1 Thessalonians 2:7-8

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1 Thessalonians 2:7-8


7 But [alla] we were [ginomai] gentle [epios] among [en] [mesos] you, [humon] even as [hos] a nurse [trophos] cherisheth [an] [thalpo] her [heautou] children: [teknon]
8 So [houto] being affectionately desirous [himeiromai] of you, [humon] we were willing [eudokeo] to have imparted [metadidomi] unto you, [humin] not [ou] the gospel [euaggelion] of God [theos] only, [monon] but [alla] also [kai] our own [heautou] souls, [psuche] because [dioti] ye were [ginomai] dear [agapetos] unto us. [hemin] KJV-Interlinear


7 But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children. 8 Having thus a fond affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us. NASB


Patience, endurance, tolerance are paramount attributes for the spiritually advancing believer.

At some point in our lives, we will all assume the role of instructor. An instructor is not limited to the academics of life, in a formal school or church or study setting, but applies to parent and child, friends and neighbors, and so forth.

Most teaching opportunities are of an informal nature, and most make themselves available on a daily basis.

In life we will all have encounters with people, with advertising, with promotional media, with news and such.

And knowing the nature of this world, which nature pursues evil, lies, and therefore stupidity, then as an advancing believer, and recognizing the absurdity of life all around, you have to discipline yourself to deal with it all, just as a mother deals with a growing child.

Children have their silly and ridiculous moments, and most mature moms simply take them in stride, expecting them, catching them on the fly, dealing with them, and moving forward.

When the child is silly, ridiculous or outright stupid, no mother in her right mind will condemn the child for their brainless notions. Most mature moms will simply deflect the views and direct them in more correct views. If this gives the child cause to think and review their own ideas, then the mother has taught the child successfully.

And the world is no different.

In life there are the mature and the immature.

Maturity comes with knowledge and experience, such that you are able to figure life out. Bible doctrine is the only source of knowledge that offers you a complete picture of life, from all perspectives, and therefore the only means of developing true wisdom for dealing with life.

The only means of advancing to maturity, is through a daily Bible Study. One which goes on and on and on for the rest of your life, with no days skipped, no time off for vacations, even in sickness your daily study should be foremost on your things to do list.

And although there are many forms of and degrees of maturity (physical, mental, emotional, etc.), spiritual maturity is the single most important, because it is the most complete, whereas the others are not.

The world is full of intellectually mature people, but without doctrine, their views will always be skewed in the wrong direction of life. And therefore, tolerance and patience are a requirement for the believer, especially in times of trouble, world trouble, when the immature (most everyone in the world) run things.

Your greatest tidbit of knowledge is that Jesus Christ controls history. So no matter how ridiculous or absurd this world seems to be, no matter how closed minded people are to your opinions, Christ will sort it all out, and work everything for the benefit of that which is good and rational and correct.

1 Thessalonians 2:5

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1 Thessalonians 2:5


5 For [gar] neither [oute] at any time [pote] used we [ginomai] flattering [kolakeia] words [en], [logos] as [kathos] ye know, [eido] nor [oute] a cloke [en] [prophasis] of covetousness; [pleonexia] God [theos] is witness: [martus]
6 Nor [oute] of [ek] men [anthropos] sought [zeteo] we glory, [doxa] neither [oute] of [apo] you, [humon] nor [oute] yet of [apo] others, [allos] when we might [dunamai] have been [einai] burdensome [en], [baros] as [hos] the apostles [apostolos] of Christ. [Christos] KJV-Interlinear


5 For we never came with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed — God is witness — 6 nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, even though as apostles of Christ we might have asserted our authority. NASB


The Word of God presents truth, not superficial appeasements. The Word of God presents reality, not pretenses.

The Word of God comes from the author and creator and sustainer of the universe, not some celebrity or politician who happens to be popular or starved for attention, and therefore presumes an ‘all knowing’ attitude.

The word of God comes from God who is real life and power and intellect, and is presented to vessels of dust. That means you and me.

Dust rates next to, if not below, nothing.

God is not a genie. God is eternal life and eternal happiness and supports those attributes through doctrine.

Somewhere along the way, people get the idea that they are in full control over their life and future, and despite strong evidence of a limited lifespan, strong evidence of death, strong evidence of limited knowledge in most all areas of science and life, people seem to think that they can still come up with better solutions, on their own, for themselves and for others.

Despite mans limitations, there are many who will seek to take advantage over others through flattery, through deceit, through outright lies. There are those who believe through their own superior intellect, talent, or dynamic abilities, that they can lead the masses into whatever direction they choose.

Likewise, there are those who presume that they can mandate or direct the activities of the masses, simply because they represent truth (their own version of truth), with full disregard of God, who is really the sovereign over everything.

Man was placed on this earth courtesy of Gods grace. Man was placed on this earth for the sole purpose of entering into heaven and living with God forever.

Man was never placed on this earth so that he could gain rule over the universe of his own accord. Wasn’t it Satan who wanted to be like the most high? And is humanity acting any different?

Gods knowledge and wisdom is vast to beyond infinite. Mans knowledge can’t even put a tiny scratch on that body of knowledge. Everything that mans learns, reveals the greater vastness of that which he does not know.

And yet despite the vastness of life, the vastness of reality, the vastness of truth, and the overwhelming proof of them all and more, people live in a world of pretense, demanding proof, demanding evidence, demanding signs, presuming that they possess the right of a critic or second guessing.

People require entertainment. People hear what they want to hear and believe whatever will give them those things they desire most, or those things that fit into their chosen lifestyle.

And so Paul, does not presume to possess authority over anyone, does not presume to entertain anyone in order to gain their attention or following, even though doctrine possesses inherent authority over all.

Life is a serious matter, and while people live in a fog of self-persuasion by self appointed expertise, the very things that they demand (truth, evidence, proof), which are all around them, they go out of their way to ignore, through their sin nature driven pursuits.

In order to advance, lies must have entertainment, flattery, deceit, ambiguity. Doctrine uses none of these approaches. Doctrine does not force, entice, or entrap, and therefore is not as fun as the sin nature demands.

The world will use a vast number of hustles and methods to gain the attention and following of the masses, all of which end in disaster and total loss for all.

Doctrine uses only the words of truth, and through truth, is able to funnel an abundance of blessings and eternal rewards to the person who actually listens.

1 Thessalonians 2:4

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1 Thessalonians 2:4


4 But [alla] as [kathos] we were allowed [dokimazo] of [hupo] God [theos] to be put in trust [pisteuo] with the gospel, [euaggelion] even so [houto] we speak; [laleo] not [ou] as [hos] pleasing [aresko] men, [anthropos] but [alla] God, [theos] which trieth [dokimazo] our [hemon] hearts. [kardia] KJV-Interlinear


4 but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men but God, who examines our hearts. NASB


It is said that to whom much is given, much is expected. This concept has many applications, but the primary application is of course dealing with the spiritual life.

Much being given is, eternal life, blessings, spiritual growth, and so forth. Much being expected is, mans commitment to obedience to God through mans dedication to truth, to daily study and growth, to applying Gods mandates and principles to ones daily life and so forth.

This excludes deceit and gimmicks.

And, as this applies to instructors of the Word, this also applies to hearers of the word. In other words, the spiritual life and the consistency with which we approach it or function within it, means that we all must pursue it in truth, and not in selfish desire or convenience.

Paul was entrusted with the gospel and doctrine. He was entrusted by God, who is perfect and fair, and righteous and just.

Paul would have no right to compromise Gods high standards. Paul would have no right to tempt people into listening to his instruction in exchange for monetary gain, or in exchange for promises, or in exchange for wishes, or things that simply so not exist in the spiritual life.

For example, I could offer you all the promise to be the first to go into the Rapture, but of course you would have to follow my instructions to the letter, which could include purchasing your very own exclusive Rapture Robe, purchasing your very own exclusive Rapture Bible, by donating all of your money and property and daughters and so forth, to me. And, as dumb as all of that sounds, which of course it is, there will be some who would fall for the charade, hook, line, and sinker.

I could try to promise you forty acres and two mules, in heaven, or an estate larger than any earthly plantation, but of course that would have a price. Or, I could promote the study of promises, implying that if you only memorize certain verses and follow certain guidelines, then those promises will come true for you in no time at all, but of course that would come with a price tag. You would have to buy my book of promises and guidelines.

