Bob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - 1 Thessalonians 5

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Bob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - 1 Thessalonians 5


Verse Commentaries:



Chapter Level Commentary:
1 Thessalonians 5

PARAGRAPH DIVISIONS OF MODERN TRANSLATIONS

UBS4 NKJV NRSV TEV NJB
The Lord's Coming The Day of the Lord Questions Concerning the Coming of the Lord Be Ready for the Lord's Coming Watchfulness While Awaiting the Coming of the Lord 1 THESSALONIANS (4:13-5:11) 1 THESSALONIANS (4:13-5:11) 1Th_5:1-11 1Th_5:1-11 1Th_5:1-11 1Th_5:1-11 1Th_5:1-3 1Th_5:4-11 Final Exhortations and Greetings Various Exhortations Concluding Exhortations Final Instructions and Greetings 1Th_5:12-15 1Th_5:12-22 1Th_5:12-22 1Th_5:12-13 1Th_5:12-13 a 1Th_5:13 b 1Th_5:14-15 1Th_5:14-18 1Th_5:16-22 1Th_5:16-18 1Th_5:19-22 1Th_5:19-22 Blessing and Admonition Closing Prayer and Farewell 1Th_5:23-24 1Th_5:23-28 1Th_5:23-24 1Th_5:23-24 1Th_5:23-24 1Th_5:25 1Th_5:25 1Th_5:25 1Th_5:25 1Th_5:26-27 1Th_5:26-27 1Th_5:26 1Th_5:26-27 1Th_5:27 1Th_5:28 1Th_5:28 1Th_5:28 1Th_5:28 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_5:1-22

A. 1Th_4:1-11 are closely linked to 1Th_4:13-18. Notice the similar ending in 1Th_4:18; 1Th_5:11. These passages are primarily pastoral. Their contextual purpose is to comfort, not give doctrine, although surely Paul does.



B. This continues the discussion of the Second Coming and how Christians should live in light of the Lord's imminent return.



C. 1Th_4:13-18 have fifteen present imperatives which speak of ongoing lifestyle characteristics demanded of believers in light of the end-time events.



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. Should we try to set the date of Jesus' return? Why?

2. Define the phrase "Day of the Lord."

3. Why is the Second Coming described as: (1) a thief in the night; and (2) a woman in labor?

4. Where else in the Bible is the Christian armor discussed?

5. Which of these verses was written to the congregation and which to leaders?

6. What was the possible background at Thessalonica for this chapter?

7. Why are there so many "present imperatives" in this chapter? What does this grammatical form mean to us?