By COGwriter
The Letter to the Thesslonians probably was written in about 51 A.D. by the Apostle Paul. It was perhaps the second book that he wrote. He was in Athens when he wrote it.
Here is a link to a related sermon: 1 Thessalonians & the Return of Jesus.
Thessalonica is in Greece. Wikipedia had the following about it:
Thessaloniki (/ˌθɛsələˈniːki/; Greek: Θεσσαλονίκη [θesaloˈnici] ⓘ), also known as Thessalonica (English: /ˌθɛsələˈnaɪkə, ˌθɛsəˈlɒnɪkə/), Saloniki, Salonika, or Salonica (/səˈlɒnɪkə, ˌsæləˈniːkə/), is the second-largest city in Greece, with slightly over one million inhabitants in its metropolitan area, ...
The city was founded in 315 BC by Cassander of Macedon, who named it after his wife Thessalonike, daughter of Philip II of Macedon and sister of Alexander the Great. ...
An important metropolis by the Roman period, Thessaloniki was the second largest and wealthiest city of the Byzantine Empire. It was conquered by the Ottomans in 1430 and remained an important seaport and multi-ethnic metropolis during the nearly five centuries of Turkish rule, with churches, mosques, and synagogues co-existing side by side. From the 16th to the 20th century it was the only Jewish-majority city in Europe. It passed from the Ottoman Empire to the Kingdom of Greece on 8 November 1912. (Thessaloniki. Wikipedia, accessed 08/26/24)
The old Worldwide Church of God gave this overview:
I THESSALONIANS
The coming of Jesus Christ is the main theme of I Thessalonians. Suffering and tribulation were experienced by these members. The return of Christ was the reason to bear up under these problems and continue to obey.
Chapter 1, Verse 1
1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of
the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord
Jesus Christ.
So, Paul starts out writing to the Church of God in Thessalonica and uses what some have called a binitarian open.
Regarding the New Testament, even a trinitarian scholar has admitted:
The binitarian formulas are found in Rom. 8:11, 2 Cor. 4:14, Gal. 1:1, Eph. 1:20, 1 Tim 1:2, 1 Pet. 1:21, and 2 John 1:13 ... No doctrine of the Trinity in the Nicene sense is present in the New Testament ...There is no doctrine of the Trinity in the strict sense in the Apostolic Fathers ...(Rusch W.G. The Trinitarian Controversy. Fortress Press, Phil., 1980, pp. 2-3).
Now, there is no doctrine of the Trinity in the strict sense of the Bible either and early Christians were NOT trinitarian as scholars realize. We also have a related article titled: Did the True Church Ever Teach a Trinity?
Let's look at verse 2:
2 We give thanks to God always for you
all, making mention of you in our prayers,
Continuing:
3 remembering without ceasing your
work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus
Christ in the sight of our God and Father,
Verse 4:
4 knowing, beloved brethren, your
election by God.
Yes, God calls His elect in this age. We have a free online booklet: Is God Calling You? It has the following:
When asked why He spoke in parables, Jesus said to His disciples:
11 “… it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.” (Matthew 13:11)
This statement by Jesus goes against the common misconception (‘fake news’) that He spoke in parables so that more would understand. Most were not to understand in this age:
7 What then? Israel has not obtained what it seeks; but the elect have obtained it, and the rest were blinded. (Romans 11:7)
Only the elect can attain salvation in this age, the rest have been blinded. Jesus said that blindness is to be excused (John 15:22).
Paul in Romans 11 shows that salvation has come to the few, the elect in Israel, and to some of the Gentiles. And why? He explains it in verses 31-32:
31 even so these also have now been disobedient, that through the mercy shown you they also may obtain mercy. 32 For God has committed them all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all. (Romans 11:31-32)
Most people are blinded, now, that through mercy shown to those who are now called they may obtain mercy and salvation after Jesus comes as the great Deliverer. How plain, and how wonderful! ...
Christians were predestined to be called, but must choose whether or not to be faithful. You do have a choice—a choice to be part of the elect or a choice not to be.
Those predestined are predestined, not to be lost, but to be the praise of His glory.
