Paul's
First Epistle
to the
Thessalonians
OUTLINE OF 1 THESSALONIANS
Greeting (1:1)
B. Exhortation to diligence (4:9-12)
A. Comforting words concerning those who have already died (4:13-18)
B. Exhortation to those who remain alive to be ready (5:1-11)
Closing (5:25-28)
Lesson 1
Introduction
The beginning of the church at Thessalonica is described in Acts 17:1-9. However, it will be helpful to read Acts 17:10-15 also.
1. Locate Thessalonica on a map.
2. In what province was Thessalonica?
3. Who assisted Paul in the work at Thessalonica according to Acts 17?
4. Who, besides Paul is mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 1:1 as sending greetings to the church at Thessalonica?
5. IN CLASS PROJECT Outline the book of 1 Thessalonians (Even though we will work together on an outline in class, you will find it helpful to have made an attempt to outline the epistle ahead of time on your own.)
Greeting (1:1)
1. Where had the faith of the Thessalonians become known?
2. How does Paul use the expression "in every place" in the following passages: 1 Thessalonians 1:8, 1 Corinthians 1:2, 1 Timothy 2:8
3. What did Paul not need to speak, and to whom?
4. What evidence did Paul cite showing that he did not need "to speak anything"?
5. In this section, what clue do you get concerning the background of the Thessalonians? Particularly, are you able to discern whether they were predominately Jews or Gentiles? Is the indication consistent with the account of the beginning of the church at Thessalonica? Notice in particular Acts 17:1-5 and 17:10-11.
Notes:
Lesson 2
Greeting (1:1)
1. Paul mentions shameful treatment received at Philippi. Do you have any idea as to what he might have had in mind? (Look at the account of Paul's visit to Philippi in Acts 16. Identify the time of this visit to Philippi relative to Paul's first evangelistic work in Thessalonica.)
2. List the motives which did not prompt Paul to preach, and those things which were not characteristic of his message.
Note vs 4 is connection between vs. 2 & 3.
3. How did Paul and his company avoid being a burden to the Thessalonians? Compare Acts 20:34 and Acts 18:1-3.
2:9. Also 2 Thess 3:8-9. On the other hand: 1 Cor. 9:14,11. Gal. 6:6, 2 Cor 11:7
4. Is an evangelist's personal conduct relevant to the work he does? Do others have equal responsibility to conduct themselves "holily and righteously and unblameably"?
1 Tim 4:12, 2 Tim 2:20-22. Note Paul's frequent self-example. As to 2nd question, 1 Thess 2:12, 4:1-8. Phil 4:8-9
Notes:
Lesson 3
Greeting (1:1)
1. Describe the way in which the Thessalonians regarded the word that was preached. Practically, what does this mean?
2. What had the Thessalonians suffered, and in connection with this, to whom did Paul compare the Thessalonians?
Greeting (1:1)
1. In what way was Paul "bereaved" or "bereft", and in what way was he not?
2. Who was mentioned by Paul as the cause of his inability to see the saints at Thessalonica? Does this make sense to you? Should it?
3. Where in the book of Acts do you read about events that parallel the time described in 1 Thessalonians 3:1-6? On "left behind" (3:1) compare Lk 10:40, Hebrews 4:1, 2 Pt 2:15
Greeting (1:1)
B. Exhortation to
diligence (4:9-12)
1. Exhortation to Sanctification: What specifically did Paul cite as an example of sanctification?
2. Exhortation to Diligence: Be
prepared to comment at length on 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12.
