Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up (harpazo: (Greek) (rapiemur: Latin Vulgate) together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.
– 1 Thessalonians 4:17 (NASB)
While Waiting Do This:
and do (v.15)
Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. – 1 Corinthians. 16:13 (NASB)
Tradition 1: Stick to the (2:15)
…they came to Thessalonica… And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures, – Acts 17:1-2 (KJV)
For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. – Hebrews 4:12 (NASB)
Pray for the and the (3:1)
Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with you; – 2 Thessalonians 3:1 (NASB)
True conversion is in (v.4)
(Jesus)he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away. – Matthew 13:21 (NIV)
(v.5) And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
– 2 Thessalonians 3:5 (KJV)
Tradition 2: Go to (v.6)
…every brother who is idle and… – 2 Thessalonians 3:6 (NIV)
In Thessalonica Paul worked not because he needed the but they needed the (v.9)
To the Philippians: …even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs.
– Philippians 4:16 (NASB)
The key word in v.10 is
(v.11)
We hear that some people in your group refuse to work (ergazomai). They do nothing but busy themselves in other people’s lives (periergazomai) – 2 Thessalonians 3:11 (NCV)
Busybodies: periergazomai – “To be working round about, instead of at one’s own business”
To be meddling with, or bustling about, other people’s matters (Vine’s)
Work and mind your (v.12)
Quietness: hesuchia – doing his own work, and does not officiously meddle with the affairs of others (Thayer’s)