2 Thessalonians 1:1-12
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with The ESV Bible ~
New Testament - Today we begin Paul's second letter to the church in Thessalonica!
~ Second Thessalonians ~
Author: Paul the apostle
Place: Corinth
Date: A.D. 51
Content: Either Paul’s first letter or a forged letter purporting to be from him had disturbed the Thessalonians concerning the second coming of Jesus. Perhaps adding to the confusion was the continued persecution that they were enduring. Paul writes to assure the believers that Jesus will certainly return to comfort the believers and to punish those who are troubling them. He also tells them that the great Day of Judgment (the Day of the Lord) will not take them by surprise but will be preceded by a series of events. In the light of Jesus’ sure return, Christians are to live above reproach.
Theme: Throughout this short letter the promise of God’s victory over evil is stressed. Believers may suffer now, but God has planned comfort and reward for them. For those who refuse to obey God, however, there will be distress and judgment. Paul also stresses the need for living in such a way that God is honored. Some people at Thessalonica may have stopped working because they believed Christ would return soon. This does not honor God and Paul says concerning it, “He who does not work shall not eat.” (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” pp. 28-29) A wonderful commentary on Second Thessalonians by J. Hampton Keathley, III, titled “The Struggles and Growth of a Church” is at this link.
Paul's encouragement during times of persecution is powerful in chapter 1 verse 5 today: "But God will use this persecution to show his justice. For he will make you worthy of his Kingdom, for which you are suffering." If there is persecution in your life today, I hope this verse is encouraging to you. It reminds me of the old adage - "it builds character." I know this is tough to realize in the midst of persecution - that God is working in the midst of it to show his justice and to make you worthy of his Kingdom. Your suffering is for His Kingdom. You are not suffering alone.
Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Second Thessalonians chapter 1 titled "Commendation and Comfort in the Face of Persecution" is at this link. Below is a great image for 2 Thessalonians 1:12 from today's readings:
Worship Video: It's been, oh, about 3 days since I've posted up a Casting Crowns video - much too long! :) I definitely love their ministry. Here's the song that started it all for them, "If we are the Body." I was reminded of this song in today's readings. This is definitely a song worthy of launching a ministry with the powerful lyrics: "But if we are the Body, why aren't His arms reaching? Why aren't His hands healing? Why aren't His words teaching? Why is His love not showing them there is a way? There is a way!" Jesus is the Way!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYbGMQ5Y3Uo
Are you part of the Body? Click here and learn that there is a Way!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you." 2 Thessalonians 1:6 (NIV)
Prayer Point: Pray for God's justice in our world today. Pray that you will not take justice into your own hands, but will leave justice to the Lord.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you from today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
Grace, love, peace, and joy!
Mike
p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
Comments