1. The Division of Chapters and Verses in the Bible, the Old Testament's Division into Two Volumes, and the Structure of Isaiah
We are well aware that the Bible is divided into chapters and verses, even though it was originally written as a complete text. While these divisions were created by people for convenience, we can view them as having been formed under the guidance of the Holy Spirit rather than being mere coincidences. Historically, the division of chapters in the New Testament took place in the early 13th century (around 1227), and verses were introduced around the mid-16th century (1551). From the perspective of church history, these events were extremely significant. Prior to that, Bible reading was limited, and most laypeople hardly had any direct access to the Scriptures. After the Reformation, when Luther and other reformers began translating the Bible into the vernacular so that laypeople could read it more easily, the existence of a Bible divided into chapters and verses became nothing short of revolutionary. Because of chapter and verse divisions, anyone could locate and read a desired passage for study or meditation. This was a massive advantage not only for scholars but also for all believers seeking to guard their faith in everyday life. Through this flow of history, we now enjoy the grace of easily searching the Scriptures and studying them collectively, as well as finding specific passages during worship.
The same applies to the Old Testament. Take, for example, 1 & 2 Samuel and 1 & 2 Chronicles. In the original Hebrew Bible, they were each written on a single scroll, but over time, for the convenience of readers-much like chapter and verse divisions-they were split into two volumes. This transformation occurred over a long history, but when we look at the editorial transmission of the Hebrew Bible, sometimes the scrolls were physically too lengthy or heavy to contain all the content on one single scroll. Thus, for practical reasons and for educational convenience, they were divided into "first" and "second" volumes. In the Korean Revised Version (개역개정판) and other modern translations, 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel are clearly treated as two separate books. Yet in essence, they continue the same narrative flow, with their content contextually linked. Similarly, 1 Chronicles and 2 Chronicles were also originally considered one volume before being split into two, resulting in the form we have today.
The Book of Isaiah that we have today is bound as a single volume, and reading it as a unified whole allows us to experience a deeper sense of spiritual enrichment. Indeed, Jesus and the apostles quote Isaiah as a single, unified text, so the church has generally read it as one volume, meditating on it in its entirety. Academically, there is a tradition of dividing Isaiah into First Isaiah, Second Isaiah, or even Third Isaiah. However, from a faith perspective, discovering the "gospel nature" of Isaiah's prophecy within the unity of the text-and thereby solidifying our faith-is paramount. By reading each book of the Bible with an awareness of its original context and its actual historical and textual transmission, we can attain a deeper understanding of Scripture and perceive God's will more clearly.
Entering the era of the New Testament, particularly in the 13th and 16th centuries, the introduction of chapters and verses was a groundbreaking event that enabled ordinary believers to access the Bible more easily and systematically-no longer restricted to priests or specialized scholars. When Luther, Zwingli, Calvin, and other reformers adopted the principle of sola Scriptura ("Scripture alone") and began translating the Latin Bible into various vernacular languages, these chapter and verse divisions proved greatly beneficial. Gone were the days when only priests could read Scripture aloud during worship while the congregation merely listened. Also gone was the medieval tradition that barred ordinary believers from singing hymns. Today, in accordance with Psalm 150-"Let everything that has breath praise the LORD"-we can all directly participate in praising God. Not only do choirs sing sacred music; the entire community lifts its voice together in worship. Countless believers, grounded in faith at the grassroots level of the church, are free to meditate on the Word, sing hymns, and study the Bible. All this is partly because the "chapter and verse" system offers a simple yet highly useful tool for accessing Scripture. Of course, chapters and verses are merely a secondary aid. But if they help us receive God's Word more effectively, then we can indeed acknowledge this as the providence of the Holy Spirit throughout church history.
While 1 & 2 Samuel and 1 & 2 Chronicles appear to us today as if they were separate books, they share the same story line. For instance, 1 & 2 Samuel recount the transition to Israel's monarchy under Samuel the prophet, then Saul, and eventually David, illustrating the beginning and shifts of royal governance. The "first" and "second" volumes allow us to view them like subheadings so that readers can navigate more easily. When read continuously as one, you can see dramatic turning points within Israel's history in a single sweep, providing a more fluid overview. Meanwhile, 1 & 2 Chronicles cover the entire era from the reign of David through the time of Solomon and the divided kingdom. Because of the sheer physical length and volume of the text, the Chronicles, like Samuel, ended up split into two books. Looking at the structure of the Old Testament this way, one realizes that our familiar divisions-chapters, verses, and "first" and "second" volumes-do more than merely segment the text. They also yield meaningful insights.
