Having arrived at Somothrace in Macedonia, the missionary team moved on through Neopolis to Philippi, a leading city of Macedonia and a Roman colony. A Lasting Legacy: Choosing A Wife For Isaac (Gen. 24:1-67). In Antioch, Paul chose Silas as his partner for this journey after separating from Barnabas over the problem with John Mark. In the midst of all of this, two major themes arise in the study and reading of 1 and 2 Thessalonians: The first theme is the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Charles Caldwell Ryrie, First and Second Thessalonians, Moody Press, Chicago, 1959, p. 12. Their love for the brethren, an expression of being God taught (4:9-10), C. Their love for the lost expressed in godly living (4:11-12), III. Origen(Adv. The Christmas Hymn, “We Praise You Jesus at Your Birth” – Pr. As you know, we are working our way rather slowly through the book of Acts, especially in the early chapters, because they’re so foundational. Luke's account of the birth and early growth of the Church is known in the Bible as "The Acts of the Apostles." In a little over three weeks he taught this congregation a great deal of Bible doctrine. Acts 1:8; Zech. First Era of Persecution 60. It is really not so surprising that, due to the glorious nature of the message of the gospel, people came to Christ and churches were founded across the country. ... (Early church tradition states that the church in Rome was started by these people.) Persecution and Expansion 5. Luke's account of the birth and early growth of the Church is known in the Bible as "The Acts of the Apostles." Certainly, but Paul’s strategy took him to the larger cities and for a very good reason. Introduction To the Book of Acts 2. To answer questions regarding the “Day of the Lord” (5:1-11). The words of the prophet Isaias(vii, 14) are understood in this sense by 1. In this the Apostle balances the prophetic with the practical. In each Macedonian city visited they had established a community of believers. Concerning Christ’s return there is a two-fold emphasis of both a confident expectation along with the call to live in readiness in the light of His imminent coming. These epistles give us insight into the heart and motivations of the Apostle Paul and so also to the kind of heart we all need in caring for others in ministry or pastoral care. The purpose and burden of the Apostle in writing to the Thessalonians can be summarized as follows: 1. Acts 18:1-11). Had he and his companions been mistaken when they crossed the sea from Asia Minor to Macedonia under a conviction of divine guidance? 1 Warren W. Wiersbe, Be Ready, Victor Books, Wheaton, 1979, p. 10. This question must always have filled Paul with anxiety. 3. In his letters to Timothy, Paul challenged him to be faithful in his service to the churches and the Lord. In World War II it was captured by the German army, and the Jewish population of about 60,000 persons was deported and exterminated.”1. 3:6ff. The perpetual virginity of our Blessed Lady was taught and proposed to our belief not merely by the councils and creeds, but also by the early Fathers. The human authors of Scripture wrote to real people with real problems in real situations in such a way that their writings are still very much applicable with tremendous relevance in our modern world. Would their immature faith prove equal to the challenge? After Jesus ascended to heaven, His promise to send the Holy Spirit was fulfilled when the Holy Spirit fell upon Jesus’ followers on the Day of Pentecost. Second Era of Peace 260. While this exact outline will not be followed in the exposition, it is offered as an alternative overview of the book. Thessalonica was originally named Therma because of the many hot springs in the surrounding area, but in 315 B.C. First and fundamentally, as a part of the Word of God and as letters written to the church, the body of Christ, they deserve our careful study for the purpose of knowing and applying God’s truth to life. Acts 17:2 tells us that “according to Paul’s custom, he went to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures.” Some have understood from this that the Apostle was only in Thessalonica for three weeks. There Lydia, whose heart God had opened for the gospel, and her household were led to the Christ with a church being established in her home. Christianity began as a movement within Judaism at a period when the Jews had long been dominated culturally and politically by foreign powers and had found in their religion (rather than in their politics or cultural achievements) the linchpin of their community. The Celebration of the Sacrament of the Eucharist serves as a Memorial of the Last Supper of Our Lord with the reception of Communion. Until the disciples were scattered "upon the persecution that arose about Stephen" (Acts 8:1, 11:19) Jerusalem was the scene of all that took place in the early Church of Christ. 2. ... Apologetics was born in the Early Church. Book of Acts . 3:6-15), but even this does not necessarily prove a stay longer than three weeks. 