College Press Publishing

Paul met furious and violent opposition from the Jewish community at Thessolonica in his attempts to spread the Good News. With disregard for their own safety a small group from the Jewish community pledged their faith to Jesus. They were joined by Gentile converts and formed the Thessalonian church.

These bold converts found a special place in Paul's heart. The letters to the Thessalonian church are among the most personal of all of Paul's letters for this very reason. The main points revolve around personal reminiscences, commendations, counseling, exhortations, and the Second Coming of Christ.

Paul strongly emphasizes the hope we have in the return of the risen Christ. Following quickly on the heels of this exhortation to be ready, are instructions on the duties invoved in the Christian life.

These two letters merit close examination for their application to our lives today. Upon study we learn that the Thessalonian church made several errors in their understanding of what Paul meant about the imminent return of our Lord. Even today many have claimed an exact date and time for his return, only to be embarrassed when Jesus did not return!

Secondly, we must diligently look at 1 & 2 Thessalonians for the hope of the resurrection found in Jesus' Second Coming that Paul preaches. It is this hope that will comfort us when our loved ones "go home" to be with the Lord. Thessalonians, written long ago, is for us today!

Click here for the Table of Contents.

About the Author...

Jon A Weatherly, Ph.D. is associate professor of Bible Studies, teaching New Testament, Greek, and Hermeneutics at Cincinnati Bible College & Seminary, Cincinnati, Ohio. Dr. Weatherly received his B.A. in Bible & Christian Ministries from Cincinnati Bible College, the M.A., in New Testament from Cincinnati Bible Seminary, the M.Div. (Summa Cum Laude) from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and the Ph.D. in New Testament from the University of Aberdeen (Scotland). Dr. Weatherly has published numerous books and has written many periodical articles on issues bridging the New Testament to the world at large. Prior to the position of associate professor at Cincinnati Bible College & Seminary, Dr. Weatherly preached in located ministry for eight years.

About the Editors...

Anthony L. Ash, Ph.D., is professor of Biblical Studies at Abilene Christian University and minister at Minter Lane Church of Christ, Abilene, Texas. Dr. Ash holds the A.A. from Florida Christian College, the B.S. from Florida State University, the M.A. from Abilene Christian University, and the Ph.D. from the University of Southern California. He has authored nine books including commentaries on Luke, Acts (Chapters 1-12), Psalms (with Clyde Miller), and Jeremiah & Lamentations. He has spoken at over 400 meetings and extended lectureships and has also spoken on over 45 college and university campuses.