unfoldingWord® Translation Questions
v88
1 Thessalonians
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unfoldingWord® Translation Questions
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unfoldingWord® Translation Questions
Date: 2026-01-14
Version: v88
Published by: unfoldingWord®
unfoldingWord® Literal Text
Date: 2026-01-14
Version: v88
Published by: unfoldingWord®
unfoldingWord® Simplified Text
Date: 2026-01-14
Version: v88
Published by: unfoldingWord®
Table of Contents
1 Thessalonians
1 Thessalonians 1
1 Thessalonians 1:1
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 1:1ULT:
Paul and Silvanus and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace to you and peace.
UST:
{I,} Paul, {write this letter to you,} and Silas and Timothy {are with me}. {I send this letter} to {you,} the group of believers in the city of Thessalonica. God the Father has united you to himself and to the Lord Jesus the Messiah. {May God continue to be} kind to you and {make you} peaceful.
(There are no questions for this verse)
1 Thessalonians 1:2
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 1:2ULT:
We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention {of you} in our prayers continually,
UST:
We pray for you persistently. {When we do,} we consistently thank God for all of you.
(There are no questions for this verse)
1 Thessalonians 1:3
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 1:3ULT:
remembering your work of faith and labor of love and endurance of hope of our Lord Jesus Christ before our God and Father;
UST:
We thank our God and Father for what you do because you trust {in him}. {We thank him} for the way that you help people because you love {them}. {We thank him} for the way that you patiently endure because you confidently expect our Lord Jesus the Messiah {to come again}.
What does Paul always remember before God concerning the Thessalonians?
Paul remembers their work of faith, their labor of love, and their patience of hope.
1 Thessalonians 1:4
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 1:4ULT:
knowing, brothers loved by God, your election,
UST:
{We thank God because} we know that he chose you, fellow believers whom God loves.
(There are no questions for this verse)
1 Thessalonians 1:5
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 1:5ULT:
because our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance—just as you know what kind {of men} we were among you for your sake.
UST:
{We know that God chose you,} because when we told you the good news, we did not just say words. Rather, the Holy Spirit also powerfully worked {through us}, and we were sure that the good news was true. In the same way, you remember how we acted to help you when we were with you.
In what four ways did the gospel come to the Thessalonians?
The gospel came to the Thessalonians in word, in power, in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance.
1 Thessalonians 1:6
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 1:6ULT:
And you yourselves became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit,
UST:
As for you, you acted as we do and as the Lord {Jesus} did. Specifically, when you believed the good news, you suffered greatly, but the Holy Spirit caused you to rejoice.
What was happening to the Thessalonians as they received the word of the gospel?
The Thessalonians received the word in much hardship.
What was the Thessalonians’ attitude as they received the word of the gospel?
The Thessalonians received the word with joy in the Holy Spirit.
1 Thessalonians 1:7
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 1:7ULT:
so that you became examples to all the ones believing in Macedonia and in Achaia.
UST:
Because {you acted in those ways}, all the believers in the provinces of Macedonia and Achaia want to act as you do.
(There are no questions for this verse)
1 Thessalonians 1:8
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 1:8ULT:
For from you the word of the Lord has been sounded out not only in Macedonia and in Achaia, but your faith toward God has gone out into every place, so that we do not have need to say anything.
UST:
In fact, many people {who live} in the provinces of Macedonia and Achaia have heard the message about the Lord {Jesus} because of you. Even more, people in very many places have heard about how you trust in God. As a result, we do not need to tell people anything {about what God has done for you}.
What happened to the word of the Lord after the Thessalonians received it?
The word of the Lord rang out in every place their faith went out.
1 Thessalonians 1:9
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 1:9ULT:
For they themselves report concerning us what kind of entrance we had to you and how you turned to God from the idols to serve the living and true God
UST:
Indeed, those same people tell others about how well it went when we visited you. {They say that} you stopped caring about other gods {and began to focus on} God so that you could worship and obey him, the only real God.
What were the Thessalonians worshiping before they became believers in the true God?
The Thessalonians were worshiping idols before they became believers in the true God.
1 Thessalonians 1:10
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 1:10ULT:
and to wait for his Son from the heavens, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, the one rescuing us from the coming wrath.
