Thessalonians
Sermon • Submitted • Presented • 34:45
0 ratings
· 6 viewsFiles
Notes
Transcript
Thessalonians
1 & 2 Thessalonians
Online Sermon:
http://www.mckeesfamily.com/?page_id=3567
During Roman rule (167 BC to Ad 395) Thessalonica
functioned as one of the most important cities in all of
Macedonia.1 The city was founded by king Cassander who
solidified twenty-six villages in the region into one city2 built
near the ancient site of Therme.3 The king named the city after
his wife, Thessalonike.4 The city population is estimated to
range from 1005 to 2006 thousand people, making it “among the
1
Andrew R. Talbert, “Thessalonica,” ed. John D. Barry et al., The Lexham Bible Dictionary
(Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016).
2 Gene L. Green, The Letters to the Thessalonians, The Pillar New Testament Commentary
(Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester, England: W.B. Eerdmans Pub.; Apollos, 2002), 2.
3
Andrew R. Talbert, “Thessalonica,” ed. John D. Barry et al., The Lexham Bible Dictionary
(Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016).
4 Andrew R. Talbert, “Thessalonica,” ed. John D. Barry et al., The Lexham Bible Dictionary
top ten largest cities in the Roman Empire.”7 The success of
Thessalonica was predominantly due to three geographical
factors.8 First, the city
was built on a natural
harbor on the Aegean Sea9
that had deep anchorage
and
had
excellent
“protection from the
dangerous
southeast
10
winds.” This port not
only gave access to the
cities of the Aegean but beyond to the great ports in Syria,
Palestine, and Egypt.11 The second geological factor attributed
to Thessalonica’s success was due to the city being situated near
the Via Enatia, a major highway built by the Romans, which
gave it access to “major land travel routes.”12 Third,
7
Jeffrey A. D. Weima, Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament: 1–2
Thessalonians, ed. Robert W. Yarbrough and Robert H. Stein (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker
Academic, 2014), 3.
8 Clinton E. Arnold, Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary: Romans to
Philemon., vol. 3 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2002), 406.
9 Grant R. Osborne, 1 & 2 Thessalonians: Verse by Verse, ed. Elliot Ritzema and Danielle
Thevenaz, Osborne New Testament Commentaries (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2018), 5.
(Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016).
10 Jeffrey A. D. Weima, Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament: 1–2
5 Jeffrey A. D. Weima, Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament: 1–2
Thessalonians, ed. Robert W. Yarbrough and Robert H. Stein (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker
Academic, 2014), 1.
Thessalonians, ed. Robert W. Yarbrough and Robert H. Stein (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker
Academic, 2014), 2–3.
11 Gene L. Green, The Letters to the Thessalonians, The Pillar New Testament Commentary
6 Mark Howell et al., Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Thessalonians (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference,
2015), 4.
1|Page
(Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester, England: W.B. Eerdmans Pub.; Apollos, 2002), 2.
12
Jeffrey A. D. Weima, Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament: 1–2
Thessalonians, ed. Robert W. Yarbrough and Robert H. Stein (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker
Academic, 2014), 2.
Thessalonica was situated in fertile lands nourished by abundant
rivers, such as the Axius and Haliacmon, and was rich in
“mineral deposits (gold, silver, iron, copper, lead), and vast
forests to provide timber for building.”13 Since no other city in
Macedonia had such geographic/strategic advantages, a writer
of the time Meletius proclaimed, “So long as nature does not
change, Thessalonica will remain wealthy and fortunate.”14
Favoured Political Status and Government
Unlike their neighboring communities Thessalonica was
a free city.15 This “favored political status” was granted to the
city due to its fierce loyalty to Rome.16 For instance, when the
Macedonian rebellion was quelled, the Thessalonians put up a
statue to their conqueror, Metellus, calling him “their savior and
benefactor!”17 Also, for switching their support from Brutus and
Cassius to Marc Antony and Octavian18 they were given the
status of a “free city” which was only granted when a place
“displayed remarkable loyalty to
the interests of the Roman
people.”19 This favored status
meant Thessalonica was exempt
from paying tribute to Rome, could
mint their own coins, was free from
military occupation, and was free
to govern themselves.20 They had
between five and six politarchs
who had a term of one year21 and
were responsible to “convoke the
assembly of citizens and to put
their seal on decrees and assure
22
they were executed.” Like “truly Roman cities, women held
13 Jeffrey A. D. Weima, Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament: 1–2
18 Jeffrey A. D. Weima, Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament: 1–2
Thessalonians, ed. Robert W. Yarbrough and Robert H. Stein (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker
Academic, 2014), 2.
