1 Thessalonians 1

Greeting

1 (who were with Paul at the planting of this Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,

church) (the called out people/assembly) To the church of the Thessalonians in

(referring to being called out in relationship with God, under His ownership, God

by His instrumental cause, for a particular function and under His protection) the

(no longer our Judge and enemy) (our Master Father and the Lord Jesus Christ

and Savior):

(unmerited favor—as God loved us when we were yet sinners) Grace to you

(peace between us and God) and peace from God our Father and the Lord

(all through their grace toward us—no merit, deserving or earning of Jesus Christ

our own).

Their Good Example

2 (who is the instrumental cause of His gracious plan We give thanks to God

and work) (continually, without ceasing) (concerning your good always for you all

fortune as recipients of God’s grace), making mention of you in our prayers

(thanking, praising God for adopting you into His family and praying for your full

cooperation and participation as sons), 3 [1]remembering without ceasing your

(i.e., your work which is the result of the faith given you [Eph. 2:8-work of faith

10] which shows you truly have living faith not dead faith which consists of your),

[2] (your) (whereby you desire to help others, compassionately labor of love

practicing the one-another’s), [3] (your) (steadfastness) and patience of hope

(the result of God’s and Christ’s Person, promises, return, etc. – This is your

means for enduring troubles with courage, without self-pity, etc.) in our Lord

(your hope being in Christ Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father,

when you stand before God the Father) 4 knowing, beloved brethren, your

(by God’s love for you which comes from eternity and extends election by God

throughout eternity). 5 (the reason for the evidences of your election and thus For

faith is that) (meaning simply our gospel did not come to you in word only

words/ideas [or] that you only heard the words and not the truth within them [or]

not the words of false gods), (with enough spiritual dynamite to but also in power

demolish the old man and false gods) , (God) (the and in the Holy Spirit

permanent, unlimited source and perfect director of this power) and in much

(complete conviction), assurance as you know what kind of men we were

(being without wax—our ministry being all about you among you for your sake

and not about us). 6 (imitators) And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having

(as the world took out its frustration and received the word in much affliction

anger on you—the Holy Spirit’s power turned it into joy as you suffered like Jesus

and for Him), (“Joy is the standard/banner that flies on the battlements of with joy

the heart when the King is in residence.” –R. Leonard Small) of the Holy Spirit,7 so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe

(as you imitated you became examples). 8 For from you the word of the Lord

(like the crack of thunder and then its reverberating echo has sounded forth

continuing on), not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place

(there and beyond). Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not

(There’s nothing left that we could tell or model for them need to say anything

that you haven’t already said and done). 9 (the Thessalonians) For they

(Paul, Silas and Timothy) themselves declare concerning us what manner of

(i.e., how we came to Thessalonica with the gospel which entry we had to you

we shared with you and the life we modeled), and how you turned to God from

(a form of the word “doulos,” slave) (God verses dead idols to serve the living

gods) (verses false gods—You told others your stories of how you and true God

willingly, voluntarily gave up your gods to serve Christ), 10 (“wait” in and to wait

the same sense that a host eagerly awaits a guest and is prepared to greet them

[cp., v. 3]) (God the Son) (God the Father)for His Son from heaven, whom He

(rescues gospel believers raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers

“from” not “through” God’s wrath) (as God removed us from the wrath to come

Lot before He vented His wrath upon Sodom).

1 Thessalonians 2

Paul’s Conduct

(they came to For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you

Thessalonica from Philippi, after their being beaten and imprisoned and

throughout, they were being accused of exploiting the people through religion,

being religious charlatans) (i.e., “empty handed”—they didn’t was not in vain

come empty handed to fill their hands by stealing from the people – they came

with “FULL” hands bearing gifts for the people, c.p., 1:5; 2:5, 8-9). 2 (far from But

it) even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi,

(all because of God and His spiritual gifts they came bearing), as you know we

(in spite of the anguish we continued on courageously) (on were bold in our God

behalf of Him and by His enabling) to speak to you the gospel of God in much

(“in great, profound, battle, agony, struggle, conflict”—it’s the word for conflict

athletic games). 3 (appeal, entreaty) For our exhortation did not come from

(deceit, straying from truth or piety into error) (preaching error or uncleanness

the right message, but with wrong motives), (straying from nor was it in deceit

truth or piety into error). 4 (on the contrary) (tested and found But as we have been approved by God

meeting God’s criteria) (preaching the right to be entrusted with the gospel

message for all the right reasons), even so we speak, not as pleasing men

(affirming them in their human beliefs and behaviors), (continually) but God who

(not just our content, but our motives and attitudes). 5 tests our hearts For

(we did not encourage any neither at any time did we use flattering words

wrong/selfish behaviors or beliefs), (as you witnessed the backlash as you know

we received for not doing so), (we did not use nor a cloak for covetousness

religion to mask greedy exploits) 6 — God is witness. Nor did we seek glory

(praise, honor, acclaim) (no matter from men, either from you or from others

who they may be), when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ

(we don’t even make claims or demands on what is rightfully ours). 7 But we were

(is focused) gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own

(looking to give kind and loving care to you, not expecting to be cared children

for). 8 (our motivation is not greed or praise, So, affectionately longing for you

but love), we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God,

(our determination is to not only share the gospel but our but also our own lives

lives, to live life alongside you), (Paul because you had become dear to us

sought their personal wellbeing, not their servitude or goods). 9 For you

(our real and exhausting service on your remember, brethren, our labor and toil

behalf); (around the clock), for laboring night and day that we might not be a

(a single one of you), burden to any of you we preached to you the gospel of

(free of charge, exempt of any selfish motives, ambitions). God10 (“holy” faithfully fulfilling You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly

the will of God) (“righteously” faithfully exemplifying the character of and justly

God) (without fault among the children of God) and blamelessly we behaved

11 (we ourselves among you who believe; as you know how we exhorted,

called you to our side to encourage you) (cheered for you and and comforted

supported you in your attempts to move spiritually forward), and charged every

(testified as to what you knew was possible, imploring you to press on one of you

towards those possibilities), (out of love, as a father does his own children

concern, and hope), 12 (spend, live you lives that you would walk worthy of God

in harmony with and reverently towards God) (the God who continually who calls

puts people into His kingdom and under His rule—calling one to salvation, then to

sanctification) (the physical realm of God’s presence you into His own kingdom

and rule) (the splendor and glorious benefits of His Person, kingdom and glory

and rule).

