Reading for October 30th

Read 2 Thessalonians 3.1-15. In 3.1-15: Commands and exhortations. Two sets of commands and encouragements to virtue (vv. 1-4 and 6-11) surround a prayer (v. 5). In verse 1: Finally, the last section of the letter. In verses 6-15: Commands and exhorations to the entire community (vv. 6-10) and to the offending figures in the congregation (vv. 11-12) precede a command on how to deal with disobedient (vv. 13-15). In verse 6: In idelness could also mean "in disorderliness." Apparently expecting the Lord to return very soon, some in the congregation stopped working. Comments or Questions..

Reading for October 29th

Read 2 Thessalonians 2.16-17. In 2.16-17: Another prayer. As in 1.11-12, this prayer anticipates sunsequent concerns, in this case God's role in strengthening the community (3.3) and "work" (3.8-12). In verse 17: Comfort your hearts, see Isa 51.12; 61.2. Comments or Questions..

Reading for October 28th

Read 2 Thessalonians 2.1-15 In 2.1-15: A refutation. False teaching about the day of the Lord is stated (vv. 1-2) and refuted (vv. 3-12). In contrast is thanksgiving for the different fate of believers (vv. 13-15), who hold on to the truth (v. 13). In verse 3: Lawless one, perhaps a false prophet or one of the emperors. In verses 6-7: The identity of the unknown one restraining the lawlss one is impossible to determine, but the conflict between the two belongs to what must occur before the day of the Lord. In verse 13: We must always give thanks, see 1.3. In verse 15: Stand firm: see 1 Thess 3.8. Comments or Questions..

Reading for October 27th

Read 2 Thessalonians 1.3-12. In 1.3-10: Perseverance and future vindication. This long sentence includes a thanksgiving (vv. 3-4) and commentary on affliction (vv. 5-10). In verses 3-4: The thanksgiving report relates the community's progress and steadfastness. In verse 4: Persecution ... afflictions, both mean suffering, but the first, external suffering, is more specfic. They may mean the woes of the end times; see Dan 12.1. In verses 5-10: These verses teach that suffering is a sign of being chosen and that those who suffer will be vindicated at the judgment. That day anticipates 2.1-12, which refutes those who think their recent afflictions mean that the "day of the Lord' has already appeared. In verses 7-10: Descriptions of God in the Hebrew Scritptures and other Jewish writings now apply to Jesus (see the angels in Zech 14.5: Enoch 1.9; flaming fire in Isa 66.15-16; glorified in Ps 89.7). In verses 11-12: A prayer. These verses are the letter's main teahing. Resolve, work of faith anticipate the refutations in 2.1-12 and 3.1-15. In verse 12: see Isaiah 66.5, but it is Jesus who will be glorified. Comments or Questions..

Reading for October 26th

Read 2 Thessalonians 1.1-2. In 1.1-2: Epistolary opening. The greeting is similar to 1 Thessalonians but longer. On Silvanus and Timothy, see 1 Thess 1.1 Comments or Questions..

Reading for October 25th

Read 2 Kings 25.27-30. In 25.27-30: The elevation of Jehoiachin. The year is around 562, so that there is a gap of about 25 years between the events described in these verses and those in the verses immediately preceding. This may indicate that these verses are a later addition. There prupose is not clear, but some have suggested that they subtly express the possibility that God may again restore the Davidic monarchy. In verses 27-28: Evil-merodach was Awil-Marduk. His reason for releasing Jehoiachin from prison is not made clear. In verses 29-30: Even though he remained a captive, probably until he died, Jehoiachin's status was enhanced and his life made more comfortable. Comments or Questions..

Reading for October 24th

Read 2 Kings 25.22-26. In 25:22-26: The rule and assassination of Gedaliah. In verse 22: The word governer does not actually appear in the Hebrew text. Gedaliah is not given any title. In verse 23: The admistrative capital was moved from Jerusalem to Mizpah. In verse 25: Perhaps because he was not a descendant of David, Gedaliah wwas regarded as an illegitimate ruler and was assassinated by members of the royal family. Comments or Questions..