Though tradition separates Isaiah into First Isaiah and Second Isaiah based on style and prophetic timeframe, the broader church has conventionally employed the book as a single text. Notably, when Jesus quotes Isaiah, He does so with a holistic perspective rather than isolating a single chapter-revealing Isaiah's distinct place in salvation history. When reading this text, it is important to view the historical setting, the message, the target and timing of the prophecies, and how the Messianic prophecies are fulfilled in the overarching narrative. Scholars do often date portions to the Babylonian exile or late-exilic period, but within the church's faith tradition, the main emphasis is that all these prophecies collectively narrate a single redemptive history.
If we leap forward to the time of the Reformation, Martin Luther posted his Ninety-five Theses in 1517, thereby launching a movement that opened the way for ordinary believers to read the Bible for themselves. Previously, only priests, monasteries, and certain elites had access to the Latin Vulgate and held the right to interpret it. Due to language and cultural barriers, laypeople typically had little direct exposure to Scripture. Rather, they just received and practiced whatever the church tradition handed down through its teachings and sacraments. However, with the advancement of printing technology, Luther's translation of the Bible into German, and the introduction of chapter and verse divisions, Scripture became far easier to read and reference. In the English-speaking world, Wycliffe and Tyndale likewise devoted themselves to producing English translations, causing considerable upheaval. This challenged the very structure of the church, for it highlighted that all Christians could directly approach God through Scripture, whereas previously, religious authority was thought to reside exclusively in "the Church" (popes, bishops, priests, etc.).
Pastor David Jang emphasizes that this legacy-of every believer reading and meditating on God's Word-must be rekindled in our present age. He points out that whenever Scripture is hidden or monopolized by a select few, corruption inevitably follows. Thus, perhaps the greatest achievement of the Reformers was making the translated Bible available to the laity, and the chapter-verse system dovetails with this, enabling individuals to quote and study specific passages with ease. Today, with just a smartphone in hand, we can locate any verse within seconds and compare various translations. Such a feature is invaluable for preparing sermons or leading Bible studies. Yet we must remember that this convenience is merely a tool and should never remain a superficial formality. The crucial question is whether we use such conveniences to pursue deeper meditation and spiritual growth.
The psalmist repeatedly exhorts us to offer praise that delights God-"Let everything that has breath praise the LORD"-and indeed, a new era has dawned wherein we all sing praise together. In the Middle Ages, choirs sang on behalf of the congregation while laypeople largely listened. Yet communal worship that includes active reading of Scripture and corporate singing began spreading increasingly after the Reformation, tied closely to laypeople's direct engagement with the Bible. After all, singing is an expression of confession through our lips, but its foundation lies in Scripture. As Scripture becomes accessible, and our knowledge of God flourishes, a spontaneous desire to praise naturally emerges. Thus, the introduction of chapter-verse divisions, the Reformation, and lay access to the Bible all paved the way for today's church, where we can exuberantly worship God and receive illumination from His Word.
Moreover, in Romans 10:6-8, the apostle Paul declares that the Word is near us. He asks rhetorically, "Who will ascend into heaven to bring the Lord down? Or who will descend into the deep to bring Christ up from the dead?"-underscoring that the Lord's Word has already come near. Through Jesus Christ, the gospel has been completed and is now available to us in written form, always at our fingertips. True to this statement, whether inside or outside the church, individually or corporately, we live in a time when we can relish Scripture in abundance. Just a few centuries ago, the idea that laypeople would read and fully understand the entire Bible was unimaginable. But with wide-ranging translations into multiple languages, we see how chapter-verse divisions again prove their worth.
Reflecting on such history, Pastor David Jang urges believers to honor and delight in Scripture, drawing near to it. "The chapters and verses themselves are not what matters; rather, it is the opportunity they provide us to make contact with God's Word that is important," he says. By looking at examples like 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Chronicles, and Isaiah, we see how the primary purpose of splitting or dividing the text is to help readers grasp its truths more deeply. Just as ancient Israelites read the Torah, memorized it, and sang the Psalms and prophetic writings, the New Testament Church is called to continue in that tradition. In Jesus' day, finding a particular verse within a scroll at the synagogue took much effort. Yet we today can search the Bible with astonishing ease-an enormous blessing. In this sense, reading Scripture reverently, meditating on it, and ultimately obeying it is the essential call the modern church must recover.
2. The Background of 1 Thessalonians and Paul's Preaching of the Gospel
First Thessalonians is known to have been written jointly by Paul, Silas (Silvanus), and Timothy. According to Acts 17, after Paul was severely persecuted and imprisoned in Philippi-where he was beaten and thrown into jail-he moved on to Thessalonica. At that time, he was on his second missionary journey, having preached in various cities of Macedonia with the ultimate goal of reaching Rome and eventually Spain, which was considered the "ends of the earth" in the Mediterranean world. Despite his unjust beating and imprisonment in Philippi, Paul never abandoned his calling but pressed on with it. The next city he visited was Thessalonica, the de facto capital of Macedonia, a large port city with a population of about 200,000 and a flourishing commercial scene, where many Jews had settled. For three weeks, Paul went to the synagogue to explain from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.