Their Conversion

13 (that the gospel has been so wonderfully received) For this reason we also

(recognizing that God did the work in drawing you folks to Himself) thank God

(meaning we can never thank God enough, our hearts are never without ceasing

empty of thanks to God), (the because when you received the word of God

truth and power that God provided, imparted to you) which you heard from us

(heard, not received from us, as man has no power to save—we shared about

God, His truth and His power, He gave it to you so you could receive it), you

welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God

(you responded to the intervention of God, not the charisma or salesmanship of

man), (because the truth and power of the word of which also effectively works

God is not from man, of human origin or ability and thus vulnerability) in you who

(who have placed saving faith in Christ as Savior and Lord). 14 (we believe For

know you received the Word of God, because) you, brethren, became imitators

(replicas, duplications) (the local assemblies of gospel of the churches of God

believers) which are in Judea in Christ Jesus. For you also suffered the same

(endured the same afflictions, persecutions) (at the hands of) things from your

(fellow) (you are proven to own countrymen, just as they did from the Judeans

be good soil bearing a hundredfold—cf., Acts 17:5-8), 15 who killed both the Lord

(the genuine manifestation of God the Messiah) Jesus and their own prophets

(God’s servants who testified of the Messiah’s coming), and have persecuted us

(gospel believers who testify that the Messiah has come—These kinds of men

continue to persecute the church of Christ today); and they do not please

(glorify) (all mankind—they think and act God and are contrary to all men

contrary to their purpose of existence—to glorify God [cf., 1 Thess. 4:1; Rom. 8:8;

1 Cor. 7:32; 10:31]—Are they impeding God’s will though? Is there a difference

between acting contrary to God’s will and impeding it? [Cf., Rom. 8:28 “uses all

things for good…”; Rom. 9:22, Potter and clay, “What if God wanting to show His

wrath and power…”; Prov. 16:4, “The Lord has made all for Himself, yes, even the

wicked…”; Gen. 50:20, Joseph’s brothers who sold him into slavery {God meant it

for good}; Ex. 10:1, Pharaoh whose heart God hardened to show the plagues;

Goliath, the Assyrian’s against the northern kingdom; the Babylonian’s against the

Southern Kingdom, etc..), 16 (gospel believers, Christ followers) forbidding us to

(even) (they don’t want to see speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved

even the Gentile “dogs” place saving faith in Christ), (as the so as always

unsaved can only produce one kind of fruit [cf., Isa. 64:6—even their

righteousness’s are filthy rags]) (the limit—in volume and to fill up the measure

kind—God is in control) (they press on continually in their present of their sins

function of unbelief); (the conclusion of their labor is far different than the but

gospel believers as) (punishment) (not just the Jews wrath has come upon them

persecuting them in Thessalonica, but the Jewish nation as a whole whom they

represent) (as their condition is presently, so shall it be at their to the uttermost

conclusion without hope of remedy—they are the ones who will ultimately suffer

and forever without hope—The gospel believers suffering is very temporary

compared to this and will ultimately bring them special reward rather than

judgment.—Another aspect of this is that God has rejected Israel until the

fulfillment of the Times of the Gentiles, cf., Rom. 11:25).

Longing to See Them

17 (due to this persecution) (dear family), But we, brethren having been taken

(torn) (orphaned) ([Acts 17:5-10] thus it was a painful, heart away from you

wrenching and undesirable separation like a mother separated from her child—

Paul and the team weren’t happy to have an excuse to get out of there.) for a

(your physical) (though—You will always be short time in presence, not in heart

very close to our heart, and because you are so dear to us we), endeavored

(we set out all the more diligently, determinedly) more eagerly to see your

(physical) (with great yearning). 18 (because of face with great desire Therefore

this heart wrenching separation) (we resolved) (to we wanted to come to you

Thessalonica) (several times) —even I, Paul, time and again —but Satan

(prevented) 19 (the reason we want to see you so badly is) hindered us. For what

(the basis for) (anticipation, expectation) (the reason for our) is our hope , or joy,

(the reward of our) (boasting, exaltation) or crown of rejoicing ? Is it not even

(i.e., presenting you gospel believers of Thessalonica) you in the presence of

(at the Judgment Seat of Christ, where our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming

every gospel believer’s life is evaluated) 20 (not your money, ? For you

possessions or accolades) (our splendor at this judgment) are our glory and joy

(our cause for delight).

