Comments for November 16

A beautiful picture of each one of the company pulling together, each doing their own bit to the furtherance of the whole. Each sticking to his assigned (or maybe chosen) task. There is a great deal to be gained from working together in God's work to a common end.

This chapter is a picture of an ecclesia at work. Notice though that some 'put not their necks' to the work' Nehemiah 3:5. Doubtless they looked as if they were working but it was a sham. We must beware lest we have the same disposition. Whilst our brethren and sisters may not notice our laxness the father certainly will.

The implication seems to be that those who undertook certain burdens also bore the cost of them. This is an interesting addition to our comment above.

Many Bible maps provide a picture of Jerusalem in the days of Nehemiah. From such a map it is possible to see where the work was being conducted. It is instructive to work round the walls identifying the gates.

3:5 That the nobles of the Tekoites did not put their neck to the work shows a half hearted attitude. Maybe because they were 'nobles' they thought that the work was beneath them. We need to be careful that in Ecclesial life we do not feel that certain jobs are beneath us.

NEH.3.  The make up of the ecclesia at the time of Nehemiah was not the ecclesia of the 21st century. The ecclesia at that time, like the ecclesia of to-day is made up of brethren and sisters from many walks of life, This is what makes the ecclesia so special. Other than the truth we have not very much in common.
      v1 Priests.
      v8 Apothecaries. (Perfumers, R.S.V.)
      v12 Rulers. (Administrators)
      v17 Levites.  
      v31 Goldsmiths.
      v32 Merchants.

3:9 In that Rephaiah built part of the wall we learn that just because he was the son of an important man who was "ruler of the half part of the city" he was not exempt from the work. We should, likewise, appreciate that whoever we are we are not exempt from work for the Father in building up the ecclesia.

There’s some lovely references in today’s chapter about people who helped in the rebuilding work: Neh 3:8 – both the goldsmiths and the apothecaries would have delicate hands, to be able to do their work. But they still got down to building. Neh 3:12 – Shallum persuaded his daughters to help. And Neh 3:20 says that Baruch “earnestly repaired”. He was keen.

V.32 The whole city was surrounded by the wall. 10 gates are mentioned in this chapter; two more are mentioned later. The gate of Ephraim ( 8:16) and the prison gate (12:39). thus the city had 12 gates (as in Ezekiel's prophecy (Eze 48:31-34) and the new Jerusalem of Rev 21:12

3:2 The workers on the wall were all from different backgrounds. Some would have some wall building skills, others would not. However they were all ‘next unto’ their neighbour. Notice the repeated use of the phrase in this chapter. Despite their different skills they were all working together in fellowship building the wall.

V.26 The Nethinims were employed as servants or assistants to the Levites, like the Gibeonites (Josh 9:17-27). The Nethinim appear to have been proselytes (Neh 10:28). They would have dwelt by the water gate which adjoined the Kidron valley, so they could bring the water into the city for use in both the king's palace and the Temple. From Ezra's record we see that there were over 600 Nethinim who returned from Babylon (Ezra 2:58, Ezra 8:20).

3:1 Whilst Eliashib started off well we see at the end of the book of Nehemiah that he has associated himself with the enemies of God – Neh 13:28

3:20 Baruch must have been an exceptional man, we are told that he worked earnestly, his commitment to the work, would have been nothing short of outstanding. The Hebrew word for "earnestly" is CHARAH (2734) which is "full of zeal", "to glow", "grow warm". He had not only a burning desire to do the work, but he also showed that desire, which must have rubbed off on others. 

3:32 In that the area that the goldsmiths repaired was to the sheep gate means that this chapter has taken us right round the city walls for we started at the sheep gate - 3:1 – with Eliashib.

Ingredients to accomplish a common goal: willingness; organisation; co-operation; sharing the load. That’s how the wall was built up; and that’s how any ecclesia can accomplish its goals.

3:16 We should be aware that this Nehemiah is not the governor for his father has a different name. The Nehemiah of the book’s father was called ‘Hachaliah’ Neh 1:1

V.1 Eliashib was the grandson of Jeshua, the first post-captivity high priest.  The sheep gate was where the sheep for sacrifice passed en route to the temple.

We shall see, later, that the good work that Eliashib did in building up the sheep gate was overshadowed by some negativity.

