Paul's Ministry in Thessalonica
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Doctrine and Beliefs: Trinity: God Eternally Exists As Three Persons
Doctrine and Beliefs: Trinity: God eternally exists as three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The three distinct persons of the Trinity are all fully God; all of God’s attributes are true of each person and together they are one God. While the word “trinity” never appears in Scripture, it is an accepted doctrine based on the Bible’s teachings as a whole. We see throughout Scripture, evidence of the Trinity (Matthew 3:16-17, Matthew 28:19, John 1:1-5, John 13:20, 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, 2 Corinthians 13:14, Ephesians 2:18, 1 Peter 1:2). Additional Supportive Scripture: John 1:14, John 10:30, John 14 16-17, John 14:26, John 15:26, 1 Corinthians 8:6, Ephesians 4:4-6, Philippians 2:5-8, Colossians 1:15-17, Colossians 2:9-10, 1 John 5:7-8 God the Father: The first member of the Trinity is God the Father. He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things (Genesis 1:1, Colossians 1:16, Acts 4:24, Hebrews 1:3, Revelation 4:11). God is sovereign and infinite, meaning He has no limitations. God the Father can be intimately known but because of His infiniteness, He can never be fully known (Psalm 145:3, Jeremiah 9:23-24, Romans 11:33). God the Father can only be known through Jesus (Matthew 11:27, John 14:6). Jesus Christ: Jesus is the second member of the Trinity and the Son of God. He is God incarnate as man, and He is both fully God and fully human (Luke 24:39, John 1:1, John 1:18, Romans 9:5, Colossians 1:19, Colossians 2:9). -
1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 “You Are Dear to Us!”
1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 “You Are Dear To Us!” Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 Memory Verse: 1 Thessalonians 2:8b “We were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.” Lesson Focus: This is our first weekend with the newly promoted kids! I am amazed at how well our Scripture passage applies to this special weekend. Just as Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy emphasize how dear the believers in Thessalonica are to them, we will emphasize how dear all of these kids are to us and carve out time for you to get to know them. Activities and Crafts: You are Dear To Us Coloring Page, Word Search of different terms from lesson, Bring it Home Discussion and Prayer Requests for 3rd – 5th. Craft for 1st and 2nd grade: Share Your Sunshine Starter Activity: Claim Your Kingdom We will keep all of the kids in the Summit Room immediately after worship and play a quick game to welcome them into their new “kingdoms”. (This is the area that each group has all to themselves in the Summit Room just outside their classroom door). Q: What are some things that you put your name’s on. (i.e. lunchboxes, Bibles, etc.) Q: Why do you put your names on them? A: Because they are YOURS! At this point, we will pass out markers to the kids and have them “claim” their new kingdom area by writing on the fresh white tape that we will have laid down for them. -
Small Group Bible Study: 1 Thessalonians Week 1
Small Group Bible Study: 1 Thessalonians Week 1: Opening Question: What did God use to get your attention and expose you to the message of the Gospel? Background: Paul went to visit Thessalonica around 49 A.D. The city was crucial to the Roman Empire and almost became the capital of the world because of the waterways that run into it, and the amount of trade & commerce that happened there. Paul, Silas & Timothy led the charge as they shared the gospel to the people in Thessalonica. Other then sharing the message of Christ, they were there to encourage the believers and plant the church. The background of the church can be read in Acts 17:1-9. Paul’s letter (with help from Silas & Timothy) gives the new believers some guidance on holy living, having hope for the future, and encouragement through the suffering and persecution they were facing. Read 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 (Other scriptures to read – Acts 17:1-9) Questions: 1- In verse 2, Paul says that they always thank God for them continually and pray for them persistently. Why does this affect their relationship with the people of Thessalonica? How could constant prayer affect your relationship with friends or people who you may have a rough relationship with? 2- In verse 3, Paul writes “We remember before God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” a. What are “works” and how do they produce faith? b. What is “labor” and how is it affected by love? c. -
The Word of God Or the Word of Man? 1 Thessalonians 2:13
