Tertullian, On Idolatry, Chapter XV

Let, therefore, them who have no light, light their lamps daily; let them over whom the fires of hell are imminent, affix to their posts, laurels doomed presently to burn: to them the testimonies of darkness and the omens of their penalties are suitable

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BIBLE STUDY --- NEW TESTAMENT LETTERS

2 THESSALONIANS

Paul’s second epistle to the church at Thessalonica.

AUTHOR{S}

This letter, like 1 Thessalonians, begins with the names of Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, and like that letter often retains the plural pronouns “we” and “us” but also has the singular “I” {e.g., 2 Thessalonians 2:5}. The end of the letter reads: “Now here is my greeting, which I write with my own hand -- PAUL. I do this at the end of all my letters to prove that they really are from me” {3:17}. Some scholars have questioned Paul’s authorship, mostly because of the difference between the teaching about the future in this letter and that in 1 Thessalonians. In the light of the words of 2 Thessalonians 3:17, the first letter would have to be seen as a blatant forgery. And this is not the case. The early church did not question Paul’s authorship of both.

DATE, ORIGIN, AND DESTINATION

In the first verse, exactly as in 1 Thessalonians, the letter is addressed “to the church of the Thessalonians.” Unlike 1 Thessalonians, this letter provides us with no other personal details of the movements of Paul and his co-workers. Thus, there is no direct evidence of the date and place of the letter. Just as the difference between the teaching of this epistle from that of 1 Thessalonians has led some to question its Pauline authorship, so it has led others to a variety of explanations for its date and destination. These include:

1 -- It was written much later than 1 Thessalonians. This is improbable because both Silas and Timothy were still with Paul.

2 -- It was written earlier than 1 Thessalonians. In 2:15, however, there is a reference to a letter written previously to Thessalonica, and the early church from the second century certainly called this 2 Thessalonians.

3 -- It was written to Jewish believers in Thessalonica, while 1 Thessalonians was written to gentile believers. This however, is most unlikely, as the apostle who had such concern for the unity of all believers in one place {e.g., 1 Corinthians 1–3} and especially for the unity of Jewish and gentile believers {see Ephesians 2:11-22} could hardly have done such a thing.

4 -- It was written to believers in a different place {Berea or Philippi}, and then came to be in the hands of the Thessalonian believers. There is no evidence to support the idea that the letter was sent anywhere but to Thessalonica.

When this epistle was written, Paul had the same co-workers with him as when he wrote 1 Thessalonians {2 Thessalonians 1:1}. This indicates that probably a short time after writing 1 Thessalonians, Paul heard of further problems being faced by the believers in Thessalonica, and in his concern for them, he wrote this second letter.

PURPOSE

There were three main concerns in the mind of the apostle Paul as he wrote this letter. As in all his letters, he wanted to encourage his readers to stand firm in their faith {2:15}. He could thank YHVH for his work in their lives {1:3; 2:13}, made evident by their faith, love, and steadfastness in the face of persecutions {1:4}. Paul assured them of the righting of wrongs in the ultimate judgment of YHVH. Their task was to glorify the name of Yeshua by their lives; then at his coming he would be glorified in his faithful people {verses 5-12}. There was false teaching, even purportedly from Paul, that the Day of Adonai had already come {2:2}. The apostle rejected this teaching by saying that certain things must take place prior to the Second Coming. There must be a still greater manifestation of evil in the person of one called “the man of Lawlessness” or “the son of perdition.” This one will reject all true worship, show signs and wonders, and proclaim himself to be YHVH. At present there is a restraining influence. The time will come however, when the Lawless one will be revealed. Then Adonai himself will come and “the Lawless one” will be conquered and destroyed. This teaching {verses 1-12} is similar to that in the Gospels about the Antichrist or antichrists, claiming to be the Moshiach, deceiving people by signs and wonders {Matthew 24:5, 23-26; Mark 13:5-6, 20-23}. In 1 Thessalonians, Paul emphasized that the time of Adonai’s coming is unknown, and believers must be ready for him at any time. Here, in opposition to the idea that Adonai had already come, Paul spoke of those things that must take place before Adonai’s coming. Both of these aspects were also presented by Yeshua when he taught about the future {Matthew 24; Mark 13; Luke 21}. Finally, the problem of laziness in the believer’s community {referred to in 1 Thessalonians 4:11; 5:14} remained, and probably had increased. Paul had to refer again to the example that he and his co-workers had given to them -- they had worked with their own hands to earn a living instead of depending on those to whom they brought the gospel. Paul had a simple dictum that he applied: “If anyone will not work, let him not eat” {2 Thessalonians 3:10}.

