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The Thessalonian Epistles

The Thessalonian Epistles. Erin Conti & Caroline Ozdemir. Introduction. 1 Thess.: Pauline 2 Thess.: Deutero -Pauline The tone of the two letters are different. 1 Thessalonians is written in a more personal voice. Structurally, the main bodies of the two letters are similar.

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The Thessalonian Epistles

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  1. The Thessalonian Epistles Erin Conti & Caroline Ozdemir

  2. Introduction • 1 Thess.: Pauline • 2 Thess.: Deutero-Pauline • The tone of the two letters are different. • 1 Thessalonians is written in a more personal voice. • Structurally, the main bodies of the two letters are similar. • Much of the content is paralleled between 1 and 2.

  3. Introduction (cont.) • Written to: the Church of Thessalonica, in Macedonia • Approx. 50-51AD • They came to Thessalonica after Philippi.

  4. Introduction (cont.) • Concerning: • The struggle of persecution • The rise of false prophets within the church • Issues of practical Christian living brought to the church by false prophets

  5. Situational Details • Persecution • Headed by emperors Diocletian & Galerius, jealous Jews, and un-enlightened pagans • False Prophets • Voiced extreme views, misguiding the Thessalonians about Christ’s second coming.

  6. Purpose for Writing • To thank the Thessalonians for their faith. • To instruct them on how to continue living in faith. • To commend and encourage them for their perseverance through hardships.

  7. Summary of1 Thessalonians

  8. Chapter 1 • Paul, Silvanus, & Timothy introduce themselves to the Thessalonians. • They thank them for their faith, love, & hope, and for their attentive listening to the gospel.

  9. Chapter 2 • Paul put his struggles and fears behind him. • God is his source of strength for proclaiming the gospel. • Paul, Silvanus, & Timothy did their work so not to inconvenience anyone. • They treated the Thessalonians gently.

  10. Chapter 3 • After Paul, Silvanus, & Timothy left Thessalonica, Timothy went back to the Thessalonians. • Paul sent Timothy to strengthen their faith and help them through their afflictions.

  11. Chapter 4 • Instructions: • Holiness in Sexual Conduct: be moral; don’t exploit anyone • Mutual Charity: don’t depend on anyone; conduct yourselves properly • Hope for the Christian Dead: the dead will rise with Christ and you will meet them in heaven

  12. Chapter 5 • Continued instructions: • Vigilance: stay sober; be aware of your surroundings • Church Order: encourage everyone; make decisions everyone will benefit from • Farewell

  13. Key Verses1 Thessalonians

  14. “…Calling to mind your work of faith and labor of love and endurance in hope of our Lord Jesus Christ…” (1:3) • This is the earliest mention of the three Christian virtues. • Paul is complementing the Thessalonians on the efforts being made through their faith.

  15. “But as we were judged worthy by God…who judges our hearts.” (2:4) • God is the only one capable of judging people justly. • We are judged on the intentions held in our hearts • He is the only one who truly knows us. • Quote is referencing 1 Samuel 16:7

  16. Summary of2 Thessalonians

  17. Chapter 1 • Paul, Silvanus, & Timothy introduce themselves again. • The faith of the Thessalonians is strong enough to endure persecutions and afflictions

  18. Chapter 2 • Don’t let anything come between you and God. • Don’t think much of the situations before you; remember your faith • Follow oral traditions or traditions put before you by us (Paul, Silvanus, & Timothy).

  19. Chapter 3 • Follow the Lord’s path • Avoid evil • Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy serve as models for the community; they hope the Thessalonians will imitate their examples • Farewell

  20. Key verses 2 Thessalonians

  21. “We ought to thank God…because your faith flourishes ever more, and the love of every one of you for one another grows ever greater.” (1:3) • It is through God that we are strengthened, not only in aspects of our faith, but in our relationships with others, as well.

  22. “We ask you, brothers… not to be shaken out of your minds… by a letter allegedly from us…” (2:2) • False prophets are common in Thessalonica. • They change the way people see God and contrast Paul’s teachings.

  23. Themes

  24. General Themes of Paul • Apocalyptic Literature • Among Paul’s first letters, but placed last because they emphasize the end of time and hope after death.

  25. General Themes (cont.) • Imitation • When Jesus called people to “follow”, he meant they should imitate his way of life. • Paul was a good teacher who made it possible for students to copy Jesus. • This is what it means to be a disciple, or learner.

  26. General Themes (cont.) • Faithfulness & Devotion • The Thessalonians had a reputation for such values; Paul encouraged them to continue it. • Faith, Love, & Hope • Earliest mention of these virtues.

  27. Specific to1 Thessalonians • Emphasis on the Lord’s return. • “The resurrection of the saints and the rapture of the Church.” • Following Jesus’ return, all members of the Church will be resurrected and the Christian community will be overjoyed in Heaven with God.

  28. Specific to 2 Thessalonians • The coming of the Lord and our gathering together with him. • False prophetic teachings

  29. Influence on Christians • The Thessalonians were discouraged by false prophets and looked forward to the second coming. • However, it was obvious that Jesus would not appear any time soon. • The letters to the Thessalonians were meant to encourage and boost the morale of the community.

  30. Sources • Fireside: New American Bible • Oxford Illustrated Companion to the Bible • Discovering Thessalonians • Bible.org • series pp. for 1 & 2 Thessalonians • http://elearning.thirdmill.org/theme/standard_thirdmill/lessons/HPT3text.html

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