The TL;DR Bible: First and Second Thessalonians

A while ago I had the idea to begin summarizing some of the epistles in the New Testament.  Today we're going to do 1st and 2nd Thessalonians.

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1st Thessalonians

Chapter 1

Hey guys, you are great – an example for everyone.

Chapter 2

You definitely treated us better than the folks at Philippi.  I mean honestly, you saw how we behaved among you.  Do we really deserve to be treated so badly?

Anyway, you guys listened to us and have born up under persecution.  Thank God for you guys.  I’d love to visit as circumstances allow.

Chapter 3

Timothy had nothing but good news when he reported back to us about you.  I pray that God preserves you.

Chapter 4

God wants you to grow in love and holiness.  So keep on improving.

Do not despair concerning your dead loved ones.  We'll see them all again when Christ comes in glory.

Chapter 5:

The day of Christ's return will come when people least expect it.  Therefore, let's remain vigilant and encourage one another in discipleship.

In the meantime; respect your bishop, admonish the lazy, encourage one another, never desire vengeance, and discern was is right and true.  Always do good, rejoice, pray, and give thanks.

Pray for us especially.  Farewell.

2nd Thessalonians

Chapter 1

Dear Thessalonians, I am delighted to hear that you are bearing up faithfully under persecution.  Don’t worry, God will eventually repay your persecutors.

Chapter 2

You may have heard that the end of the world is happening right now.  It isn’t.  That won't happen until the final agent of evil comes.  He will claim to be divine and will deceive those people who have refused to love God.  Then Jesus will come smite them all.

But that’s not you, because you are holding fast to the true faith.

Chapter 3

Please pray for our evangelistic efforts, just as we pray for your faithful endurance.

Lastly, I’ve heard that some in your community have purposefully chosen to abstain from work.  That’s not right.  Did we do that when we preached among you?  Nope.  We worked for our food.  Therefore don’t support these lazy bums.  Talk to them – correct them.  If they don’t listen, discontinue fellowship with him.

May the grace and peace of Jesus be with you.