by Gary L. Evans
(revised 7/30/2023)
Thessalonians — Part 1
Thessalonians is the third of Paul’s three most important doctrinal epistles. The first is Romans and the second is Ephesians. These teach the ABC’s of all Christian education. Romans shows how the sinner who is in Christ has died and risen with Him, and how our Father chose His Elect before this Second Earth Age. Ephesians expounds on the Revelation of the Mystery of Election, and shows how Christians continue our Lord’s ministry on earth in His Name. Thessalonians teaches us about The Return of Christ according to His promise to the disciples.
1Th 1:1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul addresses this assembly in Thessalonica as being “in The Father and in The Son.” And this is true of all Christians. Jesus prayed for our oneness with Him and The Father.
Joh 17:17-23 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
We are set apart from other people in this world by The Truth which is The Word of God. And Christ’s teaching has opened our eyes so that we can begin to comprehend God’s Glory and so that we would become as one in The Only Begotten Son and in The Heavenly Father. Just as The Son and The Father are One, Paul described this “oneness” we also have with The Father and Son using the analogy of The Body of Christ in this world. We are like the various parts each in our own way according to our talents, some the eyes, others the feet, some the mouth, others the hands, etc. And Christ is the Head, that is to say, Christ is The Mind of The Body. Consider also that The Mind of Christ dwells in each of us, by The Holy Spirit. Thus we can understand how that we are in Him and He is in us.
1Th 1:2-4 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.
True Christians are of The Elect, those whom The Lord chose before this Second Earth Age to be given special missions in this world and to receive Eternal Life.
1Th 1:5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.
The “gospel” is the “good message” of The New Covenant between God and man, which was sealed by The Blood of Christ. And the promise is that when we enter into that Covenant, we each receive a New Heart and New Mind, even The Heart and Mind of Christ Jesus. Our Father then teaches us His Word, His Laws and Precepts, so that we obey Him in sincerity and truth.
1Th 1:6-8 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.
This assembly in Thessalonica quickly became zealous for The Lord after their conversion and initial training, and had become missionaries in the surrounding areas.
1Th 1:9-10 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
Paul was sent not only to Israel, but also to the Gentiles, and this assembly was primarily Greeks. Paul, who was a Roman citizen, was fluent not only in Hebrew and surely Latin, but also in Greek. The Greeks and Romans worshiped many different gods and goddesses, many of which they inherited from The Babylonians. So one of the first challenges Paul and the other disciples had to address was idolatry among the people. And the church in Thessalonica readily turned away from respecting idols to serving The True and Living God.
Thessalonians — Part 2
1Th 2:1 For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain:
The word “vain” is from the Greek “ken-os’” which means “empty (literally or figuratively).” The teaching of the Apostles to the assembly in Thessalonica was not empty or unprofitable.
1Th 2:2 But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.
Paul and the other Apostles had suffered very much persecution from the hypocritical Israelites during their missionary work. The Kenites seemed to have command and control of the synagogues in every city and town where they went.
1Th 2:3-9 For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.
The Apostles did not ask for money or support from their converts, but instead taught The Gospel free of charge. They worked on the side during the week to support themselves, and taught in the evenings and on the sabbath days in the various homes of the members of the assemblies which they established.
1Th 2:10-12 Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe: As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.
After we enter into The New Covenant, we must begin to act in accordance with our belief. Our lives must change, our old ways must be done away with, and we must behave differently and in a way which pleases God, our Father.
1Th 2:13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
The Holy Scriptures are not words invented in the minds of men, but are literally The Word of God. Unbelievers cannot perceive this fact, but true Christians do perceive it.
1Th 2:14 For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:
All Christians begin to be persecuted after their conversion. It does not take long before their own families and friends turn against them and begin to talk behind their back. No matter how diligently Christians try to be peaceable and helpful to everyone, trouble almost always seems to occur, not only from people they know, but often from perfect strangers.
1Th 2:15 Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men:
The Kenites, or “sons of Cain,” who were mixed in with the scribes and pharisees, slandered Jesus and stirred up the mob in Jerusalem to have Christ crucified.
1Th 2:16-18 Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost. But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire. Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.
Our struggles are not with flesh men, but with Powers in Heavenly places, even with Satan and his Fallen Angels who maintain control over the unredeemed people of this world.
1Th 2:19-20 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? For ye are our glory and joy.
Jesus taught us not to work for things in this world which will all pass away, but rather to work for lasting rewards from our Father that we will enjoy for The Eternity. For everyone who enters into The New Covenant, “payday” will be at The Return of Jesus Christ.
Thessalonians — Part 3
1Th 3:1-3 Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone; And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith: That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.
Jesus taught us to be prepared for persecution.
Joh 15:18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.
The Kenites did not cease trying to find fault with Jesus, and continued to stir up controversies among the religious leaders to turn them against Christ.
Joh 15:19-21 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me.
God, The Father, has called His Elect out of this world to the knowledge of His Only Begotten Son and into His service. The Elect were chosen before this Second World, long before they were born in the flesh. For that reason, other people who are still ignorant and distracted by all the things in this world will tend to hate us, because Satan is the god of this world and he turns them against God and everyone called by God into His service.
1Th 3:4-5 For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know. For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.
