2005 Bible Reading

1 Thessalonians

This page is not a commentary, nor an outline. It is something to bear in mind in this kind of reading. These materials I learnt from two books by Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart (How To Read The Bible For All Its Worth; How To Read The Bible Book By Book). You could consult these books if you are interested.

(Pastor Raymond)

Readers of this letter should bear in mind that Paul could not spend a long time with this church because he had to escape from local persecution (Acts 17:1-9). Therefore Paul expresses a desire to return to observe the growth of the Christians there but unfortunately the circumstances did not allow him to do so. As a result, Paul sent Timothy to Thessalonica to find out the situation whilst he and Silas stayed behind in Corinth. After Paul heard Timothy’s report upon the latter’s return, Paul wrote this letter, expressing on the one hand his relief, and on the other teaching them something he had not been able to do so because of his own sudden departure.

Much of what Paul mentions in this letter address issues that have to do with his contemporary cultural concerns. First, because Paul left in the middle of the night, it must have become a cause for the local critics of Paul to charge him as a religious charlatan and fake philosopher. And it is quite likely that the local congregation was subjected to jeers and criticisms. Second and it revolves around the perennial conflict between the moral standards of a Greco-Roman society and those of Christianity: sexual relationship outside of marriage. Paul insists on purity amongst Christians. Third, it is almost certain that it is about the curiosity of after-life amongst a pagan society. Paul has to address the many issues of life after death and resurrection. In order to relieve their worries, Paul tells the church that all who are in Christ are guaranteed a part when the resurrected Christ returns. It is not, Paul argues, that the resurrection and Christ’s return have taken place without the Thessalonians. Often these passages are used in the present days with a strong overtone of warning in order to exhort Christians to upright behaviors. It should, however, not be lost sight that in fact, Paul writes with an intention to comfort a congregation that is being pressed.

Thessalonica was a major city in the province of Macedonia, which was known for her loyalty to Caesar their Lord. Paul thus describes the Christians are waiting for their Lord’s return as if a city waiting for her Lord. Some scholars have pointed out that Paul also borrows the imagery of an ancient custom where the city sends a delegation to welcome an approaching dignitary outside the city gate.

In this letter, Paul mentions one of his personal missionary principles: “to work with his own hands,” meaning that he will not receive financial support from the very city in which he is serving out his missionary duties. It can be observed that Paul takes the same approach with respect to the Corinthian churches. In all the New Testament books, it is mentioned only the support of the Philippians was accepted by Paul, probably for his work in Thessalonica (Phil 4:16).