1 Thessalonians 3

Concern for Their Faith

3 (because we have such a love, hope and joy concerning you), Therefore

(we could no longer suppress it and do when we could no longer endure it

nothing about it), (we all agreed) (better) we thought it good to be left in Athens

(i.e., to break our team up, diminishing our full strength even amidst the alone

idolatry of Athens), 2 (as he had not been driven out of and sent Timothy

Thessalonica as we were), (called and saved by the Lord) our brother and

(set apart and put into service to the Lord), minister of God and our fellow

(a team man, helping to fulfill the will of our Lord together) laborer in the gospel

(going forth making disciples for the Lord), (to bring you to of Christ to establish

a firm resolve, a fixed place, to affirm) (exhort, comfort, help) you and encourage

(concerning the profession you have made in Christ; you concerning your faith

so that no person, movement, persecution, philosophy or thing could deter you

from your profession of faith), 3 (not a single one of you, at any time) that no one

(disturbed, unsettled, deceived, disheartened) should be shaken by these

(that you suffer from your countrymen—whether they profess Christ afflictions

like yourself or are unbelievers—from friendly fire or enemy fire—from the ill-

meaning or the well-meaning); (by instruction, for you yourselves know

example, and experience) (gospel believers) (set) that we are appointed to this

(Affliction is a natural and inevitable byproduct of salvation [cf., Jn. 16:33; Acts

14:22; Rom. 5:3; 8:35-39; 12:12; 2 Cor. 1:4; 7:4; 2 Tim. 3:12]1). 4 (this For, in fact

ought to be no surprise to you as), we told you before when we were with you

(this very thing) (all, together, as a whole) (not may, but would)that we would

(afflictions of all sorts), (has) suffer tribulation just as it happened, and you

(you now are experiencing [cf., John 16:1, 4]2). 5 (knowing know For this reason

of the afflictions you face and would continue to face and the temptations they

1 John 16:33 – These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will

have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Acts 14:22 – strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and

saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.”

Romans 5:3 – And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces

perseverance;

Romans 8:35–39 – Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or

persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written: “For Your sake we are

killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” 37 Yet in all these things we are

more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor

life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height

nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is

in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 12:12 – rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;

2 Corinthians 1:4 – who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who

are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

2 Corinthians 7:4 – Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my boasting on your

behalf. I am filled with comfort. I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation.

2 Timothy 3:12 – Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

2 John 16:1 – “These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble.

John 16:4 – But these things I have told you, that when the time comes, you may remember that I

told you of them. “And these things I did not say to you at the beginning, because I was with you.

would provoke within you), (I could no longer when I could no longer endure it

bear my concern for you), (Timothy) (to see whether I sent to know your faith

you were holding true to your profession), (of lest by some means

affliction/persecution) (Satan) (successfully) (to the tempter had tempted you

abandon or neutralize your faith), (of making faith-filled and faithful and our labor

disciples out of you) (i.e., worthless, without effect, empty—that might be in vain

our hope, joy and crown of rejoicing would vanish like the mist).

Encouraged by Timothy

6 (having sent Timothy to you and) (back) But now that Timothy has come to us

(now at Corinth) [1] (continuing) from you, and brought us good news of your

(your being the only kind of Christians God means us to be—That you were faith

not abandoning the faith given to you due to persecution/affliction, [1:3] but were

continuing to evangelize, study the Scriptures, pray, fellowship and worship

together) [2] (your continuing to express the compassion of Christ and love

towards others), [3] (not and that you always have good remembrance of us

having a changed, negative attitude toward us), (again greatly desiring to see us

for further fellowship and discipleship), (for the same as we also to see you

reasons)— 7 (for this reason or cause), therefore brethren, in all our affliction

(severe physical privations) (relentless sufferings by antagonists) and distress we

(revitalized, energized, further inspired) were comforted concerning you by

(continued, active, growing) 8 (in joy and harmony your faith. For now we live

with “both” worlds, through that which your now continuing, proven, earthly,

spiritually transforming life provides and the ever increasing heavenly reward for

our faithful devotion and service to our Master), (continue to) if you stand fast

(resolute, persevere) (as you abide in Him we will continue to live in in the Lord

this way).

9 (how can we ever adequately express our For what thanks can we render

gratitude, not to the Thessalonians, but) , (as we can breathe to God for you

again concerning you as you have not added to the affliction and distress of our

already severely challenged heart—Thanks be to God!) (for all the for all the joy

multiple sensations and expressions) (experience and with which we rejoice

ecstatically lift up) (on behalf of you) , (for the for your sake before our God

spiritual life that continues to grow in you and shine through you) 10 night and day

(24/7 in the past, present and future; praying) (literally, praying exceedingly

“more than out of abundance” more than a lot or what would be deemed

necessary or ordinary) (that we may rejoice with you that we may see your face

personally) (adjust, further develop) (where there is and perfect what is lacking

room to grow even more) (and have the privilege and joy of further in your faith

instructing such wonderful disciples)?

Prayer for the Church

11 (amplifying verse 10—Praying that) (our Now may our God and Father

parental Guardian) (our Master and Savior) Himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ,

(make it His will and thus possible for all of us to revisit direct our way to you

you). 12 (which may be the Holy Spirit here) (cause) And may the Lord make you

(to super abound in quality and/or quantity, to multiply increase and abound

endlessly over and over again) in love to one another (to sustain your church 3

family and as well, “By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have

3 1 Corinthians 13:13 – And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

John 13:34 (NASB95) – “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have

loved you, that you also love one another.

Romans 13:8 (NASB95) – Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his

neighbor has fulfilled the law.

1 Thessalonians 4:9 (NASB95) – Now as to the love of the brethren, you have no need for anyone to

write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another;

1 Peter 1:22 (NASB95) – Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love

of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart,

1 John 3:11 (NASB95) – For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning, that we

should love one another;

1 John 3:23 (NASB95) – This is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ,

and love one another, just as He commanded us.

love for one another,” Jn. 13:35) and to all (to grow in numbers as a church 4

family; “…love your enemies” Mat. 5:44; “for my people, my Jewish brothers

and sisters. I would be willing to be forever cursed—cut off from Christ!—if

that would save them.” Romans 9:3 [NLT]); “When [Jesus] saw the multitudes,

He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and

scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.” Matthew 9:36), (just just as we do

as we demonstrate our love) (Thessalonians), 13 (to the end that, to you so that

by this love) ([lit.] “to turn resolutely in a certain direction, or He may establish

[fig.] to confirm”5) (the control center of your being/life6) your hearts blameless

(live lives separated from sin) (live lives separated to God) in holiness before our

(when our lives are God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ

4 Matthew 5:43–48 (NASB95) – “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate

your enemy.’ 44 “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that

you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good,

and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 “For if you love those who love you, what

reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 “If you greet only your brothers,

what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 “Therefore you are to

be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Luke 10:25–37 (NASB95) – And a lawyer stood up and put Him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I

do to inherit eternal life?” 26 And He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How does it read to you?”