CONTENT

THANKSGIVING FOR THEIR FAITH IN YESHUA {1:3-4}

Paul praised YHVH for the Thessalonians’ growing faith, increasing love, and endurance of persecution.

A REVERSAL OF PERSECUTORS AND PERSECUTED {1:5-10}

At that time the Thessalonian believers were having to suffer, but their persecutors would have to face the just judgment of YHVH at the coming of Adonai Yeshua “with his mighty angels.” Those who reject the knowledge of YHVH and the salvation offered in the gospel must “suffer the punishment of eternal destruction.” His people will experience that glory of his coming and will realize that they have not believed or suffered in vain.

PRAYER THAT ADONAI YESHUA WILL BE GLORIFIED {1:11-12}

This is Paul’s prayer for the Thessalonian believers -- a life worthy of their calling, the fulfilling of their resolves, and by the grace of YHVH, that the name of the Moshiach would be glorified in them.

EVENTS THAT MUST PRECEDE MOSHIACH’S SECOND COMING {2:1-12}

In this section, Paul deals with the false teaching that the Day of Adonai had already come. Before this event, there must be the revealing of “the man of Lawlessness,” otherwise called the Antichrist {though it may be noted that the New Testament also speaks of “antichrists” and “the spirit of antichrist” -- 1 John 2:18; 4:3}. Paul said, “That day will not come until there is a great rebellion against YHVH and the man of Lawlessness is revealed” {2 Thessalonians 2:3}. At the present time, the mystery of Lawlessness is restrained {verses 6-7}. But in the future -- just prior to Adonai’s coming -- the restraint will be taken away. In other words, all hell will break loose. The believers must be prepared for a supreme manifestation of evil “with pretended signs and wonders” {verse 9} by which many will be deceived. The coming of the Moshiach will mean the overthrow of evil and the judgment of those who oppose the truth and take pleasure in unrighteousness.

RENEWED THANKSGIVING, ENCOURAGEMENT, AND PRAYER {2:13–3:5}

Subsequent to the discussion of the power of evil in people’s lives, Paul gives thanks for the work of the Spirit of YHVH in the lives of the Thessalonian believers. He encourages them to continue in all that the apostle has taught them, when present with them or by letter. Paul’s prayer is that YHVH, as the great Giver of comfort and hope, will establish them in every good work and word. He also expresses his need of their prayers, that YHVH may continue to prosper the word he preaches and deliver him from evil men. His readers, for their part, can be assured of YHVH’s faithfulness. Paul’s prayer for them is that, as they continue in the things in which they have been taught, they will be directed to the love of YHVH and the endurance that comes from the Moshiach.

WARNING AGAINST DISORDERLINESS AND IDLENESS {3:6-15}

Another of Paul’s special purposes in writing was to stress that there is no place for idleness in the lives of believers. He had taught this and exemplified this in his own life. People believing in Yeshua are “to do their work in quietness,” “earn their own living,” and “not be weary in well- doing” {verses 12-13}. There should be no associating with those who reject this teaching, but they should be admonished as brothers, not treated as enemies.

CONCLUSION {3:16-18}

With a prayer for grace and peace and with his own personal signature, Paul concludes the letter. When he speaks of writing with his own hand in verse 17, it probably means that up to that point Paul had dictated his letter to someone else {cf. 1 Corinthians 16:21; Colossians 4:18}.

BIBLE STUDY --- NEW TESTAMENT LETTERS

1 THESSALONIANS

Paul’s first epistle to the church at Thessalonica.

AUTHOR{S}

The names of Paul, Silas {Greek “Silvanus”}, and Timothy stand at the head of this letter, and as with other letters of Paul, his co-workers may have had some share in the writing of the letter. Often the plural pronouns “we” and “us” are retained, but “I, Paul” {1 Thessalonians 2:18} and the singular pronoun in other places {see 3:5; 5:27} show that the letter was essentially Paul’s. From the 19th century, a few scholars have questioned the Pauline authorship of the epistle, but without convincing reasons. The issues dealt with in this letter are manifestly issues faced by a church in the earliest stages of its existence. In the light of differences of expression between this and other Pauline letters, some have suggested that Silvanus or Timothy may have had a significant part in writing it, but that is uncertain. The early church had no doubts about the authorship of the letter.

