Nevertheless, there were things brought by Timothy about them that occasioned great concern for Paul: 1. It was learned that after his depar ture certain insinuations against his character and ministry had been cir culated by his enemies. 2. They were also in great need be cause Timothy reported that they were suffering from bitter persecu tion. 3. Paul learned that the Thessalonian believers were not free from the temptations of immoral practices. 4: He also learned that certain doctri nal difficulties had been brought to the attention of the believers. The problem of where we go after death and matters of the Lord’s return were baffling these new believers. 5. He needed to speak to them about the laxity of discipline and the need for more respect for those who were their spiritual leaders. The 1st Epistle of Thessalonians can be divided quite naturally into two parts. The first, composed of three chapters, is essentially “personal”; the second half, containing the last two chapters, may be termed “practical” or “ethical.” Following is a very brief outline of the book: I. Personal (Ch. 1-3) A. The Salutation (1:1) B. Paul’s Thanksgiving for them ( 1 : 2 - 10 ) C. His ministry vindicated among them (2:1-12) D. Paul is received by the Thessa lonians (2:13-16) E. Timothy brings a message (2:17-3:5) F. Joyful tidings are recorded (3:6-10) G. Paul lifts his heart in prayer (3:11-13) II. Practical (Ch. 4 and 5) A. He warns them against impurity (4:1-8) B. He exhorts them to love and labor (4:9-12)
"The Camel's Eye" I loaded my camel rich and high, and marched him up to the needle's eye. He was laden with riches manifold, with bales of silk and sacks of gold, With precious stones and jewels rare, and with vessels lovely beyond compare. I hoped to enter with all my gain. But the needle's eye made my ef forts vain. I urged my camel with angry din, I pressed the camel to enter in; But far too large with his loading high, He could not pass through the needle's eye. I rode the camel a night and a day, and sought to enter some other way; But though I followed o'er wearisome ground. Only the needle way I found. I groaned, for I did not have enough; but I took from the camel my bulkier stuff. W ith gold and gems I would get by. Still the camel stuck at the needle's eye. Then I left the camel alone outside, and with only my gems, again I fried. In all of my pockets stuffed— alas! The needle still would not let me pass. Then at length I threw my wealth away, and.sank upon lowly knees to pray. I begged the Lord to forgive my sin, and let a poor helpless traveler in. Then proud and glad In beggar's dress, I passed the portal of righteousness. C. He comforts them about their dead (4:13-18) D. He encourages them to watch and pray (5:1-11) E. He gives them final exhortations (5:12-22) F. He concludes his epistle (5:23-28)
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