As recent converts to Christianity, the Thessalonian church lacked a full understanding of the faith and suffered severe persecution. Could the fledgling believers withstand the antagonistic social climate? First Thessalonians reminds us that faithful leaders, good teaching, and obedience help believers remain firm in their faith. The letter presents a clear vision of God as powerfully active i…
1Por lo demás, hermanos, os rogamos y exhortamos en el Señor Jesús, que de la manera que aprendisteis de nosotros cómo os conviene conduciros y agradar a Dios, así abundéis más y más.
2Porque ya sabéis qué instrucciones os dimos por el Señor Jesús;
3pues la voluntad de Dios es vuestra santificación; que os apartéis de fornicación;
4que cada uno de vosotros sepa tener su propia esposa en santidad y honor;
5no en pasión de concupiscencia, como los gentiles que no conocen a Dios;
6que ninguno agravie ni engañe en nada a su hermano; porque el Señor es vengador de todo esto, como ya os hemos dicho y testificado.
7Pues no nos ha llamado Dios a inmundicia, sino a santificación.
8Así que, el que desecha esto, no desecha a hombre, sino a Dios, que también nos dio su Espíritu Santo.
9Pero acerca del amor fraternal no tenéis necesidad de que os escriba, porque vosotros mismos habéis aprendido de Dios que os améis unos a otros;
10y también lo hacéis así con todos los hermanos que están por toda Macedonia. Pero os rogamos, hermanos, que abundéis en ello más y más;
11y que procuréis tener tranquilidad, y ocuparos en vuestros negocios, y trabajar con vuestras manos de la manera que os hemos mandado,
12a fin de que os conduzcáis honradamente para con los de afuera, y no tengáis necesidad de nada.
13Tampoco queremos, hermanos, que ignoréis acerca de los que duermen, para que no os entristezcáis como los otros que no tienen esperanza.
14Porque si creemos que Jesús murió y resucitó, así también traerá Dios con Jesús a los que durmieron en él.
15Por lo cual os decimos esto en palabra del Señor: que nosotros que vivimos, que habremos quedado hasta la venida del Señor, no precederemos a los que durmieron.
16Porque el Señor mismo con voz de mando, con voz de arcángel, y con trompeta de Dios, descenderá del cielo; y los muertos en Cristo resucitarán primero.
17Luego nosotros los que vivimos, los que hayamos quedado, seremos arrebatados juntamente con ellos en las nubes para recibir al Señor en el aire, y así estaremos siempre con el Señor.
18Por tanto, alentaos los unos a los otros con estas palabras.
TYNDALE OPEN STUDY NOTES
I
Versículo 1
I. 4:1–5:22 The second part of the body of the letter concerns Timothy’s news about the church and t…
4:1–5:22 The second part of the body of the letter concerns Timothy’s news about the church and the questions the believers had for Paul. Paul addresses the problem of sexual immorality (4:3-8) before responding to the Thessalonians’ questions about love for other Christians (4:9-12), the destiny of believers who have died (4:13-18), and the timing of the day of the Lord (5:1-11). Paul takes up a variety of exhortations on topics such as leadership and community relations (5:12-15), relationship with the Lord (5:16-18), and prophecy (5:19-22).
4:1-2 we urge you: Paul’s exhortation in the name of the Lord Jesus emphasizes the authority of his teaching. • you remember what we taught: Ancient letters frequently included reminders of what the recipients already knew. Paul reminds the Thessalonians of matters that required their obedience (4:11; 2 Thes 3:4, 6, 10, 12).
II
Versículo 3
II. 4:3 God’s will is for you to be holy: The foundation of Christian ethics is not philosophical spe…
4:3 God’s will is for you to be holy: The foundation of Christian ethics is not philosophical speculation about virtue but doing God’s will (Rom 12:1-2; Eph 6:6; Heb 10:36; 13:20-21). Holiness (1 Thes 4:4, 7) embraces all of a person’s life (5:23); here it involves staying away from sexual sin (Greek porneia, any sexual union outside marriage).
III
Versículo 4
III. 4:4 will control his own body: Self-control brings honor from others (Rom 12:10) and from God (Ro…
4:4 will control his own body: Self-control brings honor from others (Rom 12:10) and from God (Rom 2:7; 1 Pet 5:4, 6).
IV
Versículo 5
IV. 4:5 Willful ignorance of God and his ways is the root of moral corruption (Rom 1:18-32; Eph 4:17-…
4:5 Willful ignorance of God and his ways is the root of moral corruption (Rom 1:18-32; Eph 4:17-18). • lustful passion: Sexual immorality was often tolerated in the Mediterranean world. Prostitution was allowed, but sexual relations with another man’s wife were prohibited. Roman marriage customs barred women, but not men, from extramarital affairs. By contrast, Jewish and Christian authors alike prohibited all sexual involvement outside of marriage (Acts 15:20; 1 Cor 6:12-20; Col 3:5-6).
