1 Timothy

Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy thank God for the Thessalonians’ growing faith and love, encourage them as they endure persecution, and assure them that God will repay afflictors and grant rest when Jesus is revealed in flaming judgment; Paul prays that God would count them worthy of their calling and glorify Christ in them.

The believers are urged not to be shaken by claims that the Day of the Lord has already come: it will not arrive until the rebellion and the ‘man of lawlessness’ is revealed, exalting himself in God’s temple. Though the mystery of lawlessness is already at work, it is presently restrained. Those who refuse the truth will be given a deluding influence and condemned, but Paul thanks God that the Thessalonians were chosen for salvation and urges them to stand firm in the apostolic traditions.

Paul asks for prayer that the word of the Lord may spread and that he and his team be delivered from wicked men; meanwhile, the Lord will strengthen and guard the Thessalonians. He commands the community to distance themselves from idle, disorderly believers who refuse to work, reminding them of his own example of labor. Those unwilling to work must not eat, and persistent disobedience warrants brotherly correction. The letter closes with a blessing of peace and Paul’s signature to authenticate his writing.