20) The same Spirit who enabled the communicators to proclaim their message in power in spite of opposition also enabled the listeners to believe with joy in spite of persecution.
21) In spite of their pressures (being new believers, deprived of their Right Apostle, overt persecution by society) they continued to experience the +H which can only come to those who are committed and adhere to the Truth.
22) The Holy Spirit sustains and supports the believer in a greater way when they come under severe attacks this is only for those who refuse to cave in to the STA for some quick (and artificial) relief, but continue to adhere to the Truth they know and possess. Js 4:4-8
23) These believers were in line with the Will of God and they knew it, this is what produces true happiness.
24) This fidelity to the Truth, in spite of all the obstacles thrown at them had produced a result far more widespread than could have been imagined.
25) All Christians are to be a model for those who are not believers (1Pt 2:12), as well as those who are negative to the Truth (1Tim 4:12), but the highest honor is to become a model or example worthy of emulation by other churches (the Thessalonians are the only church so designated).
26) Because they had become a standard to those who were already believers, their example lies not in their acceptance of the gospel, but their suffering on its behalf.
27) Their example is a standard which all other churches should emulate in regard to doctrinal purity, application, and suffering faithfulness, DGP, and joy characterized these believers.
28) The regions of Macedonia and Achaia were closely linked due to their proximity and the fact that both had been administered as one province until 44 AD.
29) The believers in Macedonia at this time included Philippi and Berea, Achaia included Athens and Corinth. cp Ac 17:34, 18:1f
30) In spite of their small numbers, their deprivations, their persecutions, and their financial lack, these believers became a model church.
31) The model church is:
a) characterized by:
1) a faithful communicator of the Truth
2) positive believers, who respond to and embrace his message
3) tenacity toward BD
4) a high level of application and DGP
b) not characterized by:
1) large numbers
2) wealth
3) buildings
4) length of time, either of existence or under Doctrine
32) It is of interest that in these first few verses of the epistle, the Doctrine of the Trinity has been expressed quite explicitly.

The Witness of the Thessalonians

1:8 For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you, (exp con ga,r for; because + N M S w/d.a. o` lo,goj logos the word + G M S w/d.a. o` ku,rioj kurios of the Lord (sub gen) + Pf P I 3s evxhce,w exche has been sounded forth/from + prep w/ Ab 2p pro avpo, su, from you) not only in Macedonia and Achaia, (neg ptcl w/ adv ouv mo,noj not only + prep w/ L F S w/d.a. evn h` Makedoni,a in the region of Macedonia + c.c. kai, and + L F S VAcai<a Achaia) but also in every place your faith toward God has gone forth, (str adv avlla, but; rather + prep w/ L M S adj evn pa/j to,poj topos in every place + N F S w/d.a. h` pi,stij the faith + G 2p pro su, of you; your + N F S d.a. h` the one + prep w/ Ac M S w/d.a. pro,j o` qeo,j toward the God + Pf A I 3s evxe,rcomai exerchomai has gone out from; has gone forth) so that we have no need to say anything. (infer ptcl (result) w[ste so that; with the result that + Ac 1p pro evgw, we + neg ptcl w/ P A If mh, e;cw do not have/possess + Ac F S crei,a chreia a need/necessity + P A If lale,w lale to speak (as a message communicate) + Ac N S indef pro ti.j anything)

1) Paul continues to explain why these believers had become an example throughout Macedonia and Achaia and beyond.
2) The phrase the word of the Lord refers to the message which has its source in the Lord He is the Author of the message.
3) It is not only the initial message of the gospel, but what is the normal result of acceptance of Ph1 information, the Christian Way of Life. cp 9-10
4) It does not refer to missionary activity instigated by the Thessalonians, since:
a) the verb is a passive has been sounded forth, not an active you sounded forth the word.
b) as new believers, they would not have had time to send missionaries into the area.
c) there is no evidence Paul (or anyone else) ever commanded any church to send out missionaries.
5) The Thessalonians were the subject of much discussion in the surrounding areas, as well as the rest of the Roman Empire, due to their continued fidelity to the doctrines they had learned and for which they were now suffering.
6) So much so that Paul and his team did not have to present information as to how the gospel had been received in Thessalonica, nor how these believers were continuing to respond to BD (even under intense pressure).
7) We may infer that Paul habitually rehearsed before others how believers in different areas had responded to the Truth legitimate boasting of his congregations.
8) It is perfectly appropriate for a communicator to spend time talking to others about the reception of Doctrine by his congregation, both to boast and encourage other churches.
9) By using only one preposition and definite article with Macedonia and Achaia, he links the two into one region, as opposed to the other areas of the Empire from which he was hearing reports.
10) Paul had, by now, heard reports from independent sources as to the reception of BD and change of lifestyle in Thessalonica, confirming what he knew and causing great rejoicing on his part (as well as the rest of the team).
11) Aquila and Priscilla had joined him in Corinth (Ac 18:2), where this letter was written, so it is possible he had heard reports from Rome about the Thessalonians from them (doubtless the charge of treason would have been reported and discussed there).
12) The use of the definite article with God also emphasizes the turn to monotheism from paganism, an abrupt and unusual (to say the least) event in Graeco-Roman times.
13) Principle: fidelity to the Truth and a properly functioning Christian life speak more about ones positive volition to outsiders than any mere verbal communication.
14) This had the added benefit of free publicity for Pauls evangelism, another reason for his thanksgiving.
15) It is safe to assume that not all these reports came only from believers, either certainly unbelievers who visited Thessalonica would have come away impressed by their former colleagues radical change in behavior and faith.