Some of the God-fearing Gentiles-Greeks who had been worshiping in the Jewish tradition-responded to Paul's preaching by embracing Jesus Christ as the Messiah. They were moved by the Holy Spirit's conviction when Paul interpreted the Old Testament (the only recognized Scripture at that time, since the New Testament had not yet been canonized) and asserted plainly, "This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Christ." Acts 17:3 highlights Paul's direct and central gospel message: explaining how "the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead," and concluding, "This Jesus I am telling you about is the Christ." Despite facing physical and emotional exhaustion due to persecution, Paul persisted in proclaiming the gospel tirelessly, empowered by the Holy Spirit. This teaches us that those who evangelize must not merely speak pleasant words to appease people; they must boldly declare the truth itself. Of course, love and a respectful demeanor are important, but the heart of the gospel-Jesus' cross and resurrection-must be clearly presented.
When some Thessalonians began to follow Paul, the local Jewish population, jealous of this response, incited a major uproar, accusing them of "defying Caesar's decrees" and slandering them with false allegations. They raided the home of Jason, who hosted the house church. As persecution intensified, Paul and Silas had to leave Thessalonica for nearby Berea. Yet the Jewish agitators pursued them there as well, forcing Paul to move on to Athens with the help of the believers, and then later to Corinth. In the midst of such persecution, Timothy remained in Thessalonica to care for the local believers. Occasionally, he would travel to meet Paul to give updates and receive instructions-demonstrating a pattern of "advancing the mission" while also "staying to shepherd." After Paul, Silas, and Timothy reunited in Corinth, Paul heard reports that the Thessalonian church continued to face tribulation. False teachers had infiltrated the congregation, causing division and undermining Paul and Silas' credibility. Moved by such news, Paul wrote 1 Thessalonians.
In chapter 1 of that letter, Paul praises the Thessalonian church for being an example of faith amidst affliction-"You became a model to all the believers." The more intense the persecution grew, the more steadfast their faith became. Chapters 2 and 3 address Paul's defense of his and his co-workers' sincerity, urging the church not to be swayed by the divisive influence of false teachers. These detractors claimed that Paul had sparked trouble in Philippi-leading to his imprisonment-and now, having stirred up a commotion in Thessalonica, he irresponsibly fled once persecution arose. They questioned Paul's rightful authority as an apostle and cast doubts on whether he truly had a sacrificial heart for the church, thereby unsettling believers. Paul responds by describing, in tender detail, his attitude toward the Thessalonian believers, his commitment to preaching the gospel amid tribulation, and his enduring love and prayers for them despite his physical absence.
Pastor David Jang underscores Paul's leadership and pastoral approach here. "Sometimes a minister must leave for unavoidable reasons, yet even then, he must continue to carry in his heart those he left behind, praying for them and remaining committed," he explains. In 1 Thessalonians 2:17, Paul says, "Brothers, we were torn away from you for a short time-in person, not in thought." Paul is telling them, "I never forgot you. My body may be distant, but our spiritual connection has only grown stronger." Indeed, after leaving Thessalonica, Paul continually prayed for that church, sending Timothy to keep checking on them and to offer encouragement. Through Paul's heartfelt concern, they stood firm in faith amid persecution, and their love and hope only grew deeper.
In 1 Thessalonians 2:4, Paul states, "We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts." This highlights the core orientation of both a minister's and a believer's life. If we become too focused on pleasing people or seeking their praise, the essence of the gospel fades, and we may fall into flattery, deceit, or selfish ambition. Paul, on the other hand, always believed he was "approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel," so he never relented in the face of misunderstanding or criticism, maintaining pure love for the believers. This attitude refocused the congregation on what truly mattered and helped them rise above division, ultimately uniting them in one heart and mind.
In verses 2:7 and 2:11, Paul likens himself to both a nursing mother and a father-caring for the church with tender affection yet also providing paternal guidance, discipline, and encouragement. Church leaders should embody both gentleness and accountability. Pastor David Jang refers to this as "team spirituality and the spirituality of evangelism." Paul, Silas, and Timothy worked together as a cohesive team, each serving in different capacities to preach the gospel and nurture the church. Collaborating, they bore joint responsibility for one another and for the congregations. Consequently, even when Paul had to leave temporarily, Timothy stayed to strengthen them; if Timothy encountered challenges, he would confer with Paul again in Corinth or elsewhere, praying and seeking additional help.
