1 Thessalonians Chapter 2

http://www.bible-history.com/Pauls_Second_Mission_Map/

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 2nd 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