September 2, 2025 • 28 mins
This volume, A History of Christianity in the Apostolic Age, aims to provide a strictly historical account of early Christianity. It includes brief overviews of the New Testament books while defending their classification as apostolic literature. These texts are not only our primary sources for understanding the history but also serve as a lens through which we can illustrate that history effectively. The author acknowledges that discussing such a vital theme often leads to positions that may be contentious among different schools of thought. Nevertheless, these positions are drawn from thorough and impartial investigation. The findings uphold the traditional view of apostolic Christianity, which seems to emerge naturally from unbiased inquiry. As the criticism of the New Testament has evolved, many scholars have returned to accept the traditional dates of the texts origins, reinforcing the notion that the rise of apostolic Christianity can only be understood through the supernatural events and forces the texts describe. Acknowledging the supernatural, along with understanding the historical development of faith in Jesus as the Messiah, is essential for any historian who wishes to faithfully represent the original essence of apostolic Christianity. (From the Preface)
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Chapter eighteen of Christianity in the Apostolic Age. This is
a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain.
For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox dot org.
Read by Patrick Randall. Christianity in the Apostolic Age by
(00:23):
George Purvis. Three Paul in Corinth one ninety eight. Paul's
ministry at Corinth, which lasted eighteen months Acts eighteen eleven,
was one of the most momentous in his whole career.
New Corinth, rebuilt by Julius Caesar on the ruins of
(00:46):
the old city, was a place of large commercial importance,
a colonia, and the residence of the Procurator of Acaiah.
Its population included represent sentatives of all races and classes.
It was a pleasure loving city, and Corinthian morals were
(01:08):
a byword. To leave Athens for Corinth was to exchange
an intellectual for a sensuous atmosphere. Yet in Corinth the
Apostle attained a success which he had not found in Athens.
At first, he still cherished the wish to return to Thessalonika.
(01:32):
But though anxious and waiting for Silas and Timothy to
rejoin him, he could not be idle First Thessalonians three
four through seven. On his arrival he obtained lodging and
work with the Pontic jew Aquilla, Acts eighteen, Verses two
(01:54):
and three, who with his wife Priscilla, afterwards became him
co laborers in the nobler work of the Gospel, Acts
eighteen eighteen and twenty six. Romans sixteen three, First Corinthians
sixteen nineteen sewod Timothy four nine. They had moved recently
(02:18):
to corinth from Rome because of the edict of Claudius
expelling Jews from the capitol, Acts eighteen two. This edict
is mentioned by Swetonius, who relates that it was caused
by the tumults of the Jews quote impulsore creso end quote.
(02:39):
The date of it has been assigned by different scholars
to the years a d. Forty nine, fifty and fifty two.
But even if the earliest of these dates, which is
the least probable, be accepted, it does not follow that
Paul reached Carinthia in that year. For some margin must
(03:03):
be allowed for the journey of Aquilla to corinth And
in spite of the words quote lately come end quote
for the period between his arrival and polls. The language
of Swetonius has also led many to suppose that quote
Crestus end quote was equivalent to quote Christus end quote,
(03:29):
and that the Jewish tumults in the capital were between
Christian and non Christian Jews. But Swetonius makes Crestus the
instigator of the tumults, and from what we elsewhere learn
of the beginnings of Christianity in Rome, there is little
reason to think that it had at this time attained
(03:53):
sufficient strength to cause open conflicts. In the Jewish Colony
Acts twenty eight, twenty one, and twenty two. At any rate,
Luke does not intimate that Aquilla and Priscilla were Christians
when Paul met them. Doubtless they were led to the
faith by their lodger. From their home. The apostle went
(04:18):
forth to preach to the Corinthians. He visited the synagogue
every Sabbath during the week. He supported himself by his trade.
Silas and Timothy had not yet come, And, in spite
of many discouragements and of conscious weakness First Corinthians, Chapter two,
(04:39):
verse three, the solitary ambassador of the Cross disputed with
the Jews and their gentile adherents, and told the story
of Jesus. First Corinthians, chapter two, verse two, one ninety nine.
At last Silas and Timothy joined him with a good
(05:00):
report on the whole from Thessalonika. First Thessalonians three six,
and forthwith his energy became more intense Acts eighteen five.
This led finally to an open rupture with the Jews,
so that he established himself with his disciples in the
(05:23):
house of a devout gentile, Titus Justus, next door to
the synagogue. The contiguity of the two societies was, of
course fruitful in disputes. The apostles company, however, grew rapidly
even the ruler of the synagogue, Crispus Believed Chapter eighteen,
(05:47):
verse eight and First Corinthians one fourteen. But most of
the converts were from the lower classes of the populace,
and most of them were gentiles. First Corinthians, one twenty six.