UST:
Further, {they say that you focused on God} so that you could eagerly anticipate when God’s Son {will come back} from {where he is in} heaven. God made Jesus alive again, and Jesus is the one who will save us {who believe in him} at the time when God will punish people {for their sins}.
For what were Paul and the Thessalonians waiting?
Paul and the Thessalonians were waiting for Jesus to come from heaven.
From what does Jesus deliver us?
Jesus delivers us from the wrath to come.
1 Thessalonians 2
1 Thessalonians 2:1
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 2:1ULT:
For you yourselves know, brothers, that our entrance to you has not been in vain.
UST:
Fellow believers, you surely remember that when we visited you, it was very productive.
(There are no questions for this verse)
1 Thessalonians 2:2
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 2:2ULT:
But having previously suffered and having been mistreated at Philippi, just as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much struggle.
UST:
As you remember, when we were in the city of Philippi, people hurt us and abused us. However, our God made us confident when we told you the good news from God, despite how hard it was {to do}.
How had Paul and his companions been treated before coming to the Thessalonians?
Paul and his companions had suffered and had been treated shamefully.
1 Thessalonians 2:3
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 2:3ULT:
For our exhortation {was} neither from error, nor from impurity, nor in deceit,
UST:
{When} we encouraged {you to believe the good news, we did} not convince you to believe an incorrect message. {We did} not say or do unclean things. {We did} not deceive you.
(There are no questions for this verse)
1 Thessalonians 2:4
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 2:4ULT:
but just as we have been examined by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing to men, but to God, the one examining our hearts.
UST:
Rather, we speak as people whom God has tested and approved to proclaim the good news. We are not {trying} to please people. Instead, {we are trying to please} God. He is the one who tests what we think and desire.
Who is Paul desiring to please with his preaching of the gospel?
Paul is desiring to please God with his preaching of the gospel.
1 Thessalonians 2:5
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 2:5ULT:
For we were not at that time in a word of flattery, just as you know, nor in a pretext of greed—God {is} witness—
UST:
In fact, when we visited you, we did not flatter you or pretend not to want money. You remember {that this is true}, and God testifies {that it is true}.
What did Paul not do in his preaching of the gospel? (2:5-6)
Paul did not use flattery, nor seek glory from people.
1 Thessalonians 2:6
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 2:6ULT:
nor seeking glory from men, neither from you nor from others,
UST:
{We did} not desire that people would honor us. {We did not desire this} from you or from anyone else.
(There are no questions for this verse)
1 Thessalonians 2:7
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 2:7ULT:
being able to be a burden as apostles of Christ; but we became little childrenin the midst of you, as if a mother might comfort her own children.
UST:
Since the Messiah sent us to represent him, we could have required you to obey us and give us whatever we wanted. However, when we were with you, we acted as gentle as babies. {We were} like mothers who lovingly take care of their children.
How did Paul treat the Thessalonians when he was among them? (2:7-8)
Paul was gentle with the Thessalonians, like a mother or father with their own children.
1 Thessalonians 2:8
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 2:8ULT:
Longing for you in this manner, we were pleased to share with you not only the gospel of God, but also our own souls. For you became beloved to us.
UST:
Since we care for you in those ways, we delighted to share the good news from God with you. Even more, {we delighted to share} our own lives {with you}. {That is} because we started to love you {very much}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
1 Thessalonians 2:9
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 2:9ULT:
For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil, night and day working in order not to burden any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God.
UST:
Fellow believers, {I know that} you recall how hard we labored. We worked all day long so that we would not have to bother any of you {by asking for money}. {That was how we acted when} we told you the good news from God.
What did Paul and his companions do so that they were not a burden to the Thessalonians?
Paul and his companions worked night and day so that they were not a burden to the Thessalonians.
1 Thessalonians 2:10
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 2:10ULT:
You and God {are} witnesses, how piously and righteously and blamelessly we were to you, the ones believing,
UST:
Both you and God can testify that we did what was good and right {when we were} with you who trust {in God}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
1 Thessalonians 2:11
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 2:11ULT:
just as you know how, {with} each one of you, as a father his own children,
UST:
You remember that {we behaved} toward every one of you as a father {behaves toward} his own children.
How did Paul treat the Thessalonians when he was among them?
Paul was gentle with the Thessalonians like a mother or father with their own children.
1 Thessalonians 2:12
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 2:12ULT:
exhorting you and encouraging and testifying in order that you might walk worthily of God, the one calling you into his own kingdom and glory.
