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These verses are a continuation of the ‘diary’ begun in 2:1, and further develop the story of how Paul, Silvanus and Timothy conducted themselves among the Thessalonians. Having dealt with ‘being bearers of the word’ in the previous sermon, I am choosing here to focus on verse 13: “when you received the word of God … Continue reading “1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 Commentary by Holly Hearon”

“Paul … found a Jew named Aquila … with his wife Priscilla … Paul went to see them, and, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them, and they worked together — by trade they were tentmakers (Acts 18:1–3).” Paul was not one to shy away from a hard day’s work. Numerous … Continue reading “1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 Commentary by Amy L.B. Peeler”

For additional lectionary resources on the assigned texts for Reformation Sunday, please see the Craft of Preaching articles. Paul emphasizes his own ministry among the Thessalonians, although his ministry to them is to be a paradigm for their ministry to one another. As he notes in the opening of the letter, “you became imitators of … Continue reading “1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 Commentary by Richard Ascough”

In chapter 2 of 1 Thessalonians, Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy remind the community of the time they spent in their midst. Building on the theme of God’s word, I will explore the phrase “being bearers of God’s word.” I think it is helpful to press the point that Paul is not working alone here; he … Continue reading “1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 Commentary by Holly Hearon”

Paul highlights two events in the experience of the Thessalonians that advanced the gospel: the apostles’ trust in the work of the gospel despite his poor treatment in Philippi and his tender care for the Thessalonians despite his “right” to support as an apostle. These two events can only be understood by looking at other … Continue reading “1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 Commentary by Michael Joseph Brown”

The opening of any letter sets the tone for the remainder of the letter. When we write a letter of complaint, we generally do not begin with warm, fuzzy greetings. Likewise, a letter making a formal request will not generally begin with informal salutations. Such practices were also the case in antiquity, where the form … Continue reading “1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 Commentary by Richard Ascough”

This is the first of four weeks dedicated to 1 Thessalonians. The way in which the lectionary has divided up the letter presents a challenge to the preacher: the texts for the first three weeks really belong to a single extended passage describing Paul’s time with the Thessalonians, while the fourth week takes an apocalyptic … Continue reading “1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 Commentary by Holly Hearon”

If anything, this letter is about relationship and imitation. Paul makes this clear from the beginning. He says, “And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for in spite of persecution you received the word with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit” (1:6). The apostle reminds us indirectly that human beings can only … Continue reading “1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 Commentary by Michael Joseph Brown”

The Letter to the Colossians combines large segments of theological/doctrinal and practical/ethical materials. At times, however, it is nearly impossible to determine which kind of issue one is dealing with. The passage for this first Sunday after Christmas has the flavor of both theological and ethical concerns. Interpreters in general, however, regard these verses as … Continue reading “Colossians 3:12-17 Commentary by Marion L. Soards”

The celebration of the Incarnation can support the life of the church all year long. The text for Christmas day, Hebrews 1, and the letter to the Colossians, which provides the first text for Christmas season, display a strikingly similar Christology. Both assert Jesus’ role in creating and sustaining all things, and both declare that … Continue reading “Colossians 3:12-17 Commentary by Amy L.B. Peeler”