4 F. F. Bruce, Word Biblical Commentary, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, Vol. The explanation of the evidence (1:8-10), B. Here is a suggested summary: 1:10—salvation and assurance2:19-20—soul-winning and service3:12-13—stability in Christian living4:13-18—strength for sorrow in the face of death5:23-24—sanctification of life. More books of the New Testament were written by the Apostle Paul than any other New Testament author. Their love for God expressed in sanctified living (4:1-8), B. 4. As in other places, the doctrine of the return of Christ for the church is a truth that should transform how we live as individuals and as a corporate body of God’s people. It had a sheltered harbor which was made into a naval station and equipped with docks by the Romans. This commercial activity had two important results. Did they not need the gospel also? (3) The Word of God is central in Paul’s methodology. The fact that he was accepted by the early church with no questions raised, and was a genuine apostle is indicated by a subtle change which occurs from here on in Acts. The success of the gospel and the enduring faith of the Thessalonians illustrate the truth of Philippians 1:12ff. So after encouraging the new believers, the missionary team left the city (though Luke may have stayed behind temporarily) and journeyed on through Amphipolis and Appollonia to the important city of Thessalonica. Paul could get a sympathetic hearing in the synagogue, at least until persecution began. While with them, he said: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. (1) God uses ordinary people. They were surrounded with a culture of heathenism and gross immorality. In that regard, note the following facts about 1 Thessalonians: Every chapter ends with a reference to the coming of the Lord Jesus, and each reference relates the doctrine of His coming to some aspect of practical Christian living. From there they went to Athens where Timothy joined the team, but he was quickly sent back to the young church at Thessalonica to check on their condition. Outreach to the West 8. To preach and teach the Word to a dying and lost world is never really an issue in the will of God, but exactly when and where (time and place) is an issue in keeping with God’s preparation of the soil of human hearts. His hope in the Thessalonians (2:19-20), E. The confirmation of the Thessalonians (3:1-10), 1. The biblical story is incomplete without an awareness of the church and its place in God’s plan. The Christian missionaries were carrying the war into the enemies’ country. The prayer that their hearts might be established in holiness (3:13), II. In Acts we learn that Jesus began the church in a miraculous way. Morris, The Epistles of Paul to the Thessalonians, p. 17).7. Find low everyday prices and buy online for delivery or in-store pick-up. In the book of Acts, Dr. Luke gives the historical background which describe the events that led to the formation of the church in the city of Thessalonica. Why? In August of 2001 he was diagnosed with lung cancer and on August 29th, 2002 he went home to be with the Lord. They each present special insight into the Lord’s return and how that is to impact our lives in terms of greater spirituality. The early church started with 12 disciples then moved forward to 120 followers. Further, Paul could more easily practice his trade and support himself in a city like Thessalonica (cf. According to Luke, the converts at Thessalonica included Jews and a great multitude of devout Greeks who were attracted by the monotheism and morality of Judaism and who had attached themselves to the synagogue (Acts 17:4). The commendation of the Thessalonians (1:1-10), 3. When Paul made his journey to the city, it boasted a population of 200,000 consisting mostly of Greeks though there was a large Roman population with a strong Jewish minority. It appears from Luke’s account that they simply passed by these two towns, but why? This corresponded with the Roman feast of Saturnalia, the festival of the Unconquered Sun. (5) Though Satan may hinder and even cause believers to be cast into prison, the Word is not bound and God is able to direct His saints to fulfill His sovereign purposes for the greater progress of the gospel. Books, conferences, televised debates: speakers and evangelists can live their whole lives devoted to a career of apologetics in defence of the Christian faith. The Great Persecution 302 311. 