UST:
{That means that we} were teaching you and urging you so that you would live the way that God wants {his people to live}. He is the one who invites you to participate in his kingdom and in how great he is.
How did Paul tell the Thessalonians they should walk?
Paul told the Thessalonians that they should walk in a manner worthy of God who calls them to his own kingdom and glory.
1 Thessalonians 2:13
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 2:13ULT:
And because of this, we also thank God continually, that having received the word of hearing of God from us, you received it not {as} the word of men, but just as it truly is, the word of God, which is also working in you, the ones believing.
UST:
Further, we consistently thank God that you accepted what you heard about God in our message. You did not consider it to be a merely human message. Rather, {you considered it to be} a message from God, which is what it really is. This message is changing you who trust {in God}.
As what kind of word did the Thessalonians receive the message Paul preached to them?
The Thessalonians received the message as the word of God, not as the word of man.
1 Thessalonians 2:14
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 2:14ULT:
For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God that are in Judea in Christ Jesus, because the same things you also suffered from your own countrymen, just as they also from the Jews,
UST:
Now {unbelieving} Jews not only killed the prophets {long ago}, but they also {recently} killed the Lord Jesus and forced us to leave {your city}. These unbelieving Jews also persecuted the believers {who live in the region of Judea}. In fact, fellow believers, you have become like these groups of believers in Judea whom God has united to Jesus the Messiah. {That is} because people from your own country persecute you, just as {the unbelieving Jews persecuted the believers in Judea}. These {unbelieving} Jews do not please God, and they act against most people. (vv14-15)
What had the unbelieving Jews done which did not please God? (2:14-16)
The unbelieving Jews persecuted the churches in Judea, killed Jesus and the prophets, drove out Paul, and forbade Paul to speak to the Gentiles.
1 Thessalonians 2:15
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 2:15ULT:
the ones having killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets and having persecuted us and not being pleasing to God and {being} hostile to all men,
UST:
Now {unbelieving} Jews not only killed the prophets {long ago}, but they also {recently} killed the Lord Jesus and forced us to leave {your city}. These unbelieving Jews also persecuted the believers {who live in the region of Judea}. In fact, fellow believers, you have become like these groups of believers in Judea whom God has united to Jesus the Messiah. {That is} because people from your own country persecute you, just as {the unbelieving Jews persecuted the believers in Judea}. These {unbelieving} Jews do not please God, and they act against most people. (vv14-15)
(There are no questions for this verse)
1 Thessalonians 2:16
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 2:16ULT:
forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles so that they might be saved, so that {they} always fill up their sins. But the wrath has come upon them to the end.
UST:
They try to stop us from telling {the good news} to non-Jews, {which we do} so that God saves non-Jews. So, {these unbelieving Jews} consistently continue to sin. However, God will completely punish them!
(There are no questions for this verse)
1 Thessalonians 2:17
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 2:17ULT:
But we, brothers, having been separated from you for the time of an hour, by face, not by heart, became extremely eager to see your face, in much desire.
UST:
In contrast, fellow believers, we very eagerly desired to be with you in person, even though we had to leave you for a little while. Although we were physically absent, we always thought and cared about you.
Why was Paul not able to come to the Thessalonians even though that was his wish? (2:17-18)
Paul was not able to come because Satan hindered him.
1 Thessalonians 2:18
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 2:18ULT:
For we desired to come to you—indeed I, Paul, both once and twice—but Satan hindered us.
UST:
Indeed, we wanted to visit you. Specifically, I myself, Paul, {tried to visit} several times. However, {each time,} Satan stopped us {from visiting}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
1 Thessalonians 2:19
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 2:19ULT:
For what {is} our hope or joy or crown of boasting?Or {is it} not also you before our Lord Jesus at his coming?
UST:
{We wanted to visit you} because it is you who enable us to hope and to rejoice and to say great things about you, who honor us. {We know that this will be true} when our Lord Jesus examines everyone after he returns to this world.
What will the Thessalonians be for Paul at the Lord’s coming? (2:19-20)
The Thessalonians will be Paul’s hope, joy, and crown of glorying at the Lord’s coming.
1 Thessalonians 2:20
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 2:20ULT:
For you are our glory and joy.
UST:
Indeed, you honor us and make us rejoice!
