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