1 & 2 Thessalonians WEP KEY: 18013B374A.

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1 & 2 Thessalonians Introduction

Strabo, writing near the beginning of the 1 st century, speaks of Thessalonica as a Macedonian city, which at the present time is more populous than any of the rest [7.7.4] In so saying, Strabo seems not to include Philippi as part of Macedonia. Even so, it seems that Thessalonica was larger than Philippi. Thessalonica had a proper synagogue (Ac. 17:1) Thessalonica had a proper synagogue (Ac. 17:1) Philippi did not (Ac. 16:13) Philippi did not (Ac. 16:13) The City

rulers of the city politarchs Ramsay curious and rare title BDAG a number of . (five or six in Thessalonica) formed the city council in Macedonian cities, and occasionally in others MM the title was essentially Macedonian evidenced by 19 inscriptions & 1 papyrus 5 inscr. from Thessalonica 9 inscr. from elsewhere in Macedonia 2 inscr. from Philippopolis in Thrace 1 inscr. from Bithynia 1 inscr. from Bosporus 1 inscr. & 1 papyrus from Egypt rulers of the city politarchs Ramsay curious and rare title BDAG a number of . (five or six in Thessalonica) formed the city council in Macedonian cities, and occasionally in others MM the title was essentially Macedonian evidenced by 19 inscriptions & 1 papyrus 5 inscr. from Thessalonica 9 inscr. from elsewhere in Macedonia 2 inscr. from Philippopolis in Thrace 1 inscr. from Bithynia 1 inscr. from Bosporus 1 inscr. & 1 papyrus from Egypt 70% 10% The City

rulers of the city politarchs bring them forth to the people common word, but here, a technical term for town meeting? Macedonian Inscription, A.D. 143 rulers of the city politarchs bring them forth to the people common word, but here, a technical term for town meeting? Macedonian Inscription, A.D. 143 The City

Across the water from Mt. Olympus

Ac 17:2 Now when they had traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica

Ac 17 14 And then immediately the brethren sent forth Paul to go as far as to the sea: Ac 17 14 both Silas and Timothy remained there. 15 But they that conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens Ac 17 15 and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timothy that they should come to him with all speed, they departed. Ac 18 1 After these things he departed from Athens, and came to Corinth. Ac 18 5 But when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia

1 Thessalonians 2 17 But we, brethren, being bereaved of you for a short season, in presence not in heart 2 and sent Timothy, our brother and God's minister in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, 1 Thessalonians 3 1 Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left behind at Athens alone; 1 Thessalonians 3 6 But when Timothy came even now unto us from you, and brought us glad tidings of your faith and love KJV has The first epistle unto the Thessalonians was written from Athens. Some MSS have was written from Athens Timothy PROSq e ssalonik e is a

Philippians 4 15 And ye yourselves also know, ye Philippians, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church had fellowship with me in the matter of giving and receiving but ye only; 16 for even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my need. 2 Corinthians 11 8 I robbed other churches, taking wages of them that I might minister unto you; Philippians 4 when I departed from Macedonia 15 And ye yourselves also know, ye Philippians, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church had fellowship with me in the matter of giving and receiving but ye only; 16 for even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my need. Giving & Receiving Sponsoring Church Activity? Philippians 4 no church had fellowship with me in the matter of giving and receiving but ye only 15 And ye yourselves also know, ye Philippians, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church had fellowship with me in the matter of giving and receiving but ye only; 16 for even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my need. The only way that you can reconcile 2 Corinthians 11 with this passage is that the brethren determined to send to Philippi and they oversaw the sending of the money. - CW Lincoln, Dallas Meeting, 1990 The only way that you can reconcile 2 Corinthians 11 with this passage is that the brethren determined to send to Philippi and they oversaw the sending of the money. - CW Lincoln, Dallas Meeting, 1990