5. Paul, Barnabas & the Council of Jerusalem 7. Macedonian women, though, enjoyed a higher social position and greater privileges than elsewhere in the civilized world. Man’s problems in ancient times are still man’s problems in modern times, and likewise, the solutions to man’s problems then are the same today. Trials and Witness of Paul; Final Exam Thessalonica was a free city and enjoyed the autonomy of self-government in all its internal affairs. In Acts 6 & 7, we learn about Stephen and his service in the early church. Timothy was a young pastor who had been trained by the Apostle Paul. 3:1-12), it was his policy to begin his ministry among the Jews, usually at the local synagogue where the Old Testament was known and revered. The Birth of the Church Acts 2:1-13. This led to enormous temptation to return to their old ways and significant persecution if they refused to recant their faith in Christ. Further, a careful study of Philippians 4:16 does not necessarily indicate more than one gift from Philippi. The blessed and glorious ever-virgin Mary, sprung from the royal stock and family of David, born in the city of Nazareth, was brought up at Jerusalem in the temple of the Lord.Her father was named Joachim, and her mother Anna. This is also the exact kind of change God wants to bring about in our lives and seeks to do so through these vibrant epistles of the New Testament. It is the gospel and the Word of God as a whole that is “the power of God unto salvation” (Rom. Silas was probably sent on a similar mission to Philippi. 4. Following a miraculous deliverance by the Lord, the Philippian jailer and his household were also led to the Savior (Acts 16:19-40). Because the Apostle and his missionary team understood a vital truth. But what were the core apostolic / biblical concerns? The coming of the day of the Lord (5:1-5), C. Concerning deportment in the congregation (5:12-28). The story of Tabitha’s coming back to life in Acts 9:36-43 emphasizes among other things how important it is for God’s people to show love to one another. What is today known as the Hebrew Masoretic Text, which was formalized nearly 1000 years after the birth of Christ, existed, clearly, as one of a few Hebrew textual traditions in Jesus’ day. 3:8). The key to Paul’s strategy and the ability of this church to endure the pressures they faced from the religious persecution of the Jews and the paganism of that day was their knowledge of the Word. The amazing thing, considering the pagan atmosphere in which the new converts were immersed, is that they grew, reached out, and endured. Just a quick note about the Bible of the early Church. 1. Actsis really about the birth of the early church. The rapture of living saints (4:17-18), B. 2. It then follows the apostles through their early journey of following Christ, their miracles, conviction, courage, and persecution. As we study these two letters, we will discover that almost every major doctrine of the Christian faith is mentioned.”8 I personally believe it was not much longer than three weeks, perhaps six at the most, but regardless, the amount of doctrine taught in this short span of time clearly demonstrates the priority the Apostle placed on the doctrines of the Word. Rather He uses people, ordinary people. In First Thessalonians we discover just how Paul felt when the first news arrived. It was a church under persecution, but also a church that had a dynamic testimony and that had grown through the persecution. Guidelines For Group Bible Studies: ACTS 2:1-4, 14-18, 37-38, 41-47 Add to this Paul’s great burden for the Jews (Romans 9:1-3 and 10:1), and the historical principle of “To the Jew first” (Rom. Had the Macedonian mission proved abortive? Thus, the birth of the church at Thessalonica was the result of both God’s leading and the attentive ears of Paul and his missionary team. ; 1 Thessalonians 3:10f. Concerning the day of Christ: the comfort of His coming (4:13-18), 1. First Era of Peace 218. Hampton wrote many articles for the Biblical Studies Foundation and on... More. 1 Thessalonians: An Exegetical and Devotional Commentary. St. Irenaeus (III, 21; see Eusebius, Church History V.8), 2. They give insight into the realm of what we can call ‘pediatrics.’. The resurrection of sleeping saints (4:13-16), 2. Price Match Guarantee. The early converts were often made of very feeble clay. It was not because they had no burden for these people, but because apparently it was Paul’s strategy to minister in the larger cities with a view to having those churches reach out into the smaller communities as people naturally moved in and out of the larger and busier cities (see 1 Thess. As with Philippi, the Apostle had been driven out of Thessalonica by persecution from the Jews and from there he had gone on to Berea. He was certainly a man God used in special ways to minister to the church, but it is important to recognize that none of the New Testament writers wrote in a vacuum nor were their writings the product of simple dictation. No early church writer endorsed the observance of birthdays by Christians, nor are they ever listed in the early observances of the Christian church. But the missionaries had been forced to leave these young converts abruptly, quite inadequately equipped with the instruction and encouragement necessary to enable them to stand firm in the face of determined opposition. Christians in the East generally celebrated on January 6; those in the West on December 25. From Philippians 4:16 we know that the Philippians may have sent