1 Thessalonians 5

1. 5:1-2 What did the Thessalonians already know?
   Class Answers: Times and dates, or seasons (Morris: times and opportunities). That the day of the Lord would come like a thief in the night. We can prepare, but we can’t know exactly when it will happen.
2. 5:3 How will the day of the Lord be like labor pains? (What is the day of the Lord?)
   Class Answers: It will be sudden, and there will be no escape. The term is used many times in the Old Testament, such as in Amos 5:18-20 (there is no escape). The phrase is found in the New Testament in Acts 2:20 (the Lord’s great and glorious day), 1 Corinthians 5:5, 2 Thess. 2:2. In 1 Corinthians 1:8, it is “the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.,” referring to the second coming of Christ.
3. 5:4-7 How do we protect ourselves against the destruction mentioned in verse 3?
   Class Answers: As children of the day, of the light, we know that the day is coming, and we prepare ourselves. We are awake and sober.
4. 5:8 What are characteristics of children (sons) of light?
   Class Answers: They are sober, with a breastplate of faith and love and a helmet the hope of salvation. The word “sons” or “children” indicates that these are inborn character traits. Notice here the “faith, hope, and love” mentioned back in 1:3. Christians walk in the light of the Lord. Contrary to the way the world might characterize Christians, we are actually the “enlightened” ones – the ones who see the world the way it really is.
   Regarding the word hope, Morris (page 159) states that New Testament hope is grounded in the divine action. (That’s why it’s a confident expectation, not just a strong wish.)
5. 5:9-10 What are Christians destined (appointed) for?
   Class Answers: For obtaining salvation, for “receiving” salvation – from our sins and from wrath. It is God’s work.
6. 5:11 What common (or similar) word do you find in this verse and in 3:2, 5:11, and 5:14?
   Class Answers: In the NRSV, the word “encourage” is used in all three passages. The Greek word used in 3:2 and 5:11 is Parakaleo (admonish, exhort). In 5:14, it’s Paramutheomai (Calm or console).
7. 5:12-13 What are our responsibilities to those who “labor among us” or “have charge of us in the Lord”? (NRSV)
   Class Answers: Those who work among us, have charge over us, and admonish us, which would include ministers and pastors, or elders. The apostles had appointed elders as early as Acts 14:23. It’s likely in such a young Gentile church as Thessalonica that there wouldn’t be many mature Christians, those who had years of experience as Christians. It’s significant that “be at peace among yourselves” is placed after such an injunction. Church leaders can do their work more effectively if they don’t have to solve squabbles among members.
8. 5:14-15 List the ways we are to treat each other.
   Class Answers: 1) Admonish idlers (the unruly); 2) Encourage the fainthearted; 3) Help the weak; 4) Be patient with all of them (even the idler); 5) Don’t repay evil for evil; 4) Seek to do good to one another and all. These define horizontal relationships – one with another.
9. 5:16-18 What is God’s will for us?
   Class Answers: 1) Rejoice always; 2) Pray without ceasing (continually – persistently and regularly); 3) Give thanks in all circumstances. These define a vertical relationship with God.
   Note: Regarding rejoicing, Morris (p. 173) writes: Christianity…turns people’s thoughts away from themselves and their puny deeds to the great God….”
10. 5:19-22 What should be our response to the Spirit and to the things people teach?
    Class Answers: 1) Do not quench the Spirits (Walk by the Spirit; be open to Spirit; 2) Do not despise the words of the prophets (either spoken or written); 3) Test everything; hold to the good, abstain from evil. See these related passages: Acts 11:27-28; 1 Timothy 1:18; 4:14; Revelation 1:3. It’s a balance between being open-minded and using discernment.
11. 5:23-24 What is God able to do for us?
    Class Answers: Sanctify us entirely; keep our spirit, soul, and body sound and blameless. God does it all for us, and He is faithful.
12. 5:25-28 What is a holy kiss?
    Class Answers: A genuine show of affection – not sexual, and not deceitful. The physical kiss is used according to custom. In the U.S., it’s usually a handshake. Other places where the term is used: Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:12; 1 Peter 5:14.