V
Versículo 7
V. 4:7 holy . . . not impure: Cp. 1:4; 2:12; 5:23-24; 2 Thes 2:13-14; 1 Pet 1:15-16.
4:7 holy . . . not impure: Cp. 1:4; 2:12; 5:23-24; 2 Thes 2:13-14; 1 Pet 1:15-16.
VI
Versículo 8
VI. 4:8 Rejecting Paul’s teaching on these matters was the same as rejecting God. • The Holy Spirit e…
4:8 Rejecting Paul’s teaching on these matters was the same as rejecting God. • The Holy Spirit empowers Christians to live in accord with God’s will (Ezek 36:27; Rom 8:1-4; Gal 5:16; 1 Jn 3:24).
VII
Versículo 9
VII. 4:9–5:11 Paul responds to a series of questions from the Thessalonians (cp. 1 Cor 7:1) concerning…
4:9–5:11 Paul responds to a series of questions from the Thessalonians (cp. 1 Cor 7:1) concerning love for one another (1 Thes 4:9-12), the destiny of deceased believers (4:13-18), and when the day of the Lord would come (5:1-11).
4:9 God himself has taught you to love one another (cp. Isa 54:13) through the teaching of Jesus (John 13:34-35), the cross (Rom 5:8; Eph 5:1-2), and the Holy Spirit (Rom 5:5; Gal 5:22).
VIII
Versículo 10
VIII. 4:10 The Thessalonian believers demonstrated love toward all the believers in the province of Mac…
4:10 The Thessalonian believers demonstrated love toward all the believers in the province of Macedonia (Philippi and Berea; see also 1:7-8) through economic aid (cp. 2 Cor 8:1-5).
IX
Versículo 11
IX. 4:11 To live a quiet life is to be respectable and not cause problems in the community. • working…
4:11 To live a quiet life is to be respectable and not cause problems in the community. • working with your hands: Paul had previously instructed through his teaching (see 2 Thes 3:10) and personal example (2 Thes 3:7-9) that they should earn their own living.
X
Versículo 12
X. 4:12 Self-sufficiency and decorum would win the recognition and respect of people who are not bel…
4:12 Self-sufficiency and decorum would win the recognition and respect of people who are not believers (see Rom 13:13; 1 Cor 5:12-13; Col 4:5).
XI
Versículo 13
XI. 4:13 the believers who have died (literally those who have fallen asleep; also in 4:14): Sleep wa…
4:13 the believers who have died (literally those who have fallen asleep; also in 4:14): Sleep was a common euphemism for death in Greek, Jewish, and Christian literature (Dan 12:2; Matt 27:52). Personal existence continues after death (Luke 23:40-43; Acts 7:55-60; 2 Cor 5:6-10; Phil 1:20-24; Rev 6:9-11); those who have died await the resurrection (1 Cor 15:23). • grieve like people who have no hope: Ancient letters of comfort exhorted mourners not to be overcome with grief because they could do nothing to avert death. Paul does not prohibit grief (cp. John 16:6, 20; Phil 2:27) but calls Christian mourners to abandon the kind of grief typical of those who have no hope in God.
XII
Versículo 14
XII. 4:14 The central Christian creed, that Jesus died and was raised to life again, is the foundation…
4:14 The central Christian creed, that Jesus died and was raised to life again, is the foundation for hope in the face of death, guaranteed by the resurrection of Christ (1 Cor 15). • God will bring back refers to the resurrection of believers (1 Thes 4:16).
XIII
Versículo 15
XIII. 4:15 directly from the Lord: Jesus’ own teaching provided the source of Paul’s assurance for the …
4:15 directly from the Lord: Jesus’ own teaching provided the source of Paul’s assurance for the Thessalonians (see Matt 24:29-31, 40-41) • not . . . ahead: Paul wants the Thessalonians to know that, when the Lord returns, the dead will not be at a disadvantage but will participate equally in the resurrection. • In referring to Jesus’ coming, Paul uses a Greek term (parousia) commonly used to describe the coming of the emperor to a city with great pomp and celebration (see 1 Thes 4:17).
XIV
Versículo 16
XIV. 4:16 with the trumpet call of God: God’s trumpet will herald the resurrection, just as it previou…
4:16 with the trumpet call of God: God’s trumpet will herald the resurrection, just as it previously announced the rescue of Israel (Zeph 1:16; Zech 9:14). In the future it will announce the gathering of God’s chosen people from the “farthest ends of the earth and heaven” (Matt 24:31; cp. 1 Cor 15:52).
XV
Versículo 17
XV. 4:17 to meet: This alludes to the custom of sending an official delegation to greet a visiting di…
4:17 to meet: This alludes to the custom of sending an official delegation to greet a visiting dignitary and accompany him as he enters the city (Matt 25:6, 10; Acts 28:15-16).
