1Thessalonians 1
1. How old were Paul and Timothy when the apostle's first letter to Thessalonica was written? Answer
2. Why did Paul feel the need to write to those in Thessalonica even though he had recently visited them? Answer
3. How did the gospel come in power to those in Thessalonica (verse 5)? Answer
4. What caused those in Thessalonica to receive God's truth "in much affliction" (verse 6)? Answer
5. What is revealed in verse 9 about the new Christians in Thessalonica? Answer
1Thessalonians 2
6. How was Paul shamefully treated at Philippi (verse 2)? Answer
7. Who was with Paul and Silas in Philippi when they were persecuted and punished? Why weren't they also punished? Answer
8. What is the meaning of verses 4 to 6? Answer
9. What is odd about verse 7? Answer
10. What is the point being made in verses 9 - 10? Answer
11. What is revealed in verses 14 to 16 about the persecution those in Thessalonica were experiencing? Answer
12. What does Paul mean that the Jews were "contrary to all men" (verse 15)? Answer
1Thessalonians 3
13. When and why did Paul send Timothy to Thessalonica? Answer
14. What was Paul's response to Timothy's report on the health of the Thessalonica church? Answer
1Thessalonians 4
15. What is Paul talking about in verses 3 to 7? Answer
16. What was Macedonia (verse 10)? Answer
17. What Thessalonica problem is Paul tackling in verses 11 to 12? Answer
18. Why does Paul give information about Jesus' Second Coming (verses 14 to 17)? Answer
1Thessalonians 5
19. What is the Day of the Lord? Answer
20. Where else does Paul use the equipment of a soldier as a metaphor (verse 8)? Answer
21. Who and what is being discussed in verses 12 - 13? Answer
22. How do we pray without ceasing (verse 17)? Answer
23. What does verses 20 and 21 mean in regard to the life of a Christian? Answer
24. What exactly is the meaning of verse 22? Answer
25. What is a holy kiss? Answer
1Thessalonians 1 Answers
1. 1Thessalonians was written in 50 A.D. The Apostle Paul, at the time of its writing, was around 48 years old with Timothy being around 33.
2. Paul traveled to Berea, Athens and then to Corinth after leaving Thessalonica (Acts 17:10 - 18:1). Although he had been away from them for only a short period of time (1Thessalonians 2:17), he felt the need to write them for a few major reasons.
Paul wrote to the new Christians in Thessalonica in order to encourage them and strengthen their faith (1Thessalonians 1 - 3). The apostle was understandably concerned that those new in the faith, who were experiencing persecution, might not have the spiritual resolve to withstand such trials.
For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter (Satan the devil) have tempted you, and our labor be in vain (1Thessalonians 3:5).
He was also concerned that some in the church, which was composed primarily of former Gentiles, were grieving for dead believers in the way they did before their conversion (1Thessalonians 4:13 - 18). He also wanted to admonish them about the prophetic Day of the Lord (5:1 - 11) and to properly respect their spiritual leaders (5:12 - 13).
3. The gospel came in power to Thessalonica as it was backed by God and the power of his spirit. It insured the message that was preached would be truthful and effective, causing those who believed it to become God's elect (verse 4).
4. Paul and Silas preached in Thessalonica for only a short period of time before some Jews, envious of the gospel's success, began an organized campaign to persecute them (Acts 17:4 - 5). The Jews then showed they were more than willing to also go after new converts to Christianity.
And when they found them (Paul and Silas) not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also . . . (Acts 17:6).
[Location of New Testament Churches]
The church in Thessalonica continued to be persecuted even after Paul and Silas left them (1Thessalonians 3:3 - 4).
5. 1Thessalonians 1:9 reveals that the majority of the church in Thessalonica was composed of non-Jewish (Gentile) believers who formerly worshiped idols. The book of Acts confirms the pagan background of those converted to Christianity with the following.
And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks (Gentiles) a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few (Acts 17:4).
1Thessalonians 2 Answers
6. Paul and Silas were indeed shamefully treated in Philippi. After the apostle casts a demon out of a female slave her masters drag both him and Silas to the city's magistrates! They insult the evangelists then falsely accuse them of promoting unlawful Roman practices (Acts 16:16 - 21).
The Philippi magistrates then have Paul and Silas stripped, severely flogged and thrown in prison where their feet are placed in stocks (Acts 16:22 - 24).
7. During Paul's second missionary journey Luke meets up with him, Silas and Timothy in Troas. The four men then sail to Neapolis (Acts 16:10 - 11) and walk to Philippi. While Paul and Silas were dragged before the local Philippi court and punished, Timothy and Luke are not mentioned as being arrested.