(There are no questions for this verse)
1 Thessalonians 3
1 Thessalonians 3:1
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 3:1ULT:
Therefore, enduring {it} no longer, we thought it good to be left behind in Athens alone,
UST:
So then, because we {felt like we} could not possibly wait any longer, we decided that just Silas and I should stay behind in the city of Athens.
What did Paul do, even though he would be left behind in Athens? (3:1-2)
Paul sent Timothy to strengthen and comfort the believers in Thessalonica.
1 Thessalonians 3:2
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 3:2ULT:
and we sent Timothy, our brother and a servant of Godin the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you regarding your faith,
UST:
Then, Silas and I had Timothy visit you. {He is} our fellow believer and serves God by {proclaiming} the good news about the Messiah. {We had him visit you} so that he could support and encourage you as you trust {in God}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
1 Thessalonians 3:3
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 3:3ULT:
that no one be disturbed by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that for this we are appointed.
UST:
That way, when people hurt {you}, you do not become unsure {as you trust in God}. In fact, you are well aware that {God} already decided that people would hurt us {believers}.
To what did Paul say he was appointed?
Paul said that he was appointed to afflictions.
1 Thessalonians 3:4
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 3:4ULT:
For also when we were with you, we were telling you in advance that we are about to be afflicted, just as also it happened and you know.
UST:
{You are well aware of that} because, while we {apostles} were visiting you, we warned you ahead of time that others were about to hurt us {believers}. You are well aware that this is exactly what occurred.
(There are no questions for this verse)
1 Thessalonians 3:5
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 3:5ULT:
Because of this, I also, no longer enduring {it}, sent to know about your faith, lest somehow the tempter had tempted you, and our labor might have been in vain.
UST:
Because {others have hurt us believers}, and because I {felt like I} could not possibly wait any longer, I had {Timothy} visit you. {I wanted} to learn if you were still trusting {in God}. {I was concerned that} the devil might have {succeeded in} tempting you {to stop trusting in God}. {If that were true,} how hard we had worked among you would have accomplished nothing!
About what was Paul concerned regarding the Thessalonians?
Paul was concerned that somehow the tempter had tempted them and that his labor had been in vain.
1 Thessalonians 3:6
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 3:6ULT:
But just now Timothy has come to us from you and has told us the good news about your faith and love and that you always have good memory of us, longing to see us just as we also, you.
UST:
However, Timothy recently returned to Silas and me after visiting you. He gave us good news about how much you trust {God} and love {each other}. {He told us} that whenever you think about us, it makes you happy. {He also told us that} you desire to be with us, just as we {desire to be with} you.
What comforted Paul when Timothy returned from Thessalonica? (3:6-7)
Paul was comforted to hear the good news of the Thessalonians’ faith and love, and that they longed to see him.
1 Thessalonians 3:7
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 3:7ULT:
Because of this, brothers, we were encouraged about you in all our distress and affliction, through your faith.
UST:
Fellow believers, because of what {Timothy told us}, although people were persecuting and hurting us often, God used how you continue to trust {in him} to encourage us that you {are doing well}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
1 Thessalonians 3:8
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 3:8ULT:
For now we live, if you yourselves stand firm in the Lord.
UST:
Indeed, since you continue {to trust} in the Lord {Jesus}, we feel much better now!
Paul says that he lives if the Thessalonians do what?
Paul says that he lives if the Thessalonians stand firm in the Lord.
1 Thessalonians 3:9
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 3:9ULT:
For what thanks are we able to give back to God concerning you for all the joy with which we rejoice because of you before our God,
UST:
In fact, we cannot thank God enough for you! We are extremely happy about you {whenever we pray} to our God.
(There are no questions for this verse)
1 Thessalonians 3:10
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 3:10ULT:
night and day pleading earnestly to see your face and to provide what {is} lacking in your faith?
UST:
All day long we urgently ask {God} to allow us to visit you and help you increase how much you trust {in God}.
For what does Paul pray night and day?
Paul prays night and day that he might see the Thessalonians and provide what is lacking in their faith.
1 Thessalonians 3:11
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 3:11ULT:
But may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you.
UST:
{We pray that} God our Father and our Lord Jesus will enable us to visit you {again}!
(There are no questions for this verse)
1 Thessalonians 3:12
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 3:12ULT:
Now may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we also toward you,
UST:
{We pray that} the Lord {Jesus} will cause you always to love each other and all people more and more. That is how we love you!