And before you get too confused from all of this, these things just mentioned do not exist. But there have been those in history who have started cults and clubs and organizations that have bilked people out of their life savings, and out of their life, with just such frauds.

Paul lived nearly thirty-five years with only the support from folks who believed in his efforts. With no promises, with no coercion, with no trickery, his ministry was blessed by God, because it was Gods plan that was being fulfilled, not Pauls.

Likewise, this Bible study is totally available online. And as long as it pleases God, or as long as there are those who will benefit from it, or as long as I am able to write, then this study will continue as it is. The donation page is purely voluntary, and intended only to compensate me for my work, if and only if you choose to do so. I most appreciate anything sent, however, donations are not a requirement, nor mandatory, nor contingent on getting the spiritual material that you need for improving and completing your life.

If God sees fit to remove me, or this study, then it will be for reasons of His choosing.

Paul taught doctrine. The doctrine taught was reviewed by God, and everything of truth was allowed, and anything which departed from truth, was not.

That same principle applies to both you and me. God the Holy Spirit (we studied this just a few lessons ago), makes all truth clear and perspicuous. He likewise makes all things not of truth, obvious and discernable.

So, if you pursue your spiritual life in a legitimate fashion, then all truth will be made clear and all untruth will also be made obvious. Your desire to get involved in the spiritual promotion of Bible doctrine will come to you sooner or later if you continue to grow, or not at all if that is your choice.

But know one thing, God promotes His Word, not man. God does not depend on human efforts, or human abilities, to get His Word to those who want it. However, man receives no credit for things he could have done, but did not.

Therefore, Bible study is a repetitive system of instruction, not a system for social or entertainment activities. Those who need to be entertained or awed all of the time, will never advance in their spiritual life. Those who demand proof or credentials, will never find their spiritual life. Those who deceive in order to have gains in life, will end up with nothing.

Truth stands on its own without any need for crutches for support. The Holy Spirit is the ultimate authority and His credentials are impeccable.

Anyone, and I repeat, anyone, who has a genuine desire to learn Bible doctrine, to them will be revealed the discernment between truth and lies, between legitimate instruction and gimmicks.

But to anyone who wants proof, who wants to be entertained, who wants truth to conform to their own predisposed beliefs, who wants to rewrite doctrine to fit their own lifestyle, and so forth, then discernment will not be allowed into their minds, because they do not want it. And to them, God allows blindness where sight is not desired.

God tests the heart, 1 Chron. 28:9, 29:17, Jer. 11:20, 17:10, Psa. 11:4, Rom. 8:27. When He discovers genuine desire, then nothing, repeat, nothing is withheld from that person.

You just have to decide on which side of the fence you are going to live your life.

1 Thessalonians 2:3

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1 Thessalonians 2:3


3 For [gar] our [hemon] exhortation [paraklesis] was not [ou] of [ek] deceit, [plane] nor [oude] of [ek] uncleanness, [akatharsia] nor [oute] in [en] guile: [dolos] KJV-Interlinear


3 For our exhortation does not come from error or impurity or by way of deceit; NASB


Exhortation means to teach in order that the student may learn for their own benefit and use, to encourage, to give confidence. In other words, Paul and all good teachers of doctrine, or all teachers of any kind for that matter, are successful in their vocation if the student learns their material. And not to learn as only in memorization, but to learn in order to apply what they have been taught, for some practical aspect of their life.

Paul did not teach in order to simply crank out numbers, or to simply fill time. He did not teach in order to make his students compete for some arbitrary first or second position in a class.

These things are all too common in our public schools. Teachers have lost track of their objective and they use grading curves or some arbitrary grading system in order to categorize their students into some form of multiple grading level.

The only really good teacher, is one who will teach and teach, again and again, such that any and all students will learn and master the subject. There is no rule in life that says that all students cannot achieve an ‘A’ grade. The great teacher will work with students so that they can learn the material and master the material. And a great teacher will figure out ways to help all students achieve that goal.

Of course this presumes that the students want to learn. But that is a student problem and should never be a teacher barrier. There are always ways to bring the material to the most stubborn of students. You just have to rise to the challenge and figure out a better way to teach.

Likewise, Paul did not teach by using deceitful methods or gimmicks.

No mutual admiration clubs. No gimmick clubs or cults. No enticements to encourage memberships. No membership requirements. No false or misleading promises or implications. These are things that are common to politics, and to social clubs, or to church’s that do not teach doctrine, to religions that seek membership through enticements or social activities.

It is difficult to get members or followers if your methods or subject matter is boring. But then, Paul was not in the membership raising business. Only those who seek power, money, fame, notoriety and such, need a following, and the only way to gain a following, generally, is to mislead or entice people. And that is always a false approach to ones spiritual life.

If you have to be impressed, entertained or enticed or promised something, then your approach to your spiritual life is on the wrong path. You’ll never gain what you are after.

Your spiritual instruction is there, or should be there, to teach you doctrine, and to advance you in your spiritual life. The spiritual life is not there for your convenience, or to be molded to your beliefs or whims.

Jesus stated that He did not come to provide peace and harmony, but to drive families apart, to drive your personal beliefs from doctrine. And many times, your beliefs are not valid, and when doctrine is presented, you will rebel. The driving apart, means to challenge your thoughts, and to test your willingness to have an open mind. Only then can you see truth and thus learn truth. Truth will always disagree with the false. And the false will always argue with truth.

The positive person will stick with their studies even if they disagree with those studies. Time and study will reinforce the truth and allow the mind to separate from the old beliefs.

By learning truth, we all benefit. The spiritual life is not a competition whereby only one or a few will advance, but where all have the opportunity to be winners and become phenomenally successful.

If I were to promote gimmicks, if I were to promise certain things, if I were to advance various approaches in order to have a following, then my time would be spent on those gimmicks and not on doctrine. The entire study would then fail.

This study is not here to reach some artificial goal, but it is here to help myself, my family, and all of you, whoever you are out there in the world, to achieve the greatest life possible for both now in time, and especially in eternity.

Truth does not need a crutch or a gimmick or a membership, or top secret rules, to hold itself up. Truth will stand on its own.

1 Thessalonians 2:1-2

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1 Thessalonians 2:1-2


1 For [gar] yourselves, [autos] brethren, [adelphos] know [eido] our [hemon] entrance in [eisodos] unto [pros] you, [humas] that [hoti] it was [ginomai] not [ou] in vain: [kenos]
2 But [alla] even [kai] after that we had suffered before, [propascho] and [kai] were shamefully entreated, [hubrizo] as [kathos] ye know, [eido] at [en] Philippi, [Philippoi] we were bold [parrhesiazomai] in [en] our [hemon] God [theos] to speak [laleo] unto [pros] you [humas] the gospel [euaggelion] of God [theos] with [en] much [polus] contention. [agon] KJV-Interlinear


1 For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain, 2 but after we had already suffered and been mistreated in Philippi, as you know, we had the boldness in our God to speak to you the gospel of God amid much opposition. NASB


The bringing of Bible doctrine to those who wish to hear it, is not without difficulty, and not without results.

Since the beginning of the human race, Adam and Eve, Satan has opposed the teaching of truth by God to anyone. Satan’s opposition to the spiritual life for those who are positive toward God, has existed from the beginning of his rebellion and continues until now, and will continue until the end of human history.

Everyone who is or has ever been interested in God, Christ, or doctrine is well aware of the opposition of peoples, organizations, religions, countries, and so forth, toward Christianity. From refusal to allow Christmas images, to the opposition to the display of the Ten Commandments, to the opposition to Christian viewpoint in universities and schools, to opposition to any type of Christian communication, these things have existed since long ago.

From the Garden, to the crucifixion of Christ, to the beating of Paul and Silas in Philippi, mentioned here and described in Acts 16, to the many barriers against Christianity in our present day, this opposition will continue and will only get worse as time goes on and as Satan feels the pressure of his time running out.

But, just as a savior was promised to Adam, just as the line of Christ could not be destroyed, just as the Cross could not be stopped, and just as every effort in our current day to destroy Christian doctrine has failed, then so too, your positive volition and desire for doctrine is more powerful than any opposition that the world can muster.