28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. (Romans 8:28-30)
Again, predestination has to do with being predestined to be a child of God. None of the places in the Bible where predestination is mentioned does it say anything about anyone being predestined to be LOST -- predestined to reject Christ. No one is predestined to make a certain decision -- to accept or reject Christ -- to be saved or lost. But some have been predestined to be called to salvation, now!
If you have been predestined, your “selection” and election was by God:
1 Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and the brother of James, to those of God's selection who have been made holy by God the Father and are kept safe for Jesus Christ: (Jude 1:1, BBE)
1 … Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. … 4 knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God. (1 Thessalonians 1:1,4)
1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the … 2 elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied. (1 Peter 1:1-2)
God’s beloved are called to be holy, obedient, and kept safe for Jesus.
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:8-10)
Don't misunderstand — God's grace is free and unmerited, but if we refuse to change our lives — to obey God — He is under no obligation to bestow His grace upon us.
God's Spirit gives us the power we need to develop character. But we must work at it.
Even though I might not know or remember your work of faith, God does:
10 For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. (Hebrews 6:10-12)
God does not forget, so do not give up!
Onto verse 5:
5 For our gospel did not come to you
in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much
assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.
Hopefully you can understand about the power of the gospel. Not only to change our personal lives, but for civilization. It also helps us by giving us the assurance of how God will make things work out.
Hopefully, you also accept the work of the Holy Spirit and that the Bible teaches:
17 ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. 18 And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy. (Acts 2:17-18)
This is a prophecy, according to the Bible, for the last days.
We are in the last days (see also Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End?).
Therefore, dreams and prophesy were expected for our day!
For more details on how Acts 2:17-18 has been fulfilled so far in the CCOG, check out the article: Does the CCOG have the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18?
Next:
6 And you became followers of us and
of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the
Holy Spirit,
Yes, true Christians are to be followers of the leadership that Jesus put in His church. See also: The Bible, Peter, Paul, John, Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, Roderick C. Meredith, and Bob Thiel on Church Government.
Also, notice that Christians will suffer much affliction--for some of the reasons why, check out the free online book: The MYSTERY of GOD’s PLAN: Why Did God Create Anything? Why Did God Make You?
Now to verse 7:
7 so that you became examples to all in
Macedonia and Achaia who believe.
Yes, we are to live as Christian examples. Or as we also say, Christian ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20). We also have a free booklet related to that: Christians: Ambassadors for the Kingdom of God, Biblical instructions on living as a Christian.
Chapter 1, verse 8:
8 For from you the word of the
Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in
every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say
anything.
Yes, we are to attempt to reach every place. Mass media such as radio and the internet make this feasible for us in our day (see also Continuing Church of God Multimedia page).
Next:
9 For they themselves declare concerning
us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from
idols to serve the living and true God,
Yes, there were idolaters in those days. We now, sadly, have them among most who profess Christ. But they should turn from them to God. Jesus said:
23 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. 24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. (John 4:23-24)
Last verse of 1 Thessalonians,
chapter 1:
10 and to wait for His Son from
heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers
us from the wrath to come.
What is that wrath to come?
That is a reference to the second death.
Jesus taught:
28 And do not be afraid of those killing the body, and are not able to kill the soul, but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. (Matthew 10:28, LSV)
And Jesus is the only one who was ever a human being that can save us from that.
Chapter 2, starting with verse 1:
1 For you yourselves
know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain.
Paul had visited them--and not just for fun--but for their spiritual benefit.
Onto verse 2:
2 But even after we had suffered before and were
spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God
to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict.
We are boldly proclaiming the gospel of God by having made it available in as many languages as we can (see also Preaching the Gospel in Over 1500 Languages).
Continuing:
3 For our exhortation did not come from
error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit.
It is likely that people made false accusations against Paul or he likely would not have written that.
Verse 4:
4 But
as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even
so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts.
Yes, even church leadership gets tested.
Next
verse in Chapter 2:
5 For neither
at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak
for covetousness—God is witness.
Paul wrote he was not speaking so he could get what they had. Nor do I do so.
Next:
6 Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ.
Verse
7:
7 But we
were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her
own children.
Instead of wanting things from them, which he was entitled, Paul said he cherished them.
Onto
chapter 2 verse 8:
8 So,
affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not
only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become
dear to us.
Next:
9 For
you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and
day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the
gospel of God.
