This commentary on the book of 1 and 2 Thessalonians provides pastors, Sunday school teachers, and students of Scripture with doctrinally sound interpretation that emphasizes the practical application of Bible truth. Working from the King James Version, John Phillips not only provides helpful commentary on the text, but also includes detailed outlines and numerous illustrations and quotations. Anyone wanting to explore the meaning of God’s Word in greater depth—for personal spiritual growth or as a resource for preaching and teaching—will welcome the guidance and insights of this respected series.
“Any position on the second coming of Christ that takes the edge off our expectancy and intrudes all kinds of prior events between the believer and the Rapture is a wrong position. The element of surprise is a key element in all New Testament teaching regarding the Rapture; hence, the repeated exhortations that we be watchful.” (1 Thessalonians 4:17–18)
“Saints and sinners will thus stand out in evident contrast—saints destined to be caught away from the coming wrath and sinners destined to be caught up in the maelstrom of coming wrath.” (1 Thessalonians 5:1–2)
“The word bound here means ‘to be under obligation.’ It is used of a man who is in debt and who has to pay what he owes.” (2 Thessalonians 1:3a)
“First, there has to be ‘a falling away.’ The word used is apostasia” (2 Thessalonians 2:3a)
“The word coming here is parousia, about which Paul has already written to the Thessalonians. As we have seen, it refers to the period between the Rapture and the final return of Christ. It refers to the time when the church will be with the Lord in the air, appearing at the judgment seat of Christ and participating in the marriage supper of the Lamb. The root meaning of the word is ‘to be near.’ It refers to the Lord’s physical presence. The word is used in a variety of ways in the New Testament, but its basic meaning is simply ‘presence.’ When it is translated ‘coming,’ it denotes the actual presence of the person who comes.” (2 Thessalonians 2:1–2a)