In his letters to the Thessalonians, Paul teaches a young church facing persecution how to live between the first and second coming of Christ.
Resources: Maps, Outlines & Background
01 Thessalonians Introduction
Paul is writing to a very young church comprised of people from different ethnic groups in a city that is intensely hostile to them. Paul encourages them to persevere in the faith and clarifies some issues that confuse them. Teacher Krisan Marotta on March 1, 2023. Season 22, episode 1.
02 1Thessalonians 1:1-10 Faith, love and hope
In their first year of faith, three facts confirm the genuine belief of the Thessalonians: their “work of faith,” “labor of love” and “steadfastness of hope.” If that’s what our lives are about, it will be reflected in our prayers. Teacher Krisan Marotta on March 8, 2023. Season 22, episode 2
03 1Thessalonians 2:1-16 Paul’s example
Paul explains how he conducted himself at Thessalonica and why his message his trustworthy. Today, we face the same choice: whether or not to believe Paul based on the evidence we have from the New Testament. Teacher Krisan Marotta on March 15, 2023. Season 22, episode 3.
04 1Thessalonians 2:17-3:13 Investing in people
While Paul laments his inability to visit the Thessalonians, he rejoices over their faithful response to the gospel. Paul claims his crowning joy is seeing people like them respond to the gospel. Teacher Krisan Marotta on March 22, 2023. Season 22, episode 4.
05 1Thessalonians 4:1-8 Handling sexuality
In 1Thessalonians 4, Paul addresses specific questions and issues in the Thessalonian church. First, Paul addresses how Christians should handle their sexuality. Then he tackles work. Teacher Krisan Marotta on March 29, 2023. Season 22, episode 5.
Easter: Why the Resurrection is Important
In Easter, we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. It matters whether something is real or not. It also matters whether an idea is true or not. The historical fact is Jesus rose from the dead, and it makes a difference that he did. Teacher Krisan Marotta on April 5, 2023. Season 22, episode 6.
06 1Thessalonians 4:9-12 Handling work
Paul deals with a second issues related to how live as a Christian: work. His advice is strive to follow God, rather than impact the world. Teacher Krisan Marotta on April 12, 2023. Season 22, episode 7.
07 1Thessalonians 4:13-5:11 The day of the Lord
Paul explains what it means to be alert, awake and prepared for judgment day: have faith. Christians know how the world will end and we do not have to fear it. Jesus died for us so that we might live with him. Teacher Krisan Marotta on April 19, 2023. Season 22, episode 8.
08 1Thessalonians 5:12-28 Handling community
Paul closes this letter with what appears to be an arbitrary list of exhortations. However, the list follows a theme, as Paul explains how a church community should treat each other. Teacher Krisan Marotta on April 26, 2023. Season 22, episode 9.
09 2Thessalonians 1:1-12 Handling suffering
Paul encourages a suffering church by reminding them of the certainty of God’s justice and judgment. One day their suffering will end. But more importantly their faithful response through suffering is evidence that they will inherit a place in the kingdom of God. Teacher Krisan Marotta on May 3, 2023. Season 22, episode 10.
10 2Thessalonians 2:1-17 The lawless one
Paul reassures the Thessalonians that Christ has not returned because certain events must happen first. But they can take comfort that Christ will return to bring both justice and salvation for those who believe. Teacher Krisan Marotta May 10, 2023. Season 22, episode 11.
11 2Thessalonians 3:1-18 Handling the lazy
Paul closes with with three directives regarding work: 1) follow Paul’s example of being willing to support himself; 2) work to meet your own needs; and 3) stop enabling those who won’t work. Teacher Krisan Marotta on May 17, 2023. Season 22, episode 12.
I offer my bible studies, podcasts and resources free of charge under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 Unported License. I do not seek or accept advertising, affiliations or donations. But it does encourage me to hear from you about how you used these studies and/or what you learned.
Photo by Timothy Eberly on Unsplash
Podcast Season 22, episodes 1-11
