1 Thessalonians
The apostles Paul, Sylvanus, and Timothy express gratitude to God for the Thessalonian church, acknowledging their faith, hardship, charity, and enduring hope in Jesus Christ. The church has become a model for believers in Macedonia and Achaia, spreading the Word of the Lord to every place, and their faith has advanced to the point where no further instruction is needed. The apostles' ministry among the Thessalonians was genuine and selfless, motivated by a desire to please God rather than men, and they took pride and joy in the Thessalonians' faith. The apostle sent Timothy to confirm the faith of the Thessalonians and to exhort them during tribulations, and when Timothy returned, he reported the Thessalonians' faith, charity, and good remembrance of the apostle. The apostle prays for the Lord to multiply the Thessalonians' charity and confirm their hearts in sanctity before God, and he instructs them to live honorably, abstaining from fornication and lustful passions, and to console one another with the hope of being with the Lord always.
Chapter 1
Paul, Sylvanus, and Timothy express gratitude to God for the Thessalonian church, remembering their faith, hardship, charity, and enduring hope in Jesus Christ. They acknowledge the church's election by God and the effectiveness of their gospel, which was received with joy despite great tribulation. The Thessalonians became a model for believers in Macedonia and Achaia, spreading the Word of the Lord to every place, and their faith has advanced to the point where no further instruction is needed. They have converted from idols to serve the living and true God, awaiting the return of Jesus, who has rescued them from God's wrath.
Chapter 2
The apostles' ministry among the Thessalonians was genuine and selfless, motivated by a desire to please God rather than men. They worked hard to support themselves and preached the Gospel without seeking personal gain or glory. The Thessalonians had become like family to them, and they were eager to see them again, but were hindered by Satan. The apostles took pride and joy in the Thessalonians' faith, considering them their crown of glory before the Lord Jesus Christ.
Chapter 3
The apostle sent Timothy to confirm the faith of the Thessalonians and to exhort them during tribulations, as they had previously predicted they would suffer. When Timothy returned, he reported the Thessalonians' faith, charity, and good remembrance of the apostle, which consoled him in the midst of difficulties. The apostle prays that he may see the Thessalonians again to complete what is lacking in their faith and that God will direct his way to them. He also prays for the Lord to multiply the Thessalonians' charity and confirm their hearts in sanctity before God.
Chapter 4
The will of God is for believers to be sanctified, abstaining from fornication and living honorably, not giving in to lustful passions like the Gentiles. Believers are called to live honestly and work with their own hands, desiring nothing that belongs to another. The Lord will bring back with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him, and those who are alive at the return of the Lord will be taken up to meet Christ in the air. Believers are to console one another with the hope of being with the Lord always.
Chapter 5
The day of the Lord will come unexpectedly, bringing destruction to those who are unprepared, but believers are not in darkness and should be vigilant and sober, clothed with faith, charity, and the hope of salvation. Believers should live in union with Christ, console and build each other up, and recognize those who labor among them. They should correct the disruptive, console the weak-minded, and pursue what is good, rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks always. Believers should test all things, hold on to what is good, and abstain from evil, trusting that God will sanctify them and preserve them until the return of Christ.
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