According to the accounts of chapters 1 & 2 of this epistle, most of the Thessalonian converts (one who changes their religious faith or other beliefs) to *Christianity were **Gentiles, who came out of idolatry. This record would imply an extensive ministry directed to the Gentiles after Paul's initial work with the Jews and gentile God-fearers (God-fearers were gentiles who believed in, and feared, the God of the Jews; they sat and listened in synagogues but could not participate. Proselytes were God-fearers who had been circumcised and bound themselves to keeping the Mosaic law, and therefore could participate, including in Jewish feasts like the Pentecost).
Paul worked "night and day" during his time there; he may have begun work immediately, but Paul supported himself by tent-making (making, or repairing tents: These weren't little pop-tents, by the way. This was a tough job that required long days of physical labor), which made for a longer missionary stay in that city, to accomplish the extensive evangelism and teaching necessary.
The thrust of chapter 2, as with chapter 1, is that ***Yeshua Ha'Mashiach is seen as the Believer's hope (expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen; trust of a certainty) of salvation (deliverance from harm, ruin, or loss) both in the present - and at His second coming. When He returns, He will deliver (vv. 1:10), and reward (v. 1:1). Throughout this letter is an unmistakable emphasis upon steadfastness (quality of being purposefully or dutifully firm and unwavering) in the in the ***Lord and a continuing growth in faith and love in view of the return of ***Christ (1:3-10 & 2:12-20).
In this study today, Paul's typical salutation (an expression of greeting, goodwill, or courtesy by word, gesture, or ceremony) in the first verse combines the customary Greek ("grace") and the Hebrew ("peace") greetings of his day and enriches them with Christian content. The opening chapter is a declaration (a specific formal statement or announcement) of thanksgiving for the Thessalonians' metamorphosis (change of physical form, structure, or substance especially by supernatural means) from heathenism (a pagan religion that centers around multiple gods and ancestors) to Christian hope. Faith, love, and hope (v. 1:3) properly characterizes the new lives of these Believers.
In chapter 2 (vv. 1-16), Paul reviews his brief ministry in Thessalonica and defends his conduct and motives, apparently to answer enemies who are trying to impugn (to slander, cast doubt; call into question) his character (the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual) and message.
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1 THESSALONIANS ~ Chapter 2
Paul's Founding of the Church (vv. 1-16)
"For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain. But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully (in a way that shows you want to annoy, upset, or hurt another person, because you feel angry toward them) treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold (showing an ability to take risks; confident and courageous) in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict. For our exhortation (firmly and clearly urging someone to do something) did not come from deceit (untruthful; misrepresentation) or uncleanliness (defilement, foulness), nor was it in guile (skillfully played knowledge) (vs. 1-3)
But as we have been approved by Elohim to be entrusted (assigned a responsibility) with the ****gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing to men, but Elohim Who tests our hearts (Proverbs 17:3, Galatians 1:10, & Titus 1:3). For neither at any time did we use flattering (pleasing or gratifying) words, as you know, nor a cloak (informative framework, or proposed methods, on which to build or enhance daily energetic practices and awareness) for covetousness (a strong desire for prosperity and fame; greed) - Elohim as witness. Nor did we seek glory (high renown or honor won by notable achievements) from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as #Apostles of Mashiach. But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you have become very dear to us. (vs. 4-8)
For you remember, brethren, our labor (work hard; make great effort) and toil (consistent and extremely hard work); for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden (a hard difficulty to deal with) to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God. You are witnesses, and Elohim also, how devoutly (totally committed) and justly (according to what is morally right or fair) and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe; as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged (place responsibility upon) every one of you, as a father does his own children, that you would have a walk worthy (having or showing the qualities or abilities that merit recognition in a specified way) of Elohim Who calls you into His own kingdom and glory (1 Corinthians 1:9 & Ephesians 4:1). (vs. 9-12)
