1-11% To the Apostle ‘‘the day of the Lord’? was near. He expected it in his lifetime, and if we remember that the Lord’s words with reference to it were in part fulfilled when Jerusalem fell, it is clear that his expectation was not altogether vain.

The suddenness of the Advent was the theme of Jesus’ reiterated assurances. See Matt. 24:38, 43; Luke 17:29, 30. The world spends its days in careless indifference (sleep), or in sensual enjoyment (drunkenness) ; but believers are bidden to be soldier-like in their attire and watchfulness. Ponder that wonderful word in v. 10. Together implies that Christians now living are closely united with those who have died. The state we call death, but which the Apostle calls sleep—because our Lord’s resurrection has robbed it of its terror —is as full of vitality as the life which we live day by day in this world. We live together, animated by the same purposes—they on that side and we on this. Whether here or there, life is ‘‘in him.’’ The closer we live to him, the nearer we are to them.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-28. The remainder of the chapter is filled with brief sentences of exhortation, like cablegrams from our Heavenly Captain to his soldiers, who, in the previous section, are described as wearing the breastplate of faith and love. As we endeavor to put them into practice, we become conscious of a new and divine energy entering and quickening our nature. It is the God of peace who is at work, co-operating with our poor endeavors and sanctifying us wholly.

Each soul has a ministry to others, v. 14. A sketch is here given of the ideal believer, vs. 16-22; full of joy, constant in prayer, giving thanks in everything, loving with the unquenched fire of the Holy Spirit, willing to listen to any voice that may bear a divine mes-

sage, testing all events and utterances with a celestial solvent, steadfast in good, and persistent against evil. This is a high standard, and impossible of realization apart from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. But when the inner shrine is truly surrendered to him, he will possess the whole temple, even to our physical wellbeing. God is faithful and will never fail the soul that dares to be all that he wills.

How had the church in Thessalonica been planted, and how had it prospered?

What does the Christian need, and how is the return of Christ an incentive to it?

For what was the city of Thessalonica distinguished? By what name is it known today?

When was the letter to the Thessalonians written? What is its position among the Pauline writings? How does the teaching of this Epistle compare with

(Each question applies to the paragraph of corresponding

How extensive was the influence of the Thessalonian Christians?

What had been the character of Paul’s ministry in Thessalonica?

How had the Thessalonians shared the experience of the Judean Christians?

To what does Paul refer as necessary to his very life?

What words of comfort does Paul give concerning those who are fallen asleep?

What are some of the practical commands with which the Epistle concludes?