1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Generally speaking, the report brought by Timothy concerning the church in Thessalonica was most heartening, and when Paul heard it, he offered thanks to God for their faith and love, for their hard work and hope. But in some respects there was room for improvement. Of particular concern was the relationship between the leaders of the church and the other members. Due perhaps to a restlessness provoked by uncertainty about the Parousia or by some other factor (see disc. on 4:11; 5:14; 2 Thess. 3:6–13 and note), some of the members’ conduct called for rebuke by the leaders, but the leaders did not handle the situation as tactfully as they might have, and tensions resulted. Paul’s advice to remedy this situation is found in verses 12 and 13 (on the form of this parenesis, see disc. on 4:1–12 but note that it does not conform fully to the pattern set out there, in that it has no prepositional phrase).

From Sermons.com: Join Today to access the most scholarly & well written preaching resources anywhere.