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| Chapter 1 |
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1 ¶ Paul, and Silvanus, and Timothy, Unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: 2 Grace unto you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you toward each other aboundeth, 4 so that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all persecutions and tribulations that ye endure, 5 ¶ which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the Kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer. 6 For it is a righteous thing with God to recompense with tribulation those who trouble you; 7 and to you who are troubled, rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from Heaven with His mighty angels, 8 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who know not God, and who obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, 10 when He shall come on that Day to be glorified in His saints and to be admired in all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed. 11 ¶ Therefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, 12 that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. |
v1-3 Introduction. v1,2 Greetings from the writer, Paul and co-workers to the believers at the Thessalonian Church. Paul reminds them that we are all in God the Father and Jesus. v4-12 Comfort in persecution. Paul is full of thanks to God for the growth of the Thessalonian Believers, because of their spiritual growth and love for each other. Paul was concerned about their faith in his first letter, 1 Thess 3:5,10, here Paul feels that "your faith groweth exceedingly." Paul was also worried about their love, 1 Thess 3:12, he has observed that their love has also "aboundeth," a large amount. v4 Paul wants to "glory in you," to boast about their faith to the other Christian churches. Paul used the present "you endure" indicating that they were still being strongly persecuted. v5-10 The reason for Persecution. Persecution can be because of a Believers failure or growth. God will use persecution to punish for failure or to help the Believer grow in faith, to prepare them for their future in the Kingdom. God loves every true believer and His aim is always for a closer relationship with Him. v5 Any persecution for a Believer is a sign of God’s righteous care, love and judgement for His children, to "be counted worthy." Consider 2 Cor 4:16ff. v6 God will also use tribulation for those who cause a true Believer problems. John 5:26-29. v7-9 The disciples were use to experiencing problems and tribulations, they already knew that God could provide all the care and protection for a Believer they need. Join us in our faith is suggested by Paul, then wait for the return of Jesus, when He returns He will use His powers to deal with those who have rejected God. See John 5:22-27 v9 The punishment promised will be total ruin, losing everything. This includes total separation from the presence of God. The New Testament has numerous descriptions of this place of punishment. Cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth, Matt 13:42. The devil who had deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are; and they shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever, Rev 20:10. The unprofitable servant into outer darkness there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, Matt 25:30. But, nothing will be as bad as the total separation from the love and presence of God, His glory, His power. v10 The Day of the Lord has not specific date, just "when", it will happen, but the time is indefinite, not clear when, therefore, it could be today or one hundred years ahead. Jesus Christ will be glorified by His saints, the true believers, John 17:9-17; 2 Cor 3:18. When the true believers see their Lord they will be full of celebration and exalt their wonderful Lord:- Who turned away the wrath of God, 1 John 2:2; Rom 3:25,26. Was the Redeemer, paid the price, 1 Tim 2:5,6; Col 2:13,14. Who took our place in punishment, Heb 2:9. Restored our relationship with God, reconciliation, 2 Cor 5:19. Why will this happen? "Because you believed our witness of the truth." v11 Because of this Paul and the ministry team were praying daily for them, that God would bless them for their faith and growth. Compare Rom 15:13,14; Gal 5:22,23; Eph 5:9,10 v12 Paul prays that the Name of Jesus will be glorified by the Thessalonians witness, note that it is the presence of Jesus "in you and you in Him." All this due to the wonderful grace, mercy, love of God the Father and His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. |
Easy English Translation
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