Thessalonians, ed. Robert W. Yarbrough and Robert H. Stein (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker
Academic, 2014), 4.
14 James H. Grant Jr., 1 & 2 Thessalonians: The Hope of Salvation, ed. R. Kent Hughes,
19 Jeffrey A. D. Weima, Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament: 1–2
Preaching the Word (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2011), 23.
Thessalonians, ed. Robert W. Yarbrough and Robert H. Stein (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker
Academic, 2014), 4.
15
Clinton E. Arnold, Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary: Romans to
Philemon., vol. 3 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2002), 406.
16 Jeffrey A. D. Weima, NT350 Book Study: 1 & 2 Thessalonians, Logos Mobile Education
(Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2020).
17
Jeffrey A. D. Weima, NT350 Book Study: 1 & 2 Thessalonians, Logos Mobile Education
(Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2020).
20 Gene L. Green, The Letters to the Thessalonians, The Pillar New Testament Commentary
(Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester, England: W.B. Eerdmans Pub.; Apollos, 2002), 21.
21 Gene L. Green, The Letters to the Thessalonians, The Pillar New Testament Commentary
(Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester, England: W.B. Eerdmans Pub.; Apollos, 2002), 21–22.
22 Gene L. Green, The Letters to the Thessalonians, The Pillar New Testament Commentary
(Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester, England: W.B. Eerdmans Pub.; Apollos, 2002), 22.
2|Page
places of honor and authority” at Thessalonica as well.23 While
they had the freedom to govern their own affairs, the fact that
they had a Roman treasurer to govern their finances24 and many
Roman officials living in their city,25 constantly reminded them
that their “favored status” did not come without strings attached!
This explains why a mob was so easily formed and the city
officials were “thrown into turmoil” when some jealous Jews
said that Paul and his companions had “caused trouble all over
the world” and were “defying Caesar’s decrees” and saying there
“another king, one called Jesus” (Acts 17:6-7)!
Religiously Pluralistic Environment
Like every major city in the ancient world, Thessalonica
had gods and the emperor whom they worshipped.26 The patron
god of the city was Cabirus. He was a “martyred hero, murdered
by his two brothers, buried with symbols of royal power, and
expected to return to help the oppressed poor in general and the
citizens of Thessalonica in particular.”27 Archaeological and
coin evidence exists of twenty-five other gods (or) heros28 such
as Dionysius whose
symbol was the phallus
or male sex organ who
was always associated
with
wine
and
29
drinking, Serapis the
Greco-Egyptian deity of
the sun, Isis the Egyptian
goddess of love, healing,
fertility, magic, and the
moon, Anubis the Egyptian jackal-headed god of the afterlife,30
Aphrodite the goddess of love,31 Demeter the goddess of harvest
and agriculture, and Zeus the king of the Greek gods. Not only
did Paul have to contend with these gods but also Judaism and
its strict adherence to the Mosaic Law32 and the worship of
23 Gordon D. Fee, The First and Second Letters to the Thessalonians, The New International
28 Jeffrey A. D. Weima, NT350 Book Study: 1 & 2 Thessalonians, Logos Mobile Education
Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.,
2009), 5–6.
(Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2020).
24
(Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2020).
Gene L. Green, The Letters to the Thessalonians, The Pillar New Testament Commentary
(Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester, England: W.B. Eerdmans Pub.; Apollos, 2002), 23–24.