DATE, ORIGIN, AND DESTINATION

The letter is addressed specifically to “the church of the Thessalonians” {1:1}. According to Acts 17:1-9, Paul, with Silas {Silvanus} and Timothy, in the course of their missionary work in the Roman province of Macedonia, came from Philippi to Thessalonica. He went first, as was his custom, to the synagogue, and for three Shabbats explained and proved from the Scriptures that the Moshiach should suffer and rise from the dead, declaring that Yeshua was the Moshiach. Some Jews believed in Yeshua as their Moshiach, as did many YHVH-fearing Greeks and several prominent women. But then the Jews stirred up opposition, so that Paul and his co-workers had to leave Thessalonica. The actual time spent in Thessalonica was probably more than three weeks. In this letter Paul speaks of working for his support so as not to burden the Thessalonians {1 Thessalonians 2:9}. References concerning his actions and attitudes among them imply a longer time, and Philippians 4:16 speaks of the Philippian believers twice sending help to Paul in Thessalonica. With Silas, and presumably Timothy, Paul went on to Berea, and his co-workers stayed there when Paul proceeded to Athens {Acts 17:10-15}. When Timothy joined Paul at Athens, Paul sent Timothy to the Thessalonian believers because he was concerned about how they were faring against their opposition. Timothy returned from Thessalonica with good news. Subsequently, Paul wrote this letter. Acts 18:5 speaks of Timothy and Silas coming back from Macedonia to the apostle in Corinth. It was probably from Corinth, in the early part of his 18-month stay, that Paul wrote this letter. Since his work in Corinth can be approximately dated, this epistle was probably written early in the year 50, in all likelihood about a year after the first preaching of the gospel in Thessalonica.

PURPOSE

Timothy’s report of the situation in Thessalonica motivated Paul to write this letter. Possibly Timothy brought a letter from the Thessalonians. This is suggested by the way Paul introduced certain subjects {“concerning brotherly love,” 4:9; “concerning those who are asleep,” 4:13; “as to the times and the seasons,” 5:1} and then said that he didn’t need to write to them about these things. There were several reasons why Paul wrote to the Thessalonians:

1 -- He wanted to commend the Thessalonian believers for their faith and devotion, which had become widely known as an example to others {1:7-10}.

2 -- He realized that the persecution he had faced in Thessalonica had continued for those he left behind, and he wanted to encourage them to stand fast {2:13-16}. He had feared for them but was delighted by the news of their steadfastness {3:1-10}.

3 -- There were those who had been misrepresenting the apostle in Thessalonica, perhaps the Jews who had initiated opposition to him when he was there {Acts 17:5}. They probably said that he was only a religious charlatan who had turned them away from their religion to his new faith, and they would never see him again. So, the apostle reminded them of his methods and attitudes among them {1 Thessalonians 2:1-12} and told of his desires and plans to see them again {verses 17-18}.

4 -- It was necessary also to urge the Thessalonian believers to live true to Yeshua’s standards, especially in the matter of sexual morality {4:1-8}. Other matters concerning their way of life and their relationships within the fellowship also needed attention {4:9-12; 5:12-22}.

5 -- Another major concern was to deal with the misconceptions of the Thessalonian believers regarding those who had died and the second coming of Adonai {4:13-18}. In relation to the future hope, there was also the question of “the times and the seasons,” and Paul repeated the teaching he had given when among them {5:1-11}.

6 -- There may also have been a danger of disunity that led the apostle to emphasize the fellowship of all believers {5:27}, to urge them not to disparage any spiritual gifts {verses 19-21}, and not to fail in respecting their leaders {verse 12}.

CONTENT

THANKSGIVING FOR THE THESSALONIANS’ RESPONSE TO THE GOSPEL {1:2-10}

Paul prayed with gratitude that in their lives the fruits of faith, love, and hope were evident. The gospel had come to them in the power of the Holy Spirit, backed by the lives of its messengers. Even though receiving the gospel had involved suffering, their faith was an example to the believers of the Roman provinces of Macedonia and Achaia. The Thessalonians had turned to the living YHVH from idols, indicating that most of the believers were Gentiles rather than Jews.

