The Persistance of Paul

As we continue to view Paul's life, i am continually amazed by his persistance for the Gospel. I can't say that i see that urgancy or unstoppable force being reflected in others and especially not in my life. To live only for the sake of the Gospel seems far from my life, what does this take? I used to think it was weird when Paul would say take from his example, but now i see why, it is because he was a good example of true Christian living. i am overwhelmed and challenged.

Idleness

In 2 Thessalonians 3, Paul warns the church to stay away from idle men. I am astounded at how often Paul mentions the importance of working for oneself in these two letters alone. Apparently, this is something the Thessalonians were really struggling with. Paul, again, served as a great example while he was with them, never eating food he couldn't pay for. I also think about these idle men and what they must have been doing with their time if they refused to work at all. They were probably not any help at ministry stuff either, since they chose not to work in general. Laziness is bad. "They are not busy, they are busybodies" (v 11). I'm afraid this describes too many in churches today.

Jennifer

the Body of Christ

I have known for a few years now that the body of Christ or church includes three parts the local, community, and universal. I probably learned this from Purpose Driven Life or the Baptist Faith and Message. But I am excited at gaining a greater understanding of how this concept echoed through his writings. As I looked at some of the section in the DPL my mind began to process the information. I thought that maybe more often I should think of my connection with Christ and his church in these three facets. Often I think we (specifically college students) lose sight of the church on all three levels. We may help on the community level or the universal level yet neglect the local level. We may help at the local level yet forget about the majority of Christianity around the world. This made me think that I should be better about praying on all three levels for the church and then I would probably have an better awareness for the church and her needs.

kevin

Not Being a Burden

In 1 Thessalonians 2 Paul talks about the hardships that he faced working night and day so that he could independently support himself. He did not want to be a burden to the people that he was ministering to. He wanted to preach the word to them free of charge. It’s hard for me to imagine doing the kind of ministry that they were doing with out any financial support. Preaching the word seems exhausting without the extra hardships. I believe that ministering with out anything in return is an example of a true servant. It is an expression of sacrificial love to the people. It is showing that the only thing that matters is that the people are getting discipled and Jesus is being glorified. If we have to work double time to feed ourselves then that’s what needs to be done no matter how degrading the extra work is. This reminds me that supporting my family in the future as a minister could be very challenging but it will be a great blessing to work hard for the Lord.

Stephen Foust

A statement for Christianity

Dr. Foster touched on something in class today. In reading of the letters, we see that the people are complaining because Paul and his companions have been around turning the place "upside down" and were afraid that the same would take place in their town. This is a massive stand for Christianity. Someone wiser than me once said... We must be the change we want to see in the world. I believe Paul set a standard at this point and we should do our best to follow. Something that struck me while I was reading this material was the quiet time I had in Romans 6 this morning. Paul showed us an outward example that we see is tangible... we also need to make that inner commitment as well.

Good Job Thessalonians

The Thessalonians where doing a good job and where well known for it also. In 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10 Paul congratulates and encourages the Thessalonians because of the way that they were well known about being followers and imitators of the Lord. They were so well known, like Dr. Foster said, that before Paul was able to tell anyone about the church in Thessalonica, they already knew about it. I find that awesome that they were so well know for there stand even through persecution that Paul was not able to tell anyone cause they already knew the stories of them and their faith in Jesus Christ.
Matt Justice the Shaggy

Paul the Honorable

One thing that I have found to be interesting this week is the incident of Paul and Silas in the prison at Philippi. Prison is not a fun place under any circumstance. In our present culture, the prison experience is somewhat flexible. But for Paul and Silas, prison was not a place where you can use the internet, watch tv, and take course in order to gain your GED. Prison was filthy and harsh, especially when you are shackled in chains. The area that stricks me the most throughout that whole scenario was the amount of honor that Paul had. Even when they were given the opportunity of freedom, he still felt that honor was more important than a quick release. He did not walk out on the jailer forcing him to kill himself. Instead he stayed put and in the process led that jailer to knowing Christ. Even when he was given a pardon, he knew that he would not feel honorable without a public apology for a public flogging. Paul understood where he was, he knew what prison meant. He also knew his task and he strived to complete his task under any and every cost. That to me is a man of honor.

When and How?