The Content of the Reports

1:9 For they themselves report about us what kind of a reception we had with you, (exp con ga,r for; because + N M 3p pro auvto,j themselves + P A I 3p avpagge,llw apangell they report/inform + prep w/ G 1p pro peri, evgw, about us + Ac F S adj o`poi/oj hopoios what kind/sort of (emphasizes the quality of something) + Ac F S ei;sodoj eisodos reception; acceptance (lit a walking in) + A A I 1p e;cw we had + prep w/ Ac 2p pro pro,j su, to/with you) and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God, (c.c. kai, and + adv pw/j ps how + A A I 2p evpistre,fw epistreph you turned around + prep w/ Ac M S w/d.a. pro,j o` qeo,j to the God + prep w/ Ab N P avpo, o` ei;dwlon eidlon away from the idols + P A If (purp) douleu,w douleu to serve; to be a slave + D M S qeo,j to a God + P A P D M S za,w living + c.c. kai, and + D M S adj avlhqino,j althinos true)

1:10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, (c.c. kai, and + P A If avname,nw anamen to wait/expect + Ac M S w/d.a. o` ui`o,j huios the Son + G M 3s pro auvto,j of Him; His + prep w/ Ab M P w/d.a. evk o` ouvrano,j ouranos out from the heavens) whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, (Ac M S rel pro o[j whom + A A I 3s evgei,rw egeir He raised + prep w/ Ab M P evk nekro,j nekros out from dead ones + Ac M S VIhsou/j Jesus) who delivers us from the wrath to come. (P D P Ac M S w/d.a. o` r`u,omai hruomai the one/he who is delivering/rescuing (KJV has past tense inaccurately) + Ac 1p pro evgw, us + prep w/ Ab F S evk h` ovrgh, org out from the wrath/ fierce anger + P D P Ab F S w/d.a. h` e;rcomai erchomai the one/ that which is coming)

1) They themselves is a reference to whoever came into Pauls periphery with news of the Thessalonians reception of the Truth.
2) There is no evidence that the reports of their continued faithfulness to the Truth were exaggerated, rather that it had such a profound effect so as to be resoundingly noteworthy.
3) The Present Tense of they report indicates that these reports were not isolated, but were received with amazing regularity.
4) The reports Paul continued to receive included details of:
a) the team and its reception
b) the impact and resultant lifestyle of the Thessalonians
5) Here we have a classic example of what it meant for a group of Gentiles to convert to Christianity the mention of idols further documents that the church was composed mainly of Gentiles. Ac 17:4
6) Three distinct aspects of the impact of the gospel in their lives are observed:
a) turning from idols to God historical
b) serving God temporal
c) waiting for His Son eschatological
7) The fact that they turned to God from idols emphasizes the following:
a) their volitional choice the active mood of the verb teaches clearly the volitional decision they made
b) the superiority of God to idols (living and true)
c) a change of direction/viewpoint/lifestyle
8) Further, the grammar and word order emphasize that these believers turned to God while in the midst of idol worship it is not as if they merely got bored with their religion and were looking for something new.
9) Nowhere in Scripture is God or the Holy Spirit said to convert anyone it is always the voluntary act of the individual in response to hearing and believing the Truth.
10) The preposition pro,j pros declares that they now have a relationship with God face to face; an intimate, familial relationship.
11) In secular Greek, idols referred to that which was an image, shadow, or phantom: a mere appearance particularly appropriate since pagan gods were representations of gods which did not truly exist. 1Cor 8:4 Therefore concerning the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that there is no such thing as an idol in the world, and that there is no God but one.
12) Rather than a unified approach to the Plan of God, they had formerly approached religious worship from an eclectic nature, picking and choosing what they deemed best from a variety of sources (the plural idols vs. the singular God).
13) Since idolatry (religion/false doctrine) was inseparably connected with every phase of life in the pagan community, a conversion which led to the rejection of idols was indeed a revolutionary experience.
14) This led to attacks from the negative, who blamed the communicator for such startling transformations. cp 1Pet 4:4 And in all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excess of dissipation, and they malign you
15) Much of Pauls conflict with the religious Jews was based on the conversion of God-seeking Gentiles who had attached themselves to the synagogue as if he were stealing potential proselytes.
16) The Infinitive of douleu,w douleu means to serve as a slave, one who discharges the duties which are assigned by another for the believer this involves executing the Royal Imperatives on a consistent basis in obedience.
17) It is in the service of God that the believer finds true freedom and fulfillment ironically service to ones STA produces slavery and misery of the worst kind. 2Pet 2:19b for by what a man is overcome, by this he is enslaved.
18) The extent to which the Thessalonians service to God had an impact in their world may be hard for us to understand imagine if Las Vegas or San Francisco had a sudden, dramatic, and well-known evangelistic success, followed by a change of lifestyle by many of its citizens.
19) While basically accepting the existence of deity, the Greek mind did not embrace the reality of a personal God who should be worshipped moral perfection and holiness were not ascribed to the gods, hence there was no reason to serve them except fear of retribution.
20) God is called living and true in contrast to idols which are neither alive nor real, pointing out that:
a) He alone has life as a part of His Essence (the Greek gods were not eternal and had no guarantee of eternal existence).
b) He is the only genuine God (and only as He is understood from Scripture).
21) The two infinitives to serve and to wait express the ultimate purpose of their choice to turn to the God.
22) The second infinitive avname,nw anamen means to wait for something expectantly, implying confident assurance it will arrive.
23) Gods Son is further described by a three-fold designation in vs 10:
a) the One raised out from those who are dead.
b) Jesus (cp Ac 4:12 And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved.).
c) the One who delivers us from the coming wrath.

