Letters to the Church

Paul a poursuivi sa discussion sur l'arrivée de Christ en abordant ce qui se passera au jour du Seigneur – 1 Thessaloniciens 5: 1-3. L'apôtre Paul discute de “ l'arrivée ” ou ‘ Parousia ’ de Jésus et du Jour du Seigneur dans les chapitres 4 et 5 de  1 Thessaloniciens . Au chapitre 4, il déclare que les chrétiens morts et vivants seront rassemblés pour rencontrer le Seigneur lorsqu'il descendra du Ciel. Au chapitre 5, Paul relie cela et les événements liés au “ Jour du Seigneur ”, et il explique comment ce jour affectera les pieux et les impies.

Paul continued his discussion about Christ’s arrival by addressing what will occur on the Day of the Lord – 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3. The Apostle Paul discusses the “ arrival ” or ‘ Parousia ’ of Jesus and the Day of the Lord in chapters 4 and 5 of  1 Thessalonians . In Chapter 4, he declares that both dead and living Christians will be gathered to meet the Lord as he descends from Heaven. In Chapter 5, Paul links that and related events to “ the Day of the Lord ,” and he explains how that day will affect the godly and the ungodly.

The Bible claims that God gives political power to whomever He pleases, “ even to the basest of men .” He “ removes kings and installs kings ” to accomplish His purposes, including rulers of whom many church leaders and members may disapprove. Disciples of Jesus who assume that certain politicians should hold governmental power presume on God’s patience and prerogative, and this is especially problematic in Western-style democratic societies.

Paul instructed believers living in the Roman Empire not to resist the government since its existence and authority were arranged by God .  Writing to the churches of Rome, Paul presents principles for Christian conduct in relation to the State. Believers must “ subordinate themselves to governing powers, for there is no authority except by God .” His statement was written when Nero ruled the Roman Empire, the same man who became the first emperor to persecute the church.