Yes, those in Thessalonica seem to have appreciated that Paul and those with him did work while he was with them. That is likely also to have been an example as it may be that many in Thessalonica were not hard working people. Paul preached the gospel of God to them.
Chapter
2, verse 10:
10 You are witnesses,
and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we
behaved ourselves among you who believe;
Paul was telling them that they saw him, he was setting a proper example, and that he was not preaching to take things from the people.
Verse
11:
11 as
you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as
a father does his own children,
Continuing,
verse 12:
12 that
you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.
Next:
Jude later wrote:
3 ... to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. (Jude 3)
And that is what those in Thessalonica were trying to do.
14b For you also suffered the same things from your own countrymen, just as they did from the Judeans,
2 ... the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service. 3 And these things they will do to you because they have not known the Father nor Me. 4 But these things I have told you, that when the time comes, you may remember that I told you of them. (John 16:2-4)
Many today, instead of forbidding it like the Jews, downplay and/or ridicule reaching Gentiles in places like Africa and Asia. But, they do not seem to understand that the Bible teaches that WE MUST INSTRUCT MANY (cf. Daniel 11:33) INCLUDING GENTILES! So, unlike some that have tended to overlook Gentiles, prophecies related to the descendants of Israel as well as the descendants of Gentiles is included in our free online book: Lost Tribes and Prophecies: What will happen to Australia, the British Isles, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and the United States of America?
Did Jesus indicate that a lot of Gentiles were going to be called?
Yes.
Notice the following from Jesus:
27 But He will say, ‘I tell you I do not know you, where you are from. Depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity.’ 28 There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and yourselves thrust out. 29 They will come from the east and the west, from the north and the south, and sit down in the kingdom of God. 30 And indeed there are last who will be first, and there are first who will be last.” (Luke 13:27-30)
Gentiles will be among the rulers in the Kingdom of God. Yes, massive amounts of Gentiles will later be called in the age to come (see also Universal OFFER of Salvation, Apokatastasis: Can God save the lost in an age to come? Hundreds of scriptures reveal God’s plan of salvation)–but Romans 11:25 shows that many need to be brought in BEFORE Jesus returns.
Are more Gentiles going to be called in this century?
Yes.
Romans 11, verse 12:
12 Now if their fall is riches for the world, and their failure riches for the Gentiles, how much more their fullness!
Once the fulness of the Gentiles comes in, it will set the stage for Jesus’ return and His Kingdom!
In Romans 11, verse 25, the Apostle Paul wrote the following:
25 For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. (Romans 11:25)
Before going further, consider that according to Jesus, it is the Laodiceans that are wise in their own eyes (cf. Revelation 3:14-18)–and the bulk of the Laodicean Christians that do not properly accept the fulfillment Romans 11:25 as being necessary.
The late Pastor General of the old Worldwide Church of God, Herbert W. Armstrong, taught the following about Romans 11:25:
Now I want you to study carefully one of the most wonderful, important chapters in all the Bible — the 11th of Romans. … Verse 23 says those who abide not still in unbelief shall YET receive salvation. … Now study carefully beginning verse 25: “Blindness in part is happened to Israel [HOW LONG? Forever? No — note it], UNTIL the fulness of the Gentiles be come in” — the end of this age during which God is calling a people from among the gentiles to bear His name (Acts 15:14). And so, says Romans 11:26, “all Israel SHALL BE SAVED [how?]: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob.” The Deliverer, Jesus Christ, is coming again!
When He comes, the gentile times will be over — the BLINDNESS will be removed from the Israelites — and their opportunity — their FIRST chance — of salvation will then come to those whom God had blinded! This is at the time when He comes to REIGN on HIS THRONE — the throne of David, with the saints made immortal reigning and ruling with Him — and the time is DURING THE THOUSAND YEARS!
Notice verse 31. These blinded Israelites have not now, in this age, received mercy, that through the mercy of the gentiles saved in this age, they MAY, THEN, obtain mercy and salvation. How? Because these saved gentiles will then be kings and priests, assisting in this wonderful Work! (Armstrong HW. Where Will The MILLENNIUM Be Spent? Tomorrow’s Word magazine, September 1971, p. 5)
So, yes the old WCG taught that Gentiles needed to be reached and that they would be kings and priests in the kingdom to assist in the conversion of others during the millennial kingdom.
