1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 1:1 Opening. Silvanus and Timothy worked with Paul during his second missionary journey. Silvanus, or Silas, was a Judean Christian (Acts 15:22) who joined Paul after he separated from Barnabas (Acts 15:39–40). Timothy, from Lystra in south Galatia, was a son of a Jewish mother and Greek father. He became partners with Paul when Paul passed through his hometown early on his second missionary journey (see Acts 16:1–4). Timothy has returned from a visit to the Thessalonian church (1 Thess. 3:6). His report is Paul’s major source of information as he writes. While Silas and Timothy are included as co-senders, Paul was clearly the main author (see 2:18; 3:5; 5:27). Grace . . . and peace. See note on Rom. 1:7.
Paul began each of his letters with some variation of the phrase Grace and peace (see 1:1). Peter began his letters in the same way, and John began his second letter that way as well.
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 1:2–3:13 Thanksgiving and Encouragement. It is typical for Paul to include a word of thanksgiving near the beginning of his letters (1:2–3). He goes on to offer encouragement (1:4–2:16) and to seek to clear up any possible misunderstanding resulting from his non-arrival at Thessalonica (2:17–3:13).
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 1:3 faith . . . love . . . hope. A common Pauline pattern (see 5:8; Rom. 5:2–5; 1 Cor. 13:13; Gal. 5:5–6; Eph. 4:2–5). The prominent final position here belongs to hope. This seems fitting in a letter so concerned with the end times (1 Thess. 1:10; 2:12, 19–20; 3:13; 4:13–18; 5:1–11, 23–24).
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 1:4 brothers loved by God. God’s love is the ultimate reason for their election (Eph. 1:4–5; compare Rom. 1:7). Chosen (literally, “elected”) refers to God’s sovereign act of appointing people for eternal life (see notes on Eph. 1:4; 1:5; 1:11). Because of his experience of fellowship with them, Paul is confident the Thessalonians are among the chosen (see 1 Thess. 1:5–10 and note). Therefore he can reassure them that they are forever secure.
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 1:5–10 because. Paul bases his confidence that the Thessalonians are elect on two things: the authenticity and authority of those preaching the gospel to them (v. 5) and the nature of their response to the gospel (vv. 6–10).
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 1:6 for you received the word in much affliction. See Acts 17:5–9; 1 Thess. 2:14. When people take a stand of faith in God, they should expect to encounter difficulties as a result (see Rom. 8:17–18; 1 Pet. 4:12–14).
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 1:9–10 wait for his Son. The first of many references to the second coming in this letter (see 2:12, 19–20; 3:13; 4:13–18; 5:1–11, 23–24). whom he raised from the dead. See 4:13–18. delivers us from the wrath to come. See 5:1–11.
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 2:1–12 Paul expands on what he said in summary form in 1:5: while they were in Thessalonica, he and his fellow missionaries displayed all the traits of authentic ministers of the gospel. In 2:17–3:10, he will explain why he then had to be absent from them.
Thessalonica was the proud capital of the Roman province of Macedonia, with a population of more than 100,000. It was a center of education as well as commerce.
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 2:2 shamefully treated at Philippi. See Acts 16:19–39. boldness. Despite experiencing fierce persecution in Philippi, Paul did not shrink from proclaiming the gospel in Thessalonica, even when it led to further suffering.
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 2:3–4 The missionaries did not have a faulty message, impure motives, or questionable methods. They preached the gospel as those approved by God and as those committed to speaking to please God.
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 2:5 pretext for greed. Paul did not minister for financial gain. See v. 9; 2 Thess. 3:8.
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 2:6 made demands as apostles of Christ. As apostles, they had unique authority to request support (see Rom. 15:24; 1 Cor. 9:3–14).
| 1:3 | “hope in our Lord Jesus Christ” |
| 1:10 | “to wait for his Son from heaven” |
| 2:19 | “before our Lord Jesus at his coming” |
| 3:13 | “at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all 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” |
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 2:7–8 gentle. Acting in a humble way toward the converts. like a nursing mother. Loving and selfless in their devotion to the converts.
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 2:9 Paul’s love was shown by his long hours of manual labor. He worked hard to pay his own expenses rather than depend on the Thessalonian believers for support.
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 2:10–12 kingdom and glory. At Jesus’ second coming, Christians will enjoy the full benefits of God’s kingdom.
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 2:13 not as the word of men but as . . . the word of God. Paul claims divine authority for his words as an apostle.
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 2:14 The Judean churches were the mother churches of all those established by Paul. They established a standard by which all other churches might measure themselves. Like them, the Thessalonian Christians suffered persecution for their faith. your own countrymen. Jewish opponents of the gospel had instigated the difficulties that the Thessalonians had with their Gentile neighbors (Acts 17:5–10).
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 2:15 drove us out. See Acts 17:5–10. oppose all mankind. Everyone needs to hear the gospel of salvation. To oppose the gospel is therefore to “oppose all mankind.”
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 2:16 wrath has come upon them at last. Paul may mean (1) the Judean famine in A.D. 44–47, (2) the riot and massacre in Jerusalem in 48–49, (3) the expulsion of Jews from Rome in 49; or, most likely, (4) an unspecified future event that is certain or has already begun.
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 2:17–3:10 Just as 2:1–12 is a defense of Paul and his fellow missionaries during their work in Thessalonica, these verses are a defense of their later absence.
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 2:17 The missionaries left Thessalonica because of persecution. for a short time. Timothy’s recent visit ended the brief absence. in person not in heart. Physical absence did not reflect a lack of concern for the Thessalonians. we endeavored . . . to see you. The missionaries had tried to get back to Thessalonica.
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 2:18 I, Paul. Paul feels he must explain the absence. Satan hindered us. How Satan did this is unknown.
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 2:19–20 Presenting his converts to Jesus at the second coming is part of Paul’s Christian hope. crown. Crowns or wreaths were given to winning athletes.
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 3:1 Paul sent Timothy because he could no longer endure not knowing how the Thessalonians were doing. Sending Timothy was a sacrifice for Paul. It shows deep pastoral love, since Paul was left behind at Athens alone (see note on Acts 17:15).
Paul mentions Jesus’ return in every chapter of this short letter. In 4:13–18, he tells the Thessalonians what will happen to Christians who already have died. When Christ returns, they will see their loved ones again, and they will all be with the Lord forever (see 4:15–17).
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 3:2 God’s coworker. Paul may be highlighting Timothy’s credentials to show that he was a worthy substitute, since Paul could not come himself.
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 3:3–4 Paul sent Timothy to strengthen the persecuted Thessalonians (see 2 Thess. 1:5–7). we are destined for this. Christians should expect to suffer for their faith (see Rom. 8:17–18; 2 Tim. 3:12; also Mark 10:30; 1 Pet. 4:12–13).
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 3:5 tempter. Satan tempted Jesus (Matt. 4:1–11) and he tempts Christians (1 Cor. 7:5). our labor would be in vain. If Satan had succeeded in getting the Thessalonians to abandon their faith, Paul’s mission work would have been a failure.
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 3:6 When Timothy returned from Thessalonica, Paul wrote to the Thessalonians.
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 3:9–10 what is lacking in your faith. The missionaries had been unable to complete their usual instruction in the fundamentals of the faith.
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 3:13 Jesus will someday return with all his saints (or “holy ones”—angels, Christians, or, most likely, both; compare Zech. 14:5). On the second coming of Christ, see 1 Thess. 5:1–11; 1 Pet. 4:7; 2 Pet. 3:2–18.
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 4:1–5:28 Instruction and Exhortation. Paul gives instructions on pleasing God (4:1–12), the second coming (4:13–5:11), community conduct (5:12–22), and prayer and assurance (5:23–28).