27 And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and

with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” 28 And He said to him,

“You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.” 29 But wishing to justify himself, he said to

Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30 Jesus replied and said, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to

Jericho, and fell among robbers, and they stripped him and beat him, and went away leaving him half

dead. 31 “And by chance a priest was going down on that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on

the other side. 32 “Likewise a Levite also, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the

other side. 33 “But a Samaritan, who was on a journey, came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt

compassion, 34 and came to him and bandaged up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them; and he

put him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 “On the next day he took

out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper and said, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you

spend, when I return I will repay you.’ 36 “Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to

the man who fell into the robbers’ hands?” 37 And he said, “The one who showed mercy toward him.”

Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do the same.”

5 Strong, J. (1996). The New Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew and Greek Words. Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

6 Keep (guard, keep an eye on), your heart with (not a little, 50% or even 99% but), all diligence

(“above or more than all”—so guard your heart with more care and diligence than anything else), for

out of it (your heart), spring the issues of life, (meaning your heart determines the course of your life –

God is telling us that our heart will be the mastermind of every decision, plan and choice we make during

our lifetime). Pr 4:23

evaluated at the Judgment Seat of Christ) (that come with Him with all His saints

that preceded us to heaven as well).

1 Thessalonians 4

Plea for Purity

Finally (a new and last matter) (entreat) then , brethren, we urge and exhort

(beg) (in behalf of and for the benefit of) in the Lord Jesus that you should

(in excess), (willingly and purposely) abound more and more just as you

(instruction) (were meant) (to continue received from us how you ought to walk

to move forward in how you ought to live out your life) (by and to please God

doing so—this is your purpose in life, super abound in doing so—may your life be

an artesian well of over flowing glory to God—which is more desiring Him and

spending time with Him than doing things for Him—the latter is the byproduct of

the former); 2 (already) (the military term for for you know what commandments

commands, orders) (by the authority of) we gave you through the Lord Jesus

(you don’t need anything new, you simply need to act on and expand what you

already know).

3 (the reason you are being begged to follow these orders is that) For this is the

, (God desires) (for you to be holy as He is holy [1 will of God your sanctification

Pet. 1:16] – God’s will is for gospel believers to become in practice what He has

made us positionally in providing us the righteousness of Christ [Phil. 3:9] what

that would look like is): (avoid) that you should abstain from sexual immorality

(avoid desacralizing sex in every respect – e.g., whether single or married,

whether desires or actions); 4 (in order that) that each of you should know how

(should learn for the purpose of acquiring the ability) (to gain or to possess

acquire control over) (body – [could mean spouse as well]) his own vessel in

(purity, holiness) (to reserve it for sacred use), 5 sanctification and honor not in

(“not in” here is not referring to passion and lust in a sanctified relationship, but)

(an evil, fleshly, unsanctified, dishonorable) in passion of lust, like the Gentiles

(unbelievers) (who walk in the ways of their broken, who do not know God

worldly, sinful, human will/desires—who see all others as fair game, it’s like a

sport to them); 6 (we are not to do that, in order that) (that no gospel that no one

believer) (to do wrong, to go beyond what is right, to should take advantage of

go too far, to disregard p

roper boundaries) (to cheat, invade, exploit) and defraud his brother in this

(some say this involves business matters now and others say it involves matter

having sex with another man’s wife or with a father’s unmarried daughter),

(the One who will exact retribution) because the Lord is the avenger of all such

(who do take advantage and defraud their brother), (have previously) as we also

(as the truth and will of God). 7 forewarned you and testified For God did not

(save and set gospel believers apart to) (impurity, to call us to uncleanness

desacralize the sacred), (just the opposite, gospel believers have but in holiness

been separated from the unbelieving world to live their life within sacred

boarders). 8 (since this is God’s will) Therefore he who rejects (process of this

sanctification) (the ideas, values, standards of his fellow does not reject man

mortals, his equal), (every mortals Creator and authority, his Superior), but God

(not only called you to a holy life, but has) who has also given us His Holy Spirit

(to enable us to live this holy life without excuse—There is no possible excuse for

not knowing this truth or restraining oneself then).

A Brotherly and Orderly Life

9 (same topic but different issue) (philadelphia)But concerning brotherly love

(as it pertains to your sanctification) you have no need that I should write to

(beyond pointing out is significant to your sanctification), you for you yourselves

(continually) (this is as much an endowment of the Holy Spirit are taught by God

as instruction by Him) (Romans 5:5; Galatians 5:22; 1 John to love one another

4:7; 5:1; Romans 12:10; 1 Peter 1:227) 10 (for a fact) and indeed you do so

7 Romans 5:5 – Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out

in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Galatians 5:22 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness,

goodness, faithfulness,

1 John 4:7 – Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves

is born of God and knows God.

1 John 5:1 – Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who

loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him.

