En este capítulo, Pablo toca otro aspecto que es importante cuando se trabaja con nuevos conversos —la necesidad de dar seguimiento enseñando y exhortando sobre la revelación cristiana de la verdad y el andar cristiano—. Esto nos muestra que los nuevos creyentes requieren de atención práctica después de ser salvos. Con esto en mente, el hábito de Pablo y sus colaboradores era el dejar un par de obreros para que se quedaran con los nuevos creyentes, o de regresar a ellos en el futuro para ayudarles con esto. Algunos ejemplos del libro de los Hechos son:
• ANTIOQUÍA (en Pisidia), ICONIO Y LISTRA.— Pablo y Bernabé regresaron para confirmar a los nuevos creyentes en la fe (Hechos 14:21-2321And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, 22Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. 23And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. (Acts 14:21‑23)).
• FILIPOS.— Lucas se quedó para confirmar y animar a los nuevos convertidos. Esto se indica por el uso de la palabra “llegaron” en lugar de “llegamos” (Hechos 17:11Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews: (Acts 17:1)). Lucas escribió el libro de los Hechos; cuando él acompañaba a Pablo, él decía “nosotros”, y cuando no le acompañaba, él decía “ellos”. (Lucas se unió al grupo misionero en Troas y fue con ellos a Macedonia y a la ciudad de Filipos, Hechos 16:1010And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavored to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them. (Acts 16:10)).
• ATENAS.— Ya que Silas no es mencionado como acompañante de Pablo de Atenas a Corinto (Hechos 18:11After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth; (Acts 18:1)), entendemos que permaneció en Atenas y pastoreó a los pocos que creyeron en esa ciudad (Hechos 17:3434Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them. (Acts 17:34)), y después fue a Macedonia. (Silas y Timoteo fueron luego a Corinto para reunirse con Pablo, Hechos 18:55And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ. (Acts 18:5); 2 Corintios 11:99And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself. (2 Corinthians 11:9)).
• ÉFESO.— Aquila y Priscila se quedaron en Éfeso cuando Pablo fue a Jerusalén (Hechos 18:19-2819And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews. 20When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not; 21But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus. 22And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up, and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch. 23And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples. 24And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. 25This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. 26And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. 27And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace: 28For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, showing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ. (Acts 18:19‑28)). Luego, Pablo exhortó a Timoteo para que se quedara ahí cuando él fue a Macedonia (1 Timoteo 1:33As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, (1 Timothy 1:3)).
El propósito de un trabajo de “seguimiento”
Versículos 1-5.— Teniendo una preocupación por sus convertidos en Tesalónica, Pablo y Silas pensaron que sería bueno enviar a Timoteo de regreso a Tesalónica desde Atenas “á confirmaros y exhortaros”.
• El “exhortar” a los santos (versículo 2b) es alegrar sus corazones y animarlos en cuestiones prácticas de la vida cristiana.
La primera parte es doctrinal y la segunda es práctica. Estas dos siempre van juntas en la Escritura. De hecho, cada doctrina del Nuevo Testamento debe tener un resultado práctico en la vida del cristiano. Podemos estudiar ambas (la doctrina y la práctica) de forma separada con el objetivo de aprender, pero en última instancia, no se pueden separar la una de la otra, de lo contrario se producirá un desequilibrio en el creyente.
Una carta, como esta misma epístola, sería una gran ayuda para los tesalonicenses, pero realmente necesitaban que alguien estuviera con ellos cara a cara para ministrarles. El enviar a Timoteo a los tesalonicenses, de hecho, muestra que no hay nada que pueda reemplazar las visitas personales entre los santos. Enviar una carta, hacer una llamada telefónica, dar un libro de ministerio o una grabación de audio, son cosas buenas y útiles, pero los nuevos creyentes necesitan un contacto personal, cara a cara. Por lo tanto, hay algunas situaciones que realmente solo pueden ser atendidas por la visita personal (1 Corintios 11:3434And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come. (1 Corinthians 11:34)b).