V.5 There was no class or occupation that was too great to serve Yahweh in the work of re-building.  And yet, the nobles of Tekoa thought they were above helping.

Tekoa was a city of Judah, 12 miles (19 km) south of Jerusalem.  It was the birthplace of Amos (Amos 1:1).

Vs.9,11 Rephaiah  and Shallum were rulers of Jerusalem. Why the division? Clarke conjectures: Probably the city was divided into two parts; one for Judah, and the other for Benjamin, each having its proper governor.

Did Shallum’s daughters physically work on the wall? Or did they contribute money for the expenses of repairing the wall?

V.26 Ophel was a mound on the southern slope of the temple mount, which lead to the Valley of Hinnom.

SHEEPGATE

- Notice a small thing in Neh.3:1 – it all started with the sheep gate

- The 1^st thing that needed to be build in order to strengthen the ecclesia (in it’s war against the flesh) was the sheep gate

- A war which so many of us struggle with day in & day out, and we have such difficulty fighting it, trying to limit the impact of the world on our lives and the ecclesia

- The 1^st thing that had to be built was something associated with the flock

- When we squabble & fight amongst ourselves in the ecclesia, the 1^st thing to fall by the wayside is always the sheep

- When all the controversies break out amongst us, it’s very easy to forget about the lambs, that we may not even know are all around us

- So the first thing that needed to be fixed on that wall was the sheepgate

- A great leader is always aware of the lambs and he organises things with them in mind and brings them into the fold by developing team players (everyone is needed – we all have different roles to play)

May we all take on a shepherding role in the ecclesia.

3:20-21 It would appear that the area where Eliashibb lived was repaired by others. We should not be selfish in our services in the ecclesia. We should be willing to help others even if we think that they could do the work themselves

Neh 3:1 - "Eliashib" [(475) means "God will restore, God restores"] "the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests" - this perhaps reminds us of a future time when the risen Christ, the first fruits of the new creation (1Cor 15:20-23), will soon return to earth (Acts 1:9-11) and many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth will rise some to everlasting life (Dan 12:2), his true brethren (Matt 12:50) will be kings and priests (Rev 1:6;5:10) on earth (Matt 5:5) and the word of the Lord will go forth from a restored new Jerusalem (Isa 2:1-4;Zech 12:10-14;Rev 21:2-5).

Neh 3:12 - is this Shallum, ruler of half of Jerusalem, working with his daughters in repairing, the same Shallum who had to give up his wife (Ezra 10:24)?

Neh 3:14 - "Bethhakkerem" [(1021) means "house of the vineyard"] so it would seem Malkijah was perhaps son of a different Recab than the Recabites mentioned elsewhere who were nomads living in tents never drinking wine or planting vineyards (Jer 35:1-9).

3:26  We should realise that ‘Ophel’ is not a place, the word means ‘tower’ it was a location on or near to the wall of the city.

3:1        Of all the gates mentioned in this chapter it is only the ‘Sheep gate’ that does not have bars and locks mentioned. The lesson for us is that Jesus, the door of the sheep – John 10:7 – is not locked and barred to anyone who comes in the right spirit.

3:1     Those of us who have been to Israel, and Jerusalem in particular, will have seen the walls of the Old City. We do well to remember that those walls are not the walls spoken of here.  The city was a different shape in Nehemiah’s day. The City of David to the South of the current Old City would also have been encompassed by the walls.

All hands on deck!

In Neh 3:5 we're told that the Tekoites didn't "put their necks to the work". Notice in v27 they repaired another section of the wall - so it is unlikely that the comment in v5 is a general reflection of their enthusiasm to do the work. Rather, if we look more closely at v5, we see that it is "their nobles" who didn't put their "necks to the work". In other words, there were some of the Tekoites who thought they were above the manual labour required to do the work. Perhaps they thought they could supervise. The implication is that sometimes the "work of the Lord" may be down to physical exertion, and just because some people have less physical prowess than others, doesn't mean they can't join in the work. Sometimes the situation is such that it's a matter of "all hands on deck". I'd like to think that by v27 this problem had been sorted out because there is no more mention of these nobles.