We in the CCOG are helping set the stage for that now.
17 But
we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time in
presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great
desire.
Yes, and I personally hope to see as many of you as I can when traveling and also at the Feast of Tabernacles.
Continuing:
18 Therefore
we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan hindered
us.
I, too, have faced some hindrances is visiting various places.
Next:
19 For what is our
hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you
in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?
And this is more than for general social purposes. This is consistent with what we in the CCOG teach.
Which is?
Everyone that accepts God's way will give love in their own unique way in order to make eternity better for themselves and each of us. And that is true for those part of the first resurrection or those who accept it after the second resurrection. See also our free booklet: The MYSTERY of GOD’s PLAN: Why Did God Create Anything? Why Did God Make You?
Wrapping
up 1 Thessalonians, chapter 2:
20 For
you are our glory and joy.
Chapter 3, Verses 1
1 Therefore, when we
could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone,
So, Paul is basically pointing out that he stayed in Athens and apparently wrote the letter to the Thessalonians from there.
Next:
3 that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you
yourselves know that we are appointed to this.
Apparently, some had concerns that Paul had problems and did not see them personally, but he said not to let them bother them.
Onto verse 4:
4 For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that
we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know.
So, Paul had seen them before, but was facing issues.
Jesus said:
33 ... In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)
And Paul had told the Thessalonians that and they had tribulation. We, too, have tribulations, and relatively soon will be subject to more persecution.
Continuing in Chapter 3:
5 For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I sent
to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter had tempted you,
and our labor might be in vain.
Paul was concerned that they might stumble, which looks to why he sent Timothy, etc. to them.
We give sermon messages, the weekly Letter to the Brethren (https://www.ccog.org/category/letters/) and produce literature to help prevent you from stumbling.
Verse 6:
6 But
now that Timothy has come to us from you, and brought us good news of your
faith and love, and that you always have good remembrance of us, greatly
desiring to see us, as we also to see you—
Next:
7 therefore,
brethren, in all our affliction and distress we were comforted concerning
you by your faith.
So, when Timothy came back, he reported that those in Thessalonica were doing well. I, too, am comforted when we have someone go to another area and they report that all is well there.
Next
verse:
8 For
now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord.
We all must stand fast in the Lord if we wish to live. Or as Jesus put it:
22 And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved. (Matthew 10:22)
12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved. (Matthew 24:12-13)
Yes, even in trying times we are to steadfastly endure.
Chapter 3 Verse
9:
9 For
what thanks can we render to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice
for your sake before our God,
Paul was thankful that the Thessalonians were being steadfast.
Continuing:
10 night
and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face and perfect what is
lacking in your faith?
Paul also brought out he was praying for the possibility of seeing them again, as he hoped to help them move towards perfection.
Remember Jesus said:
48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect. (Matthew 5:48)
Onto
verse 11:
11 Now
may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way
to you.
Again, Paul suggests he want to visit and hopes that God will direct that.
Next:
12 And
may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to
all, just as we do to you,
Yes, we are to increase in love.
Yes, the plan is to give love to all. This is what God wants.
Remember also that everything that God does, He does because of love.
Ending
chapter 3 with verse 13:
13 so
that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and
Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.
Notice also some passages in the Old Testament about being blameless:
1 When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, "I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless. (Genesis 17:1)
13 You shall be blameless before the Lord your God. (Deuteronomy 18:13)
25 With the merciful You will show Yourself merciful;
With a blameless man You will show Yourself blameless; (Psalms 18:25)
So, the unmerciful will tend to see God that way and the one of blame will tend to blame God more.
Here is something else that the Apostle Paul wrote related to being blameless:
4 I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus, 5 that you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge, 6 even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you, 7 so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, 8 who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. (1 Corinthians 1:4-9)
We are to be enriched by proper knowledge and that is something this article is trying to assist with.
Chapter 4, Verse 1
1 Finally then,
brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more
and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please
God;
Paul said that he taught them how to live in order to walk in the way that would please God. We also have a booklet to assist you: Christians: Ambassadors for the Kingdom of God, Biblical instructions on living as a Christian.
Next:
2 for you know what commandments we gave you through the Lord
Jesus.