The work continued for many months, and not only spread
(06:08):
through corinth but churches were formed in adjacent towns. Second
Thessalonians chapter one, verse four, Second Corinthians chapter one, verse one,
Romans Chapter sixteen, verse one. It was, however, an agonizing
ministry for the apostle, and was performed with an intensity
(06:29):
of spiritual ardor scarcely equalled in his career. There is
reason to believe that he passed through a period of
severe mental struggle, out of which he came with the
resolve to preach more simply and plainly than ever we
read of a vision vouchsafed for his encouragement Acts eighteen
(06:54):
nine ten. In First Corinthians, he speaks in strong terms
of his fears and weakness while first laboring among them
First Corinthians two three. The vow which he took Acts
eighteen thirteen may have been connected with the same experience.
(07:16):
He felt, no doubt a temptation to make his message
more ornate in style and philosophical in substance, but was
enabled to remain true to the proclamation of the crucified
Redeemer First Corinthians two one through five, in spite of
its offensiveness to jew and Greek First Corinthians one twenty three,
(07:42):
and to rely on the spirit's demonstration of the truth
to the consciences of men two hundred. Thus the great
Church which Paul founded in corinth was begotten with much travail.
First Corinthians four fifteen and Second Corinthians six thirteen, and
(08:05):
he ever looked on it as peculiarly his own. Its
subsequent condition caused him great anxiety around his relation to it.
Some of the most perplexing problems of his life cluster,
and out of it grew some of his most important teaching.
(08:25):
Many of his converts were with difficulties separated from their
pagan usages. They were but babes in Christ First Corinthians
three one and two. Diverse elements also existed in the
church to unite and mold, which required all the authority
(08:46):
and patience of the apostle. Nevertheless, the progress was rapid.
This led finally to an attempt of the Jews to
arrest it by force Acts eighteen twelve through seventeen First
Thessalonians two fifteen and sixteen. On the arrival of Gallio,
(09:08):
the brother of the philosopher Seneca, as procurator of Acia,
they accused Paul of persuading men to worship God contrary
to the law. But Gallio, with justice, refused to take
cognizance of the case, declaring that the religious quarrels of
the Jews were no concern of his His action illustrates
(09:32):
the attitude of the Roman government at this time to Christianity.
It was regarded as a Jewish sect, and therefore protected
and under the shield of Judaism itself, which was a religioligita.
It made its early progress throughout the Empire the pagan populace. Moreover,
(09:54):
seeing the Jews repulsed by the procurator, let loose their
end against them and beat Soosphenes, the ruler of the Synagogue,
before the very judgment seat itself. Thus the effort of
the Jews to arrest Paul resulted in their complete Discomfiturection
(10:16):
two one the Apostles. Sojourn in Corinth was also made
notable for all time by the composition of his first
two extant epistles, those to the Thessalonians. Few now doubt that
both were written from Corinth. In them, he associates with
(10:37):
himself Silas and Timothy, first Thessalonians Chapter one, verse one,
and second Thessalonians Chapter one, verse one, the latter of
whom had recently come from Thessalonika with a report of
the condition of the church. First Thessalonians three six, the
(10:58):
condition of the Thessalonians, as reflected in the epistles, was
clearly that of a newly formed community. They required the
most elementary moral instruction. First Thessalonians four one through eight
were disturbed by the death of some of their members,
(11:18):
First Thessalonians four nine through twelve, and were bitterly opposed
by the Jews First Thessalonians two thirteen through sixteen. The
apostle also refers to his sojourn among them as if
it were recent, First Thessalonians two one through twelve, and
(11:40):
in the first epistle there is an absence of allusion
to doctrinal controversy, which further implies an early date. If
First Thessalonians was thus written from Corinth shortly after Timothy's arrival,
the Second Epistle was, evidently and from the same place
(12:02):
some months later. The situation of the readers is the same,
though certain difficulties had become more acute. The Second Advent is,
as in the first Epistle, the leading doctrinal topic, but
its discussion has advanced to a new stage. In fact,
(12:23):
the First Epistle is referred to chapter two, verse fifteen,
and its language is echoed in numerous phrases. Compare Second Thessalonians,
Chapter one, verses two, three, four, five, eight, and eleven,
Chapter two verse thirteen, Chapter three verses six, twelve, and
(12:47):
seven through ten, and Chapter two verse one, with First
Thessalonians Chapter one, verses one, two, three, and twelve, Chapter
four verse five, Chapter one verses three and four, Chapter five,
verse nine, Chapter four verses eleven and twelve, Chapter two
(13:12):
verses one through thirteen, and Chapter four verse seventeen, respectively.
