A C T S Go Tell the Good     News! Lesson 22  Acts 18:1-11

Neapolis Acts 15:36-18:22

Paul’s 2nd Missionary Journey Paul’s concern for Thessalonica Brethren had sent Paul away from Thessalonica out of concerns for his safety (17:10). Jews from Thessalonica came to Berea and stirred up a mob (17:13). Paul is spirited away by the brethren to Athens, but Silas and Timothy remain in Berea (17:14). Paul sends for Silas and Timothy to come to Athens (17:15). When Timothy comes to Athens, Paul sends him back to the Thessalonians out of concern for their spiritual welfare in the face of tribulation (1 Thess. 3:1-5) Timothy and Silas join Paul in Corinth, and Timothy brings an encouraging report (Acts 18:5; 1 Thess. 3:6)

Paul’s 2nd Missionary Journey Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians During his stay in Corinth, Paul writes an epistle back to the Thessalonians (1 Thess. 1:1) 1st Thessalonians is Paul’s first recorded epistle. Date: 51 or 52 A.D. Key thoughts in First Thessalonians: Paul repeatedly mentions their persecution. (1 Thess. 1:6; 2:14; 3:3-4, 7) Paul is concerned for their growth & faithfulness Paul’s example among them was an important form of instruction (1 Thess. 1:5-6a; 2:1-12) Jesus’ appearing would make it all worthwhile and wonderful (1 Thess. 2:19; 4:13—5:11)

Paul’s 2nd Missionary Journey Paul’s Second Letter to the Thessalonians Very little time passes between the writing of 1 Thessalonians and 2 Thessalonians. 2 Thessalonians was a follow-up letter written to clarify some things the saints did not understand. “It was written in the early part of the year and a half Paul spent in Corinth (18:11)…no more than a few weeks, or months, after 1 Thessalonians.”(Waldron, p. 113) Timothy probably took the first letter, and returned to Corinth to report to Paul. After sending the first letter, Paul heard (3:11) that there were still some misunderstandings. False teachers may have circulated a fake letter (2:2; 3:17)

Paul’s 2nd Missionary Journey Paul’s Second Letter to the Thessalonians Synopsis of Second Thessalonians: Greetings from Paul, Silas and Timothy (1:1-2) Comfort for the Thessalonians in their afflictions (1:3-12) Paul gives thanks for their encouraging example faith, patience, and love in the face of persecution (1:3-4) It is evidence that they are worthy of the kingdom, and that those who trouble them are worthy of God’s righteous wrath (1:5-6) The Thessalonians may “rest” assured with Paul that justice will be served when the Lord returns (1:7-9) Paul prays that the Thessalonians would continue to glorify Christ so that they may be able to glorify Him with all believers when He comes (1:10-12)

Paul’s 2nd Missionary Journey Paul’s Second Letter to the Thessalonians Do not to be disturbed by false teaching regarding the Lord's second coming (2:1-12) The Lord will not return right away. He had not yet come! (2:1-2, cf. 2 Timothy 2:17-18) An apostasy will come first and the man of sin will be revealed (2:3) The man of sin will exalt himself as God (2:4-5; cf. Daniel 11:36; Revelation 13:4-8, 11-15) He was currently being restrained till the time was right (2:6-7) After the man of sin is revealed, the Lord will consume him with “the breath of His mouth” (2:8; Rev. 19:15-21) The man of sin is a tool of Satan who will work “all unrighteous deception among those who perish” (2:9-10; cf. Rev. 13:12-14) Those who do not want the truth will be given the opportunity to believe a lie (2:11-12)

Paul’s 2nd Missionary Journey Paul’s Second Letter to the Thessalonians May God encourage and strengthen you as you stand fast; hold on to what you’ve been taught (2:13-17) Pray for us. We have confidence in the Lord and in you! (3:1-5) Deal with those among you who walk disorderly (3:6-15) Paul’s teaching and example had clearly conveyed the importance of being industrious and self-supporting (3:7-10) Paul had received a report that some of the Thessalonians were idle and busybodies (3:11) They must work and eat their own bread (3:12) All must not grow weary in doing good (3:13) If anyone does not obey, they should marked, avoided, and admonished (3:13-15) Benediction, authentication, and close (3:16-18)

Paul’s 2nd Missionary Journey Paul’s Second Letter to the Thessalonians Thumbnail Sketch of 2 Thessalonians The thrust of Paul’s message “in this letter was that the Lord was not coming back right away, so continue the normal activities of life, particularly in earning a living.” The thoughts can be expressed in four main points: Paul expresses his concern for their afflictions and places those afflictions in a divine perspective. He tells them not to be upset, or to think that the Lord will come back right away. An apostasy will come first. He gives a warning against those who walk disorderly by not taking care of their own affairs and by interfering with everyone else's. If anyone failed to obey these apostolic instructions, he was to be rejected. (Waldron, p. 114)