Good morning again. What a great beautiful day yesterday! And today looks to be a good one too! I hope you all get to enjoy it!
I feel your sense of confusion and wonder as to the dates and timings of Paul's church starts and writings. I will try and find a good source this weekend to help keep us on track. As I look at the readings- I should have rearranged them to be in chronological order. That may have helped some, but I am just following the reading plan that we are using Next time!
The first chapter was full of gratitude and thanksgiving for the people of Thessalonica. It seems like these people and the church have a special place in Paul's heart. The second chapter we will read today focuses on Paul and his sincerity in the work he is doing (and has done). I am going to end at v 16 since vv 17-20 seem to go better with chapter 3 (Paul's desire to visit Thessalonica again). I'm not sure how or who devised these chapter breaks!
Paul begins on defense. There were many "anti- Christians" in Thessalonica that ran Paul out of town when he visited, saying he was a false prophet and self-serving, looking to make a quick buck and then leave town for the next one. After he left, the rumors and attacks on his ministry continued.the church believed and trusted him, but the outsiders didn't. How is that true for us and our churches? Are there "haters" that try to discredited the church? Paul reminds them that they suffered in Philippi (v 2a); if he was in it for himself- he probably would have given up at that point! Beatings and persecution and humiliation can really weaken a person's soul and mind- so for Paul to continue time and time again, he was definitely not self-serving! Despite what people said about him, it was God that gave them the strength to continue (v 2b). The purity and integrity of Paul's message from church to church is witness to his ministry and passion (v 3). Thessalonica, like we said before, was a major city with many religions represented; many of those religions had "missionaries" that would beg, borrow, and steal what hey could so that they could survive. People were weary of any new missionary that came to town. Paul knew that what he said may offend some people, but it was a God inspired message (v 4). Paul didn't tailor the message to soften it or trivialize the doctrine that he proposed. Paul didn't sugar coat things so people would accept the message that he was preaching; Paul said what God needed Paul to say (v 5). Paul's desire was approval from God; he wasn't looking for human praise, money, advancement, political office- anything like that (v 6).
Paul reminds them of the time they spent together and that he appreciated the help he was given (vv 8-9). Paul also reminds them that they worked hard while they were there, trying to support themselves, so that they were not a burden for the people of Thessalonica. Many of the false missionaries would come in a just take and take and not return anything. Paul was conscious of doing work with and for the communities he visited; he never wanted o be seen and known as a burden for the town. He would accept monetary donations, but these were often used for missionary work in other places. He tried to earn enough money while he was someplace to cover his stay.
Paul freely offers up his lifestyle when he was there (vv 10-12). He is basically saying, "Look at when we were here with you. We were models of good behavior and hard work." How many people would offer up their life as an example of goodness? Paul is comfortable with people examining his life and using him as a model; he also brings this up in Corinthians and Philippians.
Paul's belief is that God speaks directly to people (v 13) and that the people of Thessalonica heard this voice. That is why they so readily accepted Paul and his message. Paul believed in a voice that speaks to humanity with the authority of eternity and is above human opinion. These words really have a positive affect on those who believe. There is power in Gods word to changes people's lives.
When the Thessalonians responded to the Gospel message, they became targets of persecution (vv 14-15). No surprise there! Paul reminds them that they are not alone- many others have been persecuted for believing in Jesus. The word "churches" comes up in v 14...I think this is the first time I have sen Paul use this word?! See my response to Cindy from her question yesterday about the origin of the word "church" Paul goes on to remind the Thessalonians that even Jesus was persecuted and suffered, so they are suffering as Christ suffered. Paul assures the people that those that persecute will be judged by God and that they (the Thessalonians) have nothing to worry about. Paul encourages them to not react with hostility and anger (like we often do when we are "persecuted").
More words of encouragement for the people of Thessalonica. Words that are important for us too!
We will finish 2:17-20 with chapter 3 as they seem to fit better with that.
Have a great weekend. Enjoy the beauty that we are being blessed with!
Shalom+
Pastor Paul
Thank you for the how church was started discussion. I agree it is definitely more than a building. Paul's determination to spread the word continues to inspire me. There are many people today who commit their lives to a cause they feel passionate about. I am always awed by this. I have always volunteered but there are those who take it much farther.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy this beautiful weekend! My sister is arriving soon to help me with some planting. My husband and I are heading to Philly this weekend to help our daughter and her husband with some painting.