Authorship Both letters are sent in the name of Paul, Silvanus (Silas), and Timothy. Silas and Timothy had just come from Macedonia (Ac 18:5) Silas and Timothy had just come from Macedonia (Ac 18:5) Only Timothy is said to have come from the Thessalonians (1 TH 3:6) Only Timothy is said to have come from the Thessalonians (1 TH 3:6) he had been sent back to Thessalonica (1 TH 3:2) he had been sent back to Thessalonica (1 TH 3:2) Silas apparently stayed in Berea or elsewhere in Macedonia Silas apparently stayed in Berea or elsewhere in Macedonia

Authorship AUTHENTICITY 1 Thessalonians Although Pauline authorship of 1 Thessalonians was occasionally questioned in the nineteenth centuryno contemporary scholars of repute seem to doubt the authentic Pauline character of the letter Wanamaker 2 Thessalonians Alleged to be a forgery because: 2 Thessalonians is too similar 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians is too similar 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians is too different from 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians is too different from 1 Thessalonians The notion that the Day of the Lord had come was a gnostic idea The notion that the Day of the Lord had come was a gnostic idea There was no need to guard against forgeries (my own hand), and therefore 2 Thessalonians must have been a forgery There was no need to guard against forgeries (my own hand), and therefore 2 Thessalonians must have been a forgery

Authorship 2 Thess. 3:17-18 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand, and this is a distinguishing mark in every letter; this is the way I write. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. , . . , . .

Authorship Galatians 6:11 See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. 1 Corinthians 16:21 The greeting of Paul, in my hand Colossians 4:18 The greeting of Paul, in my hand Romans 16:22 I, Tertius, who write this letter, greet you in the Lord. Philemon 19 I, Paul, wrote in my hand, I will repay For What Purpose? 1.To guard against forgery 2.A token of intimacy I salute you, Plangon. These things I have written to you in my hand. Goodbye, good Dionysius, and remember your Callirhoe. 3.Other Specific reasons

Date 5152 Window for letter Window for beginning of Gallios term as proconsul Latest possible date for beginning of Gallios term Earliest possible date for beginning of Gallios term 50

Acts 18 Pauls total time at Corinth: 18 months 11 And he settled there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. after Gallio came to office 18 Paul, having remained many days longer Date 5152 Window for Pauls arrival in CorinthWindow for beginning of Gallios term as proconsul Pauls latest possible arrival date Pauls earliest possible arrival date 50 Allowing a maximum of 17 months and a minimum of 9 months before Gallio comes to office

1.Some of the Jews 2.Of the devout Greeks a great many 3.Of the leading women, not a few Who was persuaded? God-fearers, worshipers of God is a term applied to former polytheists who accepted the ethical monotheism of Israel and attended the synagogue, but who did not obligate themselves to keep the whole Mosaic law; in particular, the males did not submit to circumcision BDAG The whole phrase Lydia (Ac 16:14) Titus Justus (Ac 18:7) Without the object women stirred up against Paul by Jews (Ac 13:50) some at Athens (Ac 17:17) With proselytes some at Antioch (Ac 13:43) God-fearers, worshipers of God is a term applied to former polytheists who accepted the ethical monotheism of Israel and attended the synagogue, but who did not obligate themselves to keep the whole Mosaic law; in particular, the males did not submit to circumcision BDAG The whole phrase Lydia (Ac 16:14) Titus Justus (Ac 18:7) Without the object women stirred up against Paul by Jews (Ac 13:50) some at Athens (Ac 17:17) With proselytes some at Antioch (Ac 13:43)

1.Some of the Jews 2.Of the devout and of Greeks a great many 3.Of the leading women, not a few Who was persuaded?

Ramsay argues strongly for this reading 1.Some of the Jews 2.Of the devout 3.and of Greeks a great many 4.Of the leading women, not a few Who was persuaded?