Podemos preguntarnos: “¿cuáles son los principios del evangelio de Pablo y el Misterio que Timoteo enseñó a los tesalonicenses con intenciones de establecerles?” La siguiente es una lista de cosas que pudieron haberles enseñado con este fin:
Enseñanza acerca de las personas de la Divinidad: Teología
• La Trinidad —la divinidad de las Personas en la Deidad —el Padre, el Hijo y el Espíritu Santo (Mateo 3:16-1716And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: 17And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. (Matthew 3:16‑17)).
• La resurrección de Cristo y Su ascensión en gloria (1 Corintios 15:12-2012Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: 14And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. 15Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. 16For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: 17And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. 18Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. 19If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 20But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. (1 Corinthians 15:12‑20); Hechos 1:9-119And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. 10And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; 11Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. (Acts 1:9‑11)).
Enseñanza sobre la salvación y las bendiciones relacionadas con ella: Soteriología
• La diferencia entre el nuevo nacimiento y la salvación (Juan 3:3-8,14-173Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 4Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? 5Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. 8The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. (John 3:3‑8)
14And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: 15That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (John 3:14‑17)).
• Los varios aspectos del perdón —eterno (Efesios 1:77In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; (Ephesians 1:7)), gubernamental (Mateo 18:26-3526The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 27Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. 28But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. 29And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 30And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. 31So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. 32Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: 33Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? 34And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. 35So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses. (Matthew 18:26‑35)), restaurador (1 Juan 1:99If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)), administrativo (2 Corintios 2:1010To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; (2 Corinthians 2:10)), y el perdón fraternal (Efesios 4:3232And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:32)).
• La filiación de los creyentes (adoptados hijos) (Gálatas 4:1-71Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; 2But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. 3Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: 4But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. 6And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 7Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. (Galatians 4:1‑7)).
• La seguridad eterna del creyente (Juan 10:27-2827My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. (John 10:27‑28); Romanos 8:31-3931What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 33Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. 34Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. 35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:31‑39)).
• Las dos naturalezas del creyente (Romanos 7:14-2414For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. 16If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. 17Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 18For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. 19For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 20Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 21I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? (Romans 7:14‑24)).
• Glorificación, incluyendo inmortalidad e incorruptibilidad (1 Corintios 15:51-5751Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:51‑57)).
• Los misterios del Reino de los Cielos (Mateo 13-25).
Enseñanza sobre la doctrina y actuación de la Iglesia: Eclesiología
• La formación de la Iglesia como el cuerpo y la esposa de Cristo a través del bautismo por el Espíritu Santo (1 Corintios 12:12-1312For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. 13For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:12‑13); Apocalipsis 21:99And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will show thee the bride, the Lamb's wife. (Revelation 21:9)).
• El llamado, carácter y destino celestial de la Iglesia (Hechos 10:11-1611And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: 12Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. 13And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. 14But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. 15And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. 16This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven. (Acts 10:11‑16)).
• La verdad sobre la sencillez original de la Cena del Señor en la Mesa del Señor (1 Corintios 10:16-17; 11:20-2616The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? 17For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread. (1 Corinthians 10:16‑17)
20When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper. 21For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken. 22What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not. 23For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 24And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 26For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he come. (1 Corinthians 11:20‑26)).
• La libertad del Espíritu para guiar en oración, alabanza y ministerio cuando los santos son reunidos como asamblea (1 Corintios 12:1-111Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. 2Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. 3Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. 4Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. 7But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 8For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: 11But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. (1 Corinthians 12:1‑11)).
• La distinción entre don y oficio en la Iglesia (Efesios 4:1111And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (Ephesians 4:11); 1 Timoteo 3:1-141This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 2A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 4One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 5(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) 6Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. 8Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; 9Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. 10And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. 11Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. 12Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 13For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. 14These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: (1 Timothy 3:1‑14)).
