and 2 Timothy 2:8-9. The nature of their slander has been accurately captured by Frame: Among other things, the Jews had asserted (I Thess. The past: the work of faith (1:1–3:13), A. 2. Due to the intensity of the persecutions, it appears some thought that “the Day of the Lord” had arrived so this issue also had to be addressed (5:1-15). Furthermore and specifically the Jews had alleged that Paul, when he was in Thessalonica, had fallen into cajoling address, had indulged in false pretenses to cover his greed, and had demanded honour from the converts, as was his wont, using his position as an apostle of Christ to tax his credulous hearers. Concerning the day of Christ: the comfort of His coming (4:13-18), 1. In the midst of terrible persecution and hardship, … The amazing thing, considering the pagan atmosphere in which the new converts were immersed, is that they grew, reached out, and endured. First and fundamentally, as a part of the Word of God and as letters written to the church, the body of Christ, they deserve our careful study for the purpose of knowing and applying God’s truth to life. As Bruce points out: He had been virtually expelled as a trouble maker from one Macedonian city after another. 3:1-12), it was his policy to begin his ministry among the Jews, usually at the local synagogue where the Old Testament was known and revered. The prayer that he might return to the Thessalonians (3:11), 2. Second Era of Peace 260. Birth of the Church; Early Church History. After Jesus ascended to heaven, His promise to send the Holy Spirit was fulfilled when the Holy Spirit fell upon Jesus’ followers on the Day of Pentecost. This beautiful sun catcher will remind children that love is the most important gift we can offer our church family. This commercial activity had two important results. It was not because they had no burden for these people, but because apparently it was Paul’s strategy to minister in the larger cities with a view to having those churches reach out into the smaller communities as people naturally moved in and out of the larger and busier cities (see 1 Thess. In facing it he needed all his faith in the power of God. The early church started with 12 disciples then moved forward to 120 followers. Its midway position between the Adriatic and the Hellespont makes it even today a natural outlet for traffic from all points. Humanly speaking, the odds were all stacked against it. Some wondered how the return of the Lord might affect one or more of the converts who had since died (4:13-18). The missionary team of Paul, Silas, Timothy and Luke went to Thessalonica in response to God’s leading and their deep sensitivity to the will of God. Timothy was a young pastor who had been trained by the Apostle Paul. Introduction To the Book of Acts 2. Birth of the Church Hence its peculiar interest.3. First Era of Peace 218. This is also the exact kind of change God wants to bring about in our lives and seeks to do so through these vibrant epistles of the New Testament. From Timothy’s report and perhaps also as the result of a letter brought to him from the Thessalonian church, Paul learned about the situation and the needs of the believers at Thessalonica. This verse may be translated, “Both (when I was) in Thessalonica and more than once (when I was in other places) you sent … (cf. After Jason put up a bond, forfeitable if there was further trouble, Paul and his cohorts were freed and journeyed on to Berea. The purpose and burden of the Apostle in writing to the Thessalonians can be summarized as follows: 1. It later became known as Salonika and today it is called Thessaloniki. The human authors of Scripture wrote to real people with real problems in real situations in such a way that their writings are still very much applicable with tremendous relevance in our modern world. The Birth of the Church 4. When Paul had left them, when they were thrown upon their own resources, would they not simply drift back to their old ways? Just a quick note about the Bible of the early Church. 2:1-12) that in general Paul’s religious appeal arose in error, meaning that his gospel was not a divine reality but a human delusion; that it arose in impurity, hinting that the enthusiastic gospel of the Spirit led him into immorality; and that it was influenced by sinister motives, implying that Paul, like the pagan itinerant impostors of religious or philosophical cults … was working solely for his own selfish advantage. Rather He uses people, ordinary people. Add to this Paul’s great burden for the Jews (Romans 9:1-3 and 10:1), and the historical principle of “To the Jew first” (Rom. He did not lean on the world’s gimmicks or strategies to reach people and establish a growing, thriving, and enduring ministry. 2:1-5; 1 Thess. In the Bible lesson activities below, children are given opportunity to engage in fun projects while learning about actual events that occurred in the early church. This story illustration will help kids understand that God’s Spirit gives us power to do what He desires. Persecution and Expansion 5. In his letters to Timothy, Paul challenged him to be faithful in his service to the churches and the Lord. Church history: Pentecost: The Birth of the Church. But the missionaries had been forced to leave these young converts abruptly, quite inadequately equipped with the instruction and encouragement necessary to enable them to stand firm in the face of determined opposition. Further, a careful study of Philippians 4:16 does not necessarily indicate more than one gift from Philippi. So, to reach the Thessalonians, He sent a converted and transformed Jew with his fellow workers to spread the gospel in Macedonia. The story of Tabitha’s coming back to life in Acts 9:36-43 emphasizes among other things how important it is for God’s people to show love to one another. Based on the Book of the Acts of the Apostles Chapters 1-9. 