ACTS Go Tell the Good News Lesson 20

ACTS Go Tell the Good News! Lesson 20 Acts 18: 1 -11

• Neapolis Acts 15: 36 -18: 22

Paul’s 2 nd Missionary Journey Paul’s concern for Thessalonica • Brethren had sent Paul away from Thessalonica out of concerns for his safety (17: 10). • Jews from Thessalonica came to Berea and stirred up a mob (17: 13). • Paul is spirited away by the brethren to Athens, but Silas and Timothy remain in Berea (17: 14). • Paul sends for Silas and Timothy to come to Athens (17: 15). • When Timothy comes to Athens, Paul sends him back to the Thessalonians out of concern for their spiritual welfare in the face of tribulation (1 Thess. 3: 1 -5) • Timothy and Silas join Paul in Athens, and Timothy brings an encouraging report (Acts 18: 5; 1 Thess. 3: 6)

Paul’s nd 2 Missionary Journey Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians • During his stay in Corinth, Paul writes an epistle back to the Thessalonians (1 Thess. 1: 1) • 1 st Thessalonians is Paul’s first recorded epistle. • Date: 51 or 52 A. D. • Things to notice in First Thessalonians: • Paul repeatedly mentions their persecution. (1 Thess. 1: 6; 2: 14; 3: 3 -4, 7) • Paul is concerned for their growth & faithfulness • Paul’s example among them was an important form of instruction (1 Thess. 1: 5 -6 a; 2: 1 -12) • Jesus’ appearing would make it all worthwhile and wonderful (1 Thess. 2: 19; 4: 13— 5: 11)

Paul’s nd 2 Missionary Journey Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians Synopsis of First Thessalonians: • We thank God that you turned from idols to God (1: 2 -10) • You were converted in spite of great affliction. • Now you serve as examples to others. • Our coming to you was not in vain (2: 1 -16) • You know how we conducted ourselves in your midst. • You responded by accepting the gospel as God's word, not our own. • You became imitators of the churches of Judea. • I was worried lest persecution make you give up. • I was so worried I sent Timothy. • He has returned with a good report; I am comforted.

Paul’s nd 2 Missionary Journey Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians • May the Lord establish you (3: 11 -13) • Walk so as to please God (4: 1 -12) • Conversion means a special kind of life. • Live quietly and take care of your own affairs. • Those who have died in Christ are safe (4: 13 -18) • They will return with Jesus. • The dead in Christ shall be raised first. • The time for His coming is unknown (5: 1 -11) • Be warned and ready. • Instructions for the church, and closing remarks (5: 12 -28)

Paul’s nd 2 Missionary Journey Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians • The primary theme of I Thessalonians is an expression of joy for their conversion from idols to the true God. Paul thanks God for how thoroughly the Thessalonians were converted, in spite of the opposition they had endured. He and his co-workers encouraged the Thessalonians to accept the gospel by the example of their own conduct. He reminds the Thessalonians of their conversion and exhorts them to walk as children of God. • They were worried about what would happen to the dead saints at the time of the Lord's coming. Paul assured them that these saints would not be left behind, but would be raised from the dead and taken with the living saints to meet the Lord in the air. (Waldron, p. 112)

“I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read to all the holy brethren. ” (1 Thess. 5: 27) In keeping with the apostle’s command, letters like First Thessalonians were copied and disseminated soon after they were written. This papyrus fragment of 1 Thessalonians 1: 1 is part of the Chester Beatty Papyrus which dates to around 200 A. D. or earlier (perhaps as early as the 1 st century, Y. K. Kim, Biblica, 69, 2)