Codex D unambiguously has wives of the leading men 1.Some of the Jews 2.Of the devout Greeks a great many 3.Of the leading women, not a few Who was persuaded? 1.Some of the Jews 2.Of the devout Greeks a great many 3.Of wives of the leading men, not a few

2 Thess. 2:13 Ye accepted it not as the word of men, but, as it is in truth, the word of God MOSTLY GENTILES Acts 17:4Some of the Jews Acts 17:4Some of the Jews Acts 17:11Jews at Thessalonica not as receptive as those at Berea Acts 17:11Jews at Thessalonica not as receptive as those at Berea 1 Th. 2:8turned unto God from idols 1 Th. 2:8turned unto God from idols Who was persuaded?

1.Secundus Traveled with Paul during his 3 rd Journey Traveled with Paul during his 3 rd Journey Went ahead of Paul and waited for him at Troas (Acts 20:4), along with Aristarchus and others 2.Aristarchus Traveled with Paul during his 3 rd Journey Traveled with Paul during his 3 rd Journey Was seized during the riot at Ephesus (Acts 19:29) Went ahead of Paul and waited for him at Troas (Acts 20:4) Must have become acquainted with the church at Colossae during this trip (See below) Traveled to Rome with Paul (Acts 27:2) Traveled to Rome with Paul (Acts 27:2) Was with Paul in Rome as a prisoner when Paul wrote Colossians (Colossians 4:10) and as a fellow worker (Philemon 24) People

1 Thessalonians a response to Timothys arrival with glad tidings from the Thessalonians (3:6). Paul had hastily and unexpectedly left Macedonia (Ac. 17:14), whereas he had hoped to have further contact with the Thessalonians but had been hindered from doing so by Satan (1 Thess. 2:17f). urges these brethren who had recently come out of a world of sexual immorality to recognize that their sanctification involves abstaining from fornication [1 Thess. 3:1-8]. Perhaps having been advised by Timothy of uncertainty among the Thessalonian brethren in regard to some who had died, Paul takes this opportunity to explain that those who have fallen asleep in Jesus will not be left out at the Lords coming (1 Thess. 4:13ff). Purpose

2 Thessalonians written largely to reinforce or clarify what Paul had said in 1 Thessalonians Needed perhaps because of adverse influence from others -OR- Needed due to the Thessalonians misunderstanding of what Paul wrote Which it was depends on our understanding of by epistle as from us. Does Paul mean purporting to be from us, with reference to some pseudo-pauline letter [cf. Diod. Sic. 33.5.5, Diog. L. 10.3] Or does Paul mean, as for example, from us (i.e., 1 Thessalonians) Purpose 2 Thessalonians 2:2 2 that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. neither through epistle as through us 2 Thessalonians 2:2 2 that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. neither through epistle as through us

2 Thessalonians The nature of the misunderstanding: The nature of the misunderstanding: Some thought the day of the Lord had already come 2:2 should be translated has come as in the NAS, ESV 2:2 should be translated has come as in the NAS, ESV Perfect tense used 6 times in the NT, always existing thing When Paul wanted to use the word with reference to a future event, he used the future tense. Purpose Hb. 9:9 perfect participle time present Hb. 9:9 perfect participle time present Ga 1:4 perfect participle present evil world Ga 1:4 perfect participle present evil world 1 Co 7:26 perfect participle present distress 1 Co 7:26 perfect participle present distress Ro 8:38 perfect participle things present contrasted with things to come Ro 8:38 perfect participle things present contrasted with things to come 1 Co 3:22 perfect participle things present contrasted with things to come 1 Co 3:22 perfect participle things present contrasted with things to come 2 Ti 3:1 future grievous times shall come 2 Ti 3:1 future grievous times shall come 2 Thessalonians 2:2 2 that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. neither through epistle as through us 2 Thessalonians 2:2 2 that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. neither through epistle as through us