Two two. By these two letters, therefore we are introduced
to Pauline literature. It is noteworthy that the apostle writes
as an authority whom the Thessalonian Christians were bound to obey.
(13:36):
First Thessalonians, Chapter four, verse two, Second Thessalonians, Chapter two,
verse fifteen, and Chapter three verses six and fourteen. That
his epistles were public documents to be read in the
assembly of the church, First Thessalonians, five twenty seven, and
(13:58):
that he assumed that the same authority would be attached
to them as to his oral teaching, or to a
revelation of the spirit, or to the word of God
Tewod Thessalonians, Chapter two, verse two. The authoritative character of
apostolic literature thus appears from its beginning to have been
(14:21):
acknowledged by writer and readers at the same time. These
productions are real letters as of a pastor to his people.
They were written in the conventional epistolary form of the day.
In them, we still feel the beating heart of the writer,
(14:42):
and they deal with the specific needs of his first readers.
This combination of the personal and occasional with the authoritative
and universal is one of their peculiar characteristics. SC. Two O. Three.
The first Epistle to the Thessalonians was written partly out
(15:05):
of joy over their steadfastness, and partly because of several
perils which threatened them. Of the latter there were three
in particular, the existence of which gives a suggestive picture
of this early Christian community. There was a disposition on
(15:26):
the part of some to neglect their daily work and
to fail to exercise moral restraint. First Thessalonians two nine
and ten four one through eight, eleven and twelve. There
had developed moreover dismay at death, for they feared that
(15:48):
the dead saints would lose their part in the coming
kingdom Chapter four, verses thirteen through eighteen. There were also
indications of friction between the regular officers and teachers of
the church and those who professed to have inspired spiritual
(16:09):
gifts Chapter five, Verses twelve and thirteen. These difficulties were
chiefly those of a young community just emerging from paganism.
They arose also out of the excitement caused by the
new spiritual experiences through which the disciples had passed, and
(16:30):
out of their vivid and often crude expectation of the
Lord's return. But there does not appear to have been
any difficulty as to the way of salvation, a sure
sign that the judaistic controversy had not arisen among them. Indeed,
(16:51):
the absence of any warning about such errors proves that
the controversy had not yet entered at all into the
apostle's field of work Section one eighty six, sec. Two
of four. This epistle, written under such circumstances, is a
(17:12):
warm pastoral exhortation. It urges to industry and purity of life,
and tells of his anxieties about them. Only one important
doctrinal passage occurs, that namely, in which he assured them
on the authority of a special revelation which he had received,
(17:33):
that dead believers will not fail of participation in the
glory of the returning Lord chapter four, verses thirteen through eighteen.
It provides, however, a graphic picture of the moral perils
to which these early Christians were exposed, and on the
other hand, of the large view which the apostle took
(17:57):
of the new life to which they had been called
Section two five. The Second Epistle to the Thessalonians was
occasioned by further reports of more specific trouble which had
arisen concerning the Lord's advent. Some erroneously believed that quote
(18:18):
the day of the Lord end quote that is, the
time of final judgment. Compare Acts chapter two, verse twenty,
First Corinthians chapter one, verse eight, Chapter three, verse thirteen,
and chapter five, verse five. Second Corinthians Chapter one, verse fourteen,
(18:39):
and First Thessalonians Chapter five, verse two had already come,
and that therefore the return of Christ might be expected
at any moment chapter two, verse two r V. By this,
they were further tempted to idleness and disorder chapter three,
(19:02):
verses six through twelve, as well as to doubt whether
their persecutions were reconcilable with God's just judgment Chapter one,
verses four and five. The agitation was apparently increased by
alleged revelations of the spirit and interpretations of scripture, and
(19:26):
also by the report of a letter from Paul containing
such teaching Chapter two, verse two. This made the situation acute,
and the apostle hastened to correct the error Section two six.
