Sunday, June 15 – 1 Thessalonians 5 and 2 Thessalonians 1 – Additional Reading, The Ministry of Healing, chapter. “Mind Cure”

1. What will happen when the world announces peace and safety? (1 Thessalonians 5:2–3)

2. What does it mean to sleep spiritually? (1 Thessalonians 5:6–7)

3. How do we quench the Spirit? (1 Thessalonians 5:19)

4. How do we show appreciation for prophecy? (1 Thessalonians 5:20)

5. How does Paul depict the experiences of the faithful and the unfaithful at the Second Coming? (2 Thessalonians 1:6–10)

Although divided into chapters, this section continues the theme of Christ’s coming discussed in 1 Thessalonians 4:13 and following. Paul says: “Therefore comfort one another with these words” (1 Thess. 4:18, NKJV), and again: “Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing” (1 Thess. 5:11). This appeal for active readiness emphasizes that “the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night” (v. 2), urging believers to be sober and clad with “the breastplate of faith and love” (v. 8).

Paul encourages respect for leaders, promotes peace among believers, offers encouragement to the discouraged, and urges patience with everyone. The Bible Commentary notes: “We must be patient and control our temper, and this with all men… we must do good to our neighbor” (Bible Commentary Matthew–John, vol. 5, on 1 Thess. 5:14).

He summarizes the gospel spirit through brief exhortations: “Rejoice always,” “pray without ceasing,” “in everything give thanks” (vv. 16–18). As the Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary (vol. 7) explains: “A spirit of constant prayer should exhale from the Christian’s life… the connection with heaven should never be severed” (vol. 7, comment on 1 Thess. 5:17). Even in adversity, gratitude brings peace: “Those who are continually complaining and who seem to think cheerfulness and happiness a sin, have not genuine religion” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 194).

Paul insists that the letter be read to all believers (v. 27), acknowledging the sanctifying power of God’s Word. The Bible Commentary adds: “He is a fountain of grace that ever flows to meet all our needs” (Bible Commentary Matthew–John, on 1 Thess. 5:28).

Written soon after the first letter to the same church, 2 Thessalonians reinforces the believers’ faith during persecution and elaborates on judgment and hope.

Paul expresses gratitude to God for the church’s spiritual growth, highlighting their “faith grows exceedingly” and “love… abounds” (2 Thess. 1:3). He also emphasizes their perseverance in affliction. As the Bible Commentary notes: “The strength of the persecuted saints is… a forewarning of the future destruction of the ungodly” (vol. 7, comment on 2 Thess. 1:5).

He assures them that “God will judge all things according to His perfect standard of justice… in favor of those who have suffered… and against those who afflicted them” (cf. John 5:29; Rev. 20:11–15). Those who reject Christ “shall be punished with everlasting destruction” (2 Thess. 1:9), while the saints will be glorified with Christ “in that Day” (v. 10). The Commentary adds: “This refers to the second coming of Christ, when He will be revealed as judge… in flaming fire” (vol. 7, comment on 2 Thess. 1:7–8).

Paul prays that they are found worthy and that the name of Christ is glorified in them. “The final purpose… was that the lives of the Thessalonians might glorify the name of Jesus” (vol. 7, comment on 2 Thess. 1:12).

In both 1 Thessalonians 5 and 2 Thessalonians 1, the message is clear: God’s people must live with vigilance, joy, holiness, and perseverance as they await Christ’s certain return. The Bible Commentary Matthew–John states, “We need know nothing more than the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ to make us happy.”

As Paul wrote: “He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it” (1 Thess. 5:24, NKJV).
And: “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” (1 Thess. 5:28, NKJV)

May the Lord bless you.