more than one gift to the Apostle while he was in Thessalonica, but this does not necessarily assume a long period since the journey from Philippi to Thessalonica required only about 5 or 6 days, a period that could well fit within a three or four week period. He learned first of all about the spiritual stamina of the Thessalonian converts in the face of fierce persecution and opposition (1:6; 3:6-10). It was unthinkable that a small, despised movement from a corner of Palestine could move out to become the dominant faith of the mighty Roman Empire, an empire steeped in fiercely defended traditional pagan religions. They were soon driven from Berea also by Jews who pursued them from Thessalonica (Acts 17:5-14). To express his thankfulness for what God was doing in the lives of the Thessalonians (1:2-3). The Birth of the Early Church: Clemson Study Abroad. In Revelation 14:6 we are told that in the future, along with His other witnesses, God will use an angel flying in mid-heaven who will proclaim an eternal gospel, but generally God does not send angels to preach the gospel. The evidence may suggest that he was there for a little more than three weeks, but how much longer we simply do not know other than it was a relatively short time. (2) God takes ordinary people from all walks of life, but with one consistent ingredient. This is a very important chapter in God's unfolding story. Shop The Messengers: The Birth of the Early Church [DVD] at Best Buy. His story will help kids understand that faith has a cost but the presence of Jesus always gives courage. How did the early Christian church survive? Today, “it is an important industrial and commercial city in modern Greece and is second to Athens in population. No Class 3. Most scholars agree that the birth of the Redeemer did not take place in the month of December at all. According to the Catholic tradition, the history of the Catholic Church begins with Jesus Christ and his teachings (c. 4 BC – c. AD 30) and the Catholic Church is a continuation of the early Christian community established by the Disciples of Jesus. 2:1-5; 1 Thess. Study for three weeks (May 9-31, 2016) in Turkey and Greece as we "follow in the footsteps" of Paul of Tarsus, the Apostle to the Gentiles Auto Suggestions are available once you type at least 3 letters. Based on the book of Acts (chapters one through nine) The Messengers: The Birth of the Early Church continues the story of the disciples with Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended on the believers. This charge of treason is the first recorded after the trial of Jesus before Pilate and could have been an outgrowth of the eschatological preaching of Paul at Thessalonica as seen in these epistles. Luke’s accurate reporting in Acts 16:6). This response drew people away from the Jewish community which angered the Jews and caused them to resort to violence and mob activity. What does the Bible say to the church, and to the individual Christian, about the role of politics in the church? The history of Christianity The primitive church The relation of the early church to late Judaism. Q. The city was conquered by Rome in 168 B.C., and was made the capitol of the entire providence of Macedonia. The Thessalonian epistles were written to the church at Thessalonica. Its location also contributed to its importance. As we study these books, therefore, we need to grapple with how the return of the Lord for the body of Christ should impact us and how it should not affect us, for as we will see, some had made a wrong application of the Lord’s imminent return. Once people were led to Christ and trained, these new converts could take the gospel to other regions (cf. Birth of the Church; Early Church History. Accounting – From there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of … 2:9; 2 Thess. The word translated “church” comes from two Greek words that together mean “called out from the world for God.” Furthermore, there were always many Gentile “God-fearers” in the synagogues, and through them Paul could began a witness to the pagan Gentiles. It was so then and it is so today (cf. The nature of their slander has been accurately captured by Frame: Among other things, the Jews had asserted (I Thess. It did, outstandingly so, but this could not have been foreseen. More books of the New Testament were written by the Apostle Paul than any other New Testament author. Hence its peculiar interest.3. 3. We also know that he continued to support himself with his trade as a tent maker (1 Thess. Timothy’s report on Thessalonica was so encouraging that Paul wrote 1 Thessalonians almost immediately.5. The earliest New Testament church first proclaimed the Gospel in the city of Jerusalem and the numbers of those who believed gradually rose (Acts 1:15, 2:41, 4:4). Well-to-do Romans settled there and Jewish merchants were attracted by the commercial advantages of the city (see Acts 17:4). Significantly, in every chapter of 1 Thessalonians, the Apostle sought to comfort and motivate with the truth of the Lord’s sure return. 