He began by acknowledging the gratitude which he should still
(19:48):
feel for their faith and love amid persecution, and pointedly
reminded them that their endurance was itself a proof of
God's des just judgment, since it showed that He had
accepted them and would surely vindicate them in that day
(20:08):
when Christ will return and pass final sentence upon all
mankind Chapter one. But he begged them not to be
disturbed by the idea that the day of the Lord
was present Chapter two, verse one and two. He reminded,
compare chapter two, verse five, them that before that day
(20:32):
there would be an apostasy, doubtless within the church, culminating
in the appearance of quote the man of lawlessness end
quote or Antichrist, who would impiously claim the homage due
to God alone Chapter two, verses three and four. For
the present, as they knew the development of this apostasy
(20:56):
was being checked, perhaps by the spirit, but quote the
restrainer end quote would be taken away, and then would
the lawless one be revealed in Satanic power, only, however,
to be destroyed by the returning Christ. Chapter two, verses
six through twelve. Grateful was he, in view of this
(21:20):
fierce conflict, that they had been chosen to salvation Chapter two,
verses thirteen and fourteen. Let them therefore stand fast in
his teaching. Chapter two, verses fifteen through seventeen. He added
a request for their prayers Chapter three, verses one through three,
(21:43):
an assurance of his confidence in them chapter three verses
four and five, and a repeated command sharper than before,
to imitate him in a sober and industrious life, and
to separate themselves from all who would not obey his word.
(22:03):
Chapter three, verses six through sixteen. In view of the
fact that a letter falsely ascribed to him was said
to be in circulation, he called attention to his signature,
which was appended by his own hand to every epistle,
and closed with his blessing Chapter three verses seventeen eighteen
(22:29):
sc two O. Seven. These two epistles furnish a partial
but clear glimpse into the condition of Thessalonian Christianity. It
is not an ideal picture. It is, however, one which
might be expected in a church emerging out of paganism.
(22:50):
These early believers needed instruction about the most elementary duties
and doctrines. It required the firm hand of the apostle
to prevent fanaticism and childish error. Yet at the same time,
the genuine fruits of the spirit were manifest among them,
(23:12):
and the central truths of Christianity were firmly held and
loyally confessed. The doctrine chiefly explained is that of the
Second Advent and the Judgment. In First Thessalonians, the advent
is presented as the time of reward to believers Chapter one,
(23:36):
verse ten, Chapter two, verses twelve and nineteen, Chapter three,
verse thirteen, Chapter four, verses fifteen to eighteen, Chapter five,
verses four, nine ten. In Second Thessalonians, it is presented
as the time of judgment to the ungodly Chapter one,
(24:00):
verse seven and nine, Chapter two, verse eight. The apostle
taught a personal, physical, public return of Christ to gather
his people into the everlasting kingdom and to execute judgment
upon all the wicked, he looked forward to it, eagerly,
(24:22):
speaking as if he might live to see it first
Thessalonians four seventeen, though not saying that he would. He
also taught that certain events must happen first, and that
the period before the Advent, whether long or short, would
(24:43):
be one of conflict within as well as without the Church.
His teaching about the coming quote, apostasy, end quote, and
the man of lawlessness was evidently based on the language
of Jesus. Compare Matthew twenty four, especially verses four, five, six, ten, eleven, twelve,
(25:08):
twenty three, and twenty four. We may also see in
his words the influence of the Book of Daniel. Compare
Daniel chapter seven, verses twenty three to twenty five and
Chapter eleven, verse thirty six. The term man of lawlessness seems, however,
(25:30):
to be of his own coining. But the expectation of
apostasy within the Church and its final embodiment in some
mighty Antichrist, is found in the New Testament, for example,
Matthew Chapter thirteen, verse twenty five, Luke chapter eight, verse thirteen,
(25:50):
and Chapter eighteen, verse eight. First Timothy chapter one, verses
six to ten. And chapter four verses one to three,
Chapter six, verses three to five. Second Timothy Chapter one,
verse fifteen and Chapter three, verses one to eight. First
(26:14):
John Chapter two, verses eighteen to twenty seven. Second Peter
Chapter three, verse three, and Revelations Chapter two three, thirteen, seventeen,
and eighteen. Having this expectation, Paul did not look for
(26:35):
a peaceful development of the faith. The early Christians were
trained by him for conflict with foes without and within.
Nor is it strange that they were deeply concerned in
these questions, which were made so practical by their persecutions.
The situation illustrates the stir of thought and hope, the
(27:00):
possibilities of error of every kind, together with the power
of prevailing faith, with which Christianity arose among the Gentiles
two o eight. After eighteen months in Corinth, Paul turned
his face again to the east. Aquilla and Priscilla sailed
(27:24):
with him as far as Ephesus Acts eighteen, verse eighteen
and nineteen. Whence he, after promising to return Chapter eighteen,
verse twenty and twenty one, took ship again to Caesarea.
