More on Assignment Four

Again, this is from my own personal journal:

1 Thessalonians - These people had only just become Christians, due to Paul's earlier visit, and yet were remaining faithful to the Lord despite opposition and persecution. Paul expresses joy, due to a visit by Timothy, that the church is standing firm in their faith. Paul expresses encouragement for their continued growth and warns that they must be alert.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 - "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."

2 Thessalonians - The parts of Paul's earlier letter, with regard to Christ's return, were misinterpreted by some of these young Christians. They took his coming as being imminent and had stopped working to wait. Paul's response, in this second letter, praises them, encourages them, and includes the following words at the end of his letter: "We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat. And as for you , brothers, never tire of doing what is right."