In what does Paul wish the Thessalonians to increase and abound?
Paul wishes the Thessalonians to increase and abound in love toward one another and toward all people.
1 Thessalonians 3:13
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 3:13ULT:
to strengthen your hearts, blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. Amen!
UST:
{We pray those things} so that God will make you spiritually strong. {That way,} God our Father will consider you to be faultlessly pure. {He will do that} when our Lord Jesus returns to this world, {bringing} with him everyone who belongs to him. May it be so!
For what event does Paul want the Thessalonians to be prepared by having their hearts blameless in holiness?
Paul wants the Thessalonians to be prepared for the coming of the Lord Jesus with all his holy ones.
1 Thessalonians 4
1 Thessalonians 4:1
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 4:1ULT:
Therefore, finally, brothers, we ask and encourage you in the Lord Jesus, just as you received from us how it is necessary for you to walk and to please God (just as also you are walking), that you might abound even more.
UST:
So then, fellow believers, {here is} the rest {of what I want to write to you}. {When we visited you,} we taught you how you should behave in a way that honors God, and that is how you are behaving! Now we urge you, because God has united you to the Lord Jesus, to continue to behave in this way more and more.
What did Paul want the Thessalonians to do with the instructions he had given them about how they must walk and please God? (4:1-2)
Paul wanted the Thessalonians to continue to walk and please God, and to do even more.
1 Thessalonians 4:2
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 4:2ULT:
For you know what commands we gave you through the Lord Jesus.
UST:
You remember what we commanded you {to do as we spoke} for the Lord Jesus.
(There are no questions for this verse)
1 Thessalonians 4:3
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 4:3ULT:
For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you keep yourselves from sexual immorality;
UST:
For example, God desires that you act in pure ways. That means that you should not have improper sex.
What did Paul say was God’s will for the Thessalonians?
Paul said God’s will for the Thessalonians was their sanctification.
1 Thessalonians 4:4
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 4:4ULT:
that each of you knows to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor,
UST:
{That also means that} you all should learn to control how you desire to have sex. {That way,} you will be acting purely and honoring {God}.
What do the people need to learn?
The people need to learn to control their desires to have sex.
1 Thessalonians 4:5
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 4:5ULT:
not in the passion of lust (just as also the Gentiles, the ones not knowing God);
UST:
{You should} not have any improper sex that you greatly desire. That is what non-Jews who do not trust in God do.
(There are no questions for this verse)
1 Thessalonians 4:6
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 4:6ULT:
not to transgress and take advantage of his brother in this matter, for the Lord {is} an avenger concerning all these things, just as we also said before to you and testified.
UST:
{You should do what God desires} concerning having sex so that you will not sin by mistreating a fellow believer. {You should avoid sinning in that way} because the Lord {Jesus} will punish {all people who have} any kind of improper sex. We already declared that to you {when we were with you}.
What would happen to a brother who sinned in the matter of sexual immorality?
The Lord would be an avenger toward a brother who sinned in the matter of sexual immorality.
1 Thessalonians 4:7
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 4:7ULT:
For God did not call us for uncleanness, but in sanctification.
UST:
Indeed, God chose us so that we would belong to him. {He did} not {choose us} so that we would do impure things.
(There are no questions for this verse)
1 Thessalonians 4:8
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 4:8ULT:
Therefore, the one rejecting, rejects not man, but God, the one givinghis Holy Spirit to you.
UST:
So then, anyone who disobeys {what we have commanded you} is not {simply} disobeying a human. Rather, {that person is disobeying} God. He is the one who sends the Holy Spirit to you.
Who does a person reject who rejects the call to holiness?
A person who rejects the call to holiness rejects God.
1 Thessalonians 4:9
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 4:9ULT:
But concerning brotherly love, you haveno need {for us} to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another.
UST:
We do not have to tell you anything about how to care for fellow believers. {That is} because God instructed you so that you care for each other.
What were the Thessalonians doing that Paul wanted them to do even more? (4:9-10)
Paul wanted the Thessalonians to love one another even more.
1 Thessalonians 4:10
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 4:10ULT:
For also you do it to all the brothers who {are} in all Macedonia. But we encourage you, brothers, to abound even more
UST:
{That is} also because you {already} care for all the fellow believers throughout Macedonia {province}. Fellow believers, we exhort you {to care for fellow believers} even more.