Apparently he visited Jerusalem. Chapter eighteen, verse twenty one. R
(27:47):
v and then returned to Syrian Antioch. He had probably
been absent about two years and a half, but the
apostle now realized that he had been called to a
larger mission than he had imagined when he and Silas
had set forth from the Syrian city, and he only
(28:11):
waited a few months before entering upon another campaign. End
of Chapter eighteen
Chapter eighteen of Christianity in the Apostolic Age. This is
a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain.
For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox dot org.
Read by Patrick Randall. Christianity in the Apostolic Age by
(00:23):
George Purvis. Three Paul in Corinth one ninety eight. Paul's
ministry at Corinth, which lasted eighteen months Acts eighteen eleven,
was one of the most momentous in his whole career.
New Corinth, rebuilt by Julius Caesar on the ruins of
(00:46):
the old city, was a place of large commercial importance,
a colonia, and the residence of the Procurator of Acaiah.
Its population included represent sentatives of all races and classes.
It was a pleasure loving city, and Corinthian morals were
(01:08):
a byword. To leave Athens for Corinth was to exchange
an intellectual for a sensuous atmosphere. Yet in Corinth the
Apostle attained a success which he had not found in Athens.
At first, he still cherished the wish to return to Thessalonika.
(01:32):
But though anxious and waiting for Silas and Timothy to
rejoin him, he could not be idle First Thessalonians three
four through seven. On his arrival he obtained lodging and
work with the Pontic jew Aquilla, Acts eighteen, Verses two
(01:54):
and three, who with his wife Priscilla, afterwards became him
co laborers in the nobler work of the Gospel, Acts
eighteen eighteen and twenty six. Romans sixteen three, First Corinthians
sixteen nineteen sewod Timothy four nine. They had moved recently
(02:18):
to corinth from Rome because of the edict of Claudius
expelling Jews from the capitol, Acts eighteen two. This edict
is mentioned by Swetonius, who relates that it was caused
by the tumults of the Jews quote impulsore creso end quote.
(02:39):
The date of it has been assigned by different scholars
to the years a d. Forty nine, fifty and fifty two.
But even if the earliest of these dates, which is
the least probable, be accepted, it does not follow that
Paul reached Carinthia in that year. For some margin must
(03:03):
be allowed for the journey of Aquilla to corinth And
in spite of the words quote lately come end quote
for the period between his arrival and polls. The language
of Swetonius has also led many to suppose that quote
Crestus end quote was equivalent to quote Christus end quote,
(03:29):
and that the Jewish tumults in the capital were between
Christian and non Christian Jews. But Swetonius makes Crestus the
instigator of the tumults, and from what we elsewhere learn
of the beginnings of Christianity in Rome, there is little
reason to think that it had at this time attained
(03:53):
sufficient strength to cause open conflicts. In the Jewish Colony
Acts twenty eight, twenty one, and twenty two. At any rate,
Luke does not intimate that Aquilla and Priscilla were Christians
when Paul met them. Doubtless they were led to the
faith by their lodger. From their home. The apostle went
(04:18):
forth to preach to the Corinthians. He visited the synagogue
every Sabbath during the week. He supported himself by his trade.
Silas and Timothy had not yet come, And, in spite
of many discouragements and of conscious weakness First Corinthians, Chapter two,
(04:39):
verse three, the solitary ambassador of the Cross disputed with
the Jews and their gentile adherents, and told the story
of Jesus. First Corinthians, chapter two, verse two, one ninety nine.
At last Silas and Timothy joined him with a good
(05:00):
report on the whole from Thessalonika. First Thessalonians three six,
and forthwith his energy became more intense Acts eighteen five.
This led finally to an open rupture with the Jews,
so that he established himself with his disciples in the
(05:23):
house of a devout gentile, Titus Justus, next door to
the synagogue. The contiguity of the two societies was, of
course fruitful in disputes. The apostles company, however, grew rapidly
even the ruler of the synagogue, Crispus Believed Chapter eighteen,
(05:47):
verse eight and First Corinthians one fourteen. But most of
the converts were from the lower classes of the populace,
and most of them were gentiles. First Corinthians, one twenty six.