25 Gene L. Green, The Letters to the Thessalonians, The Pillar New Testament Commentary
(Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester, England: W.B. Eerdmans Pub.; Apollos, 2002), 23.
26 Jeffrey A. D. Weima, NT350 Book Study: 1 & 2 Thessalonians, Logos Mobile Education
(Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2020).
27 Clinton E. Arnold, Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary: Romans to
Philemon., vol. 3 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2002), 406–407.
3|Page
29 Jeffrey A. D. Weima, NT350 Book Study: 1 & 2 Thessalonians, Logos Mobile Education
30
Jeffrey A. D. Weima, NT350 Book Study: 1 & 2 Thessalonians, Logos Mobile Education
(Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2020).
31 Jeffrey A. D. Weima, NT350 Book Study: 1 & 2 Thessalonians, Logos Mobile Education
(Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2020).
32
Gary Steven Shogren, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New
Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2012), 19.
Emperors whom the people believed were divine.33 This
pluralistic environment affected every aspect of the
Thessalonian’s daily life. For instance, to be a good “Roman”
citizen you had to participate in “feasts, sacrifices, celebrations,
games, and other public events.”34 Fortune-telling, astrology,
and pilgrimages to shrines to get “answers to questions of love,
success at business, and health,” were common.35 Theatrical
works often portrayed violence and drinking, gambling, and sex
was part of the economy. Men were expected to have an active
sex life, often bisexual, with “slaves, prostitutes, and lovers.”36
The distress Apostle Paul felt over Athens being “full of idols”
(Acts 17:6) was likely the same way he felt concerning the city
of Thessalonica!37
Authorship and Dates
33 Clinton E. Arnold, Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary: Romans to
39 Daniel M. Gurtner, “Introduction to 1 and 2 Thessalonians,” in The Bible Knowledge
Philemon., vol. 3 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2002), 407.
Background Commentary: Acts–Philemon, ed. Craig A. Evans and Craig A. Bubeck, First
Edition. (Colorado Springs, CO: David C Cook, 2004), 610.
34 Gary Steven Shogren, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New
Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2012), 19.
35
Gary Steven Shogren, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New
Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2012), 19.
36 Gary Steven Shogren, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New
Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2012), 20.
37 Jeffrey A. D. Weima, NT350 Book Study: 1 & 2 Thessalonians, Logos Mobile Education
(Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2020).
38 Anthony C. Thiselton, 1 & 2 Thessalonians through the Centuries, ed. John Sawyer et al.,
Wiley Blackwell Bible Commentaries (West Sussex, UK: Wiley-Blackwell, 2011), 7.
4|Page
First and Second Thessalonians are some of the oldest
Christian writings of the New Testament,38 written even before
the church offices of deacons and presbyters were developed.39
Both letters were written during Paul’s second missionary
journey between 49 and 51 AD.40 Sometime after the
Jerusalem council where it was decided that Christians were
not required to follow the Mosaic Law (Acts 15:1-29), Paul and
Silas left Antioch, was joined by Timothy (16:1-3),41 and headed
to Asia Minor to spread the Good News (16:6-8). Summoned
by God (16:9-10) to preach in Macedonia they went to Philippi
and planted a church there. Paul preached in the local
synagogue on the Sabbaths and the rest of the week he and his
co-workers supported themselves working as tentmakers (Acts
18:3).42 After having received a severe flogging by Roman
officials and put in prison, they, or at least Paul himself, 43
40 Grant R. Osborne, 1 & 2 Thessalonians: Verse by Verse, ed. Elliot Ritzema and Danielle
Thevenaz, Osborne New Testament Commentaries (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2018), 4.
41 Gary Steven Shogren, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New
Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2012), 21.
42
Clinton E. Arnold, Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary: Romans to
Philemon., vol. 3 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2002), 408.
43 F. F. Bruce, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, vol. 45, Word Biblical Commentary (Dallas: Word,
Incorporated, 1982), xxi.