16
Versículo 18
16. 4:18 The purpose of Paul’s teaching about the end is so believers will encourage each other in th…
4:18 The purpose of Paul’s teaching about the end is so believers will encourage each other in the face of death. He is not promoting speculation about the end times.
Nuevo Testamento
1 Thessalonians — Capítulo 4
As recent converts to Christianity, the Thessalonian church lacked a full understanding of the faith and suffered severe persecution. Could the fledgling believers withstand the antagonistic social climate? First Thessalonians reminds us that faithful leaders, good teaching, and obedience help believers remain firm in their faith. The letter presents a clear vision of God as powerfully active i…
Texto — Reina-Valera 1960
1Por lo demás, hermanos, os rogamos y exhortamos en el Señor Jesús, que de la manera que aprendisteis de nosotros cómo os conviene conduciros y agradar a Dios, así abundéis más y más.
2Porque ya sabéis qué instrucciones os dimos por el Señor Jesús;
3pues la voluntad de Dios es vuestra santificación; que os apartéis de fornicación;
4que cada uno de vosotros sepa tener su propia esposa en santidad y honor;
5no en pasión de concupiscencia, como los gentiles que no conocen a Dios;
6que ninguno agravie ni engañe en nada a su hermano; porque el Señor es vengador de todo esto, como ya os hemos dicho y testificado.
7Pues no nos ha llamado Dios a inmundicia, sino a santificación.
8Así que, el que desecha esto, no desecha a hombre, sino a Dios, que también nos dio su Espíritu Santo.
9Pero acerca del amor fraternal no tenéis necesidad de que os escriba, porque vosotros mismos habéis aprendido de Dios que os améis unos a otros;
10y también lo hacéis así con todos los hermanos que están por toda Macedonia. Pero os rogamos, hermanos, que abundéis en ello más y más;
11y que procuréis tener tranquilidad, y ocuparos en vuestros negocios, y trabajar con vuestras manos de la manera que os hemos mandado,
12a fin de que os conduzcáis honradamente para con los de afuera, y no tengáis necesidad de nada.
13Tampoco queremos, hermanos, que ignoréis acerca de los que duermen, para que no os entristezcáis como los otros que no tienen esperanza.
14Porque si creemos que Jesús murió y resucitó, así también traerá Dios con Jesús a los que durmieron en él.
15Por lo cual os decimos esto en palabra del Señor: que nosotros que vivimos, que habremos quedado hasta la venida del Señor, no precederemos a los que durmieron.
16Porque el Señor mismo con voz de mando, con voz de arcángel, y con trompeta de Dios, descenderá del cielo; y los muertos en Cristo resucitarán primero.
17Luego nosotros los que vivimos, los que hayamos quedado, seremos arrebatados juntamente con ellos en las nubes para recibir al Señor en el aire, y así estaremos siempre con el Señor.
18Por tanto, alentaos los unos a los otros con estas palabras.
TYNDALE OPEN STUDY NOTES
Versículo 1
I. 4:1–5:22 The second part of the body of the letter concerns Timothy’s news about the church and t…
Versículo 3
II. 4:3 God’s will is for you to be holy: The foundation of Christian ethics is not philosophical spe…
Versículo 4
III. 4:4 will control his own body: Self-control brings honor from others (Rom 12:10) and from God (Ro…
Versículo 5
IV. 4:5 Willful ignorance of God and his ways is the root of moral corruption (Rom 1:18-32; Eph 4:17-…
Versículo 7
V. 4:7 holy . . . not impure: Cp. 1:4; 2:12; 5:23-24; 2 Thes 2:13-14; 1 Pet 1:15-16.
Versículo 8
VI. 4:8 Rejecting Paul’s teaching on these matters was the same as rejecting God. • The Holy Spirit e…
Versículo 9
VII. 4:9–5:11 Paul responds to a series of questions from the Thessalonians (cp. 1 Cor 7:1) concerning…
Versículo 10
VIII. 4:10 The Thessalonian believers demonstrated love toward all the believers in the province of Mac…
Versículo 11
IX. 4:11 To live a quiet life is to be respectable and not cause problems in the community. • working…
Versículo 12
X. 4:12 Self-sufficiency and decorum would win the recognition and respect of people who are not bel…
Versículo 13
XI. 4:13 the believers who have died (literally those who have fallen asleep; also in 4:14): Sleep wa…
Versículo 14
XII. 4:14 The central Christian creed, that Jesus died and was raised to life again, is the foundation…
Versículo 15
XIII. 4:15 directly from the Lord: Jesus’ own teaching provided the source of Paul’s assurance for the …
Versículo 16
XIV. 4:16 with the trumpet call of God: God’s trumpet will herald the resurrection, just as it previou…
Versículo 17
XV. 4:17 to meet: This alludes to the custom of sending an official delegation to greet a visiting di…
Versículo 18
16. 4:18 The purpose of Paul’s teaching about the end is so believers will encourage each other in th…