MSJ 26/2 (Fall 2015) 179–202 THE WORD OF GOD OR THE WORD OF MAN? 1 THESSALONIANS 2:13 Gregory H. Harris Professor of Bible Exposition The Master’s Seminary First Thessalonians 2:13 separates and distinguishes between the Word of God and the word of man. Such doctrine is not a biblical mystery; neither its origin nor terminus occur in 1 Thess 2:13. Also, the reception and continued working of God’s holy Word in the lives of the Thessalonian believers gave clear indication that they qualified as “the good soil,” of which Jesus had taught. * * * * * Introduction The question of what is or what is not God’s Word has instigated an age-old theological battle going all the way back to creation. Genesis 1 contains eleven times some form of “And God said” (Gen 1:3, 6, 9, 11, 14, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29).1 Genesis 2 adds two more such references, “and the LORD God commanded the man, saying” (2:16), and 2:18, “Then the LORD God said . .” Thus, thirteen times in the first two chapters, Genesis presents God as actively saying,2 and in this context, also sets forth the efficacious nature of God’s spoken word.3 The Bible presents Him as God alone 1 Unless otherwise stipulated, all Scripture references used are from the NASB 1977 edition. “Thee” and “Thou” are changed throughout to modern usage. 2 In reference to the repeated use and striking nature of this phrase in Gen 1:3, 6, 9, 11, 14, 20, 24, 26, 28, 29, Wenham states, “Though it is of course taken for granted throughout the OT that God speaks, to say” is used here in a more pregnant sense than usual. -
Greetings and Thanksgiving the Salutation
Thessalonians 1 & 2 1 Thessalonian 1: Greetings and Thanksgiving The Salutation The salutation names three authors of the letter, Paul, Silvanus, also known by his nickname Silas, and Timothy. Both of Paul’s fellow workers played important roles in the development of his missionary activity. According to Acts 15:22, Silas was part of the delegation sent to Antioch to announce the results of the “apostolic council” in Jerusalem. Paul chose him as a companion in his missionary activity in Syria and Cilicia, his “first missionary journey” (Acts 15:40). It was during that journey, in Derbe and Lystra, where Paul encountered Timothy, son of a Jewish mother and Greek father (Acts 16:1), whom he recruited to his missionary team. Silas continued with Paul and was with him in prison in Philippi (Acts 16:19–40), and he was with Paul when the apostle initially worked in Thessalonica (Acts 17:4-9) and Beroea (Acts 17:10). Timothy apparently was part of the team as well, since he remained with Silas in Beroea when Paul was sent off (Acts 17:14). Silas and Timothy reunited with Paul in Athens (Acts 18:5), which was probably the location from which Paul sent Timothy on the mission to Thessalonica, a mission to which he refers later in 1 Thess 3:2. If the account in Acts is correct, Silas accompanied Timothy on the trip; and the two rejoined Paul in Corinth (Acts 18:5), providing the occasion for writing the letter. The presence of Silas and Timothy with Paul in Corinth when he first preached there is confirmed by Paul’s reminiscence of the start of his mission there in 2 Corinthians 1:19. -
1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13 Study Guide
Men’s and Women’s Fellowship 2014: Discovering the theme 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13 Study Guide Where the theme is often found… Study by Pastor John Brackbill at The Bible Church of Port Washington It has been pointed out that often people keep their keys either near the Preparing to Discover God’s Revelation to His People: front or back door. If every text of Scripture is viewed as a house the key (the theme) to the house (the passage) is often found at the front door (beginning • Review Reading: Acts 17-18; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-2:16 (As you review of the text) or the back door (end of the text). previous passages, make use of the “Review of Past Discoveries” below.) With this in mind, what do you think this passage is about in one • Review of Past Discoveries • 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 : Paul gave thanks to God for the Thessalonian sentence? believers for three main reasons: ____________________________________________________ Their Christ-Centered Character (3) • If in fact this passage is in four sections, how do those four sections Their Election (4-7) develop that theme? o Their Known and Reported on Testimony (8-10) ________________________________________________ o 1 Thessalonians 2:1-16 : Paul declared that the apostolic ministry ________________________________________________ o among the Thessalonians was not in vain as evidenced both through ________________________________________________ o the apostolic ministry and the reception of that apostolic ministry. ________________________________________________ Non-vain ministry is marked by bold gospel ministry in the Discovering the meaning middle of opposition • As you read this passage you will notice that “we” and “I” are used o Which is characterized by pleasing God rather than both referring to at least the author. -