(There are no questions for this verse)
1 Thessalonians 4:11
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 4:11ULT:
and to strive to be quiet and to perform your own things and to work with your own hands, just as we commanded you,
UST:
{We} also {exhort you} to try very earnestly to live peacefully, to focus on your own tasks, and to earn what you need to live. In fact, {that is} what we told you to do {when we were with you}.
What were the Thessalonians to do so that they walked properly before unbelievers and had need of nothing? (4:11-12)
The Thessalonians were to be quiet, mind their own business, and work with their hands.
1 Thessalonians 4:12
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 4:12ULT:
so that you may walk properly before the ones outside and have need of nothing.
UST:
{We urge you to do these things,} so that you can set a good example toward those who do not believe in the Messiah {by how modestly you live.} Then you would not have to depend {on others} to provide what you need {to live}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
1 Thessalonians 4:13
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 4:13ULT:
Now we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning the ones sleeping, so that you may not grieve just as also the rest, the ones not having hope.
UST:
Also, {our} fellow believers in the Messiah, we want you to be aware about {what will happen to} believers in the Messiah who are dead. You should not be like the rest of humanity, which does not believe in the Messiah. They are deeply sad because they do not confidently expect that people will resurrect after death.
About what subject did the Thessalonians possibly have a misunderstanding?
The Thessalonians possibly had a misunderstanding about what happened to those who slept.
1 Thessalonians 4:14
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 4:14ULT:
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose, thus also God will bring the ones having slept through Jesus with him.
UST:
Certainly, we {apostles} are convinced that Jesus died and resurrected. This is why we also are convinced that God will {resurrect} the dead people who are united to Jesus. Then God will send them back with Jesus {when he returns to earth again}.
What will God do for those who have fallen asleep in Jesus?
God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Christ.
1 Thessalonians 4:15
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 4:15ULT:
For this we say to you in a word of the Lord, that we, the ones living, the ones surviving to the coming of the Lord, will certainly not go before the ones having slept.
UST:
In fact, what we {apostles} are now telling you is a message from the Lord {Jesus himself}. When the Lord {Jesus} comes again{, all believers in the Messiah will greet him}. First, those {believers in the Messiah} who have {already} died will certainly greet him, and then we {believers in the Messiah} who are still alive.
(There are no questions for this verse)
1 Thessalonians 4:16
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 4:16ULT:
For the Lord himself, with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with a trumpet of God, will come down from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first.
UST:
{This is how} the Lord {Jesus} will come down from heaven: the Lord {Jesus} himself will personally give the command {for all to resurrect}. The chief angel will shout. God’s trumpet will blast. Then {all} the dead who are united to the Messiah will be the first to resurrect {from the earth}.
How will the Lord descend from heaven?
The Lord will descend from heaven with a shout and with the trumpet of God.
Who will rise first, and then who will rise together with them? (4:16-17)
The dead in Christ will rise first, then those who are still alive will be caught up with them.
1 Thessalonians 4:17
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 4:17ULT:
Then we, the ones living, the ones surviving, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and in this way we will always be with the Lord.
UST:
After that, God will snatch up all of us believers in the Messiah who are still alive on earth so that we can meet the Lord {Jesus} in the air. Both groups of believers in the Messiah will meet together on the clouds. This is how we will remain together with the Lord {Jesus} forever!
Who will the risen meet, and for how long?
The risen will meet the Lord in the air, and will always then be with the Lord.
1 Thessalonians 4:18
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 4:18ULT:
Therefore, encourage one another with these words.
UST:
As a result, you must encourage each other with this message!
What did Paul tell the Thessalonians to do with his teaching about those who had fallen asleep?
Paul told the Thessalonians to comfort one another with his words.
1 Thessalonians 5
1 Thessalonians 5:1
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 5:1ULT:
Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need {for anything} to be written to you.
UST:
{Now I want you to be aware of the timing of our Lord’s return to earth} Our fellow believers in the Messiah, we do not {really} need to write {anything} to you about the specific time {of our Lord’s return}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
1 Thessalonians 5:2
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 5:2ULT:
For you yourselves know perfectly well that the day of the Lord comes in this manner—as a thief in the night.
UST:
This is because you yourselves already know accurately about the time when the Lord {Jesus} will come back. You also know that he will come {unexpectedly}, like when a robber comes at night.
