Paul was not a theologian who wrote a systematic theology. He wrote letters not books. A letter is personal, dealing with real people and problems. As Keathley remarks: “The human authors of Scripture wrote to real people with real problems in real situations in such a way that their writings are still very much applicable with tremendous relevance in our modern world.”[1] The Thessalonian problem was it had been 20 years in their case since the resurrection and His promise of the return, but they clearly had two problems: First, there was doubt of its reality, so they took it lightly. Second, others were over zealous, believing that Jesus would return in a short time, therefore becoming lax in their responsibilities. These led either a disregard for the truth of God’s promise, or a disregard for living a responsible life. The two letters to the believers in this city “naturally link themselves together, as they are alike in their main subject, which is the second coming of Christ, and their significance as a pair should be duly appreciated.”[2] Bruce observes that the eschatological teaching of these epistles “is mainly on the personal level.”[3] That should be in our mind in the study of both epistles of 1-2 Thessalonians.
Date.
It is believed that Paul wrote I Thessalonians early on the second journey around 50 AD before he left Corinth (Acts 18:1-11). Silas is known to be connected with Paul in Corinth, but not referred to again afterward. It seems clear that Paul wrote this epistle shortly after he arrived in Corinth (1:7-9; 2:17; 3:1, 6; Acts 18:5, 11). This makes the letter written around 20 years after the resurrection and the promise of Jesus returning in like matter. The occasion was Timothy’s report (1 Thess. 3:6).
Purpose.
Paul’s clear purposes can be summarized as follows:
- To express his thankfulness for what God is doing in the lives of the believers (1:2-3).
- To defend his ministry against slander and insinuations (2:1-12).
- To encourage them to endure the stress and persecution of a heathen society (3:2-4; 4:1-12).
- To educate concerning the hope of the dead, and their own hope (4:1-13),
- To answer questions about the end times, especially their relationship to the Day of the Lord (5:1-11). Eschatology is a major feature of the epistles to the Thessalonians. Interestingly, every chapter ends with a note of eschatology.
- To deal with improvement of personal and corporate life of the believers (5:11-20). Some aspects of church life needed improvement.
Theological aspects
The epistles to the Thessalonians touch on some major doctrines: Inspiration (1 Thess. 2:13; 2 Thess. 2:15; 3:6, 17). God’s oneness (1 Thess. 1:9) as well as the tri-unity (1 Thess. 1:1, 5, 6; 4:8; 2 Thess. 1:1; 2:13). The deity of Christ (1 Thess. 3:11-12; 2 Thess. 2:16-17). Salvation (1 Thess. 4:14; 5:9; 2 Thess. 2:13). Our identification with Christ (1 Thess. 1:1; 5:5). Sanctification (1 Thess. 2:3-8). And prayer (1 Thess. 3:11-13; 5:23-24; 2 Thess. 1:11-12; 2:16-17; 3:5, 16). However, the largest doctrinal issue is that of the end times and related themes. Wanamaker observes that one fourth of 1 Thessalonians and half of 2 Thessalonians deals with eschatological problems and issues.[4]
Outline of 1 Thessalonians
1 Thessalonians can be outlined in connection with 1:13 where there are three key elements: The past—“the work of faith;” the present—“the labor of love;” the perspective—“the endurance of hope.” I have incorporated it into my own outline.
The PAST—“work of faith.” (1:1-3:13).
I. Salutation and Greeting (1:1).
II. Thanksgiving (1:2-10).
a. Means of Thanksgiving—Prayer (1:2)
b. Material of Thanksgiving (1:3-10)
i. Energetic People (1:3).
ii. Elected People (1:4).
iii. Exemplary People (1:5-7).
iv. Evangelistic People (1:-8)
v. Expectant People (1:9-10).
III. Ministry at Thessalonica (2:1-12).
a. The Apostle’s Witness (2:1-2)
b. The Apostle’s Word (2:3-7)
c. The Apostle’s Walk (2:7b-12)
IV. Messages Reception (2:13-16).
a. Reception of the Word (2:13)
b. Response to the Word (2:14)
c. Rejection of the Word (2:15-16)
V. Matter of Concern by the Apostle (2:17-20)
a. His heart (2:17)
b. His hindrance (2:18)
c. His hope (2:19-20)
VI. Timothy’s Confirmation (3:1-10).
a. His Sending (3:1-5).
b. His Return (3:6-10).
VII. Prayer for their Faith (3:11-13).
a. That He might come to them (3:11).
b. Their continual growth (3:12).
c. Their established hearts (3:13).
The PRESENT—“the labor of love.” (4:1-12).
I. Love expressed in sanctified Living (4:1-8)
a. Exhortation to Advance in Conduct (4:1-2)
II. How to Advance in Conduct (4:2-12)
a. Be Holy (4:1-5)
b. Be Honest (4:6)
c. Be Pure (4:7-8)
d. Be Loving (4:9-10)
e. Be Responsible (4:11-12)
The PERSPECTIVE—“the endurance of hope” (4:9-5:28)
I. Our Hope in Christ (4:9-18)
a. The Resurrection of sleeping saints (4:13-16)
b. The rapture of living saints (4:17-18)
II. Our Relationship to the Day of the Lord (5:1-11).
a. The coming of that Day (5:1-5).
b. The conduct of Believers (5:6-10).
c. The conclusion (5:11).
III. Its Result in the Life of the Church (5:12-28).
a. Responsibilities of the Leaders (5:12-13)
b. Responsibilities of the Congregation (5:14-22)
IV. Conclusion (5:23-28)
[1] J. Hampton Keathley III, 1 THESSALONIANS: AN EXEGETICAL AND DEVOTIONAL COMMENTARY, (Electronic Media, Bible.Org.), 1998.
[2] J. Sidlow Baxter, EXPLORE THE BOOK, Vol. 6, (Zondervan, Grand Rapids), 213.
[3] F.F. Bruce, WORD: 1-2 THESSALONIANS, Vol. 45, (Word, Waco), xlviii.
[4] Charles A. Wanamaker, NIGTC:1-2 THESSALONIANS (Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, 1990), 10.
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