Bob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - 1 Thessalonians 1

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Bob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - 1 Thessalonians 1


Verse Commentaries:



Chapter Level Commentary:
1 Thessalonians 1

PARAGRAPH DIVISIONS OF MODERN TRANSLATIONS*

UBS4 NKJV NRSV TEV NJB
Salutation Greeting Salutation Salutation Address 1Th_1:1 1Th_1:1 1Th_1:1 1Th_1:1 1Th_1:1 The Thessalonians' Faith and Example Their Good Example Thanksgiving The Love and Faith of the Thessalonians Thanksgiving and Congratulations 1Th_1:2-10 1Th_1:2-10 1Th_1:2-10 1Th_1:2-10 1Th_1:2-3 1Th_1:4-10 * Although they are not inspired, paragraph divisions are the key to understanding and following the original author's intent. Each modern translation has divided and summarized the paragraphs. Every paragraph has one central topic, truth, or thought. Each version encapsulates that topic in its own distinct way. As you read the text, ask yourself which translation fits your understanding of the subject and verse divisions.

In every chapter we must read the Bible first and try to identify its subjects (paragraphs), then compare our understanding with the modern versions. Only when we understand the original author's intent by following his logic and presentation can we truly understand the Bible. Only the original author is inspired—readers have no right to change or modify the message. Bible readers do have the responsibility of applying the inspired truth to their day and their lives.

Note that all technical terms and abbreviations are explained fully in the following documents: hyperlink, hyperlink, and hyperlink.

READING CYCLE THREE (from "hyperlink")

FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT THE PARAGRAPH LEVEL

This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects. Compare your subject divisions with the five translations above. Paragraphing is not inspired but it is the key to following the original author's intent which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one subject.

1. First paragraph

2. Second paragraph

3. Third paragraph

4. Etc.



CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS TO 1Th_1:1-10

A. 1Th_1:1 is a standard letter form of the first century. Paul made it uniquely Christian by substituting "grace" for the similar sounding Greek word "greetings" (charis vs. charein).



B. 1Th_1:2-10 forms one long thanksgiving prayer to God for the believers at Thessalonica:

1. 1Th_1:2-5 forms one sentence that describes Paul's evangelistic witness.

2. 1Th_1:6-9 describes the Thessalonians' response.



C. The Trinity is revealed in 1Th_1:2-5. See hyperlink at Gal_4:4.



DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

This is a study guide commentary which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought provoking, not definitive.

1. Why did Paul not assert his apostleship in this letter?

2. What is significant about 1Th_1:1?

3. Why are faith, hope and love mentioned together so often in the New Testament?

4. How is election linked to the believers' actions?

5. Why do Christians suffer? How does the Second Coming address the problem of suffering?