Paul faced difficulties galore, and yet his writing of most of the New Testament Books could not be stopped. Likewise their continuance to our current day, could not be prevented.

Daily studies may come a go, but your Bible, your access to doctrine will never be driven away, if that is Gods will, and if you have a genuine desire for your spiritual life.

The world has governments, social groups, legislation, judges on the bench, trying economic times, foreclosures, and hardships galore, all designed to destroy Gods plan, but Christians have their confidence and promise from God. And Gods promise of doctrine, is greater than all the worlds powers and circumstances combined.

All things work together for good, and even evil in this world, which opposes truth, is following Gods plan, with or without realizing it.

The world has elected or dictator leaders, you have Christ. The world has laws and regulations, you have doctrine. The world has celebrities and a social following, you have prayer. The world cannot compete with your spiritual resources. So use them.

Remember our arms raised high study? When you pursue, use, and support your daily studies, then the battle will always go well with you and Christianity in general. Now is certainly not the time to be lax in your spiritual pursuit.

However, if you do become lax, if you do presume that someone else will carry out your responsibilities, then when you lose your access to God and doctrine, you will have only yourself to blame. Don’t let your life fall to that low level. It is very difficult to climb back out of the pit of adversity.

1 Thessalonians 1:10

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1 Thessalonians 1:10


10 And [kai] to wait for [anemeno] his [autos] Son [huios] from [ek] heaven, [ouranos] whom [hos] he raised [egeiro] from [ek] the dead, [nekros] even Jesus, [Iesous] which [ho] delivered [rhoumai] us [hemas] from [apo] the wrath [orge] to come. [erchomai] KJV-Interlinear


10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who delivers us from the wrath to come. NASB


Paul hits upon this key subject in Thessalonians, that is the return of Christ.

He is not referring to the Second Advent, because it is we who will accompany Him back to this earth at His Second Advent. In order to return with Him, we have to have already been with Him. Here is the reference to what has become known as the doctrine of the Rapture.

More will be covered regarding the Rapture in chapters four and five of this letter.

In short, the Rapture is the removal of all believers from the world, thus delivering them from the ‘wrath to come.’ The wrath, is the judgment upon humanity during the Tribulation. The Tribulation is the name given to the seven year period which remains in the history of the dispensation of the Age of Israel. Note that the wrath comes after the Rapture, not before it. We believers will be removed from the world, so that we will not be a part of that judgment period.

In the dispensations of history, the previous dispensation was the Age of Israel. Daniel listed its final calendar in his seventy weeks prophecy. In his seventy weeks prophecy, seventy weeks of seven year periods were left for that dispensation, or 490 years. Since Daniels time, only sixty-nine of those weeks (of seven years) have passed, or 483 years. The last week of seven year periods, was interrupted by our dispensation.

The last seven years, or called the seventieth week of years, or also called the Tribulation, remains still in the future and will not resume until our dispensation, the Church Age, is completed.

Our current dispensation is also called the Age of the Bride, the Age of the Royal Family, the Church Age. All are synonymous terms.

In his (Daniels) prophecy, the Messiah was to come, grow up, be sacrificed, ascend to glorification in heaven and then return to assume control and rule over the earth for a one-thousand year period. Only the last part, the return to rule, has not yet occurred.

Our dispensation began after the crucifixion and our dispensation, which was the mystery dispensation not mentioned in the Old Testament, has continued for these last 1979 years (2009 minus 30) and counting.

The prophecies of the Old Testament apply to the dispensations belonging to the Old Testament or referred to in the Old Testament, including the Millennium, which was also mentioned. The prophecies do not apply to our dispensation, which was the mystery dispensation and therefore hidden from revelation to history until Christ revealed it during His First Advent ministry.

When Christ referred to our dispensation, the Church Age, He identified it as an age of historical trends, as a time when the nations would be made (arranged) into the footstool for His feet. So, our dispensation is one of historical trends, of examples, of the arrangement of the nations readying them for the final seven year period of mans rule in this world.

The Rapture is imminent. It could happen at any time. The Thessalonians lived their daily lives with that foremost on their minds. The fully expected it to occur during their lifetime.

However we know now that God has been arranging the nations into the array that they are supposed to be in, for the resumption of the final seven years of the dispensation (the Age of Israel) which we interrupted.

It is this doctrine, the Rapture, which was foremost in the minds of the Thessalonians and of which was spoken about throughout the region, as mentioned in the previous verses.

I might mention too, that our dispensation is without prophecy except for the final event of our dispensation, the Rapture. Since the rapture is and always has been imminent, then no functioning prophecy could exist within our era. Otherwise, the Rapture would be dependent on other events.

However that does not preclude the trends of events of history, that contribute to the arranging of the nations and peoples, and knowledge, and the various increases that have been mentioned elsewhere in the Bible. Trends are non-specific events that are general in nature, such as the increases in population, the increases in knowledge, or the formation of powers north, south, east and west of Israel, and so forth.

The restoration of Israel is a Millennial prophecy, not what occurred in 1948.

And these trends also include the formation of the state of the world (economic, political, social, etc.) as it evolves up to the point immediately prior to the Rapture.

The Rapture is a portion of the divine plan of God the Father, who raised His Son, Jesus Christ, and with that same promise and power, will raise all of us from the dead if we are to die prior to the Rapture, along with those believers who will remain alive at the time of the Rapture.

Now, these dates and events are already set in the future. They are certain and will occur as stated. Nothing in this world can destroy the world or humanity and certainly no social or political program can or will change that future date. In fact all that occurs in history now, is driving right toward its occurrence.

Man in his arrogance and spiritual rejection, is following Gods plan to the letter, and following mans own destiny to his own destruction.

1 Thessalonians 1:9

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1 Thessalonians 1:9


9 For [gar] they [apaggello] themselves [autos] shew [apaggello] of [peri] us [hemon] what manner [hopoios] of entering in [eisodos] we had [echo] [echo] unto [pros] you, [humas] and [kai] how [pos] ye turned [epistrepho] to [pros] God [theos] from [apo] idols [eidolon] to serve [douleuo] the living [zao] and [kai] true [alethinos] God; [theos] KJV-Interlinear


9 For they themselves report about us what kind of a reception we had with you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God, NASB


The nature of the life style of the Thessalonians was such a dramatic change from the rest of the world and from history, that it was noticeable by everyone.

Prior to the First Advent of Christ, history was composed of empires and kings, and all amounted to tyrants of one sort or another.

From the Assyrian empire to the sixth empire of Rome (Assyrian, Egyptian, Babylonian, Persian, Greek, Roman empires), these made up the history of the world prior to Christ.

After Christ came, then things changed almost immediately as indicated by this letter of Pauls to the Thessalonians.

The Cross occurred at the Passover Feast approximately 30 A.D. That is the accepted date of the crucifixion, and since no calendars existed back then as they do now, we cannot be certain of the exact date. That is a good thing, because once exact things are known or presumed, then people have a tendency to worship them rather than Christ.

Just as the nature of the Thessalonians was noticed, so too history changed after the Cross.

In our dispensation, which began at the Feast of Pentecost which was fifty days after Passover, and has continued until now, for some 1979 years (2009-30), the struggle has not been of empires, but of nations.

Today there are well over 200 nations in the world and no empires. I think that 204 nations participated in the last Olympics and few more did not.

With this expansion of the nations, prosperity has exploded just within the last century, and the Word of God has spread throughout the world. But even with this dramatic change in history, the world is still ruled by kings, dictators and tyrants, and there is one more category added to the mix – socialism.

Socialism is not a face per se, but a philosophy which hides the faces of its tyrants, and behind it they try to create only two classes of people – the extremely high (themselves) and the extremely low. With this approach, very few can rule and control very many.

The United States has been a breath of fresh air in the world in the last 233 years. Being a republic, the forces of tyranny have been thwarted, and the nation has become a place of sanctuary and hope for the many people who look for some hope for themselves.

Christianity has set this country apart from the rest of the world, and as such the world has benefited from its ingenuity, its innovation, its prosperity, and its freedom.

Go to any country in the world and ask anyone what country other than their own, they would like to visit, or what country they know much about, or what country is high on their list of favorites (or hated) and they will state the United States. And why? Because of our Christian heritage.