I really enjoyed the simplicity in how 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6 was presented in class today. I have often been asked my opinion from church members, friends, and family on the topic of whether I think that the end is near or whether christ has already come. The question used to terrify me and cause me to get into discussions that were not healthy nor productive. Both parties in the discussions would always end up more confused than they were before they started. I believe that Satan is constantly trying to give us topics to argue about within the church. I would rather focus my energy on doing what the bible is specific about and trust God to handle the things I don't understand. After time I began to understand that I did not have a sufficient answer because there isn't one unless you speculate. The fact is that noone knows when Christ will return. Even Christ himself stated that only the Father knows. The bottom line is that I felt affirmed today by the reading of 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6. The passage is very specific in telling us that we have no way of knowing when the return will occur and I believe therefore we should not waste time and energy worrying. The passage also encourages us by letting us know that not only will you know when the return is occuring, you will not mistake it for something else. The bottom line is live like the return of Christ could happen at any time and be assured that just like birth pains you will not mistake it for something else nor will you miss it, just ask any mother!

Lydia, a help in Philippi.

The first thing we read about in Acts 16 of Paul's visit to Phillipi is a dealer of purble cloth by the name of Lydia. Paul presents the message of salvation to her and she is converted. What is amazing about Lydia is she was so quick and eager to allow Paul and his entourage to come into her home. It's amazing to think of the people the Lord will use to further his Kingdom. At the end of chapter 16, Paul and Silas meet at Lydias house once again after their imprisonment. They had a place to stay after they were beaten and some one to help clean their wounds once again (Phillipian Jailor did earlier). There is no telling how much of a help she was to Paul's second missionary journey. I hope, as well as most of you, that when God sends somebody my way that I will be just as willing to give a place to stay as Lydia did.

Brother in Christ,
Billy Hardesty

Proof of Citizenship

In looking on the passage we went over in class today, I started thinking about how Paul and Silas were imprisoned. They were beaten and imprisoned under the pretenses of Jewish troublemakers. However, a question arises for me: if there was some diadache to prove their Roman citizenship, why were they still thrown in prison? When they were released from prison, the magistrates kissed up to them severely. I just cannot understand HOW the magistrate that threw them into prison would not find (or even ask) for some proof of citizenship. I can understand why Paul and Silas would be so ticked off for being imprisoned. Shallow and pointless though it seems, I still wonder about these things.

Zach

Encouragement

In reading Thessalonians 1 & 2 I am blown away at the encouraging words that Paul offers to his churches. I know its most of the epistles that we have, but Paul is such an encourager. The verses that really caused me to think about this is 2 Thess. 2:16-17...

"May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word."

After reading about this chruch, and discussion in class today, we understand that this church was at a great disadvantage. I say that meaning, these new christians were faced with persecution so early on, and really the whole trip to Thessalonica seemed a failure, however it was not. That is really cool to me, and the fact that Paul knew how difficult these times were for that church, he provided words and words of encouragement so that these new christians would not lose heart.

If only we modern Christians could learn to provide words of encouragement in times of discouragement...if only today we could notice things around us, and the needs that need to be met. This is quite a challenge to me...there is so much more that I could do for my brothers and sisters in Christ.

Abbi

Eschatology and Paul

For as long as I can remember I have wondered about the end times. I was thinking about eschatology before I knew what the word meant. The fact that Paul addresses people who have 'fallen asleep' and talks about 'meeting the Lord in the air' in First Thessalonians means that Christians in the first century were perplexed about these issues also. Paul genuinely believed that the Lord would return in his lifetime, therefore he wasn't too worried about falling asleep and missing out on the Lord's returning. The people of Thessalonica obviously were disturbed about the ramifications of 'falling asleep.' Today, we (probably me more than anyone) don't completely understand ecshatology, and are asking the same questions that the Thessalonians were. It amazes me how many parallels that the we today have to the First Century Christians, and how we can learn from the teachings of Paul just as they did.

Steven Price

Surprise return

We discussed the coming of Christ and how Paul describes this coming as an unexpected one. As I began to think about this, I began to wonder why there will be such a surprise. As we discussed, it is of course a surprise because we do not know the day nor the hour in which it will happen, but still we know that it is coming. We prepare and make ready for this return, yet when it happens we are still caught off gaurd. My suggestion is that perhaps this element of surprise that we will experince has more to do with the significance of what will take place rather than the fact that its time of occurance is a mystery. Perhaps it is not the fact that the thief comes unexpected that throws people off so much as that it is something that they cannot understand until it happens to them. Everyone is aware of the tragedy that can befall a home when it is broken into, but no one thinks that it will happen to them personally. As with having a baby, perhaps the shock comes from the timing, but also from the fact that it is an indescribable event being realised in a person's life. I will never experience the pains of child birth so I cannot begin to understand what that will feel like, but young women for whom this wonder will be a new experience will not comprehend it until it happens even though they fully expect it to happen. Perhaps the reason that there is such shock in to coming of Christ is because it is the actuallity and realisation of feelings, sights, and emotions that were previously inconcievable.