The work continued for many months, and not only spread
(06:08):
through corinth but churches were formed in adjacent towns. Second
Thessalonians chapter one, verse four, Second Corinthians chapter one, verse one,
Romans Chapter sixteen, verse one. It was, however, an agonizing
ministry for the apostle, and was performed with an intensity
(06:29):
of spiritual ardor scarcely equalled in his career. There is
reason to believe that he passed through a period of
severe mental struggle, out of which he came with the
resolve to preach more simply and plainly than ever we
read of a vision vouchsafed for his encouragement Acts eighteen
(06:54):
nine ten. In First Corinthians, he speaks in strong terms
of his fears and weakness while first laboring among them
First Corinthians two three. The vow which he took Acts
eighteen thirteen may have been connected with the same experience.
(07:16):
He felt, no doubt a temptation to make his message
more ornate in style and philosophical in substance, but was
enabled to remain true to the proclamation of the crucified
Redeemer First Corinthians two one through five, in spite of
its offensiveness to jew and Greek First Corinthians one twenty three,
(07:42):
and to rely on the spirit's demonstration of the truth
to the consciences of men two hundred. Thus the great
Church which Paul founded in corinth was begotten with much travail.
First Corinthians four fifteen and Second Corinthians six thirteen, and
(08:05):
he ever looked on it as peculiarly his own. Its
subsequent condition caused him great anxiety around his relation to it.
Some of the most perplexing problems of his life cluster,
and out of it grew some of his most important teaching.
(08:25):
Many of his converts were with difficulties separated from their
pagan usages. They were but babes in Christ First Corinthians
three one and two. Diverse elements also existed in the
church to unite and mold, which required all the authority
(08:46):
and patience of the apostle. Nevertheless, the progress was rapid.
This led finally to an attempt of the Jews to
arrest it by force Acts eighteen twelve through seventeen First
Thessalonians two fifteen and sixteen. On the arrival of Gallio,
(09:08):
the brother of the philosopher Seneca, as procurator of Acia,
they accused Paul of persuading men to worship God contrary
to the law. But Gallio, with justice, refused to take
cognizance of the case, declaring that the religious quarrels of
the Jews were no concern of his His action illustrates
(09:32):
the attitude of the Roman government at this time to Christianity.
It was regarded as a Jewish sect, and therefore protected
and under the shield of Judaism itself, which was a religioligita.
It made its early progress throughout the Empire the pagan populace. Moreover,
(09:54):
seeing the Jews repulsed by the procurator, let loose their
end against them and beat Soosphenes, the ruler of the Synagogue,
before the very judgment seat itself. Thus the effort of
the Jews to arrest Paul resulted in their complete Discomfiturection
(10:16):
two one the Apostles. Sojourn in Corinth was also made
notable for all time by the composition of his first
two extant epistles, those to the Thessalonians. Few now doubt that
both were written from Corinth. In them, he associates with
(10:37):
himself Silas and Timothy, first Thessalonians Chapter one, verse one,
and second Thessalonians Chapter one, verse one, the latter of
whom had recently come from Thessalonika with a report of
the condition of the church. First Thessalonians three six, the
(10:58):
condition of the Thessalonians, as reflected in the epistles, was
clearly that of a newly formed community. They required the
most elementary moral instruction. First Thessalonians four one through eight
were disturbed by the death of some of their members,
(11:18):
First Thessalonians four nine through twelve, and were bitterly opposed
by the Jews First Thessalonians two thirteen through sixteen. The
apostle also refers to his sojourn among them as if
it were recent, First Thessalonians two one through twelve, and
(11:40):
in the first epistle there is an absence of allusion
to doctrinal controversy, which further implies an early date. If
First Thessalonians was thus written from Corinth shortly after Timothy's arrival,
the Second Epistle was, evidently and from the same place
(12:02):
some months later. The situation of the readers is the same,
though certain difficulties had become more acute. The Second Advent is,
as in the first Epistle, the leading doctrinal topic, but
its discussion has advanced to a new stage. In fact,
(12:23):
the First Epistle is referred to chapter two, verse fifteen,
and its language is echoed in numerous phrases. Compare Second Thessalonians,
Chapter one, verses two, three, four, five, eight, and eleven,
Chapter two verse thirteen, Chapter three verses six, twelve, and
(12:47):
seven through ten, and Chapter two verse one, with First
Thessalonians Chapter one, verses one, two, three, and twelve, Chapter
four verse five, Chapter one verses three and four, Chapter five,
verse nine, Chapter four verses eleven and twelve, Chapter two
(13:12):
verses one through thirteen, and Chapter four verse seventeen, respectively.
Two two. By these two letters, therefore we are introduced
to Pauline literature. It is noteworthy that the apostle writes
as an authority whom the Thessalonian Christians were bound to obey.