• Oficios administrativos en la casa de Dios (1 Timoteo 3:1-141This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 2A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 4One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 5(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) 6Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. 8Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; 9Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. 10And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. 11Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. 12Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 13For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. 14These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: (1 Timothy 3:1‑14)).
• Disciplina y juicio en la asamblea (1 Corintios 5:1-131It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife. 2And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. 3For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, 4In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, 5To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. 6Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? 7Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: 8Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. 9I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: 10Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. 11But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. 12For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? 13But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person. (1 Corinthians 5:1‑13)).
Enseñanza acerca de los eventos futuros: Escatología
• El trato dispensacional de Dios con Israel, la Iglesia y los santos del reino Milenario (Romanos 9–11).
• El alcance y orden de los eventos proféticos en el “principio de dolores”, la “grande aflicción [gran tribulación]” y la “indignación” (Mateo 24:8,218All these are the beginning of sorrows. (Matthew 24:8)
21For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. (Matthew 24:21); Isaías 26:20,20Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. (Isaiah 26:20) traducción J. N. Darby).
• La venida del Señor por Sus santos (el Arrebatamiento) antes de la Tribulación (1 Tesalonicenses 4:15-1815For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18Wherefore comfort one another with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:15‑18)), y luego con Sus santos (la Aparición) al final de la Gran Tribulación (1 Tesalonicenses 3:13; 5:1-413To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints. (1 Thessalonians 3:13)
1But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. 2For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 3For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. 4But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. (1 Thessalonians 5:1‑4)).
• El Estado Eterno (Apocalipsis 21:1-81And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 5And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. 6And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 8But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. (Revelation 21:1‑8)).
Enseñanza práctica
Algunos temas que Timoteo pudo haber expuesto a los tesalonicenses en su deseo de “confirmarlos” en su andar práctico son:
• Discipulado (Lucas 14:25-3325And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, 26If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. 27And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. 28For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? 29Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, 30Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. 31Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? 32Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. 33So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. (Luke 14:25‑33); Juan 8:3131Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; (John 8:31)).
• Dedicación y consagración (Romanos 12:1-81I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 3For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. 4For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 6Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness. (Romans 12:1‑8)).
• Moralidad (1 Corintios 6:12-2012All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. 13Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body. 14And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power. 15Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. 16What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. 17But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. 18Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. 19What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. (1 Corinthians 6:12‑20); 1 Tesalonicenses 4:1-71Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. 2For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. 3For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: 4That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor; 5Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: 6That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. 7For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. (1 Thessalonians 4:1‑7)).
• Matrimonio y responsabilidades familiares (1 Corintios 7).
• Juicio propio (1 Corintios 11:27-3227Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. 29For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. 30For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. 31For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. 32But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. (1 Corinthians 11:27‑32)).
• La escuela de Dios y sus disciplinas (Hebreos 12:5-115And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: 6For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 7If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 8But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. 9Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? 10For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. 11Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. (Hebrews 12:5‑11)).
Estas listas cubren muchas doctrinas y prácticas cristianas básicas, pero no son de ninguna manera exhaustivas. Son temas que todo creyente necesita entender y en los que debe ser establecido y animado. La gente de hoy tiene mucha ventaja en comparación con los que vivían antes de que el Nuevo Testamento fuera escrito. Sin embargo, aunque las epístolas no fueran aún escritas, Timoteo aprendió estos temas a los pies de Pablo (2 Timoteo 3:10,1410But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, (2 Timothy 3:10)
14But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; (2 Timothy 3:14)). Esto le hacía muy útil para confirmar a los hermanos tesalonicenses (1 Timoteo 4:1616Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. (1 Timothy 4:16); 2 Timoteo 2:22And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. (2 Timothy 2:2)).
