Chapter 1 Pt. 1
Who was with Paul when this epistle was written?
Silas & Timothy (vs 1)
Describe the affliction that the Thessalonians endured when they received the word.
"Much" affliction (vs 6, Acts 17:1-10)
What did Pail mean when he said, "We had suffered before and were shamefully entreated at Philippi"?
Probably the beating and imprisonment in the Philippian jail (vs 2, Acts 16:22-24)
Why did Paul labor night and day in Thessalonica?
He would not be chargeable/not a burden (vs 9)
What hindered Paul from coming again unto the Thessalonians?
Satan (vs 18)
What three things did Paul remember when he gave thanks to God for the church of the Thessalonians?
1) Their work of faith
2) Labor of Love
3) Patience of hope and trials
(vs 2-4)
To whom was the church of Thessalonica an example?
The believers in Macedonia and Achaia (vs 7)
What phrase indicates that the preaching of the gospel at Thessalonica was not easy either?
They spoke the gospel with much contention (strong opposition) (vs 2)
How did Paul describe his behavior among them?
Holily, unblameable, and justly (vs 10)
What was Paul's joy and crown of rejoicing?
The Thessalonian church in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ at his coming, They were Paul's glory and joy (vs 19-20)
In what four ways did Paul say the gospel came to the church of Thessalonica?
1) In word
2) In power
3) In the Holy Ghost
4) In much assurance
(vs 5)
From what did the Thessalonians church turn in order to serve the living and true God?
From idols (vs 9)
What eight things were not characteristic of Paul's ministry?
Deceit, uncleanness, guile, not as pleasing men, flattering, covetous, glory seeking, burdensome (vs 3-6)
By what illustration did Paul compare his exhorting, comforting, and charging?
As a father deals with his own children (vs 11)
How has your personal thinking changed regarding how to defeat discouragement?
Answers Vary
Who did the church of Thessalonica follow?
Jesus Christ "Us - Paul, Silas, Timothy" (vs 6)
What seemed to be the composition of the majority of the Thessalonian church?
Gentiles, former idolaters (vs 9)
By what illustration did Paul compare his gentleness among men?
As a nurse (mother) caring for her children (vs 7)
For what cause did Paul thank God?
They received the word of God, not as the word of man, but in truth (vs 13)
What parallels can you see between your and Paul's struggles and your responses to them?
Answers Vary
What was their source of joy?
The Holy Spirit (vs 6)
What did Jesus deliver us from in the future?
From the wrath to come (vs 10)
What was Paul willing to impart to the Thessalonians?
Their own souls/their life considering the danger (vs 8)
What illustrations of sufferings did Paul give to encourage the Thessalonians in their suffering?
The Jews killed Jesus, their own prophets, and Paul's group endured persecution. They were not alone in being mistreated (vs 14-16)
How many people can you think of that are currently struggling with some form of discouragement and what can you do to help them?
Invite them to our weekly Bible Study