(13:36):
First Thessalonians, Chapter four, verse two, Second Thessalonians, Chapter two,
verse fifteen, and Chapter three verses six and fourteen. That
his epistles were public documents to be read in the
assembly of the church, First Thessalonians, five twenty seven, and
(13:58):
that he assumed that the same authority would be attached
to them as to his oral teaching, or to a
revelation of the spirit, or to the word of God
Tewod Thessalonians, Chapter two, verse two. The authoritative character of
apostolic literature thus appears from its beginning to have been
(14:21):
acknowledged by writer and readers at the same time. These
productions are real letters as of a pastor to his people.
They were written in the conventional epistolary form of the day.
In them, we still feel the beating heart of the writer,
(14:42):
and they deal with the specific needs of his first readers.
This combination of the personal and occasional with the authoritative
and universal is one of their peculiar characteristics. SC. Two O. Three.
The first Epistle to the Thessalonians was written partly out
(15:05):
of joy over their steadfastness, and partly because of several
perils which threatened them. Of the latter there were three
in particular, the existence of which gives a suggestive picture
of this early Christian community. There was a disposition on
(15:26):
the part of some to neglect their daily work and
to fail to exercise moral restraint. First Thessalonians two nine
and ten four one through eight, eleven and twelve. There
had developed moreover dismay at death, for they feared that
(15:48):
the dead saints would lose their part in the coming
kingdom Chapter four, verses thirteen through eighteen. There were also
indications of friction between the regular officers and teachers of
the church and those who professed to have inspired spiritual
(16:09):
gifts Chapter five, Verses twelve and thirteen. These difficulties were
chiefly those of a young community just emerging from paganism.
They arose also out of the excitement caused by the
new spiritual experiences through which the disciples had passed, and
(16:30):
out of their vivid and often crude expectation of the
Lord's return. But there does not appear to have been
any difficulty as to the way of salvation, a sure
sign that the judaistic controversy had not arisen among them. Indeed,
(16:51):
the absence of any warning about such errors proves that
the controversy had not yet entered at all into the
apostle's field of work Section one eighty six, sec. Two
of four. This epistle, written under such circumstances, is a
(17:12):
warm pastoral exhortation. It urges to industry and purity of life,
and tells of his anxieties about them. Only one important
doctrinal passage occurs, that namely, in which he assured them
on the authority of a special revelation which he had received,
(17:33):
that dead believers will not fail of participation in the
glory of the returning Lord chapter four, verses thirteen through eighteen.
It provides, however, a graphic picture of the moral perils
to which these early Christians were exposed, and on the
other hand, of the large view which the apostle took
(17:57):
of the new life to which they had been called
Section two five. The Second Epistle to the Thessalonians was
occasioned by further reports of more specific trouble which had
arisen concerning the Lord's advent. Some erroneously believed that quote
(18:18):
the day of the Lord end quote that is, the
time of final judgment. Compare Acts chapter two, verse twenty,
First Corinthians chapter one, verse eight, Chapter three, verse thirteen,
and chapter five, verse five. Second Corinthians Chapter one, verse fourteen,
(18:39):
and First Thessalonians Chapter five, verse two had already come,
and that therefore the return of Christ might be expected
at any moment chapter two, verse two r V. By this,
they were further tempted to idleness and disorder chapter three,
(19:02):
verses six through twelve, as well as to doubt whether
their persecutions were reconcilable with God's just judgment Chapter one,
verses four and five. The agitation was apparently increased by
alleged revelations of the spirit and interpretations of scripture, and
(19:26):
also by the report of a letter from Paul containing
such teaching Chapter two, verse two. This made the situation acute,
and the apostle hastened to correct the error Section two six.
He began by acknowledging the gratitude which he should still
(19:48):
feel for their faith and love amid persecution, and pointedly
reminded them that their endurance was itself a proof of
God's des just judgment, since it showed that He had
accepted them and would surely vindicate them in that day
(20:08):
when Christ will return and pass final sentence upon all
mankind Chapter one. But he begged them not to be
disturbed by the idea that the day of the Lord
was present Chapter two, verse one and two. He reminded,
compare chapter two, verse five, them that before that day
(20:32):
there would be an apostasy, doubtless within the church, culminating
in the appearance of quote the man of lawlessness end
quote or Antichrist, who would impiously claim the homage due
to God alone Chapter two, verses three and four. For
the present, as they knew the development of this apostasy
(20:56):
was being checked, perhaps by the spirit, but quote the
restrainer end quote would be taken away, and then would
the lawless one be revealed in Satanic power, only, however,
to be destroyed by the returning Christ. Chapter two, verses
six through twelve. Grateful was he, in view of this
(21:20):
fierce conflict, that they had been chosen to salvation Chapter two,
verses thirteen and fourteen. Let them therefore stand fast in
his teaching. Chapter two, verses fifteen through seventeen. He added
a request for their prayers Chapter three, verses one through three,
(21:43):
an assurance of his confidence in them chapter three verses
four and five, and a repeated command sharper than before,
to imitate him in a sober and industrious life, and
to separate themselves from all who would not obey his word.