The name of Jesus Christ is the best known name in all of the world. More people know more about the details and stories of the Bible, than of any other religion.

Wherever in this world, you find the name and doctrine of Christ, then there you will find prosperity and blessing.

However, when you do not find Christ and Christianity, then you find stone-age attitudes and tyranny.

We know from our studies that this world is heading for an end to our dispensation (the Rapture), and the restoration of the interrupted dispensation (the Age of Israel). That means a return to the age of empires or the seventh empire which is commonly known as the revived Roman Empire.

In our dispensation we have seen the collapse of Rome, the dark ages and the rebirth of nations and prosperity. Even though there have been bumps (opposition) along the way, the trend has always been Christianity followed by blessing.

And as we near an end to our dispensation, and no one knows when that will be, we have the opportunity to observe the world trying to move from many nations to one common government (empire tyranny). We also know that this will occur with the Anti-Christ ruler to be revealed in the Tribulation, we just do not know when it will take place, nor the sequence of events that will lead up to this change in the world. However these past several months seem to be a good pattern for demonstrating how that process will occur.

I would like to make one observation, and really it is a speculation of sorts. We are probably very lucky that we have the leadership that we have in our current government, but not for the reasons you might think. They seem to want to make changes very rapidly, and for that reason they will probably fail. That is our bail out if you will.

When history tries to make or force rapid changes, then people tend to rise up in opposition and those changes cease or slow down dramatically. If we had any other mix of leadership, then the changes might well have occurred at a slower pace, but none the less they would have occurred.

Remember one important principle. Jesus Christ controls history. If the time for a one world concept is here, then Christ will allow it, however, if the time is not yet to be, then nothing in this world will force it or accomplish it.

The salt of the earth, believers in this world, are the biggest single hindrance to evil. And while believers are positive and advancing in their spiritual lives, then they will assume the responsible role in public affairs, and dramatic changes, especially evil ones, will either be stopped or postponed.

We cannot prevent the ultimate course set by God, for history, however we can set the course for our own personal lives. And even if no one in this world sees our example, there are many millions, billions, and perhaps trillions of angels who will know each of our names.

History has already demonstrated that Christianity promotes diversity, individuality, and success. Anything else always fails.

One last note for this lesson. Most of us, and that includes me and my family, are feeling the stresses of this down turning economy. We are all behind on our bills and all losing something that we had before.

However know one thing. Jesus Christ controls history and no matter where He leads you, or no matter what impact this economy has on your life, stick with your daily studies, prayers, and trust in Him, and He will give you the unique opportunity to observe history unfolding right before your very eyes, while keeping you safe and secure, one way or another.

Your greatest opportunity for accelerated spiritual growth comes in times of trouble. That is where your faith and spiritual muscle become their greatest.

1 Thessalonians 1:8

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1 Thessalonians 1:8


8 For [gar] from [apo] you [humon] sounded out [execheomai] the word [logos] of the Lord [kurios] not [ou] only [monon] in [en] Macedonia [Makedonia] and [kai] Achaia, [Achaia] but [alla] also [kai] in [en] every [pas] place [topos] your [humon] faith [pistis] to [pros] God-ward [theos] is spread abroad; [exerchomai] so [hoste] that we [hemas] need [chreia] not [me] [echo] to speak [laleo] any thing. [tis] KJV-Interlinear


8 For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God has gone forth, so that we have no need to say anything. NASB


Sounded forth, means the sound of a trumpet that is heard far and wide, and its sound echoes beyond the immediate place of the trumpet.

In other words, their Christian faith and daily activities were not spread abroad by means of missionary service, but simply became obvious and known as a matter of their daily activities.

Their Christian activities were voluntary in that they pursued them of their own volition. Likewise, their Christian activities were spread far and wide by involuntary means in that they were observed by travelers who came through the region, as well as observed by others when the locals traveled abroad.

So, without any attempt to bring attention to themselves, they were noticed. And thus the gospel of Christ and the message of the scriptures became known to others.

If you notice on a map, the region of Greece and Turkey were well situated for commerce and travel between Africa, Asia, Persia (Iran and India and beyond) and Europe. Tremendous traffic went through that region and as such, Christianity was spread throughout the world in a relatively short period of time.

Thessalonica became known near and far, not only for their trade, but for Christianity. And so much so that when Paul traveled, the reputation of the Thessalonians and Christianity was already known in the places he visited.

Note quickly, that this letter to the Thessalonians, may have been the first written letter of the New Testament. James may have been written in the late 40’s A.D., but that isn’t certain. Therefore, without any formal writings, other than the Old Testament scriptures. The news of Christ and the crucifixion was spread far and wide by word of mouth alone.

It was spread by the Apostles, by others who adopted Christianity as their faith, by hearsay, and general talk amongst travelers. And from that effort alone, Christianity spread rapidly. The remaining books of the New Testament were not formally assembled at the time of this writing (most did not even exist yet) and would not be assembled as a set of books for several hundred years.

By comparison, we have tremendous advantages over those folks, and certainly have no excuses with regard to our opportunity for advancement in our spiritual life.

The knowledge of doctrine and the Thessalonians preceded Pauls travels in his day. How much more so today, with regard to the awareness and availability of Christianity throughout the world. Folks today should be far more advanced in their spiritual lives than folks from the ancient world. And yet we are not. Why is that?

1 Thessalonians 1:6-7

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1 Thessalonians 1:6-7


6 And [kai] ye [humeis] became [ginomai] followers [mimetes] of us, [hemon] and [kai] of the Lord, [kurios] having received [dechomai] the word [logos] in [en] much [polus] affliction, [thlipsis] with [meta] joy [chara] of the Holy [hagios] Ghost: [pneuma]
7 So [hoste] that ye [humas] were [ginomai] ensamples [tupos] to all [pas] that believe [pisteuo] in [en] Macedonia [Makedonia] and [kai] Achaia. [Achaia] KJV-Interlinear


6 You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. NASB


The believers in Thessalonica followed the pattern of teaching that comes from the Word of God. In so doing, they, in effect, imitate the pattern of life of Paul and those who were with him, and even of Jesus.

The Bible is called the mind of Christ. The Biblical principles of truth, are the pattern by which Christ lived his life in the First Advent, and for all of eternity for that matter. Truth never changes, it is immutable.

And since the Holy Spirit is the principle agent for the communication of truth, and since truth is the foundation for happiness, then the Holy Spirit is likewise the agent for happiness.

The Thessalonians lived through difficult times. Their story is found in Acts 17, where Paul set the city into an uproar by teaching doctrines different than what the Jews there had believed. The Jews of the region were typically anti-Christ, and still looking for their own deliverer.

After Paul arrived and taught grace and Christ, they rebelled and allied themselves with the unbelieving gentiles and together, rather than promoting Jewish traditional beliefs, used Caesar as their trump card against Paul and the Christians. They tried to set Christianity as an anti-Rome movement.

By implication, that opposition continued on for a while and herein Paul makes reference to their afflictions as a result of that opposition.

The region of Asia Minor was divided into two districts. The north (roughly Northern Greece-Turkey) was called Macedonia, whose capital was Thessalonica, and the region to the south was called Achaia (roughly Southern Greece-Turkey) whose capital was Corinth.

So, their name, the movement of Christianity, as well as their reputation and lifestyle was well known throughout the entire region. And this is noteworthy because at the writing of this letter, Christianity was relatively new to the region. The Cross had occurred only about twenty years earlier, and the news of Christ had already spread rapidly.

And more than that, there were not any New Testament scriptures in existence at that time. So the spread of Christianity was by word of mouth only, at a time in history where communication was certainly not like it is today. And making things even more difficult, there was a rebellious movement in the air, in Judah, to get rid of the Romans altogether. The Jews did not want the Romans, nor even the developing followers of Christ.

1 Thessalonians 1:5

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1 Thessalonians 1:5


5 For [hoti] our [hemon] gospel [euaggelion] came [ginomai] not [ou] unto [eis] you [humas] in [en] word [logos] only, [monon] but [alla] also [kai] in [en] power, [dunamis] and [kai] in [en] the Holy [hagios] Ghost, [pneuma] and [kai] in [en] much [polus] assurance; [plerophoria] as [kathos] ye know [eido] what manner of men [hoios] we were [ginomai] among [en] you [humin] for [dia] your [humas] sake. KJV-Interlinear


5 for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. NASB


Your perception, knowledge and understanding of the scriptures comes to you by means of the Holy Spirit.