(without prejudice or preference to) (gospel believers) toward all the brethren

(near and far). (entreat) who are in all Macedonia But we urge you, brethren,

(in excess); 11 (make it that you increase more and more that you also aspire

your life ambition) (peaceful, confident, restful) (within yourself to lead a quiet life

and around others [the opposite would be pushing others buttons, playing

the devil’s advocate, habitually fearful, angry, anxious, depressed, jealous,

argumentative, envious, conniving, whining, etc.] – Verses fanatics), to mind

(concentrate and pour yourself into your responsibilities, not your own business

those of others—don’t meddle in or gossip about the affairs of others – Verses

busybodies), (labor honestly in what you do, and to work with your own hands,

provide for yourself and household—don’t cause others to have to labor for

themselves and you – Verses loafers) (earlier), 12 (in as we commanded you that

order that) (conduct your life) (honestly, gracefully) you may walk properly

toward (with respect to) (unbelievers), those who are outside and that you may

(that you may not lack in your testimony before others as well as lack nothing

that you will not require anything from taking care of yourself and your own

needs).

The Comfort of Christ’s Coming

13 (new subject) (uninformed, in the But I do not want you to be ignorant

dark), (my fellow gospel believers), (what happens to) brethren concerning

(fellow believers) (whose bodies have died), those who have fallen asleep lest

(as a result) (grieve, suffer anxiety over the separation and state of you sorrow

your loved ones) (in the same way as) (unbelievers) as others who have no

(who have no assurances concerning these matters). 14 (it’s wrong and hope For

unnecessary because) (truly) (as do our loved if we believe that Jesus died

ones) (He) (from the grave, from the dead), (in the same and rose again even so

way) (to heaven to be) (but only those) God will bring with Him those who

Romans 12:10 – Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving

preference to one another;

1 Peter 1:22 – Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in

sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart,

(those who have placed saving faith in Jesus before their body sleep in Jesus

died).

15 (not by our own beliefs or hopes) (the For this we say to you by the word

declaration and truth) (Himself), (here on the of the Lord that we who are alive

earth) (if we should) (alive) (for His and remain until the coming of the Lord

saints prior to the 7 year tribulation of God’s wrath) (will will by no means

absolutely not) (be ahead of, have the advantage over) precede those who are

(whose bodies have died before Jesus comes). 16 (the reason being) asleep For

(Personally) (at any moment) (with the Lord Himself will descend from heaven

the NT saints who have died previous to this point, with Him 8] (a with a shout

loud command, as he shouted for Lazarus to come forth from the grave [John

11:43]), (rallying) (a leader of good angels), with the voice of an archangel and

(declaring the event). (with this command, rally and with the trumpet of God And

declaration) (all gospel believers whose body died prior to this the dead in Christ

event) (and receive their new resurrection, eternal, glorified bodies9) will rise first

(i.e., before the gospel believers who will still be alive on the earth at Jesus’

8 2 Corinthians 5:8 – We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to

be present with the Lord.

Philippians 1:20–24 – according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be

ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body,

whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live on in

the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 For I am hard-

pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. 24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you.

It appears that up until Christ’s coming in 1 Thessalonians 4, the saints in glory have a temporary

body prior to receiving their new, eternal and glorified body. Luke 16:19–23 – “There was a

certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. 20 But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, 21 desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover the dogs

came and licked his sores. 22 So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to

Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 And being in torments in Hades,

he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.”

9 Philippians 3:20–21 – For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the

Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to

His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to

Himself. (cf., 1 Corinthians 15:47–58)

coming). 17 (after the deceased receive their new body) (gospel Then we

believers) (who are still living on the earth) who are alive and remain shall be

(snatched away, seize, carry away10) (those yet living) caught up together with

(those whose body had died) (in the sky) them in the clouds to meet the Lord in

the air. (That’s as close as Christ gets to the ground this trip to earth. This is not 11

the second coming of the Lord where He descends on the Mount of Olives were

He ascended before the apostles and sets up His millennial rule;12 that is yet

further on; I believe 7 years later13) (at Christ’s coming) (all gospel And thus we

believers) (forever, eternally) (together) (Jesus shall always be with the Lord

Christ as His bride). 18 (in light of this truth concerning those whose Therefore

bodies have died before yours,) (continually be comforting, encouraging) comfort

10

To Catch away speedily – Like Philip after he had led the Ethiopian to Christ, (Acts 8:39); in the twinkling of the eye, (1 Cor. 15:52)

To seize by force – Like Lot being delivered from Sodom, Gen. 19:16)

To claim for one’s self – As the Lord comes for His bride, (1 Thess. 4:16)

To move to a new place – To the home Christ prepares for us, (Jn. 14:1-6) To rescue from danger – As the Lord promises we will not suffer His wrath, (1 Thess. 1:10;

5:9) ---Outline is Kenneth Wuest’s given by Warren Wiersbe, Be Ready, pp. 96, 97.

11

This is a glorious meeting – we will see and share in Christ’s glory, (John 17:22-24); Our sufferings are transferred into glory, (Rom. 8:17-19)

This is an everlasting meeting – we will be forever with the Lord, (1 Thess. 4:17; Where I am, there you may be also, (John 14:3)

This is a defining meeting – as our lives will be assessed at this time at the Judgment Seat of Christ, (Rom. 14:10; 2 Cor. 5:10; 1 Cor. 3:8-15) ---Warren Wiersbe, Be Ready, p. 98.

This is a celebratory meeting – I believe that NT believers leave the Judgment Seat of Christ to go to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, (Rev. 19:9); If it is not here, it will be at the conclusion of the 7 Year Tribulation.

12 Zechariah 14:4 – And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which faces

Jerusalem on the east. And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two, from east to west, making a

very large valley; half of the mountain shall move toward the north and half of it toward the

south.

13 1 Thessalonians 1:10 – …wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even

Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

1 Thessalonians 5:9 – …God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord

Jesus Christ,

(not to grieve as those who have no hope) , (with one another with these words

these glorious truths).