24) The term His Son points to His unique relationship with God, and is expressive of His deity.
25) From the heavens is a Hebraism, not a classical Greek term (the Hebrews spoke of three heavens: the atmosphere, stellar space, and Gods Throne-room).
26) This phrase and the one which follows (whom He raised from the dead), document the historical realities of the resurrection and ascension of Jesus.
27) The order of events following the crucifixion are as follows:
a) the soul and spirit of Jesus departed the body at physical death and were escorted to Paradise. Lk 23:43 And He said to him, Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise. (for evidence of the escort, see Lk 16:22)
b) He made His victorious proclamation to the demons involved in the Gen 6 episode. 1Pet 3:18-20
c) His soul was reunited with His Resurrection Body sometime early Sunday morning. Lk 24:1ff
d) He remained on the planet for 40 days, teaching the disciples and appearing to many witnesses. Jn 20:14, 19, 26, 21:1f; 1Cor 15:5-8
e) He returned to Paradise and removed all believers who had died before the Ascension. Eph 4:8-10
f) He literally, visibly, physically ascended to the third heaven, before witnesses. Lk 24:50-51; Ac 1:3-9
g) He was received by the Father, and seated at His right hand. Ps 110:1; Eph 1:20; Heb 8:1, 10:12, 12:2
28) The death, burial, resurrection and ascension are the crux of the gospel message. 1Cor 15:1-4
29) The early believers understood this, as well as the fact that Jesus had promised that He would return again. Jn 14:1-4
30) It is noteworthy that Jesus is not spoken of in terms of Ph1 salvation here, but as the object of Christian hope the emphasis is on ones Ph2, their life in time after salvation.
31) The promise of His Second Coming characterized the belief of the Church from its very beginning:
a) their service to a living and true God distinguished them from the pagan Gentiles.
b) their expectation of the return of Christ distinguished them from the Jews.
32) Although some interpreters hold that the Present Participle is used to indicate an immediacy of the rescue, it serves instead to emphasize the certainty and ongoing nature/preparation involved.
33) There is no irrefutable evidence that Paul or other early teachers thought that the Rapture was going to occur in their day, and in fact there is evidence to the contrary. Lk 19:41-44; Jn 21:18-19; 1Th 5:1; 2Th 2:1-6; 1Tim 4:1
34) Through NT revelation we find that the return of Christ is divided into two events, the Rapture (He returns to the atmosphere) and the 2nd Advent (He makes physical contact).
35) In both cases Jesus will be a deliverer for the Church, He delivers us from the wrath to come, for those at the 2nd Advent He delivers them from certain destruction at the hands of Antichrist. Mk 13:20; Rev 3:10
36) The eschatological nature of the wrath is specified by the term coming, and refers to the period of historical wrath which has been foretold by OT prophets, occurring prior to the 2nd Advent. Zeph 1:15-18
37) Here, and in other places, it is taught that the Church is not destined to be involved in the wrath which is future. Rom 5:9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. cp also Rev 3:10
38) The use of the preposition with the Ablative in both instances specifies separation, from the physically dead and the coming wrath.
39) Although it is not specifically expressed here, the wrath comes from God. cp Rev 15:1
40) While there is a Ph2 expression of Gods judgment on those who practice certain activities (Rom 1:18), that is not the expression of His wrath which is in view here the definite article and context makes it a technical term.
41) It is no mere outburst of violent, uncontrolled anger, but the just execution of what +R demands for those who have rejected the Truth. cp Joel 2:2; 2Th 2:10-12
42) The Greek word (h` ovrgh org) indicates a building expression of His righteous judgement, based on the sinful character of man.
43) The Wrath is a technical description of the 7 year period of judgment known as Daniels 70th Week (sometimes called the Tribulation); bounded on one side by the Rapture and on the other by the 2nd Advent, it is the close of the Age of Israel and leads into the Millennium.
44) This is a verse clearly teaching the omission of believers from the period of eschatological wrath due to their deliverance by Gods Son. cp Rom 5:9
45) It is more fully explained in 4:13-18.


END 1THESSALONIANS
CHAPTER ONE
HOPE BIBLE CHURCH