Certainly you read or hear these words online, on the radio or television, and so forth, but it is the Holy Spirit that makes them clear and perspicuous, and therefore easy to understand, regardless of your intelligence level or lack of it.

When it comes to hearing and understanding the Word of God, the playing field is leveled by the Holy Spirit.

In this world, there are two systems of perception – the temporal system and the spiritual system.

The temporal system can be summed up in the term – philosophy or the study of existence, knowledge, truth, beauty, justice, morals and so forth. There is also the mysticism and mythology approach to these subjects.

Philosophy approaches these subjects by means of empiricism, logic, metaphysics, ethics, aesthetics, and so forth. Philosophy is limited by the study of facts, and the subsequent interpretation of facts. Philosophy and all such approaches to truth cannot reach into the spiritual realm. The spiritual realm is beyond human abilities.

In the temporal world, your perception and therefore your knowledge and understanding are limited to your empirical data, your life’s experiences, your logic, and so forth. The temporal world is looking at life in total darkness.

In the spiritual world, God makes everything clear and obvious to all, such that there is no uncertainty about the subject you are considering. The spiritual world is looking at life in total light.

To illustrate this, suppose you are standing in a totally dark place. You cannot see the end of your nose. Someone says, ‘Look, a tree.’ You look and see nothing. So you approach the tree, feel the tree, smell the tree, and because everyone agrees, it must be a tree.

In total light, someone says, ‘Look an ornamental gate.’ While in the darkness you thought it was a tree. But in darkness everyone agreed, and so you had no frame of reference to disagree with the accepted view.

That is the difference between knowledge acquired academically through the temporal world, and knowledge acquired spiritually through the communication function of the Holy Spirit.

While you have to be at least alive and breathing in order to understand temporal knowledge, you only have to be in fellowship (only believers can be in fellowship) in order to understand truth.

Since so many folks are either unbelievers or out of fellowship believers, then God uses parable concepts (temporal examples) in order to teach spiritual principles. This helps people to become saved, to get into fellowship through confession, and to learn doctrine, at least indirectly.

So, no one is left out, nor left behind. And this accomplished without horrendous bureaucracy and cost.

Doctrine comes to each person through the power of the Holy Spirit. Doctrine is clear and the truth of doctrine is evident by virtue of its own character. It is seen in the light and therefore needs no testing or proof, or support apparatus.

Doctrine is communicated by people. However, the content of the things taught by people is sorted out by the Holy Spirit. You do not need to know the person, or the source of their information when you pursue your study of the Word of God, daily, and in a legitimate manner. In time, the concepts taught will be validated or invalidated, but not by the person, but by the Holy Spirit.

Spiritual information comes to you in a supernatural fashion and does not depend on your intellect or perceptive abilities.

The teacher of doctrine is unimportant. I would venture to guess that ninety-nine percent of all who read this study haven’t a clue as to who I am. And that is as it should be.

The content of what is being taught is important, and God makes it all clear to anyone and everyone who approaches their Bible study with an open mind.

If I were to say that there were virgins waiting for you in Paradise, you would know that this is not true, for several reasons. First, paradise is an empty place. Second, the availability of virgins implies sin, and God never condones sin. Third, everyone who leaves this life will go to Torments and there wait for the Lake of Fire, or they will go to heaven. Fourth, no one in the afterlife will be a slave to anyone else. And fifth, where would all of those virgins come from anyway? What of their life?

So, through truth, you were able to sort this false concept out, together with its inconsistencies.

Doctrine originates from God. Doctrine is communicated by God. And your spiritual life is accomplished by God.

1 Thessalonians 1:4

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1 Thessalonians 1:4


4 Knowing, [eido] brethren [adelphos] beloved, [agapao] your [humon] election [ekloge] of [hupo] God. [theos] KJV-Interlinear


4 knowing, brethren beloved by God, His choice of you; NASB


Election by God is a permanent selection. Just a being born alive (human life), into this world is a permanent arrangement. The only question is where, when, and how you will be spending your afterlife. Your physical life is of course limited, but your next life will go on forever. Whether in heaven or the Lake of Fire depends on your decision regarding Christ.

Long ago, in eternity past, God laid out a plan. After considering an infinite number of plans, God selected the one plan for history, that best benefits each and every individual who will ever be a part of history.

For those who accept Gods plan (faith in Christ), a proprietary election is made in their behalf.

God looked down through the tunnel of time and saw every person who would ever believe in Christ and made available for them a permanent place in heaven. And permanent means forever.

Without interfering in your decision to believe in Christ, or to reject Him, God allowed you, and every individual, to come to each persons own decision regarding Christ.

You did not have to know the name of Christ in order to be saved. Most folks who lived prior to the Cross, had no name to look to. They only looked to a promised Savior. Likewise folks all around the world throughout history, had a heritage of prophetic promises regarding a Savior. They need only have believed in that promised Savior, to be saved.

Knowledge of Adam and Noah and Abraham and Moses and so forth certainly help to give one some perspective, but that knowledge does not save, and is not required in order to be saved.

Here Paul indicates the election which was made in eternity past, for each individual believer in Christ. Note that one does not take office before being elected, and even having been elected, there is a form of swearing in process (faith in Christ) which must also occur.

In eternity past, God decided your place in history, saw your decision, elected you, and then waited for history to confirm your decision to believe.

1 Thessalonians 1:3

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1 Thessalonians 1:3


3 Remembering [mnemoneuo] without ceasing [adialeiptos] your [humon] work [ergon] of faith, [pistis] and [kai] labour [kopos] of love, [agape] and [kai] patience [hupomone] of hope [elpis] in our [hemon] Lord [kurios] Jesus [Iesous] Christ, [Christos] in the sight [emprosthen] of God [theos] and [kai] our [hemon] Father; [pater] KJV-Interlinear


3 constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father, NASB


The believers in Thessalonica, were strong in their spiritual pursuit as indicated here through Pauls words.

Their work of faith indicates their strength of confidence in doctrine and of the unseen God that they had only heard about, and not speculation or beliefs of convenience or invention.

Their labor of love, since love represents the content of doctrine, indicates their consistency in their studying and learning of the scriptures, and their understanding of what they are studying. Not enticements of charm or lofty words of human promises.

Their steadfastness of hope compliments their faith in that they look to God with confidence for things that are real and secure in life, and not for things that are simply wishes or unreasonable expectations.

Spiritual maturity is the acceptance of one’s circumstances in this world, and the process of working through your circumstances by means of the doctrinal viewpoint. It is not the wish of immediate relief in the hope for the Rapture, or being whisked off to heaven in order to escape the trials of this world, such that you do not have to face them.

Much of the spiritual growth process comes from your experiences in this world, and how you respond or react to them.

Whether in prosperity and forgetting God, or in adversity and crying out to God, when you have established a pattern of ignoring God throughout your life, or whether in prosperity and placing God before your blessings, or in adversity and looking to God with confident assurance, then your approach to God in your spiritual life is established by your own attitude and thinking.

Your lifestyle pattern is that which you have chosen to follow regardless of your circumstances. And your chosen pattern is that which establishes your spiritual life, or lack of it.

With spiritual resources, you are well able to face any and all circumstances that life can throw your way. Without spiritual resources, prosperity will lead you astray and adversity will find you helpless and without Gods help.

Jesus Christ is our one and only link to God the Father. God the Father is the ultimate target of all religion and philosophy, who reject Christ as their path to Him.

Thus mans arrogance (the will of dust) rejects Gods rules (infinite truth and power) and makes mans rules (the power of dust) as an equal to those of God (the infinite essence of God).

1 Thessalonians 1:2

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1 Thessalonians 1:2


2 We give thanks [eucharisteo] to God [theos] always [pantote] for [peri] you [humon] all, [pas] making [poieo] mention [mneia] of you [humon] in [epi] our [hemon] prayers; [proseuche] KJV-Interlinear


2 We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers; NASB


When times are good, prayers are as absent as rains in the desert. And when times grow worse, then prayers are as empty clouds in the middle of a famine.