Neh 3:5,27 – It appears from this record that the Tekoites were the only family who repaired two sections of the wall.  The first project was located between the fish gate (v.3) and the “old gate” (v.6).  However, their nobles did not join in with this work (v.5).  The Tekoites then repaired another section of wall (v.27).  This second section of the Tekoites work was located on the East side of the city between the water gate (v.26) and the horse gate, repaired by the Priests (v.28).  The exhortation for us is that we each have a responsibility to work for the Lord, to "bear one another's burdens" and for each to "bear his own burden" (Gal 6:2-5).  If we do not play our part then others in the ecclesial family will need to take on additional work.  God's purpose will also be achieved with or without our commitment.

Neh 3:1

Bro Peter gave us some lovely words on the sheepgate and ecclesial life, Eze 34:4 show us the downward progression before passing through the sheepgate the sheep will go through spiritually if we do not seek to "shepherd" each other. In our flock we are to be like sheep but we are also to be as shepherds!

3:8   We probably think of goldsmiths as having hands used to intricate and delicate work. However they turned their hands to labouring work. The lesson for us is clear. No work in the service of God is inappropriate for us. 

3:26     “Ophel” is not a name of  a place. Rather it is a description of a location. It could  well be translated “The tower”.

3:1        What was it that caused Eliashib to change from being an enthusiastic builder to one who compromised his life – Neh 13:21?  Thinking of the parable of the sower - Matt 13:3-8- was he the seed on the rocks or the seed in the thorns?

3:32      The mention of the “sheep gate” here and in verse 1 helps us to understand that the way the walls and gates are described here is not random.  The description walks us round the city back to the starting point .

LET'S GET INVOLVED!

Living a Christian life is a lot like the people in Nehemiah's day building the wall. It was a big job - much, much more than could be accomplished by two or three people. In fact, the job was so big, the people of Jerusalem hadn't even considered doing it until Nehemiah arrived and told them it could be done.

As Christians we have cities to fill with the love of Christ, we have lives to build, broken relationships to repair, downcast people to encourage, and hope to give to the hopeless. I've got to tell you, I can't do it all. It's too big a job for me. But together we can do it.

With Nehemiah the people stood shoulder to shoulder on the wall and everyone did their little bit. In just a short time the whole job was completed, but only because everyone did their bit.

It's the same for us. Together we can make a difference for Christ, but only if we all do our bit. Let's get involved in this great work today.

3:30  It is sad that Meshullam, though busy in the work of strengthening the city walls had to deal with the fact that his daughter was married to the son of Tobiah the Ammonite – Neh 6:17-18

3:1      Eliashib is a clear example of the effects of bad company. Here he is a faithful priest. However, because of his compromised life  - Neh 13:4 – loses his faith in God and, even as a priest, turned away from serving God faithfully.

3:10 We find the same name – Jedaiah in the contemporary prophet – Zech 6:10. We might not be able to prove that the two mentions relate to the same person. However noticing identical names in related books –books speaking of similar times – should alert us to the links between the books relating to that same time.

3:8 The way that the goldsmiths and Apothecaries worked together doing work that would not be their preferred tasks records an example we might copy.  It is easy to volunteer to undertake that tasks that we are familiar with or that fit in with our known skills. However there may arise circumstances – opportunities – where we can undertake unfamiliar tasks. We would do well to throw ourselves into those activities with the same degree of enthusiasm as we would into the familiar tasks rather than shy away from them feeling that they are not the sort of things we would do.

3:4 Meshullam was a “worker”. Whilst we do not know when his daughter married one of the gentile inhabitants of the land – 6:18 – we can conclude that whatever his daughter did it did not interfere with his work for the building of the walls. In like manner we should try to avoid family problems getting in the way of our service to God.

3:4-10  Five times we read “next unto them” in this account of those who built the wall of the city, and how they did it.

The repeated use of the phrase teaches us that the work was done together by those who were fellowshipping each other’s part of the work.

We are not isolated individuals in our groups of believers. We are “workers together” – 2Cor 6:1

3:18 The walls of Jerusalem were being re-built. However not all the Jews that had returned from Babylon lived in Jerusalem. Notice that here some came from Keilah”. We see a number of groups building the walls who came from places outside Jerusalem.

The lesson is that we should not excuse ourselves from heling fellow believers because the job is not strictly in our area of work.

v.9 - The job of these prophets was to teach that repentance always leads to salvation, but that repentance must be heartfelt. It must have been a soul destroying job for this life. How often out lives seem so overwhelmingly frustrating. Like the prophets of old (who clearly suffered much greater frustration than we ever will) we must keep the vision before us of what it is all about. It is not in this life that we expect our reward.