Notes:
Lesson 4
Greeting (1:1)
B. Exhortation to diligence (4:9-12)
A. Comforting words concerning those who have already died (4:13-18)
B. Exhortation to those who remain alive to be ready (5:1-11)
Closing (5:25-28)
Notes:
Paul's
Second Epistle
to the
Thessalonians
OUTLINE OF 2 THESSALONIANS
Greeting (1:1-2)
B. Recompense of affliction to those who afflict, and rest to the saints at the Lord's coming (1:6-12)
A. Warning to not suppose the coming of the Lord was "just at hand" (2:3)
B. Description of the falling away which was to precede the Lord's return (2:3-12)
1. Reminder of the future revelation of the man of sin (2:3-5)
2. Present restraining of the man of sin (2:6-7)
3. The removal of the restraint, the coming of the Lord, and the judgment of the man of sin and those deceived by him (2:7-12)
A. Paul confidently expects that the Thessalonians will stand fast (2:13-3:5)
B. Instructions to withdraw from those who walk disorderly (3:6-15)
1. Paul's own example of not being a burden to others (3:7-9)
2. The principle, "If any will not work, neither let him eat ( 3:10)
3. Paul's admonition to some at Thessalonica who did not work and were busybodies (3:11-12)
4. Instruction to do well and cease associating with those who would not obey ( 3:13-15)
Closing (3:16-18)
Lesson 1
Greeting (1:1-2)
B. Recompense of affliction to those who afflict, and rest to the saints at the Lord's coming (1:6-12)
1. Had the Thessalonians previously been told the things explained by Paul in 2 Thessalonians 2?
2. Why does Paul reiterate these things. Be specific. See 2:2.
3. What is meant by "revealed" in 2:3. (Cf. 2:6,8)
4. In 2:6, who is it that will be revealed? Is it the same as "that which restraineth," or is the one who will be revealed the one who is currently being restrained?
5. Does the word "coming" (2:8, cf. Mt. 24:3,27,37,39, 1 Cor. 15:23, 1 Thess. 2:19, 3:13, 4:15, 5:23, 2 Thess. 2:1, Jms. 5:7-8, 2 Pt 1:16, 3:4,12, 1 Jn 2:28), when used in connection with the Lord, always refer to the Lord's coming at the end of the time? Is it so used here? Support your answer. Consider the context, namely Paul's two epistles to the Thessalonians.
6. Explain 2:11 by giving examples from scripture.
7. What does Paul mean when he refers to "traditions"? (2 Thessalonians 2:15, cf. 3:6, 1 Corinthians 11:1)
Notes:
Lesson 2
Greeting (1:1-2)
B. Recompense of affliction to those who afflict, and rest to the saints at the Lord's coming (1:6-12)
A. Warning to not suppose the coming of the Lord was "just at hand" (2:3)
B. Description of the falling away which was to precede the Lord's return (2:3-12)
1. Reminder of the future revelation of the man of sin (2:3-5)
2. Present restraining of the man of sin (2:6-7)
3. The removal of the restraint, the coming of the Lord, and the judgment of the man of sin and those deceived by him (2:7-12)
A. Paul confidently expects that the Thessalonians will stand fast (2:13-3:5)
B. Instructions to withdraw from those who walk disorderly (3:6-15)
1. Paul's own example of not being a burden to others (3:7-9)
2. The principle, "If any will not work, neither let him eat ( 3:10)
3. Paul's admonition to some at Thessalonica who did not work and were busybodies (3:11-12)
4. Instruction to do well and cease associating with those who would not obey ( 3:13-15)
Closing (3:16-18)
1. In 3:6, Paul tells the Thessalonians to withdraw what?
2. How does one do this? Cite another verse in the chapter to support your answer.
3. From whom were the saints to withdraw? Explain, using passages in 1 and 2 Thessalonians.
4. Is this instruction only applicable in the cases where there is the specific problem that existed at Thessalonica? (Cf. 1 Corinthians 5, Romans 16:17, Mt. 18:15-20)
5. Explain the difference between "withdrawing" from someone, and "noting" someone. In the passages cited in question 4, find phrases that correspond to each of these words.
6. What are the purposes of these actions?
7. A connection is often inferred between the need to explain that the Lord's return was not to be immediate, and the fact that some at Thessalonica were not working, but had become busybodies. What is the connection that is inferred, and do you believe the inference is warranted?
Notes: