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Understanding Paul's Perspective on Slavery and Eschatology in Thessalonians

This exploration delves into the complexities of slavery in the Greco-Roman world through the lens of Paul's letters to the Thessalonians. It discusses why Paul does not condemn slavery, highlighting its differing circumstances, including societal norms and economic statuses. The text also examines themes of sexual purity, the coming of Christ, and eschatological expectations, especially in the context of the “Day of the Lord.” The significance of Jewish eschatology and its implications for early Christian communities is presented, particularly in addressing misunderstandings about life after death and the second coming of Christ.

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Understanding Paul's Perspective on Slavery and Eschatology in Thessalonians

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  1. New Testament BCM 103Dr. Dave MathewsonGordon College/Denver Seminary

  2. Why does Paul not condemn slavery? • Slavery in the Greco-Roman world • not racial, more a territory had been conquered, or bankruptcy • Circumstances of slavery: not always cruel (mines were other situations were not) • Ubiquitous nature of slavery—futile, counter-productive and damaging to speak against slavery, cf. Jewish writing • The spread of the Gospel, equality and unity that would create environment slavery would wilt and die

  3. Thessalonika

  4. 1 Thessalonians • Chaps. 1-3: Paul praises the readers • Chaps. 4-5: Paul does have some further instruction See 3:13 • Sexual purity • The coming of Christ. Note that each chap. ends with a key reference to the 2nd coming of Christ (1:10; 2:19; 3:13) • Chapter 4:13ff Jewish Eschatology and end times

  5. Jewish Eschatology ____________ _________ __________ Present age Eschatological New Age woes When does the “not yet” occur?

  6. The Tribulation Pretrib _________________ __________ _________ the Tribulation New Heaven and New Earth Midtrib _________________ ____ ____ _________ the Tribulation New Heaven and New Earth Posttrib _______the Tribulation___________ _________ Cf. Matthew 24  1 Thess. 4:15 This is the word of the Lord [parallels]

  7. 1 Thessalonians • What problem was Paul addressing? • Why does he have to remind them? • Is it possible when he was there in Acts 17 and he taught them about Christ’s coming and the Day of theLord • Between time he was there and he was writing letter some had died… they wondered if they [dead] were going to miss out when Christ returns

  8. 2 Thessalonians • Why another letter to the Thessalonians? • They reacted opposite extreme: they are in the Day of the Lord • Day of the Lord=end; when God would return judging evil and rewarding his people) • Paul’s response: Day of the Lord had not come because certain things have not yet happened

  9. 2 Thessalonians • 2:2-12 – Key Section—why they’re not in the D of L • The Rebellion? • The Man of lawlessness? • The restrainer which must be taken away?

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