13:1 offended in Baal 2 Kings 17:16
13:4 from Egypt no God but me Exodus 20:2 - 3
13:5 wilderness, ... land of great drought Deuteronomy 8:15
13:14 O Death ... thy destruction 1 Corinthians 15:54
13:16 they shall fall by the sword Amos 7:17

13:16 'Samaria will become desolate' is both a statement of fact about what would happen to the North and a warning to Judah in the South. By this time it was too late for a change of heart regarding the North. The only hope was that Judah would see how her 'treacherous sister' had been treated for her rebelliousness and repent. In fact typically, if there was repentance in Judah, the repentance was seen in the king and the people followed sheep like but their heart was not with the king.

v.1 - The contrast is just so clear. There are only two possible outcomes for us ultimately - eternal life or eternal death. The choice is ours. Ephraim are used as an example so much throughout scripture that we might learn the fate of the idolator. Anything that we worship which is not God is an idol, so let us not deceive ourselves. This world, which we live in, thrives on covetousness, which, as we read yesterday, is idolatry (Col.3:5). Let us beware.

13:4 A further reminder that God had brought Israel out of Egypt. The deliverance from Egypt was the assurance that death would ultimately be vanquished (13:14). Likewise the forgiveness of sins at baptism is the assurance that everlasting life will eventually be granted at the return of Jesus.

SIN AND REPENTANCE

There are some great promises about forgiveness for sins in the scriptures. One of my favourites is in Psalm 103 v 12, where we read, "As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us." Another one is, "For I will forgive their wickedness and remember their sins no more." (Jeremiah 31 v 34).

Our God is a merciful and compassionate God. His offer to us through Christ is that we can be forgiven just as we saw in the previous two quotes. He will remove our sins from us as far as the east is from the west and will remember them no more. But to benefit from God's forgiveness he requires that we repent of our sins and change our way of life, so that we will do our best not to fall into the same sins again.

Israel refused to repent of their sins. No matter how often God reminded them that he was there, they just wouldn't take any notice of him and they kept on doing their abominable things. So instead of forgiving them, God said, "The guilt of Ephraim is stored up, his sins are kept on record." (Hosea 13 v 12). What a dreadful thought, that if we do not repent and just carry on our own sinful life, God will hold all our sins against us ready for our judgement and condemnation.

We have a choice. We can repent and live for God, and have our sins forgiven and completely removed, or we can stay unrepentant and face the wrath of God. The choice is ours.

13:2 Herein was their problem - everything they did was 'according to their own understanding'. It was the exact opposite of what God taught His son (Proverbs 3:5)

13:10 'I will be thy king' is more accurately rendered 'Where is now thy king ...' as Hoshea is now in captivity.

V.3 We have four pictures that we can all relate to describing the transient way of life in Israel; (1)The morning cloud that vanishes before the heat of the rising sun.(2) The morning dew that evaporates, (3)The chaff on the threshing floor which was elevated to catch the full force of the wind. (4) The smoke which comes out of a chimney.   

V.2 A kiss is a sign of affection, acceptance, and respect.  It was used liberally in the Near East in biblical times, and still is today in that part of the world.  But the object of the kissing is either acceptable or not acceptable in the eyes of Yahweh.  

Members of the early ecclesia, for example, were encouraged to greet one another with a kiss (Rom 16:16; 1Cor 16:20; 2Cor 13:12; 1Thess 5:26).  This was desirable.  On the other hand, the practice of kissing idols was abhorrent to Yahweh (1Kin 19:18).  

Motivation is important in all things, and in kissing it was as important as the object being kissed.  Joab kissed Amasa as an act of betrayal (2Sam 20:9,10); and Judas kissed the Lord to betray Him to the authorities (Mark 14:44,45). 

Let us make sure that the objects of our kissing (either literal or figurative) are acceptable to Yahweh, and that our motivation is correct.

Hos 13:9 is a wonderful summary of Israel’s downfall: “O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself”.  If only the people had taken the message to heart that as the remainder of the verse says, “But in Me is thine help”! In turning to other gods, or other husbands as the message of Hosea is, God’s people brought their own downfall onto themselves.