Enseñanza y trabajo pastoral
Para que una persona pueda confirmar y ayudar a otros en la doctrina y vida práctica cristianas, debe primero estar bien establecida ella misma. Como ya fue mencionado, Timoteo era apto para esta obra ya que Pablo le dijo, “Pero tú has comprendido mi doctrina, instrucción [manera de vivir]” (2 Timoteo 3:10,10But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, (2 Timothy 3:10) traducción King James). Tenía un don de enseñar (1 Timoteo 1:3; 4:6,133As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, (1 Timothy 1:3)
6If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. (1 Timothy 4:6)
13Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. (1 Timothy 4:13)) y de pastorear (Filipenses 2:19-2119But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. 20For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. 21For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's. (Philippians 2:19‑21)). Por tanto, Pablo le llama “ministro de Dios” (versículo 2). Al hacer esto, Pablo dio su recomendación apostólica de Timoteo a los tesalonicenses, lo cual les daría confianza en él, y la seguridad de que lo que les enseñó venía de Dios.
El propósito práctico de este doble ministerio de confirmación y exhortación a los santos era “para que nadie se conmueva” (versículo 3). Al decir esto, Pablo les recuerda que se encontraban en una batalla espiritual contra un enemigo muy malvado —el diablo, a quien llama “el tentador” (versículo 5)—. Satanás buscaba debilitar su confianza en el Señor a través de “tribulaciones” de persecución, las cuales estaban diseñadas para que dejasen de seguir al Señor.
En los versos 3b-4, Pablo les recuerda que ellos vieron la ferocidad de esto de primera mano, en lo que le sucedió a Silas y a él cuando estaban con ellos (Hechos 17), y que era normal “pasar tribulaciones” de este tipo en el cristianismo. Entonces, tenían que estar preparados para tal situación. Cada nuevo convertido necesita entender que ser cristiano no es tendencia. Todo el sistema mundial y todos los que participan en él se oponen a Dios y Cristo. El tomar una posición cristiana significa que habrá un rechazo y persecución por parte de aquellos que odian a Cristo (Juan 15:1919If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. (John 15:19)). Desafortunadamente, al escuchar una presentación errada del evangelio, muchos en la actualidad tienen la idea de que al ser salvos no tendrán más problemas en sus vidas. Al igual que María Magdalena, confunden al Señor con “el Hortelano” (Juan 20:1515Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. (John 20:15)). Es decir, piensan que Él convertirá sus vidas en un hermoso lecho de rosas, y que nunca más estarán enfermos, ni tendrán problemas económicos, y que todo lo que emprendan en la vida será un éxito, etc. Sin embargo, la Escritura no enseña esto. La verdad es que el Señor no necesariamente nos sacará de nuestros problemas, sino que nos ayudará en ellos. Por tanto, todo nuevo convertido debe estar preparado para la adversidad, ya que eso es el cristianismo normal. Es muy importante que entiendan esto para que no se desilusionen cuando vengan los problemas y la oposición.
Perfeccionando lo que faltaba
Versículos 6-7.— Timoteo regresó a Pablo y a sus colaboradores “haciéndoles saber” las buenas noticias de que el estado espiritual de los tesalonicenses era bueno. Cuando les comentó a los Apóstoles acerca de su “fe y caridad [amor]” y su gran deseo de ver a los misioneros nuevamente, Pablo y sus colaboradores fueron “consolados”, ya que ellos también estaban siendo abofeteados con “necesidad y aflicción” por los ataques de Satanás. La noticia de que los tesalonicenses soportaban estas cosas a causa de Cristo era algo por qué agradecer al Señor. Esto muestra que la continuidad en nuestro andar da evidencia de la realidad de nuestra fe.
