Chapter two begins the actual instructions or clarifications that Timothy needed to finish his task. “First of all,” he needed to make sure that the local assemblies prayed for “all people, even for kings and all who are in authority” (1 Timothy 2:1-8). These prayers had two goals. First, praying for the authorities would affect […]
Chapters four and five each divide into two sections. As Paul began to wrap up his letter, he shifted from reminiscing and loving to instruction and commands. He addressed four areas in these final two chapters: practical Christian living, the Rapture of the Church, the Day of the Lord, and congregational living. In 1 Thessalonians
Chapter two is Paul’s summary explanation of what solid practical Christian ministry looks like. He did this by reminding the Thessalonians how he ministered there, specifically by using various forms of the key phrases, “you know” or “you recall” or “you are witnesses” (1 Thessalonians 2:1, 2, 5, 9, 10, 11) and repeatedly pointing to
