Several decades after Jesus’ accession and promise of his return, many early Churches struggled with what they consider a delay in Christ's return. In waiting for the triumphant return, the Church found itself in a quandary. Conversely, they diligently worked to faithfully fulfill the evangelical command given by Jesus upon his departure, experiencing growth and expansion. Although, Jesus warned of the cost of following him (Luke 14:25-33), those who chose to accept that cost, found that the perceived delay in his return, in conjunction with the continuous threat of death, was taking a toll even amongst the most pious (1 and 2 Thessalonians). In the time leading up to and through the fall of Jerusalem in 70 A.D., the church was learning
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The Thessalonian epistles are some of the earliest letters written by Paul, 50-51 A.D. This early church community displayed a passionate hope in God and his promises as the awaited the return of Christ, however, constant and expanding persecution by the Romans began to present challenges for the young enthusiastic Christian community. In his letters to Thessalonica, Paul commends the community for the example they were setting for other church communities, “your faith in God has become known everywhere…They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead-- Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath” (1 Thess. 1:8-10). In verse 10 Paul uses the Greek word anameno to express how these believers were not only waiting but were “wait expectantly.” Biblical commentator James Draper describes it this way, “this word indicates that these Christians were excited about Jesus coming back again. This anticipation encouraged them amid persecution and pressure. Their dreams burst full and clear as they anxiously awaited Christ's return.” The word anameno suggests that the one who is waiting, must walk in a faith that is undergirded by hope and trust that the promises of God will be fulfilled. The waiting addressed in v. 10 is also that of idleness but of
The Thessalonian epistles are some of the earliest letters written by Paul, 50-51 A.D. This early church community displayed a passionate hope in God and his promises as the awaited the return of Christ, however, constant and expanding persecution by the Romans began to present challenges for the young enthusiastic Christian community. In his letters to Thessalonica, Paul commends the community for the example they were setting for other church communities, “your faith in God has become known everywhere…They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead-- Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath” (1 Thess. 1:8-10). In verse 10 Paul uses the Greek word anameno to express how these believers were not only waiting but were “wait expectantly.” Biblical commentator James Draper describes it this way, “this word indicates that these Christians were excited about Jesus coming back again. This anticipation encouraged them amid persecution and pressure. Their dreams burst full and clear as they anxiously awaited Christ's return.” The word anameno suggests that the one who is waiting, must walk in a faith that is undergirded by hope and trust that the promises of God will be fulfilled. The waiting addressed in v. 10 is also that of idleness but of