1 Thessalonians: An Exegetical and Devotional Commentary. The biblical story is incomplete without an awareness of the church and its place in God’s plan. Does debt affect giving in modern times in light of the Israelite tithe and slaves? After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples and instructed them for 40 days, after which he ascended to heaven. Morris, The Epistles of Paul to the Thessalonians, p. 17).7. Concerning Christ’s return there is a two-fold emphasis of both a confident expectation along with the call to live in readiness in the light of His imminent coming. 2. The words of the prophet Isaias(vii, 14) are understood in this sense by 1. Covid Safety Membership Educators Gift Cards Stores & Events Help. 4:1-8). The word translated “church” comes from two Greek words that together mean “called out from the world for God.” What is today known as the Hebrew Masoretic Text, which was formalized nearly 1000 years after the birth of Christ, existed, clearly, as one of a few Hebrew textual traditions in Jesus’ day. T… 3:8). The Birth of Apologetics. Acts 1:8; Zech. 45, Word Books, Waco, 1982, p. xxvi. Q. Based on the book of Acts (chapters one through nine) The Messengers: The Birth of the Early Church continues the story of the disciples with Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended on the believers. Heathenism and immorality, in a thousand forms, were always pressing in upon the territory that had been won. This Bible Study will help people to understand Jesus’ promise to send the ‘Comforter’ and the fulfilment of that promise when the early Church began. During their second missionary journey, Paul and Silas revisited and strengthened those churches in the faith they had previously founded during their first missionary work. St. Irenaeus (III, 21; see Eusebius, Church History V.8), 2. The traditions of the early Church were passed on to the faithful followers of Jesus Christ at the Sunday liturgy (worship service) from the very beginning of the Church at Pentecost. 1:16), and you can see why Paul and his associates began their work in the synagogue.2. Stephen was one of the first deacons (servants) and was the first martyr. 2:9; 2 Thess. Study for three weeks (May 9-31, 2016) in Turkey and Greece as we "follow in the footsteps" of Paul of Tarsus, the Apostle to the Gentiles ... (Early church tradition states that the church in Rome was started by these people.) In Acts 17:2 we are told that according to Paul’s custom, he reasoned with them from the Scriptures. It appears that since Silas and Timothy had not been as conspicuous as Paul, they were able to remain at Berea (Acts 17:11-15). There was also the report about the confusion that existed on the part of some regarding the return of the Lord and the Day of the Lord. 4:6; 1 Cor. Follow the small band of early Christian believers as they boldly proclaim Christ and His message in the face of great opposition resulting in the growth of the church and the unexpected conversion of its most zealous enemy. Book of Acts . 6 James Everett Frame, The International Critical Commentary, a Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Epistles of St. Paul to the Thessalonians, T. & T. Clark, Edinburgh, 1912, 1960, p. 10. While they wrote under the inspired guidance of the Holy Spirit, they wrote from the source of their relationship with the Lord Jesus and what God was doing or had done in their hearts and to their thinking, values, goals, sources of trust, and purposes for life. Answer: The church began on the Day of Pentecost, fifty days after the Passover when Jesus died and rose again. Finally, Paul learned of certain weaknesses in the church that needed to be dealt with. What I described in my example really happened to the early church. Paul then sent Timothy back to Macedonia for the purpose of strengthening and encouraging the Thessalonian believers and to bring back a report about their faith and spiritual condition. While the exposition of this epistle will teach us a great deal about the ministry and strategy of the Apostle Paul, a missionary extraordinaire, the preceding historical background can teach us a number of very practical truths if we only have ears to hear. The blessed and glorious ever-virgin Mary, sprung from the royal stock and family of David, born in the city of Nazareth, was brought up at Jerusalem in the temple of the Lord.Her father was named Joachim, and her mother Anna. They were soon driven from Berea also by Jews who pursued them from Thessalonica (Acts 17:5-14). Hampton wrote many articles for the Biblical Studies Foundation and on... More. In a little over three weeks he taught this congregation a great deal of Bible doctrine. Until the disciples were scattered "upon the persecution that arose about Stephen" (Acts 8:1, 11:19) Jerusalem was the scene of all that took place in the early Church of Christ. The evidence may suggest that he was there for a little more than three weeks, but how much longer we simply do not know other than it was a relatively short time. Your kids will have a great deal of fun working this word scramble puzzle based on the story of God’s using Peter to bring Tabitha, or Dorcas, back to life. Most scholars agree that the birth of the Redeemer did not take place in the month of December at all. From Philippians 4:16 we know that the Philippians may have sent more than one gift to the Apostle while he was in Thessalonica, but this does not necessarily assume a long period since the journey from Philippi to Thessalonica required only about 5 or 6 days, a period that could well fit within a three or four week period. Printable PDF Version. Because the Apostle and his missionary team understood a vital truth. After every new conquest, annoying guerrilla warfare was set up behind them. Timothy’s report on Thessalonica was so encouraging that Paul wrote 1 Thessalonians almost immediately.5. The Birth of the Church. No Class 3. 