Questions for Review

1. With respect to the chronology provided by Acts, when were these two letters penned and where was Paul at the time?
2. Discuss how the founding of the church in Thessalonica in Acts can be used to help us understand 1 and 2 Thessalonians.
3. From what we can see in 1 Thessalonians, what matter seems to have been troubling the Thessalonians the most with regard to the imminent return of Christ?
4. What appears to be the impetus for the writing of 2 Thessalonians?
5. What does Paul have to say about idleness in 2 Thessalonians?
6. Why do some scholars believe that 2 Thessalonians was actually written prior to 1 Thessalonians?
7. What is meant by Donfried’s designation of 1 Thessalonians as a “‘paracletic’ letter”?
8. How does Paul respond to the problem of believers who have died prior to the parousia?
9. According to the chapter, why is 1 Thessalonians 4:17 not a good proof-text for the theological tenet of the “rapture”?
10. Briefly discuss how “the man of lawlessness” is described in 1 Thessalonians.

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