The Message of Thessalonians: Preparing for the Coming King: Study Guide

The Bible Speaks Today: New Testament

by John R.W. Stott

How can two brief letters to a church in first-century Macedonia speak to us todayJohn Stott believes that Paul's letters to the Christians in Thessalonica offer three main guidelines to churches at the beginning of the twenty-first century; a model for ministry, as Paul's self-giving, prayerful love for the church challenges Christian leaders; a vision for the local church, as the apostle touches on evangelism, pastoral care, ethical standards, fellowship, worship, obedience and future hope; an affirmation of our faith, as he repeatedly returns to the foundation facts that 'Christ has died, Christ is risen, and Christ will come again.'Characterised by John Stott's customary clarity and perception, this exposition illuminates aspects of Christian life and service that are at the heart of God's purposes for this people today.

Genres: Christian, Biblical Studies, Nonfiction, Christianity, Reference, Theology, New Testament

224 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1990

About the author

John R. W. Stott is known worldwide as a preacher, evangelist, and communicator of Scripture. For many years he served as rector of All Souls Church in London, where he carried out an effective urban pastoral ministry. A leader among evangelicals in Britain, the United States and around the world, Stott was a principal framer of the landmark Lausanne Covenant (1974). His many books, including Why I Am a Christian and The Cross of Christ, have sold millions of copies around the world and in dozens of languages. Whether in the West or in the Two-Thirds World, a hallmark of Stott's ministry has been expository preaching that addresses the hearts and minds of contemporary men and women. Stott was honored by Time magazine in 2005 as one of the "100 Most Influential People in the World."

Reviews

[Peter Krol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good.

2017 update: read again while studying the Thessalonian epistles. Upgraded to 5 stars. Top notch commentating here, folks.

[Bill Forgeard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolute gold, as usual. Maybe it's my context, my style of preaching, or some other factor, but I find John Stott's commentaries are consistently the most helpful commentaries I consult.

[C.S. Wachter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource to tie into my morning devotional as I followed along with a series on 1st and 2nd Thessalonians with my church.

[Abigail Hartman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great entry in the BST series! (Admittedly, before picking up this one I tried to get into the entry for Malachi and was startled to find I really disliked the approach and wasn't able to finish. It was pleasant to turn to Stott's measured treatment of Paul's Thessalonian letters.) One of the major elements of Paul's teaching in these two New Testament books is instruction as to the "last days," and I would have appreciated a deeper discussion here of the connections to Old Testament prophecy (especially Daniel) and to other passages of the New Testament; it's not that Stott doesn't point out the connections, but he doesn't engage in sustained analysis of their implications, given how short this book is. In the end I'm not sure I agree with his conclusions about the series of events to take place before the Parousia. That said, Stott's approach is to emphasize how believers should live in the community of the church as we await Christ's return to set things right and reveal His kingdom; he isn't trying to set out a timetable, but rather to encourage readers to remain steadfast and rooted in the gospel word of the Lord. So wherever I might disagree with him on particulars, I still appreciate Stott's heart for the church and the obvious wisdom with which he speaks. He continually comes back -- like Paul -- to the grace and faithfulness of God, which makes this a deeply encouraging and uplifting little book.

[Zachary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent deep dive into 1 and 2 Thessalonians. I read this devotionally, taking my time to work through the book and meditate on Stott's thoughts about it. Highly recommend!

[David Sarkies · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stott delivers a great exposition of a difficult book
23 May 2010