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
1 Thessalonians “Stand Firm in the Lord” Lesson #1 — 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 Introduction Right now our country, community, and congregation are going through some trying times. Imagine looking back on this period of your life in a year, 5 years, and 10 years. What would you want to be able to say about the way you handled these challenges? 1 Thessalonians 1:1,2 In the opening greeting Paul introduces himself only by name, not by title, along with his co-workers. Determine the advantages and disadvantages of using titles for God’s servants. Paul refers to the church in Thessalonica as “in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Explain why it is important to remember that phrase when it comes to any church. The word “grace” in our usage refers to a gift that gives joy and light. Examine why this is a good word to express the rich meaning of God’s redemptive love and action in Jesus. Express how peace - peace within us and peace with others - is a result of grace. (cf Ephesians 2:13-17) Paul felt a responsibility toward the new believers in Thessalonica even after he had to move on to Berea and Athens. Summarize the responsibility you and your church has for new believers. Brainstorm some things you can do to help new Christians in their work with the Lord. Acts 17:1-10 Thessalonica: capital of the province of Macedonia; an important port; population of close to 200,000 people; boasted a strategic location on the Via Egnatia, the main highway connecting Rome to the East. -
1–2 Thessalonians
1–2 Thessalonians JEFFREY A. D. WEIMA Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament k Jeffrey A. D. Weima, 1-2 Thessalonians Baker Academic, a division of Baker Publishing Group, © 2014. Used by permission. Weima_1-2Thess_WT_djm.indd iii 9/12/14 11:12 AM © 2014 by Je!rey A. D. Weima Published by Baker Academic a division of Baker Publishing Group P.O. Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287 www.bakeracademic.com Printed in the United States of America All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—for example, electronic, photocopy, recording—without the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Weima, Je!rey A. D. 1–2 Thessalonians / Je!rey A. D. Weima. pages cm. — (Baker exegetical commentary on the New Testament) Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN 978-0-8010-2685-0 (cloth) 1. Bible. Thessalonians—Commentaries. I. Title. II. Title: First–Second Thessalonians. BS2725.53.W45 2014 227 .8107—dc23 2014016697 Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are the author’s own translation. Scripture quotations labeled NIV are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Jeffrey A. D. Weima, 1-2 Thessalonians Baker Academic, a division of Baker Publishing Group, © 2014. -
1 Thessalonians Bible Study Guide 2020
“For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:9 Bible studies and notes for individuals and groups. St Phil’s Anglican Church Eastwood. 2020. 1 Summary and introduction Background History: Thessalonica was founded around 315BC by Cassander, King of Macedonia. The Romans divided Macedonia into four districts in 167BC. Thessalonica was the capital of the second district. Paul’s letters: Paul came to Corinth around 50AD. The first letter to the Thessalonians was written shortly after that, and the second letter only some months later. They are therefore some of the earliest letters, probably only preceded by Galatians. Paul was probably only in Thessalonica a couple of months. Paul’s visit: During Paul’s second missionary journey, in Acts 17:1-10, he visited the Thessalonians with Silas. They mostly attended the Jewish Synagogue – seeking to prove to the Jews from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah. Some believed – such as Jason, Aristarchus and Secundus. In Acts 17:13 they encountered opposition from the Jews. This spread to the Gentiles – first a mob, then city officials. They made life difficult for the Christians. They forced Paul and Silas (and Timothy) to move on. When they were no longer welcome in the synagogue, they continued the mission to the Gentiles. Attacks continued on Paul and his workers (Paul replies to this in 1 Thess 2:3-12). A riot ensued. Jason and some other Christians were brought before the authorities, since they could not locate Paul and Silas. -