20 likes. Paul could get a sympathetic hearing in the synagogue, at least until persecution began. Concerning the day of the Lord (5:1-11), 1. To preach and teach the Word to a dying and lost world is never really an issue in the will of God, but exactly when and where (time and place) is an issue in keeping with God’s preparation of the soil of human hearts. Christianity began as a movement within Judaism at a period when the Jews had long been dominated culturally and politically by foreign powers and had found in their religion (rather than in their politics or cultural achievements) the linchpin of their community. Thessalonica was originally named Therma because of the many hot springs in the surrounding area, but in 315 B.C. 1 The Birth of Christianity The Diverse Nature of the Primitive Church Primitive Christianity Primitive Christianity was diverse. Origen(Adv. The fact that he was accepted by the early church with no questions raised, and was a genuine apostle is indicated by a subtle change which occurs from here on in Acts. Finally, in proof of their assertions, they pointed to the unquestioned fact that Paul had not returned, the inference being that he did not care for his converts and that he had no intention of returning. Early Church in the Book of Acts (NT4) 1. (3) The Word of God is central in Paul’s methodology. Modern 1498 2000. It had a sheltered harbor which was made into a naval station and equipped with docks by the Romans. As in other places, the doctrine of the return of Christ for the church is a truth that should transform how we live as individuals and as a corporate body of God’s people. To answer a doctrinal question pertaining to the fate of Christians who had died (4:1-13). Following a miraculous deliverance by the Lord, the Philippian jailer and his household were also led to the Savior (Acts 16:19-40). Give your children a chance to do this fun Bible activity! It is one of the few cities that still exists today from New Testament times and has a booming population of 300,000. With the exception of the Jews and the God-fearing Gentiles who attended the synagogue, the greater body of converts came to Christ from outright paganism. It was a church under persecution, but also a church that had a dynamic testimony and that had grown through the persecution. If we allow time for Timothy’s round trip to Thessalonica on foot and also time for his ministry in Thessalonica, then he and Silas probably returned to Paul from Macedonia in the spring of A.D. 50 (Acts 18:5; 1 Thess 3:6, 7). There Lydia, whose heart God had opened for the gospel, and her household were led to the Christ with a church being established in her home. What does the Bible say to the church, and to the individual Christian, about the role of politics in the church? More books of the New Testament were written by the Apostle Paul than any other New Testament author. Through the Old Testament in the Church Year: Jacob and Judah – Dr. Ken Schurb, 12/25/20 Next Article 3602. While with them, he said: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. Of course each book has its special purpose, subject matter, and theme as determined by the inspired direction of the Holy Spirit on the human author, but this was always in conjunction with the particular historical and personal circumstances and needs of the recipients. Its location also contributed to its importance. The Thessalonian epistles were written to the church at Thessalonica. 5. Some debate has existed over just how long Paul ministered at Thessalonica. He was certainly a man God used in special ways to minister to the church, but it is important to recognize that none of the New Testament writers wrote in a vacuum nor were their writings the product of simple dictation. 76:10). Luke’s accurate reporting in Acts 16:6). No early church writer endorsed the observance of birthdays by Christians, nor are they ever listed in the early observances of the Christian church. To defend himself against a campaign to slander his ministry (2:1-12). Introduction. Imperial 300. There he enjoyed a spiritually prosperous ministry for a year and a half. To encourage them to stand fast against persecution and pressure to revert to their former pagan life-styles (3:2-3; 4:1-12). These epistles give us insight into the heart and motivations of the Apostle Paul and so also to the kind of heart we all need in caring for others in ministry or pastoral care. I. The rapture of living saints (4:17-18), B. The present: the labor of love (4:1-12), A. When Paul made his journey to the city, it boasted a population of 200,000 consisting mostly of Greeks though there was a large Roman population with a strong Jewish minority. ), some were not showing the respect that was needed for their leaders, and there was confusion in regard to the public gatherings together (5:19-21). The earliest New Testament church first proclaimed the Gospel in the city of Jerusalem and the numbers of those who believed gradually rose (Acts 1:15, 2:41, 4:4). With what eagerness, after such a forcible departure, must Paul have awaited the first news of the youthful church! Auto Suggestions are available once you type at least 3 letters. 