Fellowship Bible Church - Mullica, Hill N.J.

Perseverance in Persecution Vs. 4-5

Can we identify with the persecution the Thessalonians were experiencing?

245 Million: In the top 50 World Watch List countries alone, 245 million Christians in the world experience high levels of persecution for their choice to follow Christ.1 in 9: Christians worldwide experience high levels of persecution14%: The rise in the number of Christians in the top 50 countries on the 2019 World Watch List (WWL) who experience high levels of persecution. (from the 2018 reporting period to 2019’s)

4,136: Christians killed for faith-related reasons in the top 50 WWL countries.
2,625: Christians detained without trial, arrested, sentenced and imprisoned in the top 50 WWL countries.

1,266: churches or Christian buildings attacked in the top 50 WWL countries.7 out of 9: In seven of the countries in the World Watch List’s top 10, the primary cause of persecution is Islamic oppression.11: countries scoring in the “extreme” level for their persecution of Christians. Five years ago, North Korea was the only one.18: Consecutive years North Korea has ranked No. 1 as the world’s most dangerous place for Christians.

Vs. 5 This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering—

“Endurance in trails does not make one worthy of heaven; one does not earn heaven by suffering. But endurance in trails does demonstrate one’s worthiness”
Thomas Constable

Christ’s Justice and Coming Judgement

#1. Those who do not know God.

#2. Those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.

Principles of Interpretation:

If the first sense makes sense, then seek no other sense least you come to nonsense.

Context determines meaning.

I could be wrong.

Christ is coming back at some future time and He is bringing his mighty angels with Him to avenge those who deserve it. Vs. 8

Since Paul’s goal is to encourage the Thessalonians, this seems to be something that will happen in their lifetime. Vs. 7

Vs. 10 makes it seem like the Thessalonians will be right there watching this happen.

From the near and far context we can conclude that this is not the Rapture.


1. The Rapture is imminent/sudden. The Second Coming of Christ has warning signs (see II Thess 2)

2. No judgement at the Rapture. All will be judged at the Second Coming of Christ.

3. Believers join Christ in the air at the Rapture, but they return to earth with Christ at the Second Coming. Rev. 19:14

4. These events appear to be separated by the Tribulation. Rev. 3:10, I Thess 5:9

“Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10