I really enjoy seeing peoples' passion come out in their work. You can see the difference between just commitment and compassion.
DeleteHope the gardening went well! Planning on doing some today!
Thanks Cindy
When we speak of church we speak of going to a building but when we speak of our "church family" we are not talking of the building but the actual people that go to that building. It can be so very confusing.
ReplyDeletePaul speaks of the trials of being a Christian. How the
Christians were persecuted, Even Paul himself being persecuted. He tells of how true was the Word. and that he didn't ask for the people to support him financially as he worked as a tentmaker and earned his way. He speaks of how the Jews were persecuted by there own and how the Gentiles were persecuted by their own. Do we remember that Paul himself at one time was the persecutor.
How often we may not persecute our fellow believers but we do judge and criticize them .
I love the photos of the chicks. My husband and I raised lots of chicks(and yes, Jack, I had a hard time with eating them so often we ended up giving the meat away) and even started several from beginning with incubating eggs. Even incubated some wild turkey eggs. Also raised partridge, pheasants and peacocks from chicks. It was lots of fun. watching them grow. A great experience for the grandkids too.
Hope all have a great weekend. Looks like it will be a nice one.
Good point to bring out...remember that Paul was the #1 judge when it came to Christians! And see how he has changed...so another good point is that change, even in the most critical people, is possible!
DeleteThanks CLara!
Committing your life to a cause would be an admirable thing to do if you could be sure that your cause was just. How many times have people become leaders of causes that are unjust but maybe they start out with good intentions. Paul’s causes certainly passed the test of time.
ReplyDeleteThe people of Thessalonia must have been very willing to be good people.
There sure is a lot of work to do in spring. I was outside all morning working. Wish I had gotten more done. It does look like a nice weekend.
Hmmm....good point Cathy- knowing something is good is tough sometimes! I am very "impressed" with the Thessalonians and their church start. There definitely was God working in the creation of that church!
DeleteThanks Cathy
In the translation we are using, the NIV, in verses 14 and 15, Paul speaks of "...the Jews, who killed the Lord Jesus..." This is the first time in any of the reading that we have done to date that anybody has accused the Jews of killing Jesus. Does this show up in other translations or is it a one time thing?
ReplyDeleteMy KJV says the same - "kill" - but mine also says it in Acts.
DeleteI just did a quick word search and kill comes up in many translations! There are a few other verses in other books that directly accuse the Jews of killing Jesus. Strong words!
DeleteI can't imagine how Paul must have felt to be attacked by others when his motives were so pure and he cared so much about the salvation of others - especially the Jews. It must have hurt him very much - probably as much as the physical abuse. Words can definitely hurt!
ReplyDeleteBut I do like that Paul always says "we" - he does not take credit for the work done by himself and others, or for how pure their motives were as well! I am surprised that he just "assumes" the them at Philippi. News must have spread quickly back then from place to place. But I guess on the flip side it was also good in spreading Christianity!! Did Paul take a little crack at the apostles in vs. 6? Where he says "Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the APOSTLES."?
I really liked vs. 4 when Paul writes, "But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel...." Allowed by God. What a great phrase - knowing that anyone can speak as they wish but they were ALLOWED - given special permission.
I found this on a website - Church is the English translation of the Greek word ekklesia - which meant called out - commonly used to indicate an assembly of citizens of a Greek city (because as a citizen they enjoyed an elite status - not slave or servent who did all the work) and used in Acts. And church is used more then 100 times in the Greek translation of the Old Testament in common use in the time of Jesus. So from this I am thinking older then Christianity.
I really appreciate Paul's strength. I know I have been "talked about" by others for some of my ideas (in church and out)...like you say- words do hurt- maybe even more than physical trauma because the words tend to stick in our minds!
ReplyDeleteGood point to bring out- Paul's use of the word "we". He does give credit to those that helped. Humbleness and expressing thanks is one of Paul's great character strengths.
Hmmm...good question about the apostles! I guess I didn't see that! I wonder what type of relationship Paul had with them...I don't imagine it was very favorable!
I like your thought about how quickly word spread. They did't have internet- yet everyone seemed to know what was going on! Similar to Jesus' tome- people knew about him before he got into town! Good at spreading good news- like you say!
Good research on church! Thanks for the work!!
Thanks for the thoughts Donna!