John Stott is a very good, and level headed, expositor of the Bible, and that is one of the reasons that I was attracted to this commentary, not to mention that the two letters to the Thessalonians deal with the difficult issues of the end times and the Anti-christ, which is why it is good to see what somebody like John Stott has to say about the topic.
As a bit of a background, the two letters to the Thessalonians were written by the Apostle Paul around 57 AD after he left the city where he was hounded out by the judaizers. At the time Nero was emperor and the church was still quite young. As Paul was forced to leave the city, there were a lot of things that he wanted to teach them, and a lot of these things the Thessalonians wanted to know, therefore he wrote to them regarding these topics which have been preserved for us to this day.
First thing I wish to discuss is the end-times and the Anti-christ. Stott deals with these topics in a way that is understandable and comforting. In regards to the end-times, they will happen and Jesus will return. Obviously this is something that we rely on faith, however these events will happen and we need to be prepared. 'What about those who have died?' the Thessalonians asked. Paul explained that they have not been left behind, but rather are sleeping, awaiting that day when Jesus returns in his glory to be brought up to be with him, and those of us still alive will be caught up with him as well. However, one of the problems that the Thessalonians faced was that a number of them stopped working in anticipation for the second coming. Obviously this isn't something that we face today because, 2000 years after, we are still waiting, and to many of us the urgency of the second coming is no longer around. Time has ceased to be immediate and has become: it will happen sometime, but not yet. Obviously this is something we need to move away from in the same way that the Thessalonians needed to return to work and continue to work in anticipation. This is another of the many passages which emphasis the importance of work and that those who will not work (as opposed to cannot work) should not participate in the bounties that are produced by other people's hard work. As Paul says - if they do not work they do not eat.
Now for the Anti-christ. There have been many Anti-christs throughout history, and there are many floating around today. What Paul is talking about here is not the small 'a' anti-christ, but the Anti-christ - the man of lawlessness who will lead the great rebellion against God. This anti-christ has not yet been revealed, and it is dangerous to speculate who this person might be. One key indicator is that he will be universally loved, another indicator is that he will perform miracles, but most importantly, he will lead people away from God. Personally, I find it disrespectful to refer to world leaders whom we do no like (such as Obama or George Bush) as the Anti-christ. It is clear that they are not, and throughout history people have pointed at a suitably powerful, and corrupt, individual and said 'he is the Anti-christ'. They said that about the Popes and about Martin Luther.
What we can know is that this individual will arise sometime. It is important to note that it does not seem to be a reference to Nero (who ruled at the time) despite the fact that Nero was a cruel and vicious ruler. One needs to consider that when the Christians underwent the Neronian persecution, the one thought on their mind was likely to be - it's only going to get worse.
Looking at the internet and the references to the coming one world government and the era of global enslavement does not worry me in the sense that these things must happen, and when they do, it is only an indication that the end is coming and that Christ will reveal himself to us soon.

[Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is classic Stott -- scholarly aware but relentlessly pastoral. This BST is my favorite series.

Stott's was the most helpful commentary I found for teaching and preaching. Also decent was Leon Morris (1991 - in the excellent NICNT series -- more technical than Stott); Leon Morris' earlier work in the shorter Tyndale series (1956); and the Ancient Christian Commentary (2000 - more novelty than practical help), vol. IX.

[Jeffrey Hupf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stott is my number one friend for teaching Thessalonians at Church.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading the book to prepare for a teaching series. What I was finding is that other works were referencing this book, so I kinda had to get this one too. I am glad I did. Not too technical, but not to devotional either.

There were so many takeaways from this book. Here are a few of my favorites.

"It is still correct to say that every church has two homes, two environments, two habitats. It lives in God, and it lives in the world."

In refernece to modern day idolatry...

"And the more sophisticated idols (that is, God substitutes) of modern secular cities are equally powerful. Some people are eaten up with a selfish ambition for money, power, or fame. Others are obsessed with their work, or with sport or television, or are infatuated with a person, or addicted to food, alcohol, hard drugs, or sex."

In reference to end times events...

"It tells us that the downward slippery path begins with a love for evil, and then leads successively to a rejection of the truth, the deception of the devil, a judicial Hardning by God, and final condemnation. The only way to be protected from being deceived is to love goodness and truth."


The authors give insight into Paul's letters to 1 and 2 Thessalonians from two perspectives. First, he explains the author's original intent regarding the specific struggles faced by the people in Thessalonica. Second, he shows how those struggles still exist in the church today as we live in between the two advents of Jesus.

[Ryan Hawkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this because I recently taught through 1 Thessalonians in a Bible study at my church. This is my second BST commentary I’ve read through and I really enjoyed it once again. Stott is excellent at explaining and applying the text.

The only reason I give it 4 stars is because a few times I thought he tried too hard to give certain structures to passages, and doing so I think made him gloss over the meaning a bit. Now, that’s somewhat understandable in a commentary that’s meant to give more of an overview (since it’s only 200 pages). And yet, if he just went verse by verse more (which is more similar to the Tyndale style), I think it would’ve been clearer in these sections.

That being said, still an excellent commentary. Stott is always clear and applicable. Moreover, he rightly emphasizes the glory of Christ, the necessity of obedience, the beauty of our hope, and the importance of the Bible all throughout. I recommend for anyone studying 1 and/or 2 Thessalonians.