“travelled Via Egnatia westward to Thessalonica.”44 Several
Jews and even more Gentiles came to know Christ (Acts 17:1-4)
but persecution broke out and they left and travelled to Berea
and then to the
province of Achaia
(Acts 17:5–10, 15–
16).45 The writing
of both letters
occurred
while
Paul
was
at
Corinth, about a
year after he was forced to leave Thessalonica.46 While both
letters could have been written by Paul, Silas, and Timothy,47
very few scholars question Paul alone writing the first letter due
to “vocabulary, style, and content being typical of Paul.”48 And
though while the second letter “coming across as more harsh,
cold,”49 the mention of the man of lawlessness reflecting Nero
redivivus (Neor revived) legend of the 80s and 90s,50 and
repetition of words from the first letter indicating another
author copying the first letter’s material; I agree with the
scholars up until the 19th century that Apostle Paul is the author
of both letters as he clearly stated in scripture (1 Thess 1:1;
2:18; 2 Thess 1:1; 3:17)!51
44 Gary Steven Shogren, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New
49 Daniel M. Gurtner, “Introduction to 1 and 2 Thessalonians,” in The Bible Knowledge
Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2012), 21.
Background Commentary: Acts–Philemon, ed. Craig A. Evans and Craig A. Bubeck, First
Edition. (Colorado Springs, CO: David C Cook, 2004), 609.
45 Grant R. Osborne, 1 & 2 Thessalonians: Verse by Verse, ed. Elliot Ritzema and Danielle
Thevenaz, Osborne New Testament Commentaries (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2018), 4.
46 Grant R. Osborne, 1 & 2 Thessalonians: Verse by Verse, ed. Elliot Ritzema and Danielle
Thevenaz, Osborne New Testament Commentaries (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2018), 4.
Themes
There are many reasons that Apostle Paul wrote two letters
to the church of Thessalonica. First, Paul wanted to remind his
readers that he “he did not compromise God’s message to earn
approval from mere mortals (2:3-6) but instead worked overtime to
earn his own keep and strived to be pure, upright, and blameless
(2:10).52 Second, even though their refusal to be associated with the
city’s temples, shrines, worship of many gods and the Emperor had
resulted in being shamed by their community, Paul reminded them
50 Grant R. Osborne, 1 & 2 Thessalonians: Verse by Verse, ed. Elliot Ritzema and Danielle
Thevenaz, Osborne New Testament Commentaries (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2018), 3.
51
47 Gordon D. Fee, The First and Second Letters to the Thessalonians, The New International
Grant R. Osborne, 1 & 2 Thessalonians: Verse by Verse, ed. Elliot Ritzema and Danielle
Thevenaz, Osborne New Testament Commentaries (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2018), 1–
2.
Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.,
2009), 4.
52 Mark Allan Powell, Introducing the New Testament: A Historical, Literary, and Theological
48
Daniel M. Gurtner, “Introduction to 1 and 2 Thessalonians,” in The Bible Knowledge
Background Commentary: Acts–Philemon, ed. Craig A. Evans and Craig A. Bubeck, First
Edition. (Colorado Springs, CO: David C Cook, 2004), 609.
5|Page
Survey (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2009), 377–378.
they are honored in the eyes of God.53 Third, Paul wanted to
emphasize how important it was to God for them to abstain from
sexual relations and lustful passions outside the marriage (4:3-8).54
Fourth, Paul wanted to remind them that those who oppose God are
not outside
His power55
for the Day
of the Lord is
quickly
coming
when “He
will bring flaming fire and will wreak terrible vengeance on those who
do not know God and on those who do not obey Him (1:7-8). 56 Fifth,
Paul wanted to clear up the misconception that the Lord had already
come. This day will not come until the rebellion comes, the lawless
one is revealed, and he takes his seat in the temple of God and
declares himself to be God (2:1-8).57 Those Christians who die before
the return of Christ will not miss the event nor will they be robbed of
their reward for remaining steadfast in the faith. He assured them
that upon Christ’s return the dead will raise first and then be caught
up in the air with the living.58 And finally, until the Lord returns Paul
implores to not be idle but to continue to work with their hands so
that they will not be a burden on anyone (4:11-12. 2:9).59
53
Mark Allan Powell, Introducing the New Testament: A Historical, Literary, and Theological
Survey (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2009), 380.