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 4:2 instructions. Originally a military word, it usually conveys authoritative commands.
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 4:3 that you abstain from sexual immorality. For former pagans, the lure of sexual sins was strong (see 1 Corinthians 5–6). Paul forbids any sexual activity outside of heterosexual marriage (see Eph. 5:3; 1 Pet. 1:15–22).
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 4:4 control his own body. The Greek could be translated “take a wife for himself” (see esv footnote). However, in view of vv. 4–5 and 1 Corinthians 7, sexual self-control is more likely the intended meaning.
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 4:5 in the passion of lust like the Gentiles. See Rom. 1:24–27.
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 4:6 wrong. Taking advantage of a fellow Christian through sexual sin. the Lord is an avenger. Those who ignore the Christian sexual ethic will face Jesus’ wrath.
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 4:8 Therefore. In view of v. 7, to reject Paul’s teaching on sex is to reject God, the source of Paul’s instruction. who gives his Holy Spirit to you. In the OT (e.g., Ezek. 36:26–27), God promised a new covenant in which the Holy Spirit would write the law on people’s hearts and empower them to obey.
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 4:9 taught by God to love one another. See Jer. 31:33–34. By love, Christians fulfill the law (Rom. 13:8–10; compare Lev. 19:18; John 13:34).
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 4:11 live quietly. Live peacefully with others (see 2 Thess. 3:11–12) instead of interfering in others’ affairs. work with your hands. Earn their own living instead of being supported by wealthier Christians.
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 4:12 walk properly before outsiders. For some Christians to be shamelessly exploiting the charity of wealthier Christians would have brought disgrace on the gospel they claimed to believe.
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 4:13–18 Paul answers the Thessalonians’ questions about Christians who die before Jesus returns.
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 4:13 we do not want you to be uninformed. The Thessalonians are unaware of the things Paul will explain in vv. 14–17 (see note on 3:9–10). those who are asleep. Those who have died. grieve as others do who have no hope. Grieving is not wrong (see Acts 8:2), but it is wrong for Christians to exhibit hopelessness in their grief.
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 4:14 rose again. Christ’s resurrection is the center of God’s plan for history. It is the believer’s basis for hope in the future resurrection of the body (1 Cor. 15:42–57). through Jesus, God will bring. Jesus will “bring” deceased Christians with him at his return. those who have fallen asleep. The souls of those who have been in heaven with Christ up to that point.
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 4:15b–17 We who are alive does not mean Paul believed that he would be alive at the second coming. It means all Christians should be prepared for Christ to return during their lifetime. who are left. Still alive. will not precede those who have fallen asleep. It is unclear whether the Thessalonians thought the dead would rise only after the second coming or whether they thought the dead had no hope for salvation at all.
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 4:15 word from the Lord. Probably something the Lord revealed personally to Paul.
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 4:16–17 cry of command . . . voice of an archangel . . . trumpet of God. The three noises summon the dead. The only “archangel” identified in the Bible is Michael (Jude 9). Trumpets in the OT proclaimed the Lord’s presence (Ex. 19:16; Ps. 47:5). In Jewish tradition, the “trumpet” was associated with battle, the day of the Lord, and the resurrection (see 1 Cor. 15:52). first. Then. Dead Christians will rise from their graves, then the living and the dead together are caught up (“to grab or seize suddenly, to take away”) from the earth into the air to meet Christ. together with. The dead Christians and those still alive join Christ at the same time. clouds. Probably the clouds of glory that surround the presence of God (see Ex. 33:9–10; 1 Kings 8:10–11; Ps. 97:2; Matt. 17:5; Mark 13:26). to meet. The Greek term often describes the reception given by the inhabitants of a city for an important visitor. They celebrated their honored guest’s arrival, then led him into the city (see Matt. 25:6; Acts 28:15).
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 4:18 Understanding about the Lord’s return should bring comfort and encouragement, not fear and division. These words refers to vv. 13–17.