1 Thessalonians 5

The Day of the Lord

But (not only can you find comfort in that those who die in Christ are with Christ,

and will return with Christ for their resurrected body) But concerning the times

(God’s ordained passing of years, decades, centuries and millennia’s) and the

(all the events that God ordains and allows within them—in every seasons

individual life and nation), brethren, you have no need that I should write to

(beyond pointing out that God’s design concerning these times and seasons you

are significant to your comfort). 2 (it’s significant because) For you yourselves

(accurately, Scripturally) (the rapture of know perfectly that the day of the Lord

the church and 7 year tribulation that follows) so comes as a thief in the night

(suddenly, unexpectedly, without warning, or announcement, with no time to

prepare). 3 (example) (when non-gospel believers) For when they say, “Peace

(all’s well, there is no need to worry, no need to keep your guard up, and safety!”

“take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry” [Luke 12:19]) (in this state of then

foolishness and unpreparedness) (abrupt and unforeseen) sudden destruction

(disaster, calamity) (over takes) (i.e., all that makes life normal comes upon them

and worthwhile to them comes to ruin), (suddenly, as uncontrollably and as as

excruciatingly as) (like the labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they

woman in labor as well) (the only thing they can do is go shall not escape

through it. [Can you imagine being in labor for 7 years!?]) 4 (in contrast to But

foolish unbelievers) , (fellow gospel believers), (your are you brethren are not in

not surrounded by or embedded in this) (in opposition to God and in darkness

ignorance to His Word), (not being in opposition to God and ignorant of so that

His Word) (seize, possess, involve) (gospel this Day should overtake you

believers) (does the foolish and unprepared). as a thief

5 (gospel believers) (not are becoming, but “are”) (regardless of You are all

where you are spiritually—“you are all”) (referring to those with full, sons

protection, rights and privileges) (of righteousness, having been taken out of light

of darkness—The power and consequences of sin) (therefore) and sons of the

(living out their days in that light rather than the darkness they once were day

embedded in). (gospel believers) (under the designation We are not of the night

and thus destination of the lost and unbelieving) (nor are gospel nor of darkness

believers associated with their lifestyle, attitudes and motivations). 6 Therefore

(since we are sons of light and of the day) (drop our guard and let us not sleep

become careless, fail to redeem the times as the days are evil [Eph. 5:16]—to live

in disregard to danger and judgment-day [whether the Great White Throne

Judgment or the Judgment Seat of Christ]), (and suffer for it), (in as others do but

contrast) (stay alert) (clear headed, self-controlled, let us watch and be sober

observant—to live with eternities values in view—“to live is Christ” [Phil. 1:29]).

These passages lead to the following conclusions:

a. The uncertainty (on our part) of the day and the hour of Christ’s return is a reason for watchfulness (Matt. 24:42; 25:13; Mark 13:35, 37).

b. Another reason for constant vigilance is the presence of enemies, seen and unseen, who threaten the flock (Acts 20:31; 1 Peter 5:8).

c. To be watchful means to be spiritually awake (Rev. 3:2, 3; 16:15). d. It implies the habit of regular prayer, including thanksgiving (Col. 4:2). e. What is probably the fullest description of watchfulness is given in 1 Cor. 16:13,

14: “Be watchful, stand fast in the faith, acquit yourselves like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.”14

7 (seeing no need to stay alert), (the idea For those who sleep sleep at night

here is that they set up no guards during the night, they maintain no safeguards,

ignoring the lurking dangers), (who see no need to and those who get drunk

exercise self-control or maintain clarity of mind) (oblivious to are drunk at night

the same dangers). 8 (in contrast to them) But let us who are of the day be

(clear headed, self-controlled, observant—like the soldier on sentry duty sober

continually), (signifying an action that the gospel believer must putting on

constantly maintain and arm him or herself with) (the protection the breastplate

for our heart that is to be guarded above all else for out of it pour the issues of

life— ) (faith in our Supreme Commander, our Lord Jesus the breastplate of faith

Christ—“without faith it is impossible to please Him” [Heb. 9:6]) (“If and love

you love Me, keep My commandments” [John 14:15]), (the and as a helmet

14 Hendriksen, W., & Kistemaker, S. J. (1953–2001). Exposition of I-II Thessalonians (Vol. 3, p. 125). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.

protection for our mind) (“God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, the hope

our hope” [1 Tim. 1:1]) (having been saved from the guilt and of salvation

judgment of sin, being saved from the power and oppression of sin, and ultimately

will be saved from sin altogether). 9 (the reason gospel believers are to stay For

alert in their faith, love and hope is that) (designate, destine God did not appoint

in His times and seasons) (gospel believers, sons of light and of the day) us to

(God’s divine judgment against sin and sinners), (instead) wrath but to obtain

(receive) (from the judgment of sin as sinners) (the Person, salvation through

death, burial and resurrection of) 10 (for our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us

our benefit concerning the debt of our sin and our relationship to and with Him),

(are alive and watchful to “go with” Christ when He comes that whether we wake

for His bride) (are already home in God’s kingdom and will “come with” or sleep

Him to receive ones resurrected body—it makes no difference), (all—because we

we are all living) (in fellowship, unity, harmony) (at should live together with Him

Christ’s side, through His enabling and for His glory. Whether on earth or in

heaven, gospel believers are to live for Christ [Phil. 1:21]).