[Paul's Second Missionary Journey Map]
Roman Emperor Claudius, before Paul's persecution in Philippi, had expelled all Jews from Rome (Acts 18:2). According to The Bible Knowledge Commentary, the Roman colony of Philippi was likely influenced by this state-backed anti-Semitism. Paul and Silas were likely arrested since they were formerly Jews, but Luke (a Gentile convert) and Timothy (a half-Gentile convert, 16:1) were not.
8. Paul preached God's pure truth to those in Thessalonica without changing, altering or watering it down for the sake of pleasing others. He preached the gospel with the sole purpose of teaching it as God wanted him to do.
Paul further clarifies that he did not preach with the goal of flattering others so that he could ultimately extract money from them. His motive was to honestly proclaim the truth for the benefit of others and not to enrich himself. He also did not evangelize in an attempt to be praised by others for the sake of his ego.
9. Paul compares his relationship and behavior toward the new believers in Thessalonica to a mother nursing her children. Translations of 1Thessalonians 2:7, other than the King James, brings this out a bit more clearly.
But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children (1Thessalonians 2:7, NKJV).
Paul sincerely cared for the new converts and wanted to see them spiritual grow as much as possible.
10. Paul reminded those in Thessalonica that he and his companions, instead of being supported by the brethren, chose to work to make ends meet. He also made it a point to use his behavior as an example of how the new Christians should behave.
Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe (1Thessalonians 2:10).
[How Many Churches Did Paul Start?]
Paul will ultimately use his behavior in Thessalonica in his admonishments that the church should strive to live an honest and quiet life (1Thessalonians 4:11 - 12). He will also use it in his much stronger correction against people whose chose not to work but rather sought to be supported by others with whom they indulged in gossip (2Thessalonians 3:6 - 12).
11. Paul reminds the church at Thessalonica that the persecutions they suffered from their Jewish neighbors was like the persecutions endured by Christians in Judea. The Jews, according to the apostle, had a long history of fighting God's will.
. . . for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:
Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men (1Thessalonians 2:14 - 15).
The Thessalonian Christians were persecuted by others in Thessalonica. This persecution, as was the case several times during Paul's ministry (see Acts 13:45, 50, 14:2 - 6, 19, 17:5, 13, 18:12 - 3, etc.), was instigated by the Jews who many times solicited the help of others.
12. The Romans considered the Jews one of the most troublesome people in the empire. They felt the need to expel them from Rome in 139 B.C. after they accused them of missionary efforts. In 19 A.D. Emperor Tiberius once again expelled them from the capital.
[What Did the Romans Write about Jesus?]
During the reign of Emperor Claudius (41 - 54 A.D.) Jews were again cast out of Rome, an event referenced in the book of Acts.
After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth; And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them (Acts 18:1 - 2).
There are, of course, many more examples of the troubles Jews caused the Roman Empire.
1Thessalonians 3 Answers
13. Paul, while in Athens, requested Timothy and Silas come to him as soon as possible (Acts 17:15). When Timothy arrives in Athens he is sent to Thessalonica less than six months after the apostle had stayed in the city (verses 1 - 10).
Paul was greatly concerned that the faith of the Thessalonian new believers might waver or even fail under the stress of persecutions (1Thessalonians 3:2 - 5).
14. When Timothy arrived back from Thessalonica he informed Paul that the new church was remaining faithful even under persecution. Their love and faith as Christians had not only not faltered, they became an example to believers far and wide in regard to bearing fruit under difficult circumstances.
So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing (1Thessalonians 7 - 8).
[What Is the Famine of the Word?]
1Thessalonians 4 Answers
15. The converted gentiles of Thessalonica were living in an environment where sexual immorality was often not considered a sin. Loose sexual morals were not only practiced but encouraged. Prostitution was considered a priestly prerogative and extramarital sex, among the pagans, was sometimes an act of worship.
Paul was teaching the new believers that God wanted them to avoid all forms of illicit sex (premarital sex, adultery, etc.). The rejection of such behavior was part of being holy and sanctified (set apart) by the Lord.
The phrase "possess his vessel" in verse 4 is likely referring to a man's wife (see 1Peter 3:7).
That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter . . . (1Thessalonians 4:4 - 6).
Paul is encouraging the new Christians in Thessalonica to keep sex inside the approved bounds of marriage and not to fornicate with another man's wife. Such an act would defraud his neighbor of his God-given rights in marriage.
16. In 50 A.D., when Paul wrote 1Thessalonians, Macedonia was a Roman province. It included cities such as Neapolis, Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Amphipolis, Appollonia and others (see Acts 16 - 17).
Macedonia was one of the most fruitful areas for Paul's evangelistic efforts.
17. In 1Thessalonians 4:11 - 12 Paul is admonishing the church to live a quiet life where they work to provide for their needs. His gentle correction is meant to address the fact that some, who choose not to work, were instead gossiping and meddling into other people's business.
The problem of some in Thessalonica not working when they were capable of doing so would be tackled more strongly in Paul's next letter (2Thessalonians 3:6 - 12).
