1 Thessalonians
Author: Paul
Paul always started off his epistles with his name.
Confirmed by Eusebius in Book 3, Chapter 25, Verse 2, of Ecclesiastical History.
Date: About 50 A.D. (1)
Language: Greek
Place: Writing from Corinth
Purpose: To encourage and instruct Christians in the midst of persecution.
What kind of book?: Epistle, (a letter to a group), regarding a particular occasion.
Reflection: I Thessalonians 4:16-17 is a verse with varied interpretations. I personally interpret this passage to teach the "rapture," because Paul leads into the statement by talking about the resurrection of Christ. Jesus, who was resurrected, later ascended into heaven, as is clearly shown in Acts. Thus taking verse 17 literally is fitting to the context, rather than this being a metaphor for Christians meeting Jesus somewhere else.
Two key points:
First, when Jesus returns, which in a sense is in two stages, it will be noticed by everyone. It will be an epic event seen by believers and people who do not believe in Jesus. Verse 16 reveals there will be "the trumpet call of God." Professor Tafoya explained his conviction regarding this in (my New Testament) class, and I really agree with what he said.
Second, the first stage of the Second coming will be a surprise to those who are not waiting for it.
I Thessalonians 5:1 teaches the return of Jesus will be a surprise, and obviously the surprise element is for the first stage. Following the "rapture," there will be an "end times" tribulation. Anyone who turns to Christ during that tribulation, which I think is meant to be a part of the last call by our loving God, will gain salvation. And she or he will be ushered into heaven if she or he dies, otherwise she or he will be there for the second stage of Christ's return after the "end times" tribulation, as Christ enters the world in His glory. And at that time He will rescue Israel!
Hunter Irvine
Scripture Love Blog
(1) J.B. Phillips, Letters To Young Churches (New York: The Macmillian Company, 1947).