It is verses like v7-8 and 16 that drive many Christians to omit the Old Testament in their worship, finding it impossible to match this picture of God with that portrayed in the New Testament by His Son Jesus. However, the harmony of the old and new Testaments can easily be demonstrated using these verses. This prophecy of the desolation of Israel as a nation was eventually fulfilled by the coming of the Romans against Jerusalem in AD70. In Matt 23:29-39 we see that Jesus agrees with this prophecy and reiterates the warning it brings. More than this, he is actively involved in bringing it about: "I send you prophets... some of whom you will kill... that on you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth". Here we have the picture of Jesus, after his resurrection and ascension to heaven, co-ordinating both the preaching of the apostles and the desolation of Israel by the Romans. So we can see that Jesus displays the same character as his Father showed in the Old Testament. Instead of ignoring the Old Testament, perhaps we should re-evaluate our perception of who God is?

13:14 deliverance from ‘the power of the grave’ echoes Psa 49:15 and seems to form the basis of the comment in Heb 2:14, power of death.

13:2 The mention of kissing the calves echoes the behaviour in the days of Elijah when there was a remnant who did not kiss the calves –1Kin 19:18 – it would seem by now there is not even a remnant.

Vs.14-16 With Yahweh, sins must be paid before restoration is given. Yahweh promises to restore Israel; but not before Israel is punished for its sins.

13:5 The ‘wilderness of great drought’ reminded Israel – if only they could remember God’s dealings with them – of their deliverance in the wilderness when they left Egypt – Deut 8:15

Hos 13:14;1Cor 15:54-57.

V.2 To kiss something shows adoration for that thing and an attachment towards it. Yahweh was angry when Israel kissed the golden calves of idolatry. Yahweh is equally angry if His Son, Jesus the Christ, is not kissed (Psa 2:12).

V.10 Israel had rejected Yahweh as its king, and now that it was in trouble there was no king to help (1Sam 8:7).

V.11 Yahweh gave Saul, the first king, to Israel (1Sam 10:24); and Yahweh took away Hoshea, the last king of Israel (2Kin 7:13).

V.16 See 2Kin 8:9-12.

13:1  speaking ‘trembling’ is synonymous with fearing God and His word Isa 66:2 so we see Israel’s problem was that they despised God’s word by their actions. Our Godless actions, likewise, show a disparaging attitude to God’s word.

13:3    Dew represents blessing however here it is seen that because of the sinfulness of Israel there will be no blessing.

13:4       This is the second time that God, through the prophet, has reminded Ephraim that he is “the Lord thy God from the land of Egypt”. The previous occasion is Amos 2:10.

13:8 The sending of wild beasts echoes HHos 5:14 and Lev 26:22

13:3       In speaking of Ephraim as a “morning cloud” and “early dew” the prophet is echoing his earlier words – Hos 6:4

13:9        In saying that Israel had destroyed themselves we truly see ourselves. It is our behaviour, not God’s that alienates Him. – or more precisely alienates us from Him. The contemporary prophet – Isa 59:2 - says something similar

13:6      Ephraim’s problem was that they were satisfied with “their pastures” – that is that which they were able to provide for themselves. Consequently they “forgot” God. The warning is clear for ourselves also. It is all too easy to trust in our own strength and possessions and as a consequence for that all that we have comes from God.

13:14    Notice the relationship between God delivering Israel form Egypt and the assertion that they should have no other god. Why would one give allegiance to another even though one had been delivered? This is the stark reality of placing other things in our lives as having more importance that our saviour. We might think we do not do such things. However how often do we make decisions which compromise our faith because of some short term gain?

13:6     Israel had not heeded the warnings of Deut 8:11. Despite all the warnings they had forgotten the instruction they had received. Remembering His word and commandments requires regular reminders. The most useful for us is the regular reading of all His word.

13:11 God gave the nation Saul at their request – when they rejected Him from being their king -  1Sam 8:7 - and now He had taken Hoshea away because of godlessness.

13:1 in speaking of Israel offending in Baal the prophet is reminding them of what he had already said –  11:1. God often repeats His warnings to Israel. As such we see a merciful God who reaches out more than once to His people.

