1 Thessalonians 1:10

and to await His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead--Jesus our deliverer from the coming wrath.

Study Bible

and to await His Son from heaven
This phrase emphasizes the anticipation of Christ's return, a central theme in early Christian eschatology. The Thessalonians were encouraged to live in expectation of Jesus' second coming, reflecting the teachings of Jesus in passages like Matthew 24:30-31. The concept of waiting for the Son from heaven underscores the belief in Jesus' divine origin and His promised return, as seen in Acts 1:11, where angels assure the disciples that Jesus will return in the same manner as He ascended.

whom He raised from the dead
This phrase affirms the resurrection of Jesus, a foundational doctrine of Christianity. The resurrection is a testament to God's power and serves as the cornerstone of Christian faith, as Paul elaborates in 1 Corinthians 15:14-17. The resurrection not only validates Jesus' divinity but also assures believers of their future resurrection and eternal life, as promised in Romans 6:5. The historical event of the resurrection is supported by multiple eyewitness accounts, as recorded in the Gospels and Acts.

Jesus our deliverer from the coming wrath
Here, Jesus is identified as the deliverer, highlighting His role in salvation. The "coming wrath" refers to God's judgment upon the world, a theme prevalent in both Old and New Testament prophecies, such as in Zephaniah 1:14-18 and Revelation 6:16-17. Jesus' deliverance is not only from eternal separation from God but also from the impending judgment, as He bore the wrath of God on the cross for humanity's sins (Isaiah 53:5). This deliverance is a fulfillment of God's promise of salvation through the Messiah, as foretold in passages like Isaiah 61:1-2.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus Christ
The central figure of Christianity, recognized as the Son of God, who was raised from the dead and is awaited by believers for His return.

2. Thessalonica
A city in Macedonia where Paul established a church. The Thessalonians were the recipients of this letter.

3. Paul the Apostle
The author of the letter, who wrote to encourage and instruct the Thessalonian believers.

4. The Coming Wrath
Refers to the future judgment of God upon the world, from which believers are delivered through Jesus.

5. Resurrection
The event of Jesus being raised from the dead, affirming His divinity and the hope of eternal life for believers.

Teaching Points

Hope in the Return of Christ
Believers are called to live with an expectant hope for Jesus' return, which should influence their daily lives and priorities.

Assurance of Deliverance
The resurrection of Jesus is the assurance of our deliverance from God's wrath, providing peace and confidence in our salvation.

Living in Light of Eternity
Understanding the reality of the coming wrath should motivate believers to live holy and godly lives, sharing the gospel with urgency.

Faith in the Resurrection
The resurrection is central to Christian faith, affirming Jesus' victory over death and the promise of eternal life for believers.

Encouragement in Persecution
The Thessalonians faced persecution, yet their hope in Christ's return provided strength and encouragement, a model for believers today.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the promise of Jesus' return influence your daily decisions and priorities?

2. In what ways can the assurance of deliverance from wrath provide peace in times of uncertainty or fear?

3. How does the resurrection of Jesus serve as a foundation for your faith and hope?

4. What practical steps can you take to live in light of eternity and share the gospel with others?

5. How can the example of the Thessalonians' faith and hope in persecution encourage you in your own challenges?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Acts 1:11
This verse speaks of Jesus' ascension and the promise of His return, which aligns with the Thessalonians' anticipation of His coming.

Romans 5:9
Discusses being saved from God's wrath through Jesus, paralleling the deliverance mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 1:10.

1 Corinthians 15:20-23
Talks about Christ's resurrection as the firstfruits, which is foundational to the hope expressed in 1 Thessalonians 1:10.

John 3:36
Contrasts belief in the Son with the wrath of God, emphasizing the deliverance available through faith in Jesus.

Revelation 3:10
Promises protection from the hour of trial, similar to the deliverance from wrath mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 1:10.