4. THE BIRTH OF THE CHURCH (ACTS 2) The church was probably born in late May of AD 30. They attacked the home of Jason, Paul’s host, and dragged him before the rulers where he was charged with harboring traitors to Caesar. In Revelation 14:6 we are told that in the future, along with His other witnesses, God will use an angel flying in mid-heaven who will proclaim an eternal gospel, but generally God does not send angels to preach the gospel. The Christmas Hymn, “We Praise You Jesus at Your Birth” – Pr. 6. 3:6-15), but even this does not necessarily prove a stay longer than three weeks. Their love for God expressed in sanctified living (4:1-8), B. These circumstances forced the missionaries to leave Philippi. It then follows the apostles through their early journey of following Christ, their miracles, conviction, courage, and persecution. The perpetual virginity of our Blessed Lady was taught and proposed to our belief not merely by the councils and creeds, but also by the early Fathers. Significantly, in every chapter of 1 Thessalonians, the Apostle sought to comfort and motivate with the truth of the Lord’s sure return. 2:17; 3:3). Peter and the Conversion of the Gentiles 6. Paul warned these believers of this very truth as did the Lord (John 15:18-20; 1 Thess. The commendation of the Thessalonians (1:1-10), 3. The coming of the day of the Lord (5:1-5), C. Concerning deportment in the congregation (5:12-28). Further, Paul could more easily practice his trade and support himself in a city like Thessalonica (cf. and willing to go wherever God leads to reach others with the message of Christ. May 21, 2019 May 13, 2020 The Early Church Blog 1 Comment. In the book of Acts, Dr. Luke gives the historical background which describe the events that led to the formation of the church in the city of Thessalonica. Paul instructed the returning Bereans to have Silas and Timothy join him immediately at Athens (see Acts 17:15 and 1 Thess 3:1). The Birth of the Church Acts 2:1-13. 3 J. Gresham Machen, The New Testament, An Introduction to Its Literature and History, Edited by W. John Cook, The Banner of Truth Trust, Edinburgh, 1976, p. 115. In Acts 6 & 7, we learn about Stephen and his service in the early church. 5. In World War II it was captured by the German army, and the Jewish population of about 60,000 persons was deported and exterminated.”1. Certainly, but Paul’s strategy took him to the larger cities and for a very good reason. Jesus shared with the disciples and his followers that they were called to be “witnesses.” The book of Acts provides a detailed, orderly, eyewitness account of the birth and growth of the early church and the spread of the gospel immediately after the resurrection of Jesus Christ.Its narrative supplies a bridge connecting the life and ministry of Jesus to the life of the church and the witness of the earliest believers. While Satan and his world system will often gladly accept and integrate other religions into the world’s system, the world stands ready to oppose and persecute Christians who refuse to compromise and who stand firm in their faith. It was so then and it is so today (cf. Q. Thus the Church celebrates the Paschal Mystery of Christ by which He accomplished the … (1) God uses ordinary people. The Early Church definition: the Christian church in the centuries immediately following Christ's death | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples Luke's account of the birth and early growth of the Church is known in the Bible as "The Acts of the Apostles." He was certainly a man God used in special ways to minister to the church, but it is important to recognize that none of the New Testament writers wrote in a vacuum nor were their writings the product of simple dictation. It did, outstandingly so, but this could not have been foreseen. They each present special insight into the Lord’s return and how that is to impact our lives in terms of greater spirituality. Their love for the brethren, an expression of being God taught (4:9-10), C. Their love for the lost expressed in godly living (4:11-12), III. Outreach to the West 8. And to deal with certain problems that had developed in their corporate life as a church (5:12-13; 19-20). Had the Macedonian mission proved abortive? Trials and Witness of Paul; Final Exam Silas was probably sent on a similar mission to Philippi. His heart for the Thessalonians (2:17), 3. In August of 2001 he was diagnosed with lung cancer and on August 29th, 2002 he went home to be with the Lord. This response drew people away from the Jewish community which angered the Jews and caused them to resort to violence and mob activity. Why? The early converts were often made of very feeble clay. It is the gospel and the Word of God as a whole that is “the power of God unto salvation” (Rom. (2) God takes ordinary people from all walks of life, but with one consistent ingredient. Any date assigned will have to be approximate, though probably … AD 51-52. 12:1f.) 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