Chase

Luke-Acts as a defense for Paul in Rome

I find it fascinating that the Luke-Acts account might have been written as a defense for Paul while he was imprisoned in Rome. Luke certainly admires Paul, viewing Paul as a heroic character that persevered through trials and suffering. The book of Acts gives an excellent description of the development of Christianity and its spread among Gentiles, but would it provide a practical defense before a Roman audience? The typical charge against Paul was that of disturbing the peace and causing an uproar with his teachings. How would Acts defend against such charges? First of all, Luke portrays Paul as a suffering minister of the Gospel. The issue of shame and honor played an important role, as Luke described the unjust imprisonments and beatings that Paul endured. Second, the text indicates that Jews typically instigated the "uproar" that followed Paul’s teachings. The narrative does not explicitly defend the character of Christians or the teachings of Paul as compatible with Pax Romana. Instead, the part of the narrative that describes Paul’s teaching focuses on the kerygma. I think that the Acts narrative provides a defense for the spread of the gospel throughout the empire rather than a personal defense for the apostle Paul. I am not saying that Acts could not be the defense that Paul presented at his final trial. Paul would value the cause of the gospel more than his life. The narrative gives a description of the message and the manner in which it was presented. Thus, if Paul used Acts as a defense, Acts serves as a description of the spread of the Gospel, and Paul is saying that if spreading the gospel is a crime, first to the gentiles and then to the Jews, he is guilty as charged.
In Christ,
the other Paul

Acts of Physical Obedience

In Acts 18:18, we see where Paul cut his hair – symbolizing the end of his vow. I think that we as modern, protestant Christians may be lacking the obedience of taking a vow. The Catholic Church has lent and then the monasterial order to provide their followers with a sense of physical obedience. What do we have? I know that as young guys many of us may have worn rubber bands on our arms as reminders to abstain from certain acts and thoughts and many young ladies may have worn true love waits rings, but how soon did those become just jewelry? I think that we are missing something – I do not know what. Maybe the Nazarite vow or something like lent, but I think that we are missing that celebration of physical obedience.

Danny the Talkative

How dey gonna play me like dat?

On his second missionary journey (Acts 17) Paul, along with Silas, was arrested, beaten and thrown into jail. His punishment was unrightful in that he was a Roman citizen, and therefore excused of this type of punishment. I find it very interesting how Paul handles this situation. Rather than allowing the majestrates to quitely dismiss him and Silas, he demands a public apology. His boldness is remarkable. This is especially true when considering his motives. Paul was wrongfully offended in public, therefore demanded a public apology, which the majestrates (punks) were delighted to give after discovering Paul's Roman citizenship. Paul wanted no harm to be committed to his work of the gospel. He had done no wrong and did not want his witness damaged. This is bold and brave and should give encouragement to all. As Dr. Foster mentioned this is also a great "honor, shame" passage which was also probably part of Paul's motive for his behavior.

The Coming of Christ

In 1 Thessalonians 5, Paul relates the coming of Christ to child birth. I think that child birth is a great example of Christ coming. Just as Dr. Foster said that it is expected to be unexpected. We know that Christ is coming back, when? that is the question! Or does it matter? I think that is possibly by Paul is being so vauge here, 5:1 says "I really don't need to write to you about how and whne all this will happen... " It will happen! That statement is satisfaction enough for me. Just as Dr. Foster said, he had his bags packed already from months back, we do need to be ready and ready to be suprised but we won't be suprised that it happened..because it will.