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 5:1 Now concerning. Paul may be responding to a question the Thessalonians sent by Timothy. the times and the seasons. That is, when the day of the Lord will occur (compare Acts 1:7).
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 5:2–3 The phrase day of the Lord is common in the OT Prophets (see note on Amos 5:18–20). It refers to the great and terrible day when Yahweh will punish the disobedient and save the faithful. In Paul’s letters it is connected with the second coming. like a thief in the night. Unexpected and unwelcome by those not ready for it (see Matt. 24:43–44). people. That is, unbelievers. peace and security. False promises of avoiding God’s wrath. labor pains. A metaphor for judgment and destruction on the day of the Lord. Compare Isa. 13:8; Jer. 6:24.
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 5:4 But you. Christians will not face destruction on judgment day.
The Romans promised peace and security to the citizens of their empire. They promoted this message on coins and statues. But Paul warns that, regardless of how secure people may feel, God’s day of judgment will come for those who have rejected him (5:3; see Jer. 8:11).
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 5:5 children of light. Those who belong to God and receive his salvation (Luke 16:8; John 12:36; Col. 1:13).
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 5:6 So then. Paul gives general instructions based on the reassurances in v. 5. sleep. Living without considering the coming day of judgment.
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 5:8 breastplate . . . helmet. Paul echoes Isa. 59:17, where the Lord is a warrior wearing armor (see Eph. 6:10–20). faith and love . . . hope. Essential Christian traits (see 1 Cor. 13:13; 1 Thess. 1:3).
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 5:9 For connects this verse with either vv. 6–8 in general or with the specific instruction in v. 8 to put on the helmet of hope.
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 5:10 awake or asleep. Alive or dead (4:13–18).
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 5:12–13 respect those who labor . . . admonish you. The young Thessalonian church was not appreciating and respecting its leaders enough. are over you. The elders in the church (see notes on Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5). Be at peace among yourselves may suggest there were tensions in the community.
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 5:14 idle. Some Thessalonians were ignoring their responsibility to work. See 4:9–12; also 2 Thess. 3:6–15. fainthearted. Due to persecution (1 Thess. 3:3–4) or the unexpected deaths (4:13–5:11). weak. Those with weak consciences (see 1 Corinthians 8–9), those upset by the ongoing persecution, or those anxious about the day of the Lord (1 Thess. 5:1–11).
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 5:16 Rejoice always. Joy is a basic mark of the Christian (Rom. 14:17) and a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22).
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 5:17 Pray without ceasing suggests continual personal fellowship with God.
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 5:18 give thanks. Christians are to be marked by thanksgiving (Eph. 5:4, 20; Col. 2:7; 3:15, 17; 4:2). This probably refers to all of 1 Thess. 5:16–18.
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 5:19 Do not quench the Spirit. The next verse clarifies how the Thessalonians were putting out the Holy Spirit’s fire.
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 5:20–21 Do not despise prophecies. Believers are to be open to learning God’s will through fellow Christians exercising the gift of prophecy (see note on 1 Cor. 14:22–25). test everything. To distinguish the true from the false. True prophecy agrees with Scripture and helps the church. See 1 Cor. 14:29–33 and the note on 1 Cor. 12:10. what is good. Most likely prophecies that pass the test.
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 5:23–28 God of peace. God initiated the reconciliation of Christians with himself. He is now at peace with them. Spirit, soul, and body represent the entirety of human nature (see Matt. 10:28; Mark 12:30; 1 Cor. 7:34).
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 5:26 holy kiss. A symbol of Christian fellowship and holiness (see note on 1 Cor. 16:20).
1 THESSALONIANS—NOTE ON 5:27 I. As usual, having dictated his letter to a secretary, Paul wrote the final greeting in his own handwriting (compare 2 Thess. 3:17). This showed readers that the letter really came from Paul. have this letter read to all. See note on Col. 4:16.