1 Thessalonians 1 INTRODUCTION: ● What Does Being a Follower of Jesus Look Like on the Ground? What Is Christianity Supposed to Be All About Vs
1 Thessalonians 1 INTRODUCTION: ● What does being a follower of Jesus look like on the ground? What is Christianity supposed to be all about vs. how is it perceived? ● Faith, love, and hope = major theme in 1 Thess and in Paul’s writings ● Each of these things can be misunderstood. In our own country, you can have faith without evidence. You can have love without proof. You can claim to have hope and nobody can see it. ○ “I have faith” but you don’t seem to value spiritual things ○ “I love her” but you treat her poorly and are incredibly selfish ○ “I have hope” but you panic at every trial and difficulty ● Is this what God expects or are we missing something? [1] Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace. ● Paul elevates Silvanus (Silas) and Timothy by including them in his greeting, which isn’t always the norm in the other letters. Why? ○ The Thessalonians were a little miffed that Paul hadn’t come back to them. Instead, Paul sent Timothy from Athens to go to them and then Timothy met up w/ Paul in Corinth for a debrief ○ By elevating Silas and Timothy as a “we,” he postures them not just as substitutes but as co-laborers ● This is an important leadership concept for us to grasp. Leadership in the body of Christ isn’t a pyramid where there is the top person and then people beneath him. Instead, it is a plurality of leaders that serve the body. -
Acts-17-Part-1-2021-03-14.Pdf
Region: Syria ◦ Paul & Silas ◦ 15:35-41 ◦ Strengthening disciples Region: Cilicia ◦ Paul & Silas ◦ 15:41 ◦ Strengthening disciples Derbe in region of Lycaonia, province of Galatia ◦ Paul & Silas ◦ 16:1-5 ◦ Delivered decrees; churches increased in number Lystra in region of Lycaonia, province of Galatia ◦ Paul & Silas & Timothy ◦ 16:1-5 ◦ Picked up Timothy and had him circumcised ◦ Delivered decrees; churches strengthened and increased in number Region: Phrygia, province of Asia Minor ◦ Paul & Silas & Timothy ◦ 16:6 Troas in region of Mysia in province of Asia Minor ◦ Paul & Silas & Timothy & Luke ◦ 16:7, 8-11 Island of Samothrace ◦ Paul & Silas & Timothy & Luke ◦ 16:11 Neapolis in province of Macedonia ◦ Paul & Silas & Timothy & Luke ◦ 16:11 Philippi in province of Macedonia ◦ Paul & Silas & Timothy & Luke ◦ 16:12-40 ◦ Conversion of Lydia and her household ◦ Spirit cast out of slave girl ◦ Paul & Silas imprisoned ◦ Conversion of Philippian jailor and his household ◦ 2 Corinthians 11:25; 1 Thessalonians 2:2; Philippians 4:15 17:1-9 ◦ Preaching in Thessalonica 17:10-14 ◦ Preaching in Berea 17:15-34 ◦ Preaching in Athens Leaving Philippi, passed through Amphipolis (about 33 miles away), and then through Apollonia (about another 38 miles), and then to Thessalonica (about another 40 miles) All along the Egnatian Way, a great military and commercial highway linking the Agean with the Adriatic (Baker’s Bible Atlas, p. 214) Thessalonica: ◦ Seaport ◦ Capital and largest city in province of Macedonia Luke absent from the narrative, -
I THESSALONIANS the First Letter of Paul to the Church in Thessalonica
I THESSALONIANS The First Letter of Paul to the Church in Thessalonica 99 Paul’s mission to Greece In the Introduction we pieced together what we know about Paul’s life up to the writing of Galatians and the Jerusalem Assembly. Shortly after the Jerusalem Assembly, Paul set off to visit the churches which he and Barnabas had founded on their previous journey (47-48). He headed off overland, working his way through Syria and Cilicia, accompanied this time not by Barnabas but by Silvanus (Luke calls him by his Jewish name ‘Silas’, Acts 15:36-41). After visiting the churches in southern Galatia, he headed north and west, joined now by Timothy. Guided by the Spirit of Jesus, they came to Troas. The journey from Antioch to Troas covered some fifteen hundred kilometres and could have taken the best part of eight months. It is at this stage that Luke begins to use the first person in his narrative (Acts 16:10). It is possible, as some suggest, that Luke is using an unnamed person’s travel diary as one of his sources. It is also possible, however, that the earliest tradition is correct and that Luke is drawing here on his own memoirs. From Troas Paul crossed by ship to Macedonia, disembarked at Neapolis (Acts 16:11), and journeyed the fifteen or so kilometres along the Via Egnatia to Philippi (Acts 16:12). We will have more to say about his experiences there when we introduce his letter writ- ten to the Philippians. Luke (or the anonymous author of the travel diary) seems to have stayed on in Philippi, for the narrative moves back to the third person: ‘they departed’(Acts 16:40).