Pretty much every book in the New Testament mentions the return of Jesus in some way. And, like The Return of the King, it gave people hope…because it was gonna be awesome. 1 Thessalonians is the earliest recorded history about what these Christians believed was gonna happen. Basically:
• Jesus would float down from the sky with angels and trumpets.
• He'd scoop up all the believers into Heaven.
• And he'd smite the wicked and pour out his wrath on them.
1 Thessalonians
Paul opens the letter writing to a group of Christians in Thessalonica, and he's just pleased because he's heard a report that they are doing very well when it comes to having faith. Even though Paul knows they're being persecuted, he's really thrilled that they've stayed strong and haven't tossed aside this whole believing-in-Jesus thing. And as it so happens, this is a very good thing because —Jesus is planning to return. Like…soon. Paul explains that they're gonna see Jesus descend from Heaven with trumpets blaring and angels on all sides.. All the faithful are gonna get taken up into Heaven. Before the Tribulation or after? You decide.. All the not-so-faithful…well, things don't work out quite as well for them.
So how does one get to be part of this select Heaven-bound group? Simple. You've got to live a good Christian life. What does that mean? Paul has some advice. Sex? Just don't do it. (Unless you're married, of course.) Love? It's a good thing. Go ahead and love everyone. If you follow Paul's advice and stay alert, you might just make it to the Heaven.
2 Thessalonians
More greetings from Paul to, Thessalonica. Apparently, not much has changed since Paul last wrote. The Thessalonians are still keeping the faith, still loving, and still being persecuted.
However, there are a few points they need to go over. Some of them are wondering if "the day of the Lord" has come already. The answer is no. Apparently a lot of this end of the world talk depends on a shady figure called the Man of Sin. He sounds scary, but no worries. Jesus is gonna wipe him out when he comes again. Paul closes by reminding them not to tolerate any loafers in their midst. If people aren't willing to work, then they're not gonna eat.
Thessalonians:
The letter starts with a little intro—greetings from Paul and his co-writers Silvanus and Timothy. Paul and friends are writing to a group of Christians in Thessalonica. And—good news—he's just very happy with how things are going there. Paul says the Thessalonian Christians have been specially chosen by God. They not only understood the message of the gospel that Paul brought last time he was in town, but they all have the Holy Spirit, too. Even though it hasn't been all smooth sailing when it comes to their relationships with the non-Christians in town, the Thessalonians are keeping the faith and inspiring other Christian communities throughout Greece. People everywhere keep telling Paul and company how awesome the Thessalonians are. They used to worship idols, and now they've put their faith in the one true God and his son. They're also anxiously waiting for Jesus to come back to Earth and rescue all the faithful before God lays the wrath on the not-so-faithful. It's gonna be great…for the faithful, that is.
Paul explains that he was treated pretty badly by their neighbors in Philippi. But he still had the guts to walk into Thessalonica and keep on preaching the word of God. If Paul's got one thing, it's guts. That's because Paul knows he's got to do what God says. If the things he teaches make people angry, well, ain't nobody got time for that. When Paul came to town, he didn't try to trick and flatter everyone there. He didn't make fancy demands even though he's an apostle and all and he totally could have. But, That's not how Paul rolls. Instead, Paul and friends worked day jobs so they'd have enough money to support themselves and didn't have to ask for handouts from the community. Paul treated the Thessalonians like they were his own little children. He was gentle and kind and only lectured them a little bit. He's grateful that the Thessalonians saw his preaching for what it was. Paul isn't just teaching some stuff he made up; he's telling the people what God has to say. Now, the Thessalonians are being persecuted just like the Christians in Judea were. See, the other people in Thessalonica aren't too thrilled about this Jesus thing. Just like the Jewish leaders in Judea weren't too keen about it either. To say the least. Paul calls out the Jews in Judea saying they killed Jesus and the prophets and drove the Christians out of town. He says Jews pretty much hate everyone and have tried to stop Christians from trying to convert Gentiles. This makes Paul very sad. Because their cup of sins runneth over, God is really upset with the Jewish people. Paul is convinced they're gonna get a healthy dose of his wrath real soon. Anyway, Paul is also really upset he hasn't been able to get back to Thessalonica to visit the church there. They're the best around and Paul misses them. Sure, he's there in heart, but he really wants to stop by live and in person. Too bad Satan keeps stopping him from coming.