Jacob

Apollos

An interesting aside occurs in Acts 18:24-28 concerning Apollos. Apollos an Alexandrian by birth had received a great deal of education in Judaism one can assume since Alexandria had become a center for Jewish scholorship in the first century. This passage says also that "This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he was speaking and teaching accurately the things concerning Jesus, being acquainted only with the baptism of John" (verse 25 emphasis mine). Had Apollos met Jesus as a disciple of John's? how familiar had he become with Jesus' teachings after having to flee at the beheading of John? These questions come to mind, yet we find here in verse 26 that he "began to speak boldy in the synagogue." I think it is safe to say that he was speaking of Jesus as the Messiah. Apparently he had not become as convincing as Paul had in the synagogue and had the message a bit mixed up because the next verse says that Priscilla and Aquila took him aside and taught him the word of God more accurately. This gives us a great picture of the work of Paul in the lives of believers. Even though Paul was absent Priscilla and Aquila were able to carry on the gospel message and raise up Apollos who already had an audience at the synagogue so that, as we read in verse 28, "For he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, demonstrating by the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ." Apollos was able to do all this without yet receiving the Holy Spirit which he does in the next verses. How much more than are we to speak the word of the Lord boldy?

Michael Carpenter

Eschatological Specifics

Eschatomania can be defined as an excessive preoccupation with the end times. One question I have for these groups. If we know that we can not know when the second coming will be, then why are so many people still trying to pin "the end" down to a certain time. Do they consider themselves greater than Jesus who said that he doesn't even know the times that these things will happen. If God wanted us to know, would he have told us? Is there enough biblical evidence to fully support what is known as the rapture other than the second coming of Christ? You tell me… Will it just be one event? I have looked into this subject and am inconclusive with my findings. The common definition of rapture that I have heard is expressed like the events found in the Left Behind series., but is this biblical? Are all Christians going to disappear out of their clothes? Will there be a trumpet, and will everyone hear it or just Christians? Is the "church" defined as the New Testament and following gentile believers only or the collection of Old and New Jew and Gentile? After looking for these answers and finding few solid answers (and some conflicting ones) I believe that I may develop a form of eschatophobia. I get so confused when I try to sort these issues of the end times out. Maybe this is what was happening with Thessalonica. It seems to me that the context of the scripture suggest that they need to be ready for what will happen (no specifics on what will occur), and that the dead won't be left out of the picture. I am a Christian, so, when Jesus comes (pre, mid, post tribulation) and however he does (Once, twice, three times a rapture) I am secure in my salvation and I will be ready.
Craig A. Golden

Asleep in Christ?

In the reading on page 192 I found it interesting that Polhill states that the Thessalonians were probably not doubting the eventual return of Christ, but were more worried about the place the dead would have in the events surrounding the return. It seems like a logical concern but at the same time as I am coming from a background of being taught the belief that to be absent from the body is to be present with God. I have not searched scripture on this and it makes me think about it more because I have in the past just trusted this as fact from the things I have been taught. I will have to look for the basis on this, but if it does come from scripture then I find myself asking why didn't the Thessalonians know about it unless it is from the new testament writings. I really need to search this out better but this is my first thought after doing this reading and it kind of makes me question this that I have taken as fact which is probably a good thing that will give me motivation to study on it more.

Paul screwed up?

A comment in Polhill’s chapter on Thessalonians threw me while I was reading for class. On page 193 Polhill states that Paul understood that he would be alive during Christ’s return. I found this kinda odd, because if Paul really did believe that then that would make Paul wrong. I find it hard to think of Paul as being wrong since he wrote so much of the New Testament. I started asking myself, “If Paul was wrong about this, what else did Paul screw up?” I’m not saying that I doubt the authenticity of Scripture or its inspiration, but it did cause me to step back and see Paul in a different light. I realized that though while Paul was a great man, he was still just a man. I guess he’s allowed to make some mistakes being human and all. I think too often we see the authors of the Bible as supermen who are totally flawless. The truth is they are dirty sinners like us that God used anyway. So now I don’t see Paul’s flaw as discouraging, but rather encouraging because it makes me realize that even the awesome Paul made mistakes, so I should probably cut myself some slack when I screw up.

Man of Lawlessness

In II Thessalonians, Paul discusses the Second Coming of Christ. His eschatological references reassures the people that the Lord had not yet come. Paul states that there will be a rebellion and that the man of lawlessness would be revealed. The man of lawlessness would set himself up in God's temple and would even say that he is God.

I have a few questions. Where did Paul get this concept? Who did Paul or the people of his day believe this person would be? What exactly did they believe he would do (besides set himself up in the temple and claim to be God)?
How did they believe it would happen? Where would this person come from?

Can anyone help me to understand what was said in Paul's day about this or what you may know about this?