1:16) ministered not by man’s power or wisdom or human ingenuity, but ministered by the power of the Spirit of God. This match game will help your kids become familiar with the story—and the lessons in love that it has for believers today. Your kids will have a great deal of fun working this word scramble puzzle based on the story of God’s using Peter to bring Tabitha, or Dorcas, back to life. In the Bible lesson activities below, children are given opportunity to engage in fun projects while learning about actual events that occurred in the early church. 9 This outline is primarily that of Dr. Stanley Toussaint taken from class notes used at Dallas Theological Seminary with some variations. During their second missionary journey, Paul and Silas revisited and strengthened those churches in the faith they had previously founded during their first missionary work. But even in Berea the hatred of the Jews had pursued him, so the Berean believers escorted the Apostle to Athens. Second, it brought Thessalonica a reputation for evil and licentiousness. He was certainly a man God used in special ways to minister to the church, but it is important to recognize that none of the New Testament writers wrote in a vacuum nor were their writings the product of simple dictation. In facing it he needed all his faith in the power of God. Stephen was one of the first deacons (servants) and was the first martyr. As Christians, we are all called to be a part of promoting the spread of the glorious truths of the Word, but where, when, and how are important matters that need to be discerned in the will of God for each individual believer. Printable PDF Version. The birth took place in Jerusalem, where thousands of people witnessed “the delivery.” It was a spectacular event, marked by supernatural signs, a powerful sermon, and an … Acts 18:3; 1 Thess. The second theme revolves around the ministry of the local church and its life in the world. Historian Sydney E. … Ryrie writes: A careful study of Philippians 4:16 would indicate that it probably does not mean that Paul received several gifts from the Philippians while at Thessalonica. In the Bible lesson activities below, children are given opportunity to engage in fun projects while learning about actual events that occurred in the early church. From Timothy’s report and perhaps also as the result of a letter brought to him from the Thessalonian church, Paul learned about the situation and the needs of the believers at Thessalonica. In the midst of terrible persecution and hardship, … The first epistle was written during the earlier part of that period just after Timothy had returned from Thessalonica with news of the progress of the church, and the second letter was dispatched just a few weeks later (or at the most a few months). Others set dates in March, April, or May. The present: the labor of love (4:1-12), A. In Acts 17:2 we are told that according to Paul’s custom, he reasoned with them from the Scriptures. Teaching t05711. During Paul’s ministry he was often being persecuted, and on one occasion found himself being smuggled to safety in a basket. 2:1-12) that in general Paul’s religious appeal arose in error, meaning that his gospel was not a divine reality but a human delusion; that it arose in impurity, hinting that the enthusiastic gospel of the Spirit led him into immorality; and that it was influenced by sinister motives, implying that Paul, like the pagan itinerant impostors of religious or philosophical cults … was working solely for his own selfish advantage. Due to the intensity of the persecutions, it appears some thought that “the Day of the Lord” had arrived so this issue also had to be addressed (5:1-15). It appears that since Silas and Timothy had not been as conspicuous as Paul, they were able to remain at Berea (Acts 17:11-15). Therefore, the celebration of birthdays, was clearly not part of:... the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3). Based on the Book of the Acts of the Apostles Chapters 1-9. In other words, both epistles show the practical ramifications of prophecy or things to come. The first gospel campaign in Macedonia, in the light of the sequel, can be recognized as an illustrious success, but at the time when Paul was compelled to leave the province it must have been felt as a heartbreaking failure.4. Humanly speaking, the odds were all stacked against it. Answer: The church began on the Day of Pentecost, fifty days after the Passover when Jesus died and rose again. “God wants me to love others.” This word tiles exercise drives home this important point. Encouraging that Paul wrote 1 Thessalonians almost immediately.5 deliverance by the commercial advantages of the ’... Acts 17:4 ) result in imperial disfavor love others. ” this Word tiles exercise drives home this point... Existed over just how Paul felt when the first news the birth of the early church ministry ( 2:1-12 ),.... 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