2 Thessalonians:
When Paul couldn't stand being away from his beloved Thessalonians any more, he sent his friend (and fellow Christian) Timothy to check up on them. Good news—Timothy reports back that all is well. Well, not totally. See, Christians are being persecuted. Paul hopes that this isn't gonna shake the Thessalonians' faith in Jesus. They've gotta be rock solid in the face of opposition. But like Timothy said, everything is going pretty good. The Thessalonians apparently just accept that the whole being Christian thing is all good. Paul has also heard that the Thessalonians are anxious to welcome him back. That's kept him going through the tough times he's been facing in his travels. You know, getting throw into jail, beaten, and nearly stoned to death. But all in all, Paul is very thankful for the Thessalonians and he can't wait to see them again. Paul prays that God will bring him to Thessalonica soon and that he'll build up the love the Thessalonians have for each other and every one in the world. He also hopes that they'll keep their records spotless so that they can be ready for the day that Jesus returns.
Now onto another topic. Let's talk about sex. Paul wants the Thessalonians to know that they should be living the kind of lives that would make God happy. So, Lay off the sex outside of marriage. Paul says that Christians need to act differently than the Gentiles in their midst. They need to keep it under control and not walk around lustful all the time. But why? Well, because if the Holy Spirit is in you, you'd better think twice about what you do with your body. God will not be pleased if he sees any hanky panky going on. And remember, he sees everything. Now, let's talk about love. Paul knows he doesn't have to tell the Thessalonians this (even though he's gonna do it anyway), but they should love each other. They're pretty awesome at it already but Paul thinks they should keep trying to get better at it. Love is important when it comes to non-Christians, too. Show them respect, and basically, keep a low profile so Gentiles won't start trying to find reasons to persecute you. And last, but definitely not least, Paul wants all the Thessalonians to know that God is going to bring this whole living-on-Earth thing to an end real soon. Jesus died and then came back to life, so he's going to make sure everyone who followed him and died already is going to come back too and have eternal life. So there's no need to fret about these guys. They're covered. Anyone's who's still alive and has put their faith in him will get a great reward. One day soon, Paul says, you'll see Jesus descend from Heaven with all kinds of trumpet blasts and shouts and archangels following him. The dead will be raised up to Heaven and the living will float up into the clouds to meet with Jesus . Then all the faithful will live with God forever.
So just when will all this end of the world happen? Sorry, everyone. Paul's not telling. The only clue he does give is the say that this big day will come "like a thief in the night." In other words, you probably won't be expecting it. When everyone around you starts saying, Hey, things are going pretty good, right? That's when all heck will break loose. Of course. When that day comes, Christians are gonna be wide awake and dressed in faith, hope, and love. Paul believes that God has destined all of them for salvation. Other people, not so much.
Paul tells the Thessalonians that they need to remember all this when they're feeling down or they've got a case of the Mondays. He also gives them some practical advice. Be respectful to the leaders in the community. Don't fight with each other. Do point out when other Christians are doing the wrong thing. But don't "repay evil for evil." Be happy. Pray. Be thankful. Listen to the prophets among them who are filled with the Holy Sprit. In short, be excellent to each other. Paul ends the letter with a little prayer for his friends in Thessalonica. He hopes that God will make them holy and awesome and that they'll be in good shape when Jesus comes again. He also asks them to pray for him (and presumably Silvanus and Timothy, too). Grace and peace be with you.
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