The Skeptics Annotated Bible (946 page)

21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.

22
Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God
:

(3.22) “Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God.”
336 Should we serve God alone?
132 Should we fear God?
42 Does God approve of slavery?

23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and
there is no respect of persons.

(3.25)
“There is no respect of persons.”
21 Does God respect anyone?

4
Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal
; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.

(4.1) “Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal.” A slave owner that did this would set his slaves free.
42 Does God approve of slavery?

2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:

4 That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

6
Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

(4.6) “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”
468 Should believers discuss their faith with non-believers?

7 All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:

8 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;

9 With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.

10 Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)

11 And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.

12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

13 For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.

14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.

15 Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.

16 And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise
read the epistle from Laodicea.

(4.16) “Read the epistle from Laodicea.” Apparently God intended to include the epistle from Laodicea in the Bible, but it was lost somewhere along the way. There were several letters that claimed to be the lost epistle (and one of these was often included in Latin medieval Bibles), but they are considered forgeries today (as is Colossians, itself, by many scholars).

17 And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.

18 The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
—
1 Thessalonians 5.21

First Thessalonians, written by Paul around 49 CE, is probably the first Christian writing that we have today. In it we learn that Jesus will come soon. Until then we need to hold on to our vessels (wives or penises, depending on translation) in a holy way (
4.4
).

Here are some highlights:

• Paul, with his usual modesty, proclaims that he is holy, just, and blameless.
  2.10
  
• He accuses the Jews of killing Jesus, persecuting the prophets, displeasing God, and being “contrary to all men.” The wrath of God will “come upon them to the uttermost.”
  2.14-16
  
• Paul would have come to visit the Thessalonians but Satan stopped him.
  2.18
  
• He expected Jesus to return within his lifetime and those of his followers.
  3.13
  ,
  4.15-17
  ,
  5.23
  
• “Every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour.”
  4.4
  
• “We which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air.” Christians get the idea of the rapture from this verse.
  4.17
  
• “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.”
  5.21
  
• “Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.”
  5.26
  

1
Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.