13:2 Sadly we live in a “post truth” era where we are encouraged to have beliefs which are our own “Truth”. That truth may differ from the truths held by other people. Society resists the God given idea that there is absolute truth. We might think it is a new phenomenon. But no it originates in the Garden of Eden where alternative truths were presented – God’s word and the word of the serpent. It is seen here in Hosea’s day in “their own understanding”. Unless our “understanding” is informed by God’s revelation in things relating to God we are in serious danger or misrepresenting Him and His words to our own destruction.

13:6  Notice the connection. Israel were “exalted” (in their own eyes) and so forgot God.

We need to be aware that it is easy, as we become more prosperous, or involved and more important in whatever environment we are in, for us to forget what our Father has and is doing for us.

13:7  The mention of a “leopard” is only meaningful is those to whom the prophet was speaking knew what a leopard was. This is one of a number of indications in scripture of the wild life that could be found in the land of Israel in Old Testament time. There is also mention of lions and bears elsewhere further adding to our understanding of what the land was like in Old Testament times.

2 v.5 - This concept of a cloak of covetousness is one to be serious avoided - it means to have a covetous motive and conceal it by fair pretences. I suggest it something we all do. It surely behoves us to consider our motives (which after all God knows anyway and we cannot conceal from Him) before embarking on any activity, whether it be directly for God or not. Isa.56:11, Mal.1:10. We live in a world that advertises covetousness as the right way to go. We really must beware.

1:5 'what manner of men we were' - could we appeal to our example of living as a basis for arguing the truth of the gospel, or as a basis that should be imitated?

2:3 'not of deceit' contrasts the approach of the 'unbelieving Jews' in Thessalonica Acts 17:5 - 8.

2:6 The apostle was not 'burdensome' when he was in Thessalonica because of the generosity of the brethren and sisters at Philippi Philippians 4:16

1:4 Are we sure of our 'election' - do we think on the fact that we have been chosen by God and that our involvement in the purpose of God is not an haphazard affair? Such a realisation - that we are part of God's elect - should both humble and encourage us.

2:18 The 'Satan' referred to here is the constraint laid upon the brethren in Acts 17:9-10

1:6 In setting his life along side that of Jesus as a pattern to follow Paul is setting himself a very high standard. Can we speak of our lifestyle as similar to Jesus' or Paul's? We should be able to do so.

2:9 The 'labouring night and day' Paul speaks of must have been tentmaking as this was his craft. (Acts 18:3)

1:10 Waiting for His son will be realised when the words of  Isa 25:9 are fulfilled.

2:17  When Paul speaks of 'being taken from you' he is speaking of the injunction that they should not visit Thessalonica again (Acts 17:9-10)

 2:10 Paul points out here that his behaviour was above reproach; holily, as allowed by the law. justly, perfectly or righteous unblameably, not to be blamed, nothing can be said against him. He points out in the next couple of verses that this was to show them how one should walk. Are we showing the same example to those around us?

1:1 Paul wrote his two letters to the ecclesia at Thessalonica, in Macedonia (modern Greece) in about 51 AD from Corinth. 

Paul, Silvanus (Latin form of the Greek name Silas), and Timothy were missionaries to Thessalonica.  They greatly disturbed the Jewish leaders there because, through their preaching activities, many synagogue members left to join the ecclesia. 

The Jews took Paul's host Jason hostage and kept him until the missionaries left the area. 

1:10  John Baptist warned the Pharisees and Sadducees to flee the ‘wrath to come’ – Matt 3:7. The brethren and sisters in Thessalonica were, ‘in Christ’ and had by implication heeded the warning of John by being baptised into Christ.

2:14 So, it seems, brethren were persecuted by gentiles ‘your own countrymen’ as well as Jewish brethren being persecuted by Jews.

WHY 2 LETTERS?

* The 1st letter insists that the day of the Lord will come like a "thief in the night", and urges watchfulness 1Thess 5:2

* The 2nd letter clears up a misconception about the 2nd coming and explains what signs must first come 2Thess 2:3-12

If Christ were to return today - how would he find you living? Are you ready to meet him today? Live each day prepared to welcome him.

2:13 ‘Without ceasing’ does not mean every moment of every day. Rather Paul is saying that the brethren and sisters are never forgotten by him.

2:9       So we conclude that Paul preached and helped his brethren and sisters in the day time and when they had gone to bed he would work to support himself. We tend to work in the day time and then get involved in ecclesial work in the evening or at the weekend. We cannot really change that but we can consider how closely to Paul’s commitment is ours.

