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As Paul brings this letter to a close, he returns to the issue of the “idle” (ataktoi). The word means “loafers,” “freeloaders,” “spongers,” “disorderly,” or “unruly.” Having already mentioned them in 1 Thessalonians 5:14, he mentions them three times in 2 Thessalonians 3 (vv. 6, 7, 11). This is the third group disturbing the Thessalonian …
Persecution wasn’t the only problem plaguing the Thessalonians. They were also facing the problem of false teaching. Misunderstandings regarding the second coming still threatened to shake the church’s spiritual stability. In response, Paul answers five important questions. His answers supplement the teaching from the first epistle and the instruction he gave during his short time …
The second epistle to the Thessalonians was probably written shortly after the first. Between the writing of the two epistles, while Paul remained in Corinth with Timothy and Silas, the apostle received another report about the church in Thessalonica (3:11). Among other things, he heard that the persecution Paul experienced in Thessalonica continued to threaten …
Last episode, we discussed 1 Thessalonians 4, where Paul answers the question, “What happens after death?” This week he answers another, similar question, “What will happen at the end of the world?” Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Because Paul had so little time with the church at Thessalonica, they misunderstood some of the most troubling questions of reality: questions about death and life after death. Podcast: Play in new window | Download
1 Thessalonians 3 shows the results of investing your soul in ministry. During those days when Paul had no news concerning the Thessalonians’ welfare, Paul’s concerns were “unbearable” (vv. 1, 5; cf. Acts 17:15-16; 2 Cor. 11:28). Was it worth the risk? Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Paul discusses the development of the church at Thessalonica in four stages of progression. Podcast: Play in new window | Download
1 Thessalonians 1 describes a healthy church for which Paul was thankful. Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Titus 3 combines the efforts of God and man to bring about salvation. In the text we’ll see three things: Christianity has been historically achieved by God. Now it must be affirmed and amplified. Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Titus was to “declare these things…with all authority” (Titus 2:15). What things? And by what authority? Podcast: Play in new window | Download