PAUL’S DEFENSE OF HIS MINISTRY IN THESSALONICA {2:1-12}

Because of false accusations made about him, Paul found it necessary to defend his ministry. He had come from an experience of persecution in Philippi and had to face “great opposition” in Thessalonica. There was no guile in his trying to persuade them of the gospel’s truth. That gospel was entrusted to him by YHVH, and his one desire was to communicate it to them in all integrity.

THEIR ACCEPTANCE OF THE GOSPEL {2:13-16}

The Thessalonians had accepted the gospel as “the word of YHVH” and had suffered at the hands of their own people. Such persecutors must face the righteous judgment of YHVH.

PAUL’S CONTINUING CONCERN FOR THEM {2:17-20}

If Paul’s accusers were saying that the Thessalonians would never see him again, he could give the assurance that he had often wanted to return but had been prevented. In saying “Satan hindered us,” Paul may have been referring to the incident in which Jason was compelled to promise the authorities that Paul would leave the city and not return {Acts 17:9}. In any case, the Thessalonian believers are his “glory and joy.” His delight will be for them to stand “before our Adonai Yeshua Moshiach at his coming.”

TIMOTHY’S MISSION {3:1-5}

Fearful for the Thessalonian believers facing persecution, Paul was willing to be left alone in the work of the gospel in Athens {see Acts 17:16-34} and sent Timothy to encourage and support them in all their “afflictions.” Paul reiterated that believers must always be prepared to face suffering.

THE GOOD NEWS THAT TIMOTHY BROUGHT {3:6-10}

Paul himself had continued to have “distress and affliction” in the gospel’s cause, but the news of their faith and love had revived his spirit and given him great cause for thanksgiving to YHVH. He was praying that he might see them again and strengthen them further in faith.

PAUL’S PRAYER {3:11-13}

Paul’s prayer was that YHVH might return him to his friends in Thessalonica, and that they might overflow with love and be established in holiness of life, so as to appear “blameless, and holy when [they] stand before YHVH our Father on that day when our Adonai Yeshua comes with all those who belong to him” {3:13}.

EXHORTATION TO PURITY OF LIFE {4:1-8}

Holiness, not immorality, and sanctification, not uncleanness, are the believer’s calling. Paul stressed this by saying that living in a contrary way demonstrated disregard for the Holy Spirit. The believer standards must be utterly different from the prevailing standards among the heathen who don’t know YHVH. For example, sexual relationships must not be determined by lust but expressed in holiness and honour within the bonds of marriage.

PRACTICAL EXHORTATION {4:9-12}

The believer’s duty of mutual love had been demonstrated in Thessalonica, but Paul asked that it be shown in increasing measure. He exhorted them to live quietly and work for their living, and to not be dependent on others for support.

WHAT HAPPENED TO THOSE WHO HAD DIED SINCE BECOMING BELIEVERS {4:13-18}

The Thessalonians may have written Paul about this issue. Paul told them they didn’t need to grieve, as those without hope, for their loved ones who had died. Those who are alive and those who have died will share together in the joy and triumph of Adonai’s return. Those who have died “will rise first”; those who are alive on earth will be caught up to meet their Master; then together, living and departed, “shall always be with Adonai.” With that assurance they can “comfort one another.”

LIVING IN READINESS FOR ADONAI’S COMING {5:1-11}

Perhaps further questions had been asked about “the times and the seasons” in relation to the Second Coming. Neither they nor anyone else knows the time. Adonai will come unexpectedly like “a thief in the night.” What matters therefore, is that believers should never be complacent but ready at all times, living as “children of the day,” so that, waking or sleeping, “we might live with him.”

OTHER BELIEVER’S DUTIES {5:12-22}

In the last main section of the letter, Paul urged the Thessalonian believers to respect their leaders and to acknowledge their oversight; to live at peace, in unity; to do and encourage all that is good. The will of YHVH for the life in Yeshua is constant joy, prayer, and praise. The Holy Spirit is not to be quenched, the gift of prophecy is not to be despised, but all things claiming to be of YHVH must be tested, so that the good can be embraced and the evil rejected.