Yes, Jesus appointed leaders to pass on commandments and God's way to walk. More on the Ten Commandments can be found in our free online book: The Ten Commandments: The Decalogue, Christianity, and the Beast.
Verse 3:
3 For
this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should
abstain from sexual immorality;
Continuing:
4 that
each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and
honor,
Yes, it is God's will that we should be sexually pure. It is also better for our bodies and minds.
Onto
verse 5:
5 not
in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God;
The society around the Thessalonians was full of those without self-control who practiced sexual immorality. Christians are not supposed to do that. Furthermore, we know that God is opposed to even approving of such sins even for those who do not directly participate in them as Paul wrote to the Romans:
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. (Romans 1:28-32)
Next
verse in Chapter 4:
6 that
no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because
the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you
and testified.
Do not try to tell others that lust you might have is love to deceive them.
Verse
7:
7 For
God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness.
That also includes not eating unclean meats. Early Christians did not do so and the Church of God has continued to avoid them throughout history (for details, see the article The New Testament Church, History, and Unclean Meats).
Continuing
with chapter 4, verse 8:
8 Therefore
he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has
also given us His Holy Spirit.
Interestingly, and sadly, Greco-Roman Catholics (see Beliefs of the Original Catholic Church: Could a remnant group have continuing apostolic succession?) and Protestants (see Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing Church of God Differs from Protestantism) have rejected God's laws regarding unclean meats. It is claimed that a Roman Biship named Eleutherius changed that in the late 2nd century AD--and hence he rejected that part of the word of God.
Next
verse:
9 But
concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you,
for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another;
Love is what the plan of God is all about (see also the free online book The MYSTERY of GOD’s PLAN: Why Did God Create Anything? Why Did God Make You?).
Next:
10 and
indeed you do so toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you,
brethren, that you increase more and more;
So, Paul wants brotherly love to increase more.
He also wrote:
1 Let brotherly love continue. (Hebrews 13:1)
"Brotherly love" is a translation of the Greek word philadelphia. Paul wanted philadelphia to continue and that love to increase.
Verse
11:
11 that
you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business,
and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you,
Yes, we want to lead a productive life and need to work. That is also similar to what Paul wrote Christians should pray about related to leaders:
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, (1 Timothy 2:1-3)
So, if you want to do something that "is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior," then pray for your political leaders.
Continuing in Chapter 4:
12 that
you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you
may lack nothing.
Working, etc. makes us better examples for those who are outside the church. And in the resurrection, your example may be a factor in helping them to accept God's ways.
Onto
verse 13:
13 But
I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have
fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.
Paul is teaching, among other things, that Christians are not to view death as various non-Christians do.
Next:
14 For if
we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with
Him those who sleep in Jesus.
Christians have the promise of the resurrection.
Verse
15:
15 For
this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are
alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means
precede those who are asleep.
Next
verse:
16 For the
Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an
archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will
rise first.
That is the last, the seventh trump as Paul wrote elsewhere:
51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed — 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. (1 Corinthians 15:51-53)
Verse
17:
17 Then
we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with
them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall
always be with the Lord.
Yes, there will be a resurrection. This one is called the first resurrection:
4 And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. 5 But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years. (Revelation 20:4-6)
Now, some have misunderstood (or twisted) Paul's writings to claim that Jesus' plan is to keep His saints in heaven (see also Is There A Secret Rapture for the Church? When and Where is the Church Protected?), but no, as Revelation teaches Christians are to be kings and priests to reign with Jesus who will be on the earth. Notice also:
8 Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9 And they sang a new song, saying:
"You are worthy to take the scroll,
And to open its seals;
For You were slain,
And have redeemed us to God by Your blood
Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,
10 And have made us kings and priests to our God;
And we shall reign on the earth." (Revelation 5:8-10)
Yes, resurrected Christians are to reign with Jesus on the earth--this is after the Great Tribulation as Jesus returns after then.
While some Protestants dispute that, the Jesus, Himself, taught:
26 "Therefore if they say to you, 'Look, He is in the desert!' do not go out; or 'Look, He is in the inner rooms!' do not believe it. 27 For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 28 For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together.