For this reason we also thank Elohim without ceasing, because when you received the Word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men - but as it is in truth, the Word of God, which also effectively (in such a manner as to achieve a desired result) works in you who believe. For you, brethren, became imitators (a person who copies the behavior or actions of another) of the ##churches of Elohim which are in Judea in Yeshua Ha'Mashiach. For you also suffered the same things from your own countrymen (a person from the same country as someone else; from the same country region), just as they did from the ultra-religious (strict behavior and unswayable belief; above and beyond requirements) Jews (Acts 17:5 & Galatians 1:22), who killed both our Lord Yeshua and their own prophets, and have persecuted (continual hostile harassment) us; and they do not please ###Elohim and are contrary (perversely inclined to disagree) to all men (Esther 3:8 & Acts 2:23), forbidding (prohibit, interfere, inhibit, officially put a stop to activity; forbid implies that the order is from one in authority and that obedience is expected) us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, so as always to fill up the measure (a particular quality, feeling, or activity) of their sins; but wrath (extreme anger; strong vengeful anger or indignation; punishment imposed for purposes of repayment or revenge for the wrong committed; divine chastisement) has come upon them to the uttermost (the greatest or most extreme extent or amount) - (Matthew 24:6). (vs. 13-16)
Lucifer Hinders Paul
But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavor (to attempt the fulfillment of an obligation by exertion of effort; to strive to achieve or reach) more eagerly (having or showing an excited feeling that something is about to happen, especially something pleasant and interesting) to see your face with great desire (a strong feeling of wanting to have something, or wishing for something to happen) - (1 Corinthians 5:3). Therefore we wanted to come to you - even I, Paul, time and again - but ####Lucifer hindered (created difficulties, resulting in delay) us - (Romans 1:13 & 15:22). For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing (great joy; a feeling of great happiness and triumph)? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Yeshua Ha'Mashiach at His Coming? For you are our glory and joy." (vs. 17-20)
*Christianity is faith in Jesus Christ (Yeshua Ha'Mashiach) as Lord & Savior; Redeemer, and Deliverer, through Whom eternal salvation is given. In context, faith refers both to the believers' act of trust and to the content of their faith. Christianity is more than a system of religious belief - it is a Lifestyle wholly contingent (dependent on, or conditioned by) the personhood (the quality, or condition of being an individual) of Yeshua Ha'Mashiach.
**Gentile: a person who is not Jewish. The word stems from the Hebrew term ha-goyim, which means “the nations” … meaning nations of the world that were not Hebrew.
***Yeshua Ha’Mashiach: is Hebrew for “Jesus the Messiah”; the name Jesus is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Yeshua.
Christ (from the Hebrew word, Ha’Mashiach ישוע המשיח & the Greek word, Christos/khris-tos) = The Anointed, Yeshua the Messiah, in both languages.
Lord Jesus Christ (in Greek: Kyrios Iēsous Christos) = the most formal title for Jesus (Yeshua). It occurs often in the New Testament letters.
The word “Lord” has a wide range of uses; it can be a simple respectful “Sir” or a more formal, “Master.” But the New Testament also uses “Lord” of God. The word “Christ” is the anglicized form of the Greek word meaning “anointed one” or “Messiah.” “Lord Jesus Christ” reminds us that Jesus is both the promised Messiah and our God.
****Gospel = teaching or revelation of Christ.
#Apostle; a "messenger" or "one who is sent"; Apostles were primarily people who had met and followed Jesus during his life and were called by him to spread the gospel.
##Church = Body of Believers: group of people gathering to honor Yeshua (Savior, Son of God = God), and worship Elohim (the Father = God).
###Elohim (Hebrew: אֱלֹהִים, romanized: ʾּlōhīm: [(eloˈ(h)im]) is a Hebrew word meaning "Gods – Father, Son, & Holy Spirit". Although the word is plural in form, in the Hebrew Bible it usually refers to a single deity “Behold, the Lord – the Lord is One”, particularly the God of Israel.
####Lucifer: The Septuagint renders הֵילֵל in Greek as Ἑωσφόρος (heōsphoros), "bringer of dawn" – the ancient Greek name for the morning star; The Septuagint, as the translation of the Hebrew Bible, was a landmark of antiquity. It is the first translation in the history of the Bible. It became the central literary work of Hellenistic Judaism (Greek speaking/living Jews) and Early Christianity.
Similarly, the Vulgate renders הֵילֵל in Latin as Lucifer, the name in that language for the morning star.
Lucifer was created a beautiful angel; who defied God, fell from grace, and was cast out of Heaven to become enemy of mankind and arch deceiver. Isaiah declared, “How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning!” (Isaiah 14.12) Ezekiel goes into more detail in Ezekiel 28:12-19.
**1 Thessalonians 1: https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2023/12/1-thessalonians-chapter-1thursday-bible.html
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