How does Paul say the day of the Lord will come?
Paul says the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.
1 Thessalonians 5:3
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 5:3ULT:
Whenever they say, “Peace and safety,” then sudden destruction comes on them, just as the birth pain to the one having in the womb, and they will certainly not escape.
UST:
{The Lord Jesus} will come at a time when people are saying, “{We are} safe and secure!” Then, suddenly, God will overwhelm and destroy them! It will be similar to when a pregnant woman cannot escape being overwhelmed by labor pains. In the same way, those people can never escape {when God destroys}!
What will some people be saying when sudden destruction comes upon them?
Some people will be saying, “Peace and safety.”
1 Thessalonians 5:4
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 5:4ULT:
But you, brothers, are not in darkness, so that the day might overtake you as a thief.
UST:
However, {our} fellow believers in the Messiah, you are not people who are unaware of what will happen, like when people are in the darkness. This is why, when the Lord Jesus returns to earth to punish the people who do not belong to him, he will not surprise you as if he were a thief.
Why does Paul say the day of the Lord should not overtake the believers like a thief? (5:4-5)
Because the believers are not in darkness, but are sons of the light, the day of the Lord should not overtake them like a thief.
1 Thessalonians 5:5
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 5:5ULT:
For you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night, nor of darkness.
UST:
{Since} you are all God’s children, {you should live ready for Jesus to return to earth}, like people who are in the light or awake during day are aware of what is happening. We are not {Satan’s children,} who live unaware of what will happen, like people at night or in the darkness {who cannot perceive as well}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
1 Thessalonians 5:6
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 5:6ULT:
So then, let us not sleep as the rest, but let us keep watch and be sober.
UST:
So, this is why, {as God’s children, we must live ready for what will happen. We must} not live unaware of what will happen like the rest of humanity, who are just like people who are sleeping. Instead, we must stay alert and remain attentive, {expecting Jesus to return to earth}.
What does Paul tell the believers to do regarding the coming day of the Lord?
Paul tells the believers to watch and be sober.
1 Thessalonians 5:7
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 5:7ULT:
For the ones sleeping sleep at night, and the ones getting drunk get drunk at night.
UST:
It is well known that when people are unaware of what will happen, it is {usually} at night, when they are sleeping. And when people get drunk, they are not ready for what will happen. They {usually} get drunk at night, {when they cannot perceive things as well}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
1 Thessalonians 5:8
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 5:8ULT:
But let us, being of day, be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and of love, and a helmet—the hope of salvation.
UST:
But {we who are ready for the Lord Jesus to return to earth do not live unaware of what will happen like these people. Since} we are ready, we must remain attentive. We must fully arm ourselves {like soldiers}. Faithful love {towards God should cover our chests} like a breastplate. Being confident {that God} will save us {should fully protect our heads} like a helmet.
(There are no questions for this verse)
1 Thessalonians 5:9
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 5:9ULT:
For God did not appoint us for wrath, but for the obtaining of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
UST:
Since {we are his people,} God did not destine that he would punish us {for our sins}. Instead, he destined that our Lord, Jesus the Messiah, would preserve and save us.
For what are the believers destined by God?
The believers are destined by God for salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5:10
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 5:10ULT:
the one having died for us so that, whether we keep watch or sleep, we will live together with him.
UST:
Jesus died in our place so that we would live {forever} with him. {This is true,} whether we are alive or dead {when he returns to earth}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
1 Thessalonians 5:11
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 5:11ULT:
Therefore, encourage one another and build up one the one, just as also you are doing.
UST:
Since this is true, continue to habitually encourage and support each and every one {of your fellow believers in the Messiah}!
(There are no questions for this verse)
1 Thessalonians 5:12
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 5:12ULT:
Now we ask you, brothers, to recognize the ones laboring among you and leading you in the Lord and admonishing you,
UST:
Finally, {our} fellow believers in the Messiah, we request that you give recognition to your spiritual leaders who work hard among you, in the same way you would give recognition to the Lord {Jesus}. You should also give them recognition because they continually warn and instruct you {about living like believers in the Messiah should}.
What attitude does Paul say the believers should have toward those who are over them in the Lord? (5:12-13)
Paul says that they should acknowledge and highly regard them in love.
1 Thessalonians 5:13
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 5:13ULT:
and to regard them highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.