11 (because being absent from the body is to be present with the Lord, Therefore

and because the living will not suffer the coming wrath of God, but will be

delivered from it) (encourage, strengthen, console) comfort each other and edify

(confirm, buttress, build one another up in the continual pursuance of one another

one’s practical sanctification and abiding in and loving God better), just as you

(presently) (now). also are doing

Committed and equipped, the Christian soldier stands firm in the faith, stands firm in

the face of opposition, stands firm until the end (cf. Eph 6:13–14, 18).15

Various Exhortations

12 (new topic) (respect the true And we urge you, brethren, to recognize

character, work, value of) (the idea is “labor” to weariness or those who labor

even if weary) (who care for, lead, guide you) among you, and are over you in

(in the Lord’s strength, will, wisdom, service and for His glory) the Lord and

15 Martin, D. M. (1995). 1, 2 Thessalonians (Vol. 33, p. 166). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

(instruct, encourage, counsel, warn) 13 (regard, admonish you, and to esteem

respect) (superabundantly, exceedingly, out of measure) ( them very highly in

with, through agape) (not for their personal sake, but) (Lord’s) love for their

(for the expansion and edification of the Lord’s church). work’s sake Be

(consistently live, function) (in quietness, in community) at peace among

(under the head of the Church, Jesus Christ). yourselves

Warren Wiersbe says:

Accept them as God provides them for the church

Appreciate them as their task comes with great responsibility and difficulty

Love them as their labor is in the Lord

Obey them as they lead according to the Holy Spirit

14 (gospel believers), (confront, instruct Now we exhort you, brethren warn

and/or correct) (“those who are out of step, like soldiers those who are unruly

who do not keep the ranks—are the fanatics, meddlers, and loafers”16 those out of

line), (come along side, encourage, cheer) (those who comfort the fainthearted

are losing heart, “These people need loving instruction from their fellow believers

to calm their fears and to build their confidence.”17), (cling to, hold on to, uphold

wrap your arms around) (“could signify people who lack strength or the weak

were physically ill (Acts 4:9), as well as those who were spiritually weak or

immature (Rom. 5:6; 1 Cor. 8:9).”18), (longsuffering, endure, even be patient

tempered) (gospel believers and unbelievers). with all

15 (to it, make sure) (pays back) (a See that no one renders evil for evil

wrong for a wrong, tit for tat) (gospel believer or unbeliever—this would to anyone

be the opposite of being “patient with all”), (instead) (it may but always pursue

not be accepted, reciprocated or even recognized), (in but pursue what is good

the beneficial sense) (“Love your neighbor as both for yourselves and for all

yourself” [Lev. 19:18; Matt. 19:19]).19

16 Hendriksen, W., & Kistemaker, S. J. (1953–2001). Exposition of I-II Thessalonians (Vol. 3, p. 136). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House. 17 Barton, B. B., & Osborne, G. R. (1999). 1 & 2 Thessalonians: life application commentary (p. 84). Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers. 18 Martin, D. M. (1995). 1, 2 Thessalonians (Vol. 33, p. 178). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers. 19

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but

16 (To be able to accomplish verses 12-15 it is necessary to) Rejoice always,

(To rejoice always is to see the hand of God in whatever is happening and to

remain certain of God’s future salvation. Without such conviction joy would not be

possible in the face of affliction, suffering, and death.20 “The joy of the Lord is my

strength,” Neh. 8:10)

Joy seems to be distilled from a strange mixture of challenge, risk and

hope.

Keith Miller

When you sin and get what you want does it always bring joy and does it every

last? No. But, when you deny yourself or suffer for good, can you have joy, and

can it last? Yes.

5:16 Rejoice always. The next three verses give three simple ingredients that believers

ought to daily mix into their lives: joy, prayer, and thanks. When these three qualities are

present, believers will be vibrant witnesses to a needy world.

Paul counseled this persecuted church to rejoice always. Paul had learned the secret of

being joyful, even in the middle of great trial and suffering (verses quoted from NIV):

• Acts 16:25: “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God,

and the other prisoners were listening to them.”

• Romans 5:3: “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that

suffering produces perseverance.”

• 2 Corinthians 6:4–10: “Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every

way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings,

imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity,

understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful

speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in

the left; through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded

as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and

yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having

nothing, and yet possessing everything.”

• 2 Corinthians 12:10: “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults,

in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

• Colossians 1:24: “Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh

what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is

the church.”

overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:17–21 NIV) Barton, B. B., & Osborne, G. R. (1999). 1 & 2 Thessalonians: life application

commentary (p. 86). Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.

20 Wanamaker, C. A. (1990). The Epistles to the Thessalonians: a commentary on the Greek text (p. 200). Grand Rapids, MI: W.B. Eerdmans.

Paul had just commanded the believers to love one another and then to rejoice.

Interestingly, when Jesus spoke to his disciples about loving one another, he also talked to

them about joy:

• As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my

commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s

commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may

be in you, and that your joy may be complete. This is my commandment, that you love

one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s

life for one’s friends. (John 15:9–13 NRSV, emphasis added)

True joy transcends the rolling waves of circumstance. Joy comes from a consistent

[healthy] relationship with Jesus Christ. When believers’ lives are intertwined with Christ,

he will help them to walk through adversity without sinking into debilitating lows and to

manage prosperity without moving into deceptive highs. The joy of living with Jesus

Christ daily will keep believers rejoicing “always.” They can rejoice because of their sure

salvation and their future hope. Nothing that happens on this earth can compare with the

glory that awaits God’s people.21

17 (be in a prayerful attitude, mindset—be in constant pray without ceasing

verbal and mental consciousness of, presence of, dependence upon, interchange

with God),

The “always” of Jesus and this “ceaselessly” = that we are always to be fit and ready

for an approach to God in worshipful praying. This verb is never used with reference to

praying to men; it is used only in the full sacred sense of turning to God in worshipful

forms. The heart which is ever attuned to God as being his child turns to God as well in its

secret thoughts as in its many utterances.22

Prayer is a shield to the soul, a sacrifice to God, and a scourge to Satan.