29 "Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. (Matthew 24:26-31)
Notice that Jesus says He comes after the tribulation with a great sound of a trumpet. Note that 1 Corinthians 15 says that Christians are changed at the LAST TRUMPET. That is the same thing that happens in 1 Thessalonians 4:16.
The pre-tribultation rapturists' assertions that these are two different events are in scriptural error.
Both 1 Corinthians 15 and 1 Thessalonians 4 are discussing a resurrection of saints--called the first resurrection in Revelation 20:4-6.
This resurrection is clearly immediately before the millennium. And that does not begin until after the tribulation is over.
Let me add that the pre-tribulation rapturists are also in error in many of their other points. See also Is There A Secret Rapture for the Church? When and Where is the Church Protected?
Lastly,
verse 18:
18 Therefore
comfort one another with these words.
Yes, the dead will be resurrected.
Yes, any Christians alive when Jesus returns will be changed then.
And yes, we will reign in love to make the earth a better place.
Chapter 5, Verse 1
1 But
concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I
should write to you.
Paul felt it was not helpful to tell them when Jesus would return. It is also likely he was not sure himself.
Next:
2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the
Lord so comes as a thief in the night.
Paul was likely aware that Jesus said:
42 Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. 43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. 44 Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. (Matthew 24:42-44)
Decades after Paul wrote 1 Thessalonians, Jesus specifically stated:
15 "Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame." (Revelation 16:15)
So, while we do not know when Jesus will return, notice that Jesus repeatedly said to watch, like in Mark 13:37.
Now to chapter 5, verse 3:
3 For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden
destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And
they shall not escape.
There have been various times when people have said peace and safety. We will likely see a version of this after the Middle East peace deal of Daniel 9:27 is known (though many will not know it fulfills that prophecy--see also The 'Peace Deal' of Daniel 9:27).
But the fulfillment of the above will seemingly happen just before the King of the North (Daniel 11:39), also called the King of Assyria (Isaiah 10:5-11), conquers the USA, Canada, and the UK. Australia and New Zealand look to be conquered shortly thereafter. But most in the Anglo-American world will believe that peace, not war will happen (see also our free book: Lost Tribes and Prophecies: What will happen to Australia, the British Isles, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and the United States of America?).
Another fulfillment may also be right when Jesus returns and destroys the nations that will battle Him (see Revelation 19).
Continuing:
4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day
should overtake you as a thief.
Since we do not know, how can we know more about it?
Well, Jesus listed a variety of events to look for first in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21. Let's look at some of Jesus said would happen first:
3 Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?"
4 And Jesus answered and said to them: "Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.
9 "Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake. 10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. 11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. 12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:3-14)
Many seem to think that they do NOT have to support the fulfillment of Matthew 24:14 and that God will still let them know when the end is. They are, to a large degree, deceiving themselves.
Anyway, Jesus words continued with:
15 "Therefore when you see the 'abomination of desolation,' spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place" (whoever reads, let him understand), 16 "then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17 Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. 18 And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. 19 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 20 And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. 21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect's sake those days will be shortened. (Matthew 24:15-22)
So, Jesus listed many events, and when we see the abomination of desolation standing where it should not, that will be the season and time to flee.
Therefore, then we will know. It was not needful for the Thessalonians to know then, and is still not the time for the Philadelphians to know now.
But, again, we know signs that Jesus said to look for.
Next verse in 1 Thessalonians 5:
5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are
not of the night nor of darkness.
The Bible gives us light to better understand prophetic matters. Notice the following:
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path. (Psalms 119:105)19 And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; (2 Peter 1:19)
The prophecies in the word of God, along with listening to God's human leader, will help so you are not deceived nor tricked by others (cf. Ephesians 4:11-14). This also will distinguish Philadelphia from the Laodiceans and others
Verse 6:
6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let
us watch and be sober.
Jesus warned about end time Christians who slumbered and slept (Matthew 25:1-12) and said that they need to watch:
13 "Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming. (Matthew 25:13)
Onto chapter 5 verse 7:
7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get
drunk are drunk at night.
Paul is now also warning about being involved in drunken parties, etc., which tend to mainly be at night.
Next:
8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the
breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of
salvation.