UST:
Because {of how hard} they work {for you,} we also request {that} you abundantly love your spiritual leaders by being considerate of them. {We also urge} that you keep living peacefully with each other.
(There are no questions for this verse)
1 Thessalonians 5:14
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 5:14ULT:
Now we encourage you, brothers: Admonish the disorderly, comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient toward all.
UST:
{Our} fellow believers in the Messiah, we now urge that you warn and instruct those who live inappropriately. We {also} urge that you cheer up those who are discouraged. We {also} urge that you support those who are weak. We {also} urge that you live patiently with every one {of your fellow believers in the Messiah}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
1 Thessalonians 5:15
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 5:15ULT:
See that no one repays evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue {what is} good, both for one another and for all.
UST:
If someone treats you badly, make sure that you do not treat them badly in return. Instead, whenever {you can,} actively look for ways to kindly treat every {fellow believer in the Messiah}.
What does Paul say no one should do when evil is done to them?
Paul says that no one should pay back evil when evil is done to them.
1 Thessalonians 5:16
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 5:16ULT:
Rejoice always.
UST:
Be joyful all the time!
(There are no questions for this verse)
1 Thessalonians 5:17
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 5:17ULT:
Pray continually.
UST:
Constantly pray!
(There are no questions for this verse)
1 Thessalonians 5:18
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 5:18ULT:
In everything give thanks, for this {is} the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
UST:
Keep giving thanks to God in every situation! Indeed, God desires for all of you who are united to Jesus the Messiah to do all these things.
What does Paul say that the believers should do in everything, and why?
Paul says that the believers should give thanks in everything, because this is the will of God for them.
1 Thessalonians 5:19
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 5:19ULT:
Do not quench the Spirit.
UST:
Do not {try to stop} the {Holy} Spirit {from working among you. That would be like someone trying to} extinguish {a fire}!
(There are no questions for this verse)
1 Thessalonians 5:20
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 5:20ULT:
Do not despise prophecies.
UST:
{In other words,} do not scorn prophecies {that the Holy Spirit gives to other believers in the Messiah}!
What instructions does Paul give the believers about prophecies? (5:20-21)
Paul instructs the believers to not despise prophecies, and to test all things, holding on to that which is good.
1 Thessalonians 5:21
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 5:21ULT:
Test all things.Hold fast to what {is} good.
UST:
{Instead,} keep evaluating all {of the prophecies and} retain {only} those that prove to be excellent.
(There are no questions for this verse)
1 Thessalonians 5:22
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 5:22ULT:
Keep yourselves from every form of evil.
UST:
Refrain from any thing that appears to be wicked!
(There are no questions for this verse)
1 Thessalonians 5:23
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 5:23ULT:
Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit, and soul, and body be kept blamelessly at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
UST:
In summary, we pray that God will personally make you live like people who completely belong to him. God is the one who gives his people peace. We also pray that God will preserve you completely innocent for the time when our Lord Jesus the Messiah arrives on earth again.
What does Paul pray that God will do for the believers?
Paul prays that God will sanctify the believers completely in spirit, soul, and body.
1 Thessalonians 5:24
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 5:24ULT:
Faithful {is} the one calling you, who also will do {it}.
UST:
The faithful God {continually} summons all of you {to live like those who completely belong to him. So, you can be certain that} he will also do {whatever is necessary for you to be able to live like those who completely belong to him}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
1 Thessalonians 5:25
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 5:25ULT:
Brothers, pray also for us.
UST:
{Our} fellow believers in the Messiah, we also ask that you keep praying for me, for Silas, and for Timothy!
(There are no questions for this verse)
1 Thessalonians 5:26
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 5:26ULT:
Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.
UST:
When you meet together {for worship}, affectionately greet each of your fellow believers in the Messiah in a way that is appropriate for those who belong to God.
(There are no questions for this verse)
1 Thessalonians 5:27
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 5:27ULT:
I solemnly charge you {by} the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers.
UST:
I want you to swear an oath to the Lord {Jesus}, that you will read this letter to all the believers in the Messiah {among you}!
(There are no questions for this verse)
1 Thessalonians 5:28
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: 1 Thessalonians 5:28ULT:
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ {be} with you.
UST:
May our Lord Jesus the Messiah {continue to} act kindly toward all of you!
What does Paul pray would be with the believers?
Paul prays that the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ would be with the believers.