Paul connected conduct and anticipation of the Lords coming in 1 Thess. 3:13 CONDUCT Th. 4:1-12 Holiness, or sanctification, specifically with respect to sexual morality love of the brethren personal responsibility. personal responsibility Note especially that personal responsibility (4:11-12) was part of having hearts unblameable in holiness, i.e., sanctification. ANTICIPATION 1 Th. 4:13-4:18 The coming of the Lord with all his saints. Purpose 1 Thess. 3:13 13 so that He may establish your hearts without blame in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His [f] saints.f 1 Thess. 3:13 13 so that He may establish your hearts without blame in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His [f] saints.f

When Paul addresses the mistaken idea that the Lord had already returned, he again connects these two ideas ANTICIPATION 2 Th. 2:1-12the Lords return is yet future CONDUCT 2 Th. 2:13-15 urges continued sanctification (already shown to include personal responsibility) Paul equates this with holding the traditions which they were taught (2 Thess. 2:15). Purpose

2 Thess. 2:16-3:5 could well have been the conclusion 2 Thess. 3:6-15 A sort of post script what the brethren should do about some who have not continued to walk in sanctification, or as Paul expresses it here, walk not after the tradition they received of us, but have become disorderly, neglecting personal responsibility Purpose

Purpose 1 TH 3:131 TH 4:1-182 TH 2:1-152 TH 3:6-15 Hearts blameless in holiness 4:1-12 Sexual morality Love of brethren Personal responsibility 2:1-12 Lords coming is yet future What to do about some who walk not after the tradition (disorderly, neglecting personal responsibility) Coming of the Lord 4:13-18 Coming of the Lord 2:13-15 Chosen in sanctification, so then hold the traditions 2 TH 2:16-3:5 CLOSING Given that Paul connected sanctification, which is accomplished by walking in the tradition Paul taught, with the Lords future return, it is not unreasonable to suppose that those whom Paul identifies as not walking in that tradition were those who believed the Lord had already returned and who had therefore turned away from lives of sanctification and personal responsibility.

Authorship Pauls letters penned by an amanuensis, with closing remarks added by Paul in his own hand Use of an amanuensis was typical in Greece & Rome, Deissmann p. 166 and plate, et al. Was not always noted In the case of Paul, he attaches special significance of this practice in at least 3 instances Galatians, Galatians, Philemon, as assurance that he would pay Philemon, as assurance that he would pay 2 Thessalonians, perhaps in view of 2 Thess. 2:2 2 Thessalonians, perhaps in view of 2 Thess. 2:2

THESSALONICA Strabo on Thessalonica, writing about the time of Jesus birth: Thessaloniceia, a Macedonian city, which at the present time is more populous than any of the rest 7.7.4 GENTILES ACTS 17 PERSECUTION OCCASION RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE TWO LETTERS own hand 2 Thess. 3:17 Gal. 6:11, Romans 16:22, 1 Cor. 16:21, Col. 4:18

Date From ISBE (Bromiley) Claudius gave Achaia back to Senate, administered by a proconsul Claudius edict expelling Jews Claudius letter mentions Gallio Felix becomes procurator of Judea Festus succeeds Felix 4449525256 Acts 18Arrival at Corinth 2 And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, having recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome.

Date From ISBE (Bromiley) Claudius gave Achaia back to Senate, administered by a proconsul Claudius edict expelling Jews Claudius letter mentions Gallio Felix becomes procurator of Judea Festus succeeds Felix 4449525256 Acts 18Arrival at Corinth 2 And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, having recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. Josephus identifies Festus as successor to Felix (BJ 2.14.1, Ant. 20.9), and puts Festus governorship during the reign of Nero (Ant. 20.9). Nero reigned from 54-68. Tacitus (History v) has Felix coming to power during the reign of Claudius, who reigned from 41 to 54, and has Felix serving as procurator during the years 48-54 (Annals xii.54).

Authorship The Textual History of the Letter to the Romans (Studies and Documents) Harry Gamble, Jr.

The book of Acts, FF BRUCE Also see: See See Gymnastics of the mind: Greek education in Hellenistic and Roman Egypt By Raffaella Cribiore, pp. 88f

Authorship

1 & 2 Thessalonians WEP KEY: 18013B374A.

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