1:7 That the Thessalonian believers were an ‘ensample’ to all in ‘Macedonia and Achaia’ indicates the power of example and the way that people notice how we behave. Probably the ones who saw how the Thessalonians carried themselves were all their fellow believers in those regions. Do we think how others might view Christ when they reflect on our behaviour?

1Thess 2:12 First Principles>Kingdom of God>Gospel concerns God's Kingdom
The Gospel preached by Jesus and the Apostles concerns the Kingdom of God.
2. Invitation for men to participate
Matt 25:34, Luke 12:32, 1Thess 2:12, James 2:5, 2Tim 4:1,8, 2Pet 1:10,11, Rev 2:26,27
For more about the Gospel concerning God's Kingdom go to Matt 4:23 

1:6 See Acts 17:5-9.

2:11 This is the second caring metaphor that Paul has used. The first being ‘nurse in verse :7.

THESSALONIANS ARE INSPIRING

Paul makes me want to go and visit the brothers and sisters in Thessalonica. From what he says, I know I will be encouraged by them and will be able to learn and grow from the example of Christian living that they show.

Unfortunately the believers that were in Thessalonica at the time have all gone, and all we have left to inspire us from them are the letters Paul and his friends wrote to them. One of the things I find so inspiring about the believers in Thessalonica is this: "You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. The Lord's message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia - your faith in God has become known everywhere." (1Thess 1:6-8)

The Thessalonians were living examples of Jesus, Paul, Timothy and Silas. They were a joyful, vibrant group of believers whose love for God spread out far beyond themselves to anyone who heard about them. They were an encouragement to other believers, the source of truth, and an example to follow for those needing to hear about Jesus.

Let us pick up on their example and make it our own: be filled with joy and let God's word spread from us as an encouragement and a witness.

WAIT PATIENTLY FOR THE LORD

Paul's purpose for writing this letter was to strengthen the Thessalonian brethren & sisters in their faith and give them the assurance of Christ's return.

As you read this letter, listen carefully to Paul's practical advice for living the truth in our daily lives. When we feel overwhelmed at times by sorrow or suffering, remember that there is hope in Christ's return, the resurrection and the promise of an eternal kingdom which shall be established on the earth.

1:9   The way in which the Thessalonians responded gives an indication of their fervour for the gospel, especially when seen against the background of the Jewish opposition which is detailed in Acts 17:5-9

2:19   Jesus ‘for the joy before him’ Heb 12:2  suffered.  Likewise Paul is encouraging the Thessalonians to think similarly. This is true for ourselves also.

1Thess 2:9.

Paul points out here as well as v. 6 that he and the other disciples with him labored night and day so as not to be a "burden" (N.I.V.) to anyone in Thessalonica. Yet he argues in 1Cor 9:7-12 that he and others who did the work of preaching the gospel had every right to be supported by the ecclesias they were working for (although they also would not use that privileged status in Corinth.) So why with the Thessalonians here might he not have allowed them to support him?

I think there may have been 2 very different reasons for Paul and his companions' decision to work and make money and not be supported by the ecclesias while in Thessalonica and Corinth.

Starting with Corinth, it would seem that along with the doctrinal and behavioral problems that the ecclesia was experiencing (and there were a lot of them!), there were some who were within the church that were dead set on giving Paul a hard time. This involved the questioning of his status as an apostle of Jesus Christ. His abilities in the area of public speaking were likely questioned (see 1Cor 2:1-4) as well as the many things he suffered were somehow turned around and viewed as punishment for inadequate discipleship (see 1Cor 4:8-13) in contrast to the relatively soft life the Corinthian ecclesia was experiencing thereby (in their view) demonstrating God's favor on their way of life. But maybe the biggest problem came from those claiming Holy Spirit gifts who were masquerading as apostles who exalted themselves to a higher position than Paul and were continually a thorn in his side (see 2Cor 11:12-15). So for these reasons, Paul chose to forego his right to accept monetary benefits from the ecclesia for all the preaching and pastoral work he was involved in.

