1. What does 1 Thess 4: 1-2 serve to do with the rest of the letter?

2. ______________________ marks a major transition point in the letter.  The Greek word does not necessarily signify an _____________________ to the end of the entire ________________________.  Nor does it connote a transition to material ________________ important than or __________________ to what came before.  … What the transition does mark is a shift from _________________________ to ____________________________.  Emphasis on the ___________ and ___________________ in the first three chapters gives way to focus on the ______________________ and _________________ in the last two.

3. What does the word “paraenetic” mean?  How does it fit 4: 1-2?

4. How does the “for” in 4:2 connect the instructions the Thessalonians received in the past with what is about to come in the rest of the letter?

5. Martin concedes that the entire passage of 4: 3-8 is about the will of God, he says the specific theme of 3-8 is what? How does he support this claim?

6. Summarize Martin’s discussion on the word “haziasmos”.

7. Where is the first infinitive expressing an ethical imperative found? What is it? What does immorality mean? How could it be used metaphorically?

8. What are the two most common translations of skeuos in context?  What is the issue at heart? Be sure to include the discussion about “to acquire”.

9. Define “lustful passions”. What does Paul mean with this phrase?

10. What are the two infinitives that prohibit sins against one’s brothers in 4:6? Discuss the meaning of this verse in its context.

11. Who are the objects of divine wrath and retribution in 4:6b?  This warning is followed by what?

12.  What would be the difference of using the word “philadelphias” in normal Greek and Jewish conversations and within the body of the church?

13. Paul said the Thessalonians were “God-taught” in what area? What is so unique about this term “God taught”? When do Christians stop this education? What is God’s objective in this area? 

14. List the four exhortations of Paul in 4: 10b-12 and briefly summarize what is meant by each.  What two goals does Paul want to encourage these Christians toward (p. 139).

15.List the theories that seek to explain the cause of the Thessalonians distress regarding those who had died.

16. Martin says that 4: 13-18 is to be used to comfort the grieving and not to build eschatology . Do you agree or disagree and why? 
17. What marked the Christian’s view of life and death as different from the others in the first century?

18. What are the two primary statements in 4:16? What is meant or referred to by “a loud command”, “with the voice of an archangel” and “with the trumpet call of God”?

19.  Highlight Martin’s teachings of 4:17.  How does Martin see this fitting into any concept of the parousia, the day of the Lord?

20. Summarize Martin’s position of verse 18 in relation to the whole chapter.