The letter is paranetic or pastoral in the manner of contemporary Stoics (like Seneca) or Cynics (like Dio Chrysostom). In the first part of the letter, Paul presents himself as a father or a nurse, and then he offers consolation to his audience for the trials they have suffered.
1 Thessalonians – An Introduction Read More »
We are not gathering tonight or next Tuesday. We will start our summer discussion of Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians on Tuesday, June 7. Before then, please take the opportunity to read through 1 Thessalonians and 2 Thessalonians. Both of these books are fairly short. Also, please read Acts 17:1-15 where Luke tells us of
1 & 2 Thessalonians Read More »
In classical Western thought (both Christian and pagan), the unencumbered soul will always choose the Good, for that is the source of its existence. Therefore, when we “choose” to follow our base passions and desires, we are, in reality, enslaved to them and not free.
Imitation of Christ – Book 3, Ch.31-35, pt.2 Read More »
Curry speaks of the dream of a God who seeks “reconciliation, reunion, and communion” between all of us whom he created in his image.
Crazy Christians, Chs. 1 & 4, pt.2 Read More »
It is in this clause that Jesus speaks most directly about the atonement for he is the one that delivers us from the evil one.
The Lord’s Prayer – Lead Us Not into Temptation Read More »
“Our Daily Bread” has four distinct layers of meaning: the material sustanence, the scriptures, Christ himself, and the gathered church community.
The Lord’s Prayer – Give Us Our Daily Bread Read More »
This petition represents the completion of our salvation as contained in the three Thou petitions – His Name is Hallowed, His Kingdom Comes, and His Will is therefore Done.
The Lord’s Prayer – Thy Will be Done Read More »
God’s Kingdom refers to 1) the completion of our sanctification, 2) the coming eschatological reign of Christ, and 3) the church.
The Lord’s Prayer – Thy Kingdom Come Read More »
The hollowing of God’s name can be seen as either an internal action worked within the soul of the believer or an external action taken by us.
The Lord’s Prayer – Hallowed be thy Name Read More »
Although Paul speaks of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit throughout his letters, the benediction to this letter is the only place where the three are invoked within this same formula.
2 Corinthians 12-13, pt.2 Read More »