Satan tests everyone who enters into The New Covenant. Do not be caught off guard when it happens to you, my friends, because it will. If you have been in Christ for a while, you already know this, but it may have caused you some confusion. Don’t let persecution confuse you, but instead let it increase your confidence in The Lord.
1Th 3:6-8 But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you: Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith: For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.
The rewards true Christians work for in this world are gained for each soul they bring to Christ. The work we do is to show others the way to Eternal Life, and The Life is in Jesus.
1Th 3:9-10 For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God; Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?
Our Father hears our prayers, and grants all of our petitions that are according to His Will.
1Th 3:11-12 Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you. And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:
God’s Law is The Law of Love. When we obey The Law, we show God’s Love for other people in this world. As obedience becomes our very nature, even our lives over time become demonstrations of Divine Love manifested in this wicked world.
1Th 3:13 To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.
We strive to remain innocent while we live our lives the best we can, working honestly and peaceably with all people, and also trying to save some along the way as we are able. Our rewards await us at The Return of Christ Jesus Who will bring with Him all of those who have lived in the flesh, died, and returned to Heaven.
Thessalonians — Part 4
1Th 4:1-3 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
The word “fornication” is from the Greek “por-ni’-ah” which means “harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively idolatry.”
1Th 4:4-5 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:
The word “concupiscence” is from “ep-ee-thoo-mee’-ah” which means “a longing (especially for what is forbidden).” It means “covetousness” in the sense of transgression against the Tenth Commandment, not to covet anything belonging to our neighbor, and especially not to covet our neighbor’s wife, which is adultery.
1Th 4:6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.
The word “defraud” is from “pleh-on-ek-teh’-o” which means “to be covetous, that is, (by implication) to over reach.”
1Th 4:7-8 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.
Anyone who is against God’s Laws are against God, Who has given us His Holy Spirit or Holy Mind.
1Th 4:9 But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.
God’s Law is The Law of Love.
1Th 4:10-13 And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more; And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.
We must be peaceable with all men as best we can and work honestly not only with believers but also with unbelievers.
1Th 4:13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
The word “asleep” is from “koy-mah’-o” which means “to put to sleep, that is, (passively or reflexively) to slumber; figuratively to decease.” In this context, it means those who have died in the flesh. We should not be sorrowful for fellow Christians who have passed away.
1Th 4:14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
Because they are with The Lord in Heaven. And when Christ returns they will return with Him.
1Th 4:15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
The word “prevent” is from “fthan’-o” which means “to be beforehand, that is, anticipate or precede; by extension to have arrived at.” We who are alive and remain here on earth in the flesh when our Lord returns cannot go ahead of those who have already returned to The Lord in Heaven, because they are already with Him and will return to earth with Him.
1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
When The Seventh Trumpet sounds, Christ will return suddenly. And those who have already died and returned to Heaven will already be with Him.
1Th 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
The word “air” is from “ah-ayr’” which means “to breathe unconsciously, that is, respire; by analogy to blow.” So it means “respiration” which symbolizes our spiritual or angelic body. Therefore we will all gather to greet our Lord in our angelic bodies.
1Th 4:18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
Everyone who has already returned in their angelic bodies to our Father in Heaven will come back with Christ when He returns. And for those of us who remain here in the flesh, we will instantly have the change of body from flesh to angelic and then also join our brethren and The Lord as they arrive on earth.
1Co 15:51-53 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
Whosoever has eyes to see and ears to hear, let him hear.
Thessalonians — Part 5
1Th 5:1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
Paul says that he shouldn’t have to explain this matter about how our Lord will return.
1Th 5:2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
We already know that our Lord will return at the moment when the people of this world least expect Him.
Mat 24:44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
When is the time that people will least expect our Lord to return? When they think He is already here! The Antichrist will come pretending to be Jesus Christ, and the whole world will be deceived and bow in worship to him. Then our Lord will return suddenly, when they least expect Him, and establish His Kingdom on earth where He will reign as King of kings and Lord of lords.
1Th 5:3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
Paul references The Second Seal.
Mat 24:6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
Jesus taught in The Second Seal that as long as there are wars going on in the world, or as long as we keep hearing rumors about wars going on, then we should not be alarmed, because The End of The World is not here. Now what is the opposite of “wars and rumors of wars?” When people begin to say there is “peace and safety” in the world, and that is when The End will come. When The Antichrist comes, he will pretend to be Jesus, and claim to be The Prince of Peace. And indeed he will bring peace and prosperity all over the world. But it will be a deceptive peace, to cause all people to bow in worship to him.
1Th 5:4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
Note that “that day” Paul references is The Day of The Lord, the one thousand year reign of The King of kings and Lord of lords, also called The Millennial Reign of Christ.
1Th 5:5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
Satan’s deception is “of the night” and “of darkness.”
1Th 5:6-7 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
This word “sleep” is from the Greek “kath-yoo’-do” which means “to lie down to rest, that is, (by implication) to fall asleep (literally or figuratively).” It literally means sleep but can also mean in the figurative sense as being so distracted by this world it is like a mental form of drunkenness. But we should remain awake and on guard until The End.
1Th 5:8-11 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
Whatever happens to us, we will be together with Christ.
1Th 5:12-13 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
Every Christian who serves The Lord should be appreciated and loved for The Lord’s Name’s sake. We should all be of one mind.
Whosoever has eyes to see and ears to hear, let him hear.