Related to helmets and other things, the Apostle Paul wrote:
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints (Ephesians 6:14-18)
Chapter 5, verse 9:
9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to
obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
Let me add that this is a reference to the wrath of the second death (see The Second Death). However, some Protestants have wrongly claimed that Christians are to be raptured to heaven to avoid persecution in the Great Tribulation.
Yet, the Bible is clear that all Christians are subject to persecution and tribulation. Notice some of what Jesus said about that:
9 Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake. (Matthew 24:9).
35 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it. (Mark 8:35)
29... Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel's, 30 who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time--houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions--and in the age to come, eternal life (Mark 10:29-30).
12... they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name's sake (Luke 21:12).
20 If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. (John 15:20)
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. (John 16:33)
And even for the Philadelphian Christians (Revelation 3:7-12), the Bible shows they will be subject to persecution (Daniel 11:32-35; Revelation 12:13) before they will be protected from that, in the wilderness (Revelation 12:14-16).
The Bible further shows that the remaining Christians will be turned over to the Beast (Daniel 7:25b) as Satan will use his wrath (Revelation 12:12) against Christians (cf. Revelation 12:17). It is the wrath of God, the second death, that Christians are not subject to.
Continuing Chapter 5, verse 10:
10 who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should
live together with Him.
This will happen after Christians are changed at the first resurrection.
The Apostle Paul repeatedly wrote that death is like sleep:
29 For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. 30 For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. (1 Corinthians 11:29-30)
12 Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. 14 And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. 15 Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up — if in fact the dead do not rise. 16 For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. 17 And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! 18 Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. 20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. 23 But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ's at His coming. (1 Corinthians 15:12-23)
14 Therefore He says:
"Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light." (Ephesians 5:14)
Back to chapter 5:
11 Therefore comfort
each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.
Yes, we can comfort one another because of the truth of God's plan and His love.
Yes, the truth should be comforting as it is a real hope.
The return of Jesus is actually called the blessed hope by the Apostle Paul:
11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.
15 Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you. (Titus 2:11-15)
Notice that some apparently despised Titus and did not want to accept his authority, but Paul said to speak these things, including the blessed hope of the return of Jesus no matter what critics might say.
Now to Chapter 5, verse
12:
12 And
we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are
over you in the Lord and admonish you,
Next:
13 and
to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace
among yourselves.
Again, the Apostle Paul is promoting acceptance of hierarchical church governance.
In a sermon titled Rely on God, Herbert W. Armstrong said:
KEY ISSUE IS GOVERNMENT ...
THE WHOLE THING WAS GOVERNMENT! THE THING THAT SATAN TOOK AWAY WAS GOVERNMENT. THE THING THAT CHRIST IS COMING TO RESTORE IS GOVERNMENT. AND WHAT HE RAISED ME UP FOR WAS TO RESTORE GOVERNMENT IN HIS CHURCH. And the whole test, the challenge in the first place ..., was a point of government. (Armstrong HW. Rely on God. Sermon, April 6, 1985)
Notice that Herbert Armstrong said God raised him up to restore church government in His church. And he did for the Philadelphians, though most end time Christians do not accept that. Yet, that was, according to him, a key doctrine restored to the Philadelphian era. In his sermon titled Mission of the Philadelphia Church Era that was given on December 17, 1983, he stated:
It's been seeming more and more to me, as the years go by, that the Bible was written primarily for the Philadelphia Era of the Church... to go on with the things that have been restored...The government of God has been restored to the Church, and the government of God has been placed in the Church.
In his sermon titled Challenged on April 19, 1981, he plainly taught:
the government of God has been established in the Philadelphia era of God's church.
Do not let naysayers, grumblers, and accusers of the brethren convince you can push aside proper hierarchical church governance and still be Philadelphian.
Notice something that Herbert W. Armstrong wrote:
Why has God's Church in this Philadelphia era gone through a period of friction, controversy within the Church and split-offs, with certain ministers leaving the Church to take followers after themselves ...
The contenders, the disgruntled, the liberals did not want God's government in the Church. ... The contenders, the disgruntled, the liberals did not want God's government in the Church. (Armstrong HW. Recent History of the Philadelphia Era of the Worldwide Church of God. Worldwide News, June 25, 1985)
Onto
verse 14:
14 Now
we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort
the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.
Paul is warning against those that do not accept proper hierarchical church governance. Sadly, based on Jesus' words in Revelation 3, we see that only a minority of end time Christians will accept that type of governance.
Verse
15:
15 See
that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is
good both for yourselves and for all.
The above passage brings to mind the following from the Apostle Paul:
19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. 20 Therefore
"If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head."21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:19-21)
Continuing
with several shorter verses:
16 Rejoice
always,
Yes, you too, are to rejoice always. We are also specifically told to rejoice at the Feast of Tabernacles (Deuteronomy 14:26)
Verse
17:
17 pray
without ceasing,
Pray at least daily. To assist you with that, we have a free online book titled: Prayer: What Does the Bible Teach?
Next in Chapter 5:
18 in
everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
We are supposed to be thankful. Want to do something good?
Give thanks to God:
1 It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High;
2 To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning,
And Your faithfulness every night, (Psalm 92:1-2)
Next
verse:
19 Do
not quench the Spirit.
Many have and are unwilling to accept how God's Spirit works.
Verse
20:
20 Do
not despise prophecies.
Many do, or at least the despise the fact that God would have a prophet now.
But that should not. See also Does the CCOG have the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18?
Continuing:
21 Test
all things; hold fast what is good.
Many do not do that.
Many accept criticisms from talebearers and are slothful:
8 The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles,
And they go down into the inmost body.9 He who is slothful in his work
Is a brother to him who is a great destroyer. (Proverbs 18:8-9)
They are being a brother to destroyers.
What should you prove?
You should prove that there is a God--we have a free online book to help you do this: Is God’s Existence Logical?
You should prove that the Bible is true--we have a free online book to help you do this: Who Gave the World the Bible? The Canon: Why do we have the books we now do in the Bible? Is the Bible complete?
You should prove that Jesus is the Messiah--we have a free online book to help you do this: Proof Jesus is the Messiah.
You should prove that the Church of God holds to the true and original faith--we have some free online books to help you do this: Continuing History of the Church of God and Beliefs of the Original Catholic Church: Could a remnant group have continuing apostolic succession? and Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing Church of God Differs from Protestantism (there are articles on other groups at https://cogwriter.com/).
You should prove that the Continuing Church of God is the most faithful Philadelphian remnant of the Church of God--we have a free online book to help you do this: Where is the True Christian Church Today?
And as far as whether the Continuing Church of God also has Divine confirmation of its end time role, you may wish to check out the article: Does the CCOG have the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18?
We have also restored more truths than any group in the 21st century, which can be seen in the following article: Continuing Church of God, Elijah, and Restoring All Things.
Once you have tested (or proved per the KJV) those things, you should act on that knowledge and never turn back.
Verse
22:
22 Abstain
from every form of evil.
Yes, every form of evil. DO NOT EXCUSE SOME OF YOUR SINS AS ACCEPTABLE.
You need to live as a real Christian--we also have a free book to assist you on that: Christians: Ambassadors for the Kingdom of God, Biblical instructions on living as a Christian.
1
Thessalonians, Chapter 5, verse 23:
23 Now
may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may
your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of
our Lord Jesus Christ.
Verse
24:
24 He
who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.
Yes, God will do it if we do not give up. As Paul also wrote:
6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; (Philippians 1:6)
Next:
25 Brethren,
pray for us.
Yes, pray for the leadership in the Church. Pray that we have wisdom, manage resources properly, and fulfill the commissions that Jesus wants the church to fulfill.
Continuing:
26 Greet
all the brethren with a holy kiss.
Be friendly--though in many cultures an actual kiss is not appropriate.
Onto
verse 27:
27 I
charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read to all the holy
brethren.
Paul wanted people to know what he wrote. That includes us now.
Wrapping
up the book of 1 Thessalonians with verse 28:
28 The
grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
Live as a true and faithful Christian.
Accept Philadelphia era government.
Remember that real Christians do not end up suffering the second death.
We see in 1 Thessalonians that God has a plan.
Don't give up and God will not give up on you.
Jesus really will return.
The true Christians will be changed and made immortal.
Comfort one another with these words.
Here is a link to a related sermon: 1 Thessalonians & the Return of Jesus.
COGwriter (c) 2024 Thiel B. 1 Thessalonians and Commentary. https://www.cogwriter.com/1thessalonians.htm 2024 1102