1 Thessalonians Chapter 2

Review / Overview Thessalonica was a wealthy, busy place – Capital of Roman province of Macedonia – Good harbor, port city (Thermaic Gulf) – Egnatian Way – major road (Via Egnatia) – Great place to plant a church, lots of travellers Paul visited Thessalonica on his 2 nd and probably 3rd missionary journey 1 & 2 Thessalonians written around 52 AD from Corinth

Key Theme – Second Coming of our Lord 1:3 – hope in our Lord Jesus Christ 1:10 – to wait for His Son from Heaven 2:19 – before our Lord at his coming 3:13 – at the coming of the Lord with his Saints 4:15 – the coming of the Lord 4:16 – the Lord Himself will descend from Heaven 5:2 – the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night 5:3 - As labor pains come upon a pregnant woman 5:23 – at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ

Chapter 2:1-16 Come in vain? – Possibly some questioning their motives Proving their credentials, sincerity – Verse 2 – suffered, shamefully treated at Philippi – Boldness in our God – Declare the Gospel in the midst of conflict – Acts 17:1-9 – Riot because Jews were jealous – Not speaking to please men, but God who tests our hearts, approves us – Not to deceive, or have any impurity, or error

Proving themselves continued No flattery No Greed – Could have made demands as apostles – Labor and toil night and day not to be a burden – 2 Thessalonians 3:8 – 2 Corinthians 11:8-9 Gentle – like a nursing mother – Affectionately desirous – Give of our own selves – Worked long hours not to be a burden

Proving themselves continued Like a father – Exhorting (negative) Admonish Strengthen – Charged to walk in a worthy manner of God Bear witness / give testimony – Encourage (positive) Build up

Giving Thanks – Accepted the word – as from God – Became imitators of churches in Judea Others mistreating them – Imitation of the churches in Judea again – Own countrymen causing problems – Driving out – Killing – just like Jesus and churches in Judea God’s wrath upon them at last ? – God’s patience with the Jews has run out?

Paul’s longing for them 2:17-20 Paul and others wanted to go back and see them – multiple times – The had to leave under cover of darkness Satan hindered them? – None of the commentaries were willing to speculate, I don’t have an idea How cool is this – Our boasting at the coming of Jesus is YOU!!! – You are our glory and joy