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Chapter 5
Everyone knows the end of the world is coming. The only questions
left are when and how. Scientists tell us that in 3 to 4 billion years
our sun will blow up and turn our planet into a cinder, so there really
is an end to all this. It doesn’t matter to us whether it 3 billion or 3
million, our end is a lot sooner than that. Even the Bible tells us
there is going to be an end to this "world" this system. It suggests
that if God doesn’t stop us, we will end up destroying ourselves.
But it speaks of time called "the Day of the Lord," when Christ will
return and God’s wrath will descend on disobedient man. There are little
snippets here and there in the NT about this time and what it means for
mankind. Paul had just written to the Thessalonian Christians about the
resurrection and something he said might have led people to a wrong
conclusion about the end of the world. Paul will have to explain in his
second letter that the end will not be immediately. For now, he has this
to say:
(1 Thessalonians 5) "But of the times and the seasons, brethren,
ye have no need that I write unto you. {2} For yourselves know perfectly
that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. {3} For when
they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon
them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. {4}
But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you
as a thief. {5} Ye are all the children of light, and the children of
the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. {6} Therefore let us
not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. {7} For they
that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in
the night. {8} But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the
breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
I can imagine that some of the people who read this letter would be
sitting up nights wondering if that would be the night when Christ would
come. The letter carries a strong sense of urgency. We have to be vigilant
waiting for the return of our Lord. Who should be surprised that the
Thessalonians, reading Paul’s letter, would assume that the return of
Christ was imminent?
{9} For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain
salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, {10} Who died for us, that, whether
we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. {11} Wherefore
comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
{12} And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you,
and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; {13} And to esteem them
very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among
yourselves.
Now put yourselves in the place of these new Christians. They are
gentiles for the most part. They have what Paul told them about Jesus in a
short three weeks period, plus the Old Testament prophets that could be
read in the Synagogue. There is no way they thought the return of Christ
was 2000 years into the future. They thought from what Paul said that it
was imminent–it could happen any day now. This conception apparently led
to some unfortunate behavior which Paul has to address.
{14} Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly,
comfort the feebleminded [i.e. fainthearted], support the weak, be
patient toward all men. {15} See that none render evil for evil unto any
man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to
all men. {16} Rejoice evermore. {17} Pray without ceasing. {18} In every
thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus
concerning you. {19} Quench not the Spirit. {20} Despise not
prophesyings. {21} Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. {22}
Abstain from all appearance of evil.
Don’t dismiss preaching. Open your Bible and test what is being said to
you. Hold on to what is good–Which implies that not everything will be
good.
{23} And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God
your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the
coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. {24} Faithful is he that calleth you,
who also will do it. {25} Brethren, pray for us. {26} Greet all the
brethren with an holy kiss. {27} I charge you by the Lord that this
epistle be read unto all the holy brethren. {28} The grace of our Lord
Jesus Christ be with you. Amen."
To: 2 Thessalonians 1
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Painting:
St. Paul by Rembrandt van Rijn
The
Sinless Life
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considered what it would mean if you could just live a sinless life?
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