This is due to the lack of knowledge, the lack of understanding, and the lack of wisdom in people who have failed in their spiritual lives.

When times are good, the spiritual learning process should be intensified such that the bad times will be avoided or postponed. And then when times grow worse, then prayers will cause a flood of relief, shortening the bad times and restoring the good.

One of the missing links in the spiritual lives of most folks, is their prayer abilities. Failing to learn Bible doctrine, means failing to develop prayer skills. And failing to learn prayer skills, means a short-circuited spiritual life.

All prayer must be offered while one is in fellowship. The fellowship status exists when you confess your sins to God the Father. Any prayers offered while out of fellowship is like an empty rain cloud. No benefit comes from it.

All prayer must be directed to God the Father. He is the only authorized recipient of prayer. Prayers are never offered to Jesus, never offered to any human being. Certainly never offered to Mary, or Joseph, or ancestors, or angels, or animals, or fish, or birds, or natures forces, or suns, or moons, or planets, or anything else.

All prayer must be consistent with Bible doctrine. You cannot be disobedient in doctrine, and expect answers to prayers. Repeat, you cannot be disobedient in doctrine, and expect answers to prayers. God has roles for us all, and in those roles, we must look first to Gods will, and not our own.

When your eyes are on your own ideas, when your eyes are on your own prejudices, when your eyes are on human enticements, human controls, human endeavors, human desires, then your prayers will be empty and useless.

You must first seek God. And you accomplish that by pursuing a daily Bible study, by learning Bible doctrine, by applying doctrine to your daily life, by understanding Gods principles, and by coming into possession of Gods wisdom through that learning process. You must learn Gods purpose for your life, and the role He has set out for you in your life. Charting your own course will get you nothing but disaster.

One of your mandates from God is to pray. Prayer is the artillery of the spiritual life. Without artillery fire from a distance, no enemy can be defeated when in close. And anything that lacks Bible doctrine is the enemy of God, and the enemy of your spiritual life.

Man is but a speck of dust, and dust cannot defeat anything. However God gave us prayer, and through prayer, everything can be accomplished through the power of God.

Now the most important aspect of prayer. It must be offered through Christ. We have no access to the Father except through Christ, and therefore, only believers have the right to prayer, and only believers in fellowship will be heard.

Your prayer life is the ship that remains afloat in troubled seas, and this life is trouble from birth until death.

Therefore, prayer must be daily and nightly and as often as you can muster your thoughts. Prayers do not have to be lengthy, nor even in writing, nor even voiced into spoken words. The best and most powerful of prayers are those which are spoken from the heart in the silence of your own thoughts. People do not need to hear your prayers. Only God needs to hear them.

We had a study some time ago regarding Moses holding up his arms. When the arms were held high, the battle went well for the Israelites. When his arms became weary and began to fall, the battle did not go so well. Your prayers are your arms held high. Pray and pray often and keep on praying while in fellowship and while in obedience to Gods will for your life, and your spiritual life and your life will go well. Slip away from this practice and your life will slip into difficult times if not defeat.

1 Thessalonians 1:1

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1 Thessalonians 1:1


1 Paul, [Paulos] and [kai] Silvanus, [Silouanos] and [kai] Timotheus, [Timotheos] unto the church [ekklesia] of the Thessalonians [Thessalonikeus] which is in [en] God [theos] the Father [pater] and [kai] in the Lord [kurios] Jesus [Iesous] Christ: [Christos] Grace [charis] be unto you, [humin] and [kai] peace, [eirene] from [apo] God [theos] our [hemon] Father, [pater] and [kai] the Lord [kurios] Jesus [Iesous] Christ. [Christos] KJV-Interlinear


1 Paul and Silvanus and Timothy to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace. NASB


Paul means, small or little. Silvanus means, who loves the forest. And Silvanus often times called Silas means, three. Timothy means, honor of God, valued of God.

The story of the Thessalonians is found in Acts 17. When Paul was there, a rebellion caused him to leave that city. Silas and Timothy were sent back to preserve and maintain that starting church and later they returned to Paul.

It was upon this occasion of good news that they brought to Paul, that this first letter of encouragement was written to the Thessalonian Church.

The central theme of this letter is ‘waiting.’

The Thessalonians were in a bit of a hurry for the final judgment, and of course little did they know that it was not to occur for nearly 2000 years, and we are still waiting for the next Biblical event (the Rapture) to occur.

But waiting not only applies to the final judgment, it applies to your daily individual life as well. Folks want things to happen fast or right now, in their life. And for the most part, most of us do not listen enough, nor learn enough until we are much older in our life before we learn that there is a great deal of history unfolding right before our eyes.

History not only has to unfold for the world as a whole, but that whole is really the collective histories of every individual who has, is, and will live on this earth. And steadily, day by day, God brings it all together, one piece at a time.

It usually takes us years or decades or longer before we can see how history is being fitted together.

Satans, ultimate goal is one world government. Ruled by him of course. That counters the one world rule of Christ which will occur in the Millennium. Satan has to be first though.

He began his rule by trying to destroy humanity before Noah’s flood, but that didn’t work. He tried to build up empires from the Assyrian Empire to the Roman Empire. But those six empires did not work (review our study in Revelation).

There is only one empire remaining, the seventh, for Satan, but he has to wait until God has assembled the nations, and aligned them up in every detail, for Satan’s final attempt. But this is jumping ahead a little in our study.

The Thessalonians are addressed in the Father and through the Lord, Jesus Christ. There is but one God and Savior, one plan and one history, one faith and one ultimate destiny for those who have believed in the one and only Savior, Jesus Christ.

Many plans and philosophies float around this world, but many are the plans of man, and of them all, none will ever succeed.

1 Thessalonians - Introduction

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1 Thessalonians
Introduction


Possibly the first letter written by Paul, Thessalonians was written in the early 50’s A.D.

Thessalonica was an ancient city, named after the daughter of King Philip, father of Alexander the Great. The former name of the city was Thermae, which was defeated by Philip in his victory over the Thessalians.

Thessalonica was located on the coast, a seaport in today’s western Turkey and remained so until conquered in the 1400’s by the Turks

The story of the Thessalonians picks up in the early 50’s A.D., when Paul and Silas visited the city and introduced the gospel to the people there, Acts 17.

The Jews there were set into an uproar when Paul taught that the gentiles could possess the same salvation benefits but without the requirements of the Levitical laws. Thus Paul was run out of town, escaping to Athens and from there, on to Corinth.

Hearing good news from Timothy and Silas, regarding the success of their conversions of gentiles (not so much in the Jewish folks), it was then that Paul wrote the first letter to the Thessalonians and that was followed shortly thereafter by the second letter.

These letters were written to comfort and encourage the Thessalonians, and to give them instructions in the spiritual life, and to clarify some of the mistaken beliefs that they had of the day of judgment. The subject of 1 Thessalonians is ‘waiting.’ And the subject of the second letter is ‘sin.’

1 Thessalonians Outline (New Unger's Bible Dictionary)

I. Salutation (1:1)

II. The exemplary church (1)
A. Gratitude for the Thessalonians (1:2-4)
B. Operation of the gospel among them (1:5-10)

III. The exemplary minister (2)
A. Paul's ministry at Thessalonica (2:1-12)
B. The Thessalonians' response (2:13-16)
C. The apostle's subsequent relations with the Thessalonians (2:17-20)

IV. The exemplary brother (3)
A. Apostolic concern and their welfare (3:1-8)
B. The apostolic intercession (3:9-13)

V. Exemplary walk (4)
A. The walk described (4:1-12)
B. The coming of Christ, the dynamic of a holy walk (4:13-18)

VI. Exemplary watchfulness and the Day of the Lord (5:1-24)
A. The Day of the Lord and the need for watchfulness (5:1-11)
B. Duties of church and private life (5:12-22)
C. Prayer for sanctification (5:23-24)

VII. Conclusion (5:25-28)

Colossians 4:18

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Colossians 4:18


18 The salutation [aspasmos] by the hand [cheir] of me [emos] Paul. [Paulos] Remember [mnemoneuo] my [mou] bonds. [desmon] Grace [charis] be with [meta] you. [humon] Amen. [amen] [Written [grapho] from [apo] Rome [Rhome] to [pros] Colossians [Kolossaeus] by [dia] Tychicus [Tuchikos] and [kai] Onesimus. [Onesimos] KJV-Interlinear


18 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my imprisonment. Grace be with you. NASB


This close was written by Paul himself. The body of the letter was most likely dictated by him and written by someone else, even perhaps Timothy. But that person is not known for sure.

Remembering Pauls imprisonment teaches us all to remember that even in the direst of situations, God is able to work miracles which benefit all.

Of the twenty-seven books in the New Testament, Paul wrote thirteen of them. Many while he was in prison. And despite his handicap, his letters have withstood the test of time and survived through a history in which most writings have vanished from history.

His letters were never published, in the beginning, by giant publishing houses, never held in trust by large historical organizations, as they simply did not exist back then.

Pauls letters were hand written and hand delivered to people who held Bible studies in private homes. Somewhere along the line, his letters were copied and re-copied and remained intact, and accurate with respect to their content. And, they survived the rebellion against Rome, the fall of Rome, the Dark Ages, the rise of Islam, and many more historical events to numerous to mention.

And, it all began with Gods using a man who was a murdering self-righteous legalist, destined to be executed in Rome, over about a thirty year period from approximately 35 A.D. until the late 60’s A.D.

And because of that very narrow window in history, you and I have the opportunity of a lifetime, that we could never have by any other means.

The folks back then had many difficulties to overcome especially because the Savior was crucified. And yet they rose above the barriers that would prevent their spiritual growth.

And now, we have phenomenal opportunities, and a much easier means of growing up in grace. The only question is, who will seize these advantages and advance in their spiritual life to the objective which God intends for us all?

Colossians 4:17

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Colossians 4:17


17 And [kai] say [epo] to Archippus, [Archippos] Take heed [blepo] to the ministry [diakonia] which [hos] thou hast received [paralambano] in [en] the Lord, [kurios] that [hina] thou fulfil [pleroo] it. [autos] KJV-Interlinear


17 And say to Archippus, "Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it." NASB


Archippus means ruler of horses. He is mentioned only one other time, in Philemon 2, with favorable language, and other than that we know little or nothing about him.

This comment from Paul to Archippus seems to be more of a warning to be alert, ‘Take heed,’ given the times in which they lived. It is a general statement and cannot be linked to any specific church even to the Colossians or to the church in Laodicea, although his name is mentioned in the same context with Laodicea. Nor can it be linked to the comments of John, in Revelation 3:14-22, because John would not have written his words for yet another thirty years.

So, what was on Pauls mind is the present, for Paul. He was in prison, and his trial was approaching with uncertainty. There was a great deal of unrest in Judah, and throughout the region. Even the folks in Crete could not be trusted. Review our study in Titus.

And although there was a great deal of history unfolding before them, Paul wants everyone, even you and me in our present day, to be certain that we demonstrate an alertness to the events unfolding around us, and keep our faith and daily study before us.

In the last few days, I suggested that there is a movement in our current day, with regard to global currency, with regard to global government, and so forth. This observation originated from comments made by folks in the media, politicians, celebrities and so forth, just in the last few days.

And although we can speculate as to what events will unfold before us in the next days, months, and years, our first priority is to stick with our daily Bible study, and let Gods plan run its course. He knows what He is doing, and we for certain can only guess.

In order for the world to jump on board for a world currency, people would have to lose faith in the current currencies, and find something that everyone would accept, such as gold. Perhaps there is going to be a huge gold discovery in the future, such that there would be sufficient quantities available to back a world economy? Better go out and check your back yard!!

In any event, you recall how long it took Europe to accept the Euro. A very long time. So something greater than that won’t happen overnight, if at all.

In any event, our focus needs to be on our spiritual life, even as we might play the mental games with a Chrystal ball.

So, ‘take heed’ applies to us as well. Our priority is not the who’s and when’s of the future, but of our spiritual life now.

Colossians 4:16

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Colossians 4:16


16 And [kai] when [hotan] this epistle [epistole] is read [anaginosko] among [para] you, [humin] cause [poieo] that [hina] it be read [anaginosko] also [kai] in [en] the church [ekklesia] of the Laodiceans; [Laodikeus] and [kai] that [hina] ye [humeis] [anaginosko] likewise [kai] read [anaginosko] the epistle from [ek] Laodicea. [Laodikeia] KJV-Interlinear


16 And when this letter is read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and you, for your part read my letter that is coming from Laodicea. NASB


In order to receive a copy a of a letter, and then be able to read it or hear it being read, back in Pauls day, folks had to wait months and even years. After all, there aren’t that many books in the New Testament, which was not even an organized set of books back then. And yet, these letters were circulated by hand, and folks waited for them with anticipation and enthusiasm.

Today, a person can find volumes and volumes of literature written about the Bible. And while this information is freely and voluminously available almost instantaneously on the internet, and the ease with which folks have the opportunity to grow up in their spiritual lives, and with greater rapidity, is unmatched in history, and yet in our present day, indifference holds most folks hostage.

Folks back then would have loved to have been able to read and study the scriptures using the tools that we have available to us today. However, folks today seem more bent on making the planet green, rather than making their entire essence complete for all of eternity. How would anyone of us acted if we had lived back then? Perhaps with the same indifference or even more so, and never having had the opportunity to grow up in any type of spiritual life.

One blessing that you should be forever grateful for, is that you live in our current day, rather than back then. Because even with indifference, you probably will have more of a spiritual life, now, than you would have had, if you lived in a different era in history.

One of the many things that people overlook in their life, is the time in which God inserted them into history. We all live at the time in history which most benefits us. And although most of us may not be the best of humanity, God does many things for us, that we do not even think about. And our entrance onto the human history scene is one of them.

Not that there weren’t spiritually negative people back then, because there were, but of those who were positive, their wait and their growth had to advance on a very slow track. Something that we in our present day would not have the patience for.

And yet most folks even with our fast paced and information rich era, still grow up slowly only because they do not pursue their spiritual life with vigor. So it still takes many decades to grow up, if at all. And we have a longer expected life span than those folks had back then. We have advantages now that they could not even imagine.

The letter mentioned here is not identified, but it was probably the letter to the Ephesians, since it was written at about the same time as this letter to the Colossians. But the specific letter is not the issue here, as the method of delivery and the time it took, are more indicative of how people learned back then.

Colossians 4:14-15

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Colossians 4:14-15


14 Luke, [Loukas] the beloved [agapetos] physician, [iatros] and [kai] Demas, [Demas] greet [aspazomai] you. [humas]
15 Salute [aspazomai] the brethren [adelphos] which are in [en] Laodicea, [Laodikeia] and [kai] Nymphas, [Numphas] and [kai] the church [ekklesia] which is in [kata] his [autos] house. [oikos] KJV-Interlinear


14 Luke, the beloved physician, sends you his greetings, and also Demas. 15 Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea and also Nympha and the church that is in her house. NASB


The mention of these several names throughout the letters of Paul, tie together many of the prominent people, as well as people we know nothing about, from the first century A.D.

Luke, means luminous or white, wrote the third gospel which is named after himself. And having written the gospel of Luke from his own first hand observations, most likely was a source of immeasurable information for Paul.

Demas, means popular, and was an early Christian, who fell out of friendship with Paul years earlier, 2 Tim. 4:10, but now was back with him.

Laodicea is a city in Asia Minor which is now our modern day western Turkey.

Nymphas is the name of an individual in whose home, bible studies were held. Nothing more is mentioned regarding this person, and as the name can be either masculine or feminine modern versions refer to both genders. So we don’t really know much more about him or her.

What is evident is that there were obviously people, other than those mentioned in the Bible, who were involved in the early growth of the Christian church.

And what held together the early church, was not a massive bureaucracy of international organizations, but small groups who assembled together in twos or threes or a dozen or more, and they read and studied together and on their own, the scriptures of the prophets, as well as the letters of Paul and others.

Today we are witnessing the attempted takeover of the world by devising a false belief such as global warming, attempting to institute management of world business through carbon footprints (cap and trade), gaining a massive following through the implementing of social programs, driving toward a one world currency by driving up national debts, and all of this to culminate in a global governing body.

And while all of this takes many years to accomplish, we know from our study of Revelation that this pattern will be virtually in place by the time the Rapture occurs. The Tribulation is not long enough in order for all of this to occur from scratch, so it all has to develop to some extent during our own dispensation.

And if, and I repeat, if, this is all how things are going to be, then we can expect that government will enforce its will, sooner or later, through mandatory economic restrictions on the buying and selling that people in general will be allowed to do. Enforcement means that if you do not comply, then you will be a criminal.

What a contrast to the very beginning of our dispensation, where people met in small groups and changed the world through truth, and now at the end (or perhaps nearing the end) of our dispensation, it takes lies on a massive scale to destroy it.

This last portion of course is just my observations of current events. What is amazing is the speed with which all of these things seem to be coming together now.

Colossians 4:12-13

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Colossians 4:12-13


12 Epaphras, [Epaphras] who is one of [ek] you, [humon] a servant [doulos] of Christ, [Christos] saluteth [aspazomai] you, [humas] always [pantote] labouring fervently [agonizomai] for [huper] you [humon] in [en] prayers, [proseuche] that [hina] ye may stand [histemi] perfect [teleios] and [kai] complete [pleroo] in [en] all [pas] the will [thelema] of God. [theos]
13 For [gar] I bear [martureo] him [autos] record, [martureo] that [hoti] he hath [echo] a great [polus] zeal [zelos] for [huper] you, [humon] and [kai] them that are in [en] Laodicea, [Laodikeia] and [kai] them in [en] Hierapolis. [Hierapolis] KJV-Interlinear


12 Epaphras, who is one of your number, a bondslave of Jesus Christ, sends you his greetings, always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God. 13 For I bear him witness that he has a deep concern for you and for those who are in Laodicea and Hierapolis. NASB


Epaphras, meaning foaming or devoted. He was the one who was instrumental in bringing Christianity to the Colossians, Col. 1:7.

Paul mentions Epaphras with high regard, as one who has the spiritual lives of other people foremost in his mind, rather than his own interests.

And as with many of the other names mentioned, the objective of Pauls ministry as well as the mission of these men, was that people would hear the message of the scriptures and ‘stand perfect and complete.’

To stand perfect and complete means to advance to spiritual maturity.

As we look around us these days, we can probably count on just a few fingers, the people we know who have the interests of others at heart, more so than their own.

Society has become a me-first club. People get angry on the road. People look for bargains which serve themselves. People look at advancement and profit opportunities in the suffering of others. People have little or no patience, little or no empathy, little or no interest in the plight of others.

Society in general will take before giving, and if anything is free or relatively inexpensive, they still want more for less.

And here, we have examples of men and women who literally gave up their lives, their own self interests, so that others would have the chance to possess the greatest of opportunities of all. And although surrounded by millions of people living in the same geographic region, very few others participated or shared in their effort.

Colossians 4:10-11

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Colossians 4:10-11


10 Aristarchus [Aristarchos] my [mou] fellowprisoner [sunaichmalotos] saluteth [aspazomai] you, [humas] and [kai] Marcus, [Markos] sister's son [anepsios] to Barnabas, [Barnabas] (touching [peri] whom [hos] ye received [lambano] commandments: [entole] if [ean] he come [erchomai] unto [pros] you, [humas] receive [dechomai] him; [autos])
11 And [kai] Jesus, [Iesous] which [ho] is called [lego] Justus, [Ioustos] who [ho] are [on] of [ek] the circumcision. [peritome] These [houtos] only [monos] are my fellowworkers [sunergos] unto [eis] the kingdom [basileia] of God, [theos] which [hostis] have been [ginomai] a comfort [paregoria] unto me. [moi] KJV-Interlinear


10 Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you his greetings; and also Barnabas' cousin Mark (about whom you received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him); 11 and also Jesus who is called Justus; these are the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are from the circumcision; and they have proved to be an encouragement to me. NASB


The next three individuals are Jewish, ‘from the circumcision.’

Aristarchus, meaning ‘best ruler,’ was from Thessalonica, Acts 20:4. He traveled along with Paul and was seized along with Paul at Ephesus, Acts 19:29, and accompanied him to Rome, Acts 27:2. He shares Pauls imprisonment at Rome.

Barnabas means ‘son of prophecy.’ He was a cousin of Mark, or Marcus, or John Mark, as Mark was sometimes called. Barnabas was a Levite from Cyprus and had moved to Jerusalem. While in Jerusalem he sold a field and gave the money to the poor there, Acts 4:36.

Barnabas was the individual who acted as intermediary between the original Apostles and Paul, as they did not trust Pauls recent conversion. Barnabas went for Paul in Tarsus and brought him back to Jerusalem as an associate. Later they were accompanied by John Mark and began what is known as Pauls first missionary journey, Acts 13.

At some point in their travel, Paul and Barnabas had a falling out and John Mark was caught in the middle, Acts 15.

Mark was from a wealthy family. His mothers name was Mary, Acts 12:12. He accompanied Barnabas and Saul (Paul), to Antioch. In Acts 13-15, Mark had a falling out with Paul over the question of salvation by faith alone. Mark was not sure on this point and it was Paul who basically stood alone regarding that principle. Paul did not want to take Mark along on the second missionary journey, and that is where Paul and Barnabas split.

It is not for another ten years or so that anything more is heard of Mark, and then we find him in Rome with Paul, the ill feelings and differences having been healed. Mark is now described as one of the faithful.

Justus, ‘the just one,’ is not mentioned anywhere else in the scriptures. He may have been the same man mentioned in Acts 18:7, but that is not clear. He was obviously a close friend and associate of Paul.

Through thick and thin, hardship and prosperity, even arrest, Paul found himself surrounded by people who were both loyal to God and to His ministry. They all had ample opportunity to blame Paul, or to leave him, but did not.

Colossians 4:8-9

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Colossians 4:8-9


8 Whom [hos] I have sent [pempo] unto [pros] you [humas] for [eis] the same [autos] purpose, [touto] that [hina] he might know [ginosko] your [humon] estate, [peri] and [kai] comfort [parakaleo] your [humon] hearts; [kardia]
9 With [sun] Onesimus, [Onesimos] a faithful [pistos] and [kai] beloved [agapetos] brother, [adelphos] who [hos] is [esti] one of [ek] you. [humon] They shall make known [gnorizo] unto you [humin] all things [pas] which [ho] are done here. [hode] KJV-Interlinear


8 For I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts; 9 and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of your number. They will inform you about the whole situation here. NASB


Tychicus and Onesimus were given the mission of carrying this letter to the Colossians.

Tychicus was introduced briefly yesterday. He was a native of Asia Minor, Acts 20:4, and may have originated from Ephesus, 2 Tim. 4:12. He was with Paul throughout his ministry and was with him during these last few years immediately prior to Paul’s execution.

Tychicus went also to Crete and Ephesus, Titus 3:12, 2 Tim. 4:12

We learned a great deal about Onesimus, when we studied Philemon. Onesimus was the runaway slave, who heard Paul speak while in Rome. Onesimus repented and agreed to return to his former master Philemon, not as a slave, but as an equal in Christ. From the context of that letter, we presume that there was a good ending and reconciliation, in the relationship between Philemon and Onesimus.

Paul sent this letter in order to make known his situation to those who were obviously wanting and waiting for word about Paul. This information was to be verbal, as Paul did not write anything, at least not within this letter, regarding his imprisonment and trial.

And, Paul sent this letter in order to convey his thoughts and views on the doctrines contained within it. The encouragement, the hope, the confidence that exists for all who pursue Bible doctrine within their lives.

Remember that in those days, especially in the 60’s A.D., there was terrible unrest throughout the region, and had been for some time.

Judah was filled with rebellion, and Rome was getting ready to send an army to crush it. Within a few short years, Judah would be crushed and millions would die before it was all over. And Jerusalem would be burned to the ground.

In any given generation, there exists unrest and uncertainty, especially within each individual life. Our time is not without its uncertainties. With unemployment rising to double digit figures, which have been common in Europe for many years, the stability of the world seems to be getting more serious by the day.

However, remember one important thing. Bible doctrine is available as long as there is interest and support from positive believers. God does not abandon anyone who is positive and growing. And though the outcome of the world is always uncertain, your spiritual growth will never be in doubt, so long as you pursue it.