Family Chapel

While the disciples were supposed to be the pillars of the early church, upon Jesus' arrest and crucifixion, they ran away in hiding. However, later on, they are shown to be bold preachers and even courageous martyrs. What accounts for such a change? The only explanation is that the disciples saw the risen Christ.

The gospel accounts testify that women served as the first eyewitnesses to Jesus' resurrection, while the male disciples were cowering in fear. The fact that such an "embarrassing" detail was included suggests that it actually happened. Women were courageously the first ones to see the risen Christ.

Jesus' death and resurrection is not only attested to by Scripture, but there are also non-biblical sources that reference Jesus' death and resurrection. There is no event in ancient history that is more attested to, that has better and fuller evidence, that meets the criteria of historicity, than the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

After answering their questions and concerns, Paul concludes the letter by reminding them that being a faithful body of Christ is found in two main ways: relational love and commitment to one another and devoted, holy worship unto God. This is how a young, growing church will continue to thrive even in the midst of hardships and trouble.

Jesus' resurrection from the dead is attested to in the gospel accounts (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). Those gospel accounts bear the marks of historical accuracy because they cohere to the historical data. Therefore, we have confidence to believe that Jesus' resurrection as recorded in the gospel accounts actually happened.

The Day of the Lord is the day when Jesus returns to bring both judgment and salvation. Paul reassures the Thessalonians that while that Day will happen unexpectedly and that it will be inescapable, they have nothing to fear because they are safe in Christ. And so, in light of that coming Day, Christians are to maintain situational awareness by knowing what time it is and they are to exercise self-control by holding on to faith, love, and hope.

Death is a heartbreaking part of life in a fallen world and it stirs up grief. But for the Christian, grief is always accompanied by hope. Christians can grieve with hope because they look forward to a guaranteed resurrection that is secured by Jesus' resurrection, a joyful reunion with fellow believers, and an eternal relationship with Christ.

Death is a heartbreaking part of life in a fallen world and it stirs up grief. But for the Christian, grief is always accompanied by hope. Christians can grieve with hope because they look forward to a guaranteed resurrection that is secured by Jesus' resurrection, a joyful reunion with fellow believers, and an eternal relationship with Christ.

As the Apostle Paul continues to provide practical instructions, he now turns to the topic of how Christians are to love one another. Christians should love one another because we belong to God's family as brothers and sisters in Christ. Practically, such love refrains from playing the comparison game and also pursues responsibility in order to bless others. Loving one another in this way provides a powerful testimony of God's love to a watching world.

Paul provide some further instructions and exhortations for the Thessalonians to pursue further Christ-like character. He begins with a call to turn away from all sexual immorality and to pursue holiness. Paul notes the significance of the consequences of sexual immorality in that it deteriorates self, hurts others, and dishonors God. But in the end, there is both sanctification and power given by the Holy Spirit to pursue holiness.