As church history testifies, the gospel has always advanced in tandem with persecution. The Jerusalem church initially did not plan to spread the gospel voluntarily worldwide, but a "great persecution" forced believers to scatter, and thus the gospel was preached broadly. In Thessalonica, too, "persecution arose," but the church was never paralyzed by fear. It turned persecution into a gateway for further progress. In 1 Thessalonians 1:6, Paul commends them: "You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit." Such joy in the midst of suffering can only arise from the Holy Spirit's comfort and assurance, and Paul reiterates that "the suffering you face is essentially the same as what our Lord and the prophets endured-rejoice in that!"
Of course, the false teachers continued spreading rumors. They said Paul must have done something wrong to end up in a Philippian jail, that he caused turmoil in Thessalonica and fled for his own safety. But in 1 Thessalonians 2:2, Paul clarifies, "We had previously suffered and been insulted in Philippi, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you His gospel in spite of strong opposition." Thus, the imprisonment and beatings they endured in Philippi were not some theatrical display but genuine hardships suffered for the gospel's sake. Hence Paul can affirm, "Our appeal does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you." He underscores that their sole aim was to please God, safeguarding the church against these baseless suspicions.
Later, in Acts 28, we see Paul in Rome, quoting Isaiah about the Jewish resistance to the gospel: "For this people's heart has become calloused... they hardly hear with their ears..."-linking it to the notion that God's wrath was fully coming upon those who reject the gospel (1 Thess. 2:16). This divine judgment meant that the gospel, having been rejected by some Jews, would move on to the Gentiles. In Romans 9-11, Paul elaborates that "Israel's stumbling opened the door for the Gentiles. Yet Israel, too, will ultimately have hope." Similarly, tension between Jewish and Gentile believers existed in Thessalonica, and ironically, persecution further spurred the gospel's spread. History repeatedly verifies that persecution never extinguishes the gospel but instead propels it. Though hatred might seem to breed only hatred, God uses persecution to save more souls and fortify His church.
At the end of 1 Thessalonians 2, Paul calls the believers "our hope, our joy, and the crown in which we will glory." Paul envisions the day of the Lord's return, when he will see the Thessalonian believers standing with him before Jesus, and this image brings him immense comfort and gladness. It exemplifies how, for an evangelist, the ultimate reward is seeing those who received the gospel persevere in faith until the end, sharing eternal glory in Christ. Pastor David Jang often emphasizes this message: "Our goal in evangelizing and building churches is for those brothers and sisters to walk with the Lord in maturity, so that we all share in His glory when He comes again." Whenever the church focuses on pleasing people or building human reputations, problems arise. But focusing on pleasing God and leading believers toward spiritual maturity enables us to withstand criticism and bear abundant fruit.
From Paul's heartfelt appeals and apologetics, and from his statement that "we were separated from you only in face, not in heart," we learn the true attitude of a gospel worker. The church is not merely a group of people in a building. It is a fellowship praying for each other, edifying one another through the Word, and maintaining a close spiritual bond even under pressure. By stressing such unity, Paul reassures the Thessalonian church, "Though Satan tries to divide us, if we stand together in love and in one accord, we cannot be undone." He hopes they remember his sincere apostolic devotion and keep standing firm, rejecting the slander of false teachers. Indeed, they did just that.
Moreover, in the early history of the Thessalonian church, hope never died despite persecution. Paul had to leave temporarily, but Timothy stayed behind to provide pastoral care; Paul later revisited or sent words of encouragement, constantly praying for the church. According to chapter 3, hearing news of their faith and love filled Paul with great joy and spurred him to pray for their continued maturity. Such is the church's powerful asset. Even if they are physically distant, believers stay connected through prayer, and though the shepherd departs, the Holy Spirit continues protecting the church.
First Thessalonians captures how, under Roman rule in the first century, an emerging Gentile church endured harsh oppression, and yet how the gospel of Jesus Christ took firm root and blossomed. Paul and his coworkers' passion and sincerity remain a model for today's church. Rather than seeking human admiration, they sought to please God. They avoided deceit and greed, showed genuine love, and upheld the congregation like both mother and father. They prayed in unity, and thus overcame persecution and division-virtues we would do well to emulate in our modern context.
Pastor David Jang highlights Paul's preaching and pastoral care-along with the great faith displayed by the Thessalonian church-through expository teaching, stressing that a church anchored in the gospel and God's Word can never be destroyed, no matter how fierce the conflicts or worldly temptations may be. Even when lies or divisive forces threaten the church, if it truly loves God and remains Word-centered, the Holy Spirit protects it, often using trials to strengthen its unity. He frequently cites 1 Thessalonians 2:8, where Paul writes, "We were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us." That single verse encapsulates Paul's love for the church, as well as his willingness to practice total self-giving in ministry.
In studying 1 Thessalonians, we see that the path Paul took-both as an evangelist and as a pastor-can be summed up as "glorifying God and loving the church." Whenever we strive to please people, the gospel's essence gets diluted; conflict emerges, and no one truly benefits spiritually. But if we hold to pleasing God alone, then we can withstand persecