Church Life in Expectancy of Christ’s Return
References New Testament Commentary, Hendriksen & Kistemaker The Bible Knowledge Commentary, Walvoord & Zuck The Bible Exposition Commentary, New Testament, Volume 2, Wiersbe The Message of 1&2 Thessalonians, Stott Selected Scriptures reprinted from the Holy Bible, New King James Version
Chapter 2 Apologia pro vita sua Paul’s defense of his presence (1 Thes 2:1-16) Apologia pro absentia sua Paul’s defense of his absence (1 Thes 2:17-3:13)
Chapter 2 Summary A Pastor’s Heart Steward of the Gospel Mother – gentle and laboring Father – exhorting and instructing Herald – proclaiming truth The Church’s Response The Word – appreciated, appropriated, applied The Result – salvation, persecution The Hope – the return of Christ – a crown of glory
Chapter 3 Introduction Paul continues – further develops – the defense of his absence ○ Satan the barrier ○ Paul’s longing for the Thessalonians Paul’s response to the situation Sends Timothy – reinforcement & reconnaissance Writes them a letter – rejoicing Prays for them – remembrance
Reinforcement & Reconnaissance: Timothy Character Brother God’s minister Fellow-worker Mission Establish & comfort Address tribulations and suffering Learn of their faith
Reinforcement & Reconnaissance: Satan’s Opposition Slanderer Adversary God of this World Prince of the powers of the air Prince of the world rulers in darkness
Reinforcement & Reconnaissance: Timothy Report Faith & charity Precious memories Reciprocal desire for fellowship
Rejoicing: Paul Comfort From affliction & distress By their faith Life Joy Overflowing that cannot be repaid That had born great prayer
Remembrance: Prayer Character Day and night Intensely and earnestly Content Face-to-face fellowship Perfect their faith For Paul, et. Al. ○ A clear path to them For the Thessalonians ○ Love One another All men ○ Establish their hearts blameless Conclusion Parousia
Chapter 1 The Son, who was raised for the dead, coming from heaven Wrath Chapter 2 The Lord Jesus Christ Paul and the Thessalonians in His presence ○ Hope, joy, crown, glory Chapter 3 The Lord Jesus Christ With all his saints
Parousia