I ThessaloniansResurrection of the Dead

Stan Crowley

Church of Christ at Buda/KyleBuda, Texas

December 1999-February 2000

Lesson 1—Slide 2

Resurrection of the Dead

Lesson 1: Introduction & Overview

Lesson 2: Resounding of the Gospel (1:1-3:13)

Lesson 3: Response to the Gospel (4:1-12)

Lesson 4: Resurrection of the Dead (4:13-5:11)

Lesson 5: Religious Duties (5:12-28)

I Thessalonians

Lesson 1—Slide 3

Key Questions for Introduction & Overview

Who was the author of I Thessalonians?

Who was the audience for I Thessalonians?

What was the occasion for writing I Thess.?

Where does I Thessalonians fit in Paul’s writings?

Outline of I Thessalonians.

What to remember from Lesson 1.

Lesson 1Lesson 1

Lesson 1—Slide 4

Paul wrote I Thessalonians.(1 Th 1:1 NKJV) Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians …(1 Th 2:18 NKJV) Therefore we wanted to come to you; even I, Paul, time and again; …

An Apostle(1 Th 2:6 NKJV) … when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ.(2 Cor 11:5 NKJV) For I consider that I am not at all inferior to the most eminent apostles.(2 Cor 12:11-12 NKJV) ... for in nothing was I behind the most eminent apostles, though I am nothing. Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you …

Who was the author of I Thessalonians?

Lesson 1—Slide 5

A Jew (Pharisee taught by Gamaliel)(Acts 22:3 NKJV) "I am indeed a Jew, ... but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, ….(Phil 3:5 NKJV) ... concerning the law, a Pharisee;

A Persecutor of Christians(Acts 26:10-11 NKJV) … many of the saints I shut up in prison, ... and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme …

A Convert to Christianity(Acts 9:15 NKJV) ... he is a chosen vessel ... to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.(Acts 26:19 NKJV) ... I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision,

Who was the author of I Thessalonians?—Cont’d

Lesson 1—Slide 6

33-36 Persecuted the church36 Converted36-38 In Damascus & Arabia38-44 In Tarsus, Syria, & Cilicia44-48 In Antioch48-49 On 1st Missionary Journey50 At Jerusalem Conference51-54On 2nd Missionary Journey54-58 On 3rd Missionary Journey59-63 In prison 63-67 Later travels68 In prison68 Death

Major Milestones in Paul’s Life

Lesson 1—Slide 7

Paul’s 2nd Missionary Journey

(AD 51-54)

Lesson 1—Slide 8

The “church of the Thessalonians”(1 Th 1:1 NKJV) Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: …

Thessalonica during the time of Paul:Was a “free city” of Greek character.Had a large settlement of Jews.Was the largest city and “capital” of Macedonia (N. Greece).Remained a stronghold of Christianity for centuries.Modern Salonika has maintained importance.

Who was the audience for I Thessalonians?

Lesson 1—Slide 9

On his 2nd Missionary Journey, Paul had been “directed” to Macedonia.

He was not allowed to go to Asia or Bithynia.

(Acts 16:6 NKJV) … they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia.

(Acts 16:7 NKJV) … they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them.

He progressed to Troas, where he was called by the Lord to go to Macedonia.

(Acts 16:9 NKJV) And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”

What was the occasion for writing

I Thessalonians?

Lesson 1—Slide 10

In Macedonia (N. Greece), Paul visited:Philippi

Converted Lydia and a prisonkeeperWas shamefully treated (Acts 16:22-37)

Thessalonica Converted some Jews and many GreeksWas supported by Philippians (Phil. 4:15-16)Was threatened by uproar by envious JewsLeft abruptly at night (with Silas) for Berea

BereaConverted Jews and Greeks (noble students)Was harassed by Jews from ThessalonicaWent to Athens (Silas and Timothy stayed)

What was the occasion for writing

I Thessalonians?—Cont’d

Lesson 1—Slide 11

What was the occasion for writing

I Thessalonians?—Cont’d

Lesson 1—Slide 12

In Achaia (S. Greece), Paul visited:Athens

Disputed with Jews in synagogueSpoke to Areopagus about the “unknown God”Sent Timothy to Thessalonica (when he arrived from Berea)Moved on to Corinth

Corinth Worked as tentmaker (with Aquila and Priscilla)Wrote 1 Thessalonians (when Timothy arrived from Thessalonica in Macedonia; Silas also returned from Macedonia)

What was the occasion for writing

I Thessalonians?—Cont’d

Lesson 1—Slide 13

Timothy’s report:Brought good new about the faithfulness of the ThessaloniansImplied some were discrediting Paul and his ministryCaused concerns about their emphasis on moral purityRevealed misunderstanding about the resurrection of the dead and the return of ChristPrompted the writing of I Thessalonians from Corinth about 52 AD (about the time Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, Acts 18:5)

What was the occasion for writing

I Thessalonians?—Cont’d

Lesson 1—Slide 14Dates are primarily from Life and Epistles of St. Paul, Conybeare and Howson.

-----------

50

52

53

57

58

62 67

68

51------- 54------------- 58Second Journey

Third Journey

68

60 70

I Tim. & Titus

II Tim.

The Period of Paul’s Writings (52-68)

FirstJourney

48-49

I Thess.

II Thess. Rom.

I & II Cor., Gal.

Eph., Phil.,Col., Phm.

LaterTravels

InPrison

InPrison

67-- Death

61----- 63

Where does I Thessalonians fit in Paul’s

writings?

Lesson 1—Slide 15

I. Resounding of the Gospel (1:1-3:13)

A. Receipt of Gospel (1:1-2:16)B. Report of Timothy (2:17-3:13)

II. Response to the Gospel (4:1-12)

 III. Resurrection of the Dead (4:13-5:11)

A. Return of Jesus Christ (4:13-5:5)B. Remaining Watchful (5:6-11)

IV. Religious Duties (5:12-28)A. Respect for Others (5:12-15)B. Remaining Faithful (5:16-28)

Outline of I Thessalonians:

Resurrection of the Dead

Lesson 1—Slide 16

From Introduction & Overview

I Thessalonians was likely the first written of Paul’s letter we have in the Bible (about AD 52).

Thessalonica was in Macedonia, where Paul was directed to go preach the gospel.

I Thessalonians was prompted by Paul receiving a report about them from Timothy indicating that they:

were remaining faithful in spite of opposition,could use some instruction about the resurrection of the dead and return of Christ, needed some admonitions to purity.

What to Remember