John Bunyan23

18 (the good, the bad, and in everything between) in everything give thanks

(in everything express love and gratitude to God); (the always rejoicing, for this

praying without ceasing, and in everything giving thanks) is the will of God

21 Barton, B. B., & Osborne, G. R. (1999). 1 & 2 Thessalonians: life application commentary (pp. 86–88). Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.

22 Lenski, R. C. H. (1937). The interpretation of St. Paul’s Epistles to the Colossians, to the Thessalonians, to Timothy, to Titus and to Philemon (p. 358).

Columbus, OH: Lutheran Book Concern.

23 Barton, B. B., & Osborne, G. R. (1999). 1 & 2 Thessalonians: life application commentary (p. 88). Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.

(for gospel believers—it’s not God’s will because in Christ Jesus for you

everything is good, but because everything is used for good—because God

doesn’t waste anything—because every experience is an opportunity to grow and

glorify God—nothing is disconnected from God’s hand—there isn’t anything that

you, Satan or the world can lay in your lap that God can’t turn to spiritual gold). 19 (restrain, stop, stifle, depreciate) (concerning the will Do not quench the Spirit

of God for you. We cannot limit His Person so it much mean His activities, His

promptings, standards, values, empowerments—Don’t ignore, argue away, or pick

and choose from His promptings—Don’t respond as the world does to Him). 20 Do

(treat with contempt, make little of, make light of, set at naught) not despise

(God’s revelations: e.g., teaching, instruction, guidance, commands—prophecies

Don’t hold them in equal esteem with other books of literature—or the words,

philosophies and ideas of man).

James 3:14–17 – If you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts,

do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend

from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envy and

self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. 17 But the

wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing

to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without

hypocrisy.

21 (try, prove, discern) (what is true and false); Test all things hold fast

(retain, seize on) (what is genuine, not counterfeit—like the what is good

Bereans: Acts 17:11).

1 Corinthians 6:12 – All things are lawful for me, but all things are not

helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the

power of any.

1 Corinthians 10:23 – All things are lawful for me, but not all things are

helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify.

22 (keep at a distance from you - hold yourself back - whether Abstain

someone may see it or not) (appearance, fashion - avoid from every form

everything that looks wicked to those who happen to see it although it may not be

wicked at all…wickedness has many forms, every one of which is really

wickedness and also appears so to men, and we are to keep away from every

form that wickedness may assume.24) (“to be understood in the active of evil

sense as denoting something malignant, working mischief, hurting all with whom it

comes into contact… It blasts, poisons, kills. Keep away from it entirely.” 25).

Romans 12:9 – Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling

to what is good.

1 Peter 3:11 – Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek

peace and pursue it.

Job 28:28 – And to man He said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is

wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding.’ ”

Psalm 34:14 – Depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

Psalm 97:10 – You who love the Lord, hate evil! He preserves the souls

of His saints; he delivers them out of the hand of the wicked.

Proverbs 4:27 – Do not turn to the right or the left; remove your foot

from evil.

Proverbs 14:16 – A wise man fears and departs from evil, but a fool

rages and is self-confident.

Blessing and Admonition

23 (Paul gives a benediction) (“having Now may the God of peace Himself

been justified, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,”

Rom. 5:1 and “God is not the author of confusion but of peace,” 1 Cor. 14:33)

(separate you from a life of sin for Himself—separate you from sanctify you

character unlike His) (entirely, in every way, through and through for completely

God’s exclusive use); (this complete sanctification pertain to) and may your

(“whole” when no grace is missing… Here “the spirit, the soul, the body,” whole

each entire = unmaimed, unversehrt (C.-K. 605); if they are unpreserved they will

be maimed26) (the immaterial you as well as the material—spirit, soul, and body

no part of our person is to be out of this sanctification) (guarded, be preserved

kept, watched over, prevented from escaping or taken) (without fault, blameless

accusation or flaw, entirely) (at the at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ

24 Lenski, R. C. H. (1937). The interpretation of St. Paul’s Epistles to the Colossians, to the Thessalonians, to Timothy, to Titus and to Philemon (p. 362). Columbus, OH: Lutheran Book Concern. 25 Lenski, R. C. H. (1937). The interpretation of St. Paul’s Epistles to the Colossians, to the Thessalonians, to Timothy, to Titus and to Philemon (p. 363).

Columbus, OH: Lutheran Book Concern.

26 Lenski, R. C. H. (1937). The interpretation of St. Paul’s Epistles to the Colossians, to the Thessalonians, to Timothy, to Titus and to Philemon (p. 366).

Columbus, OH: Lutheran Book Concern.

rapture of the church—all pre-tribulation gospel believers). 24 He who calls you

(sets you apart) (trustworthy, dependable, reliable concerning all He is faithful

has said and planned, His promises, His own nature and character and His gospel

believers—this is God’s work, not ours—He is infinitely faithful, not us and thus

God is the One), (perfectly sanctify you—God’s calling is who also will do it

effectual, victorious, it’s already produced acceptance because God’s will and

work can’t fail). 25 (gospel believers), (intercede to God on our behalf—as Brethren pray for us

men, as fellow servants, concerning our character, spiritual health, enemies, etc.). 26 (fellow gospel believers) (culturally Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss

men kissed men, and women kissed women—a kiss at that time represented love,

respect, reconciliation and was used even when signing a contract together—“holy

kiss” signified this was to be pure of heart and spiritually generated—“greet fellow

believers in the same way you greet family”). 27 (put you under oath, want you to swear to me) (as I charge you by the Lord

your witness) (not just to that this epistle be read to all the holy brethren

selective ones). 28 (unmerited favor) (the source of this The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ

grace) (continue to inhabit, bless and keep you). (so be it). be with you Amen