But it seems to me that Thessalonica presented a different situation. The love and kindness expressed again and again in this letter for the brethren there shows a different reason for his feeling the need to work (along with his companions) and support themselves. I think the main reason can be seen in the evidence presented in both letters as to the hard times including persecutions that the ecclesia was going through. It can be seen in 1Thess 1:6; 1Thess 2:2,14-16; etc. So rather than add to their difficulties when there by choosing to be supported by them in the work being done, Paul chose to double up on the work - working for money (did he make and sell tents as at Corinth? see Acts 18:2,3) while still doing the regular preaching and pastoral work as well. Some time later, when writing his 2nd letter to the Thessalonians, he adds another reason - that of trying to set a good example - an admirable work ethic - for the sake of some able-bodies brethren who had chosen to not work for a living but sponge off their generous brethren (see 2Thess 3:6-14).

I would think that in his many travels and stays at various ecclesias, there would have been a number of times when he did accept room, board, and some monetary support for the work he was doing. But not, it would appear, in these 2 cities.

2:5      That Paul would say that he never used flattering words indicates that there were some in Thessalonica who might level such an accusation against him.  From our own perspective it is all too easy to say things which flatter others instead of speaking truth.

1:7    People see what we do. That may be our neighbours, the people we work with or our fellow believers then what we say and do may be seen many miles from where we live. Our words and actions should always reflect our allegiance to Christ. Our actions and words can impact on the way others see God and His son.

Your reputation paves the way for your words

"For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing. For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God" 1Thess 1:8-9
 

How much of this do you think is words, and how much of it is example? Does we get that balance right ourselves? When we speak to strangers has our reputation already preceded us and paved the way?

2:12     The call to “walk worthy” is seen in Eph 4:1, Col 1:10. Adding the instruction from the three passages together builds a picture of total commitment to God.

2:8    Do we see ourselves as simply having the responsibility to preach the gospel and no more? Clearly Paul felt that his responsibility was greater than that. Putting it simply he saw the need to do more than just preach an academic gospel. As well as preaching the gospel he had to get to know and become involved in the lives of those he taught the gospel to.

1:10        Paul returns to the idea of “wrath” in 1Thess 5:9reminding the Thessalonians that they need not fear God’s wrath.

1:10    In speaking of “the wrath to come” Paul is drawing attention to John the Baptist’s words – Matt 3:7.

1:1       Here, as in all his letters, Paul conveys greetings from God. An indication that Paul is not writing of his own volition. But that God is instructing him as to what to write.

1:10  In quoting the words of John the Baptist from Matt 3:7 we can conclude that by the time that Paul wrote to the Thessalonians Matthew’s gospel record was available to them and they were familiar with it.

1:5 Paul behaved as he always did when he was in Thessalonica. This way of living is presented here as an example as to how they should behave. Paul did not conduct himself in a particular way when he was with them so he could on a later occasion use his behaviour as an example to be copied. In like manner our lives should show correct behaviour without ever thinking that we could use our behaviour as an example later. 

LONGING TO BE CHOSEN

Back in my primary school days, I remember standing with my class while two of my classmates picked people for their sports team. How I longed to be popular and be one of the first to be chosen. But no, my lack of sporting skill would often mean I was left to last before anyone accepted having me on their team. I was the last resort, the liability, the forced choice.

That may be how it is with me and sport, but I have a different captain who chose me for him long before I was any good for anything. He chose me because he loved me, had a purpose for me, and he wanted me on his team.

When Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, this is how he put it: "For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction." (1Thess 1:4-5).

God has chosen you. This is not just a message for the believers in Thessalonica. If it was, then it wouldn't have been preserved for us. God wants us to know that he has chosen us to be on his team, to be in his kingdom and to be his children because he loves us. What an honour, privilege and responsibility to be chosen by God!
 

2:3-5  A feature of the fleshly way of thinking is to speak in ways which appeal to the mind of the audience. Speaking things which are appealing but are not necessarily true. Whilst we are not to make the gospel message unappealing we must ensure that the truth of God’s word is presented even when the message may be unappealing.

1:1 The details associated with the formation of the ecclesia in Thessalonica are found in Acts 17:1-9

1:8 We might think our little group of believers is so insignificant that we are not noticed. Mothing could be further from the truth. Our neighbours where we live or near where we meet do see what we do. Personal witness by lifestyle which is noticed all the time speaks volumes. We live faithful lives not just because we want to please our Father. Also others, seeing our lives, might be more willing to accept our message than if we were no different in our lifestyle to everyone else.