57
54 Mark Allan Powell, Introducing the New Testament: A Historical, Literary, and Theological
58 Mark Allan Powell, Introducing the New Testament: A Historical, Literary, and Theological
Survey (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2009), 381.
Survey (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2009), 383.
55 James H. Grant Jr., 1 & 2 Thessalonians: The Hope of Salvation, ed. R. Kent Hughes,
59 Mark Allan Powell, Introducing the New Testament: A Historical, Literary, and Theological
Preaching the Word (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2011), 18.
Survey (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2009), 381.
56 Mark Allan Powell, Introducing the New Testament: A Historical, Literary, and Theological
60 Clinton E. Arnold, Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary: Romans to
Survey (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2009), 391.
Philemon., vol. 3 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2002), 408.
6|Page
Church Life
Picture a life spent in Thessalonica, a flourishing city
within the vast Roman Empire. Blessed with a natural harbor
along the Aegean Sea, the strategic Via Egnatia highway, and
abundant natural resources, Thessalonica thrives, offering even
t he less fortunate a glimmer of hope through their patron god
Cabirus. Your daily routine isn't merely centered around work;
as a Thessalonian, you engage in feasts, sacrifices, celebrations,
and games honoring both the Roman Emperor and a multitude
of Greek and Egyptian gods. Now, envision encountering the
Apostle Paul amid his laborious work at a leatherwork bench,
meticulously cutting and sewing to craft tents.60 Unlike the
affluent merchants or influential politarchs in your city, Paul's
lack of wealth and power is overshadowed by his intriguing
devotion to a singular God. This unique Deity, unlike the others,
doesn't demand worship or tribute for favor but instead offers
Mark Allan Powell, Introducing the New Testament: A Historical, Literary, and Theological
Survey (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2009), 392.
forgiveness of sins, breath, and life not only in this world but for
eternity (Acts 17:25). As Paul affectionately gazes at you, he
extends his customary greeting of grace and peace. This greeting
is not just an invitation to
servitude but an invitation
to become a child of God.61
The conversation takes an
intriguing turn as Paul
invites you to join his
growing
congregation.
Despite the presence of
influential women and
prosperous
merchants,62
your hesitation arises from
the church's perceived
disloyalty to Rome, their monotheistic beliefs, and their
commitment to marital fidelity. Choosing to align yourself with
them means inviting persecution upon yourself and your family.
However, you willingly forsake your idols, embracing the living
God (1:9),63 and bow before the one true King, Jesus, as you
invite His transformative power into your heart.
Invitation
61 Gary Steven Shogren, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New
63 Clinton E. Arnold, Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary: Romans to
Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2012), 24.
Philemon., vol. 3 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2002), 408.
62 Clinton E. Arnold, Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary: Romans to
Philemon., vol. 3 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2002), 409.
7|Page
I want to invite you to place yourself within the story of
the Thessalonians. This, of course, is not much of a reach for
we too live in a materialistic world that worships many gods,
especially the god of self! While as North Americans we are not
conquered by external forces, most are enslaved by the lust of
the eyes, flesh, and the pride of life! Despite not facing
systematic persecution to the extent of the Thessalonians,
numerous individuals in North America opt for the broad path to
avoid ridicule for their perceived narrow-minded and bigoted
belief in the absolute truth of a singular God. In both of Apostle
Paul's letters, he addresses solutions to challenges prevalent in
our daily lives. How can we maintain purity in our ways amidst
a crooked generation fixated on seeking pleasure? Consider, for
example, how we can uphold and defend the truth that sex is
meant to be enjoyed exclusively within the confines of marriage.
How do we navigate persecution in a manner that honors and
directs attention to the love and comfort of our God, to whom
we willingly submit? Additionally, how should we respond to
those capable but unwilling to work? And how can we articulate
to the world the significance of the Day of the Lord and its
eternal implications? All of these questions and more will be
answered in these two letters, so pray that God will open your
hearts to His truth and be glad you are His child!