"AS TO THE REST" The use of the word "finally" in 1 Thessalonians 4:1 does not mark the end but a transition. We might say, "As to the other matters," or "As to the rest." Because of his love for them, Paul pleaded with and tried to persuade them to take certain steps. This persuasion was based upon... [ Continue Reading ]
GOD'S DESIRE FOR MEN TO BE SET APART FOR HIS SERVICE The apostle expressed God's desire for every man be set apart for His service. Paul wrote from Corinth, which may explain why he mentioned fornication first. It was a sin that had been dressed up by incorporating it into idol worship. At Corinth,... [ Continue Reading ]
THE PURPOSE OF PAUL'S WARNING Apparently, Paul had devoted some of this teaching in Thessalonica to warning the brethren of God's avenging wrath in situations where one is defrauded. One has to wonder if the so-called social diseases and A. I. D. S. are not manifestations of such wrath. God's call,... [ Continue Reading ]
AN EXHORTATION TO BROTHERLY LOVE AND WORK Anytime someone listens to one of God's messengers, it could be said that he is taught of God. The Thessalonians may have been taught by listening to Paul or by reading the writings of other inspired men (John 13:34-35; 1 John 4:20-21). The love of the bret... [ Continue Reading ]
"I DO NOT WANT YOU TO BE IGNORANT" It appears some at Thessalonica thought the blessings of Christ's second coming would only be enjoyed by those who were living at the time of the Savior's return. Such a misunderstanding of one of the most basic doctrines about Jesus Christ could have led to a ter... [ Continue Reading ]
CHRIST'S RESURRECTION IS PROOF GOD CAN RAISE THE DEAD Belief in Christ's resurrection from the dead is central to the Christian's faith (1 Corinthians 15:1-4; 1 Corinthians 15:12-20). If Jesus had not been raised from the dead, then His claim to be the Son of God would have proven to be invalid. Ke... [ Continue Reading ]
PAUL'S DESCRIPTION OF THE SECOND COMING Paul described the Lord's second coming with quick, powerful words. He said the Lord will come down from heaven in a way that will cause all on earth to be able to see him (Revelation 1:7). As He descends, He will give a shout, which Kelcy says is a cry of com... [ Continue Reading ]
THE SECOND COMING IS A MESSAGE OF COMFORT Though Paul was many miles away from the young church in Thessalonica when he penned the words of this letter, he deeply desired that they know the comfort available to those who trust in Jesus Christ as Lord. Words of truth about the resurrection surely sh... [ Continue Reading ]