La esperanza está claramente ausente aquí. Es el tercer aspecto en el trío de virtudes cristianas mencionadas en el capítulo 1:3 —fe, amor y esperanza—. Ya que estas tres cosas normalmente van juntas en referencia al estado del cristiano, es evidente que la ausencia de la esperanza muestra una debilidad en los tesalonicenses en cuanto a ella. De lo que Pablo hace referencia en el capítulo 4:13-14, deducimos que tenían un malentendido con respecto a los santos que habían fallecido. Aparentemente creían que los fallecidos no tendrían parte en el reino de Cristo cuando Él reine. En la segunda carta a los tesalonicenses también vemos que tenían malentendidos acerca del “día del Señor”, lo cual era resultado de la mala enseñanza que se había infiltrado entre ellos y que había perturbado su esperanza.
Versículos 8-9.— Pablo continúa diciendo a los tesalonicenses que él y sus colaboradores no descansarían hasta que ellos alcanzaran un punto en su desarrollo espiritual que les permitiera estar “firmes en el Señor”. Esta era una preocupación importante para Pablo (Colosenses 1:2828Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: (Colossians 1:28)), y debería ser la preocupación de todo cristiano que obra con nuevos convertidos. Hasta que los nuevos convertidos no lleguen “á la unidad de la fe y del conocimiento del Hijo de Dios, á un varón perfecto, á la medida de la edad de la plenitud de Cristo”, seguirán siendo “niños” y estarán en constante peligro de ser “fluctuantes, y llevados por doquiera de todo viento de doctrina, por estratagema de hombres que, para engañar, emplean con astucia los artificios del error” (Efesios 4:13-1413Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; (Ephesians 4:13‑14)). Por lo tanto, es imperativo que todos ellos se establezcan en la fe lo antes posible.
Con todo, Pablo dio “gracias” por el progreso espiritual que veía en ellos, y continuaba “orando de noche y de día” por ellos y por la oportunidad de estar con ellos en persona para “completar lo que falta” a su “fe”. Probablemente esto se refería a aquellas cosas que malentendieron acerca de la esperanza (versículo 10). Hasta que llegara ese momento, Pablo esperaba que esta epístola atendiera esa necesidad. Encomendó el tiempo de su visita al “mismo Dios” quien abriría el camino a su debido tiempo (versículo 11).
Versículos 12-13.— Mientras tanto, el deseo y oración de Pablo era que “multiplique el Señor, y haga abundar el amor entre ellos, y para con todos”. Esto indica que él tenía mucho interés en su crecimiento espiritual —lo cual no es solo tener un entendimiento intelectual de la verdad, sino también tener los afectos del corazón en armonía con la verdad, lo cual se evidencia en el “amor entre vosotros”—. Por lo tanto, el crecimiento espiritual no es simplemente aferrarse a la verdad, ¡sino que la verdad también se aferre a nosotros!
El objetivo final de Pablo era que Dios “confirme” sus “corazones en santidad, irreprensibles delante de Dios y nuestro Padre, para la venida de nuestro Señor Jesucristo con todos Sus santos”. En otras palabras, él quería verlos pasar por los peligros y obstáculos en el camino de la fe y que fueran preservados en santidad hasta el final de su travesía terrenal, para que se muestren en toda la gloria del reino cuando venga Cristo. El aspecto de la Segunda Venida del Señor que se refiere aquí es la Aparición de Cristo, “cuando viniere para ser glorificado en Sus santos, y á hacerse admirable en aquel día en todos los que creyeron” (2 Tesalonicenses 1:1010When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day. (2 Thessalonians 1:10)).
En este tercer capítulo, vemos que el gran deseo de Pablo era que los tesalonicenses crecieran espiritualmente en el Señor, que fueran aprobados por Dios, y que al final fueran mostrados en la gloria del reino con Cristo. Esto ha sido el tema base del capítulo. La madurez cristiana es su objetivo. Por tanto, un trabajo de seguimiento con los nuevos convertidos involucra:
• Confirmarlos a través de la sana doctrina.
• Animarlos a través de interacción personal.
• Orar por ellos con respecto a su crecimiento espiritual.