[Mike E. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not technical but written with expert scholarly awareness. In places, other commentaries are better. Overall, Stott is the best.
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I used an older version, not certain it is identical with this edition.
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"The chief characteristic of Christian leaders, [Jesus] insisted, is humility not authority, and gentleness not power. Nevertheless, authentic servant leadership still carries an element
of authority." (on 1 Thess. 5:12-28)

[Michael Philliber · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid commentary on 1 and 2 Thessalonians. Stott's annihilationism shows up briefly, but more as a side note and you could almost miss it if you're not paying attention. The analysis was good. Valuable for Bible teachers and preachers. And if you're just wanting to get into 1 and 2 Thessalonians for your own growth, this would be a handy resource to go along with your studies. It's worth the read.

[Kilby Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I honestly thought I would enjoy and glean from this commentary more than I did. Personally, I find commentary’s most useful when they expound upon specific verses, but in this resource Stott would simply exposit whole passages. This was surely biblical, but it didn’t help give me clarity on specific, difficult verses.

[Jack · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always enjoyed Stott. This commentary, while containing some technical aspects of Scripture, I think fits more into the category of a devotional commentary. A good read along with a study of Thessalonians.

[Phillip Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stott does a masterful job in his exposition of 1 & 2 Thessalonians and includes practical application for the believer.

[Meagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heavy, but a great tandem read as you are studying 1 and 2 Thessalonians. You may need to pause and ponder what you are reading as you wrestle with the truths presented.

[Andrzej Stelmasiak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stott is indispensable for preaching, period.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Classic Stott commentary written for pastors and lay people and contains primarily exposition and application for the church and believers today.

[Chad]

I'm not rating this because I only read 1 chapter, "The Rebellion of Antichrist (2 Thessalonians 2:1-17)." That chapter was helpful.

Notes on The Rebellion of Antichrist (2 Thessalonians 2:1-17)
2 Thess 2:3 says Jesus won't return until after "the rebellion" (apostasy) and the "man of lawlessness" Antichrist).

Antichrist setting himself up in God's temple (2 Thess 2:4) doesn't refer to a physical temple, but is symbolic of his arrogance and blasphemy against God.

Antichrist's godlessness and lawlessness will go beyond a denial of these basic authorities [God and law] to a demand that worship and obedience be given to him alone. Not anarchy, but totalitarianism is his goal.

Antiochus Epiphanes was "abomination that causes desolation" and "king of the North" prophesied by Daniel 8-11. He became a prototype of Antichrist.

Jews considered Roman general Pompey, who in 63 BC captured Jerusalem and desecrated temple, another example of the "abomination of desolation."

Jesus taught that another "abomination" was coming (Mark 13:14; cf. Matt 24:15-16). He probably referred to Jewish war of AD 66-70; Luke understood "abomination" as referring to Roman siege of Jerusalem (Luke 21:20-24). Temple was profaned by Jewish zealots then Roman army in AD 70.

2 beasts of Revelation 13 represent Roman Empire under Domitian. Beast from sea represents its persecuting power. Beast from earth (false prophet) represents emperor cult."…the biblical prediction of the Antichrist may during the course of church history have had (and still have) multiple fulfillments, and that we would be unwise to look for only one in such a way as to pronounce all the others false." See 1 John 2:18, 22; 4:3; 2 John 7.

… all these [religious and political leaders that have opposed Christianity], together with other evil leaders down the centuries, have been forerunners or anticipations of the final 'man of lawlessness', an eschatological yet historical person, the decisive manifestation of lawlessness and godlessness, the leader of he ultimate rebellion, the precursor of and signal for the Parousia [Christ's return].

Paul calls Antichrist's rebellion "apostasia" (2 Thess 2:3) meaning military revole or political defection. Septuagint uses word for religious apostasy (rebellion against God). Presumably Antichrist's revolt will be against God and law and will infiltrate and engulf the nominal church.

What holds back Antichrist (2 Thess 2:6) is probably the power of the state, with its law and order.

When governmental restraint is one day removed, "then secret subversion will become open rebellion under the unscrupulous leadership of the lawless one who will be revealed (8a). Then we can expect a period (mercifully short) of political, social and moral chaos, in which both Goad and Law are impudently flouted, until suddenly the Lord Jesus will come and overthrow him with the breath of his mount and destroy him by the splendor of his coming (8)."

That Antichrist's miracles will be counterfeit (2 Thess 2:9) probably means that they'll deceive, not that they'll be false.

[Sarah Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Our Bible study read this. It was a bit dry (read academic) and not big on application, never-the-less, this book packs insight and theological depth.

[Matt Chapman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful for preparing to teach from Thessalonians but also devotionally enjoyable.

[K M Farnum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enlightening commentary. Challenging and encouraging at the same time.

[Jon Anderson]

Journey Group Spring/Summer 2018