CONCLUSION {5:23-28}

The final prayer of the letter is for their holiness of life, so that they may stand “blameless at the coming of our Adonai Yeshua Moshiach.” “Pray for us” is the apostle’s plea. Greetings are to be passed on and the letter read to all the believers.

#wakeup #call to #believers

Thought for Today: Monday December 08

Do you know why we often close our prayers with the phrase “in Yeshua’s Name”? These words remind us that Yeshua has opened the door to heaven for us, and we can approach the Throne of YHVH only because of what He has done for us. But this phrase IS NOT a magic formula we add in order to make YHVH answer our prayers. YHVH answers our prayers solely because of the Moshiach. YHVH knows what is best for us. When you pray therefore, seek YHVH’s will. Thank YHVH for the privilege of prayer, and pray without cease, every day.

i would like to show some things around the import of baptism.
not HOW to baptise, but WHAT is baptism.
what is actually happening.

let's start with the baptism of moses.
yes, the israelites were also baptised, INTO moses.

1 cor 10
- 1I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud, and that they all passed through the sea. 2They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. 3They all ate the same spiritual food 4and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. 5Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them, for they were struck down in the wilderness. -

now, notice that they were baptised into moses in two things, the cloud and the sea.
but this baptism was not complete yet, for something was missing.
to explain that we look at what was meant when it says 'moses' into which they were baptised.
well, his writings of course, the Torah. the Law given him by YHWH.
and that Law, ineffable as it is, had not yet been completed, or fulfilled, by Yeshua yet.

ephesians 5
- 25Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her 26to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, -

when one reads the NT, whenever there is talk of baptism and it has detail, notice that the people being baptised are always being PREACHED to beforehand. and they are preaching the Word, which is now the fulfilled Law that Yeshua brought. and reading ephesians here it should be clear that the 'washing with water' that cleanses is being done by the Word.

the Word itself is solid food, the bread to eat, the knowledge of God.
FOLLOWING the counsel that the Word provides, the Law it gives, is the water to drink.
peter, in acts 10, when he baptises cornelius et al, gives a most wonderfully concise sermon, where he explains all that had happened, starting with the baptism of john the baptist.
and john the baptist is all about REPENT. turn, from following the ways of the world, and follow the Way of the LORD.
drink. immerse yourself.

let me show you 1 cor 12
- 13For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free, and we were all given one Spirit to drink. -

when we respond to the call of God to come out of egypt, it is the Spirit of God calling us, the cloud, and when we repent, turn, and follow that cloud out of egypt, we pass through the sea.
but this is not yet different to the baptism of moses. and that was insufficient. so, what is still required?

romans 6
- 3Or aren’t you aware that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? -

for we are talking of the fulfilled Law now, remember, and this is the missing element, the blood.
for we are to follow our Messiah into death, by which is meant that almost mystical concept, dying to ourselves, by which is meant we do not anymore do what we feel like, but what YHWH demands of us.

and this is testified to
1 john 5
- 5Who then overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. 6This is the One who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ—not by water alone, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies to this, because the Spirit is the truth. 7For there are three that testify: 8the Spirit, the water, and the blood—and these three are in agreement. -

it would really help when people are immersed in water that they are made aware of this beforehand.
the best preparation for baptism? go read the Bible from cover to cover first. although that's quite a demand.
but always, the good news must be preached first, for it is what actually cleanses.
peter's sermon in acts 10 is exemplary.

We were attacked on Dec 7, 1941. Immediately after liberating Europe from the Nazis, we fed the starving German women and children with food we brought to feed our army. Immediately after the guns stopped. It brings tears to your eyes.

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Now with a better mix...

The Better Tutor
by Dr Garth Grenache
and his Lighter Orchestra
2025:12:5

**Verse 1**
I'm thankful to guide you in learning,
Yet another One holds the Heavenly key.
The Anointed Yeshua our Teacher,
Reveals what the Father would be.

**Chorus**
Let pupil and tutor together,
Be learning the truth from above.
His wisdom will bind us forever,
Unite us in brotherly love.

**Verse 2**
I hope to instruct with precision,
Yet point to the Master alone.
His counsel refines every vision,
His knowledge is the truth made known.

**(Repeat Chorus)**