18. Paul knew that some of the new Christians in Thessalonica were grieving for dead brethren in the same way they grieved when they didn't know God.
Two of the three pillars of a Christian's life are faith and hope (1Corinthians 13:13). The apostle was teaching, in 1Thessalonians 4:14 - 17, that Christians can have the faith and hope that God will give eternal life to all those, dead or alive, who faithfully served him to the end.
[Who Are in the First Resurrection?]
In regard to the events that must prophetically take place before Jesus returns to the earth, please see our timeline of man's last days!
1Thessalonians 5 Answers
19. The prophetic Day of the Lord will be the worst period of chaos, pain, suffering and death the world has or will ever experience (Matthew 24:21 - 22). It will be a time when God will punish those who refuse to repent of worshipping the end time Beast power.
[What Is the Mark of the Beast?]
This prophetic day will begin when a seventh seal is opened in heaven (Revelation 8:1). God will then, after a short silence in heaven, execute his wrath through angels who will carry out various penalties on those living on earth. For more information please see our timeline of the Day of the Lord.
20. Other than 1Thessalonians 5:8, Paul uses the equipment of a soldier as a metaphor in Ephesians 6:13 - 17.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness . . . (Ephesians 6:13 - 14).
21. The church in Thessalonica, composed mostly of former pagans, existed for less than a year when Paul wrote his first letter to them. Any local leadership would also be fairly new. The apostle felt they needed to be reminded to properly respect their church leaders for the sake of unity and peace.
[Can a Church Operate Without a Pastor?]
And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves (1Thessalonians 5:12 - 13).
It should be stated, however, that the esteeming of church leadership has to be based on behavior worthy of such respect.
Pastors are to lead the people by example by lovingly serving the brethren. They are not to rule over the faith of the brethren or act like a dictator over the people that first and foremost belong to God!
Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock (1Peter 5:2 - 3).
The short book of 3John testifies of a local church leader who arrogantly dominated a fellowship like a dictator. Such evil behavior in the church of God, worthy of the correction of an apostle (see 3John 1:9 - 11), does not deserve respect!
22. Paul's statement in 1Thessalonians 5:17 is not endorsing giving up all pursuits and responsibilities for the sake of constant prayer. Such a teaching would contradict his statements that Christians should work to provide for their own needs and not be idle (4:11 - 12).
[What Are the Best Times to Pray?]
Paul, instead, is teaching those in Thessalonica that they should constantly be in a prayerful state of mind. Our daily mental state should be one where we never feel hindered to communicate with our Father at any time.
23. In 1Thessalonians 5:21 - 21 Paul admonishes those in Thessalonica to not automatically reject anything they hear. They are to, instead, prove that what they hear is the truth based on the Bible.
Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good (1Thessalonians 5:20 - 21).
The Bereans, whom Paul evangelized after he visited Thessalonica, proved that what the apostle taught was true by comparing it with the Bible.
These (in Berea) were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things (the gospel Paul taught) were so (Acts 17:11).
24. The King James translation of 1Thessalonians 5:22 is, "Abstain from all appearance of evil." Does this mean we should avoid all behaviors, no matter how righteous they are, if other people think they are wrong or evil?
Many of the righteous works Jesus performed were viewed by others as offensive and sinful.
Jewish scribes thought the Lord's healing of a man and forgiveness of his sins was blasphemous (Matthew 9:2 - 6). The Pharisees, when a demon was cast out of man, accused him of being one of the devil's demons (Matthew 12:22 - 24)!
The Lord was also strongly reprimanded by a synagogue ruler when his healing of an infirmed woman, on the Sabbath, was viewed as sinful (Luke 13:10 - 16). Many more Biblical examples could be given where Jesus' words or actions were considered unacceptable, sinful, or even worthy of an immediate stoning (see John 10:31 - 33)!
The misunderstanding of 1Thessalonians 5:22 is mostly due to the KJV's misleading translation of the underlying text. Other translations of the same verse are as follows.
Abstain from every form of wickedness (HBFV).
Stay away from every kind of evil (HCSB).
Avoid every kind of evil (NIV).
[Why Is the King James Hard to Read?]
Like Jesus, Christians are to avoid evil as defined by God and not by the opinions of others!
25. Paul admonished those in Thessalonica to greet each other with a holy kiss (1Thessalonians 5:26). Other Christians were also encouraged to communicate their personal (not romantic) affection for one another with a kiss (Romans 16:16, 1Corinthians 16:20, 2Corinthians 13:12, 1Peter 5:14).
It was common in Paul's day to greet friends with a kiss on the cheek. While such a display of brotherly love may not be the norm in some places today, a hug, pat on the back, or a warm handshake are acceptable alternatives.
Amazing Facts About 1Thessalonians