In Week 4, we will cover the rest of the book of Acts and then read the two letters to the church in Thessalonica.  In Acts 16–28, Paul travels to new regions, guided by the Holy Spirit. He preaches in cities like Philippi, Thessalonica, and Athens, facing persecution, imprisonment, and even shipwreck, but remains faithful in spreading the message of Jesus. In Rome, he continues to teach, despite being under house arrest.

The letters to the church in Thessalonica are widely accepted as Paul's first letters.  In 1 Thessalonians, Paul writes to the church to encourage their faith. He reminds them to live holy lives, stay hopeful, and expect Jesus' return. He praises their faithfulness and encourages them to support one another. In 2 Thessalonians, Paul addresses confusion about Jesus' second coming. He reassures the church that Christ will return, but warns against idleness and encourages believers to keep working hard and living faithfully while they wait. The themes emphasize perseverance, faithfulness, and the hope of Christ’s return.

Let's enter into our rhythm of LEARN, READ, INTERACT.

From How to Read the Bible through the Jesus Lens, Michael Williams makes these points about Acts:

Phrase: Witness
Theme: God expands and empowers his church through his Spirit.
Christ-focus: The Spirit of the risen Christ empowers witnesses about him.
Implications: Let the Spirit of the risen Christ empower our witness to the gospel (2 Timothy 1:7-8).
Questions: When was the last time you told someone the good news of salvation in Christ?  Is the effectiveness of your witness of Christ ultimately up to you?

From How to Read the Bible through the Jesus Lens, Michael Williams makes these points about 1 & 2 Thessalonians:

Phrase: Fruitfulness
Theme: God empowers productive, godly lives as believers wait for the Lord's return.
Christ-focus: Jesus is the source of our fruitfulness (John 15:4).
Implications: Let us pray that God will cause our efforts in his name to bear fruit for the kingdom (2 Thess. 1:11).
Questions: Are you a productive, fruitful Christian?  How do you measure fruitfulness?  What could you do to become more fruitful?

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