(22:03):
Chapter three, verses six through sixteen. In view of the
fact that a letter falsely ascribed to him was said
to be in circulation, he called attention to his signature,
which was appended by his own hand to every epistle,
and closed with his blessing Chapter three verses seventeen eighteen
(22:29):
sc two O. Seven. These two epistles furnish a partial
but clear glimpse into the condition of Thessalonian Christianity. It
is not an ideal picture. It is, however, one which
might be expected in a church emerging out of paganism.
(22:50):
These early believers needed instruction about the most elementary duties
and doctrines. It required the firm hand of the apostle
to prevent fanaticism and childish error. Yet at the same time,
the genuine fruits of the spirit were manifest among them,
(23:12):
and the central truths of Christianity were firmly held and
loyally confessed. The doctrine chiefly explained is that of the
Second Advent and the Judgment. In First Thessalonians, the advent
is presented as the time of reward to believers Chapter one,
(23:36):
verse ten, Chapter two, verses twelve and nineteen, Chapter three,
verse thirteen, Chapter four, verses fifteen to eighteen, Chapter five,
verses four, nine ten. In Second Thessalonians, it is presented
as the time of judgment to the ungodly Chapter one,
(24:00):
verse seven and nine, Chapter two, verse eight. The apostle
taught a personal, physical, public return of Christ to gather
his people into the everlasting kingdom and to execute judgment
upon all the wicked, he looked forward to it, eagerly,
(24:22):
speaking as if he might live to see it first
Thessalonians four seventeen, though not saying that he would. He
also taught that certain events must happen first, and that
the period before the Advent, whether long or short, would
(24:43):
be one of conflict within as well as without the Church.
His teaching about the coming quote, apostasy, end quote, and
the man of lawlessness was evidently based on the language
of Jesus. Compare Matthew twenty four, especially verses four, five, six, ten, eleven, twelve,
(25:08):
twenty three, and twenty four. We may also see in
his words the influence of the Book of Daniel. Compare
Daniel chapter seven, verses twenty three to twenty five and
Chapter eleven, verse thirty six. The term man of lawlessness seems, however,
(25:30):
to be of his own coining. But the expectation of
apostasy within the Church and its final embodiment in some
mighty Antichrist, is found in the New Testament, for example,
Matthew Chapter thirteen, verse twenty five, Luke chapter eight, verse thirteen,
(25:50):
and Chapter eighteen, verse eight. First Timothy chapter one, verses
six to ten. And chapter four verses one to three,
Chapter six, verses three to five. Second Timothy Chapter one,
verse fifteen and Chapter three, verses one to eight. First
(26:14):
John Chapter two, verses eighteen to twenty seven. Second Peter
Chapter three, verse three, and Revelations Chapter two three, thirteen, seventeen,
and eighteen. Having this expectation, Paul did not look for
(26:35):
a peaceful development of the faith. The early Christians were
trained by him for conflict with foes without and within.
Nor is it strange that they were deeply concerned in
these questions, which were made so practical by their persecutions.
The situation illustrates the stir of thought and hope, the
(27:00):
possibilities of error of every kind, together with the power
of prevailing faith, with which Christianity arose among the Gentiles
two o eight. After eighteen months in Corinth, Paul turned
his face again to the east. Aquilla and Priscilla sailed
(27:24):
with him as far as Ephesus Acts eighteen, verse eighteen
and nineteen. Whence he, after promising to return Chapter eighteen,
verse twenty and twenty one, took ship again to Caesarea.
Apparently he visited Jerusalem. Chapter eighteen, verse twenty one. R
(27:47):
v and then returned to Syrian Antioch. He had probably
been absent about two years and a half, but the
apostle now realized that he had been called to a
larger mission than he had imagined when he and Silas
had set forth from the Syrian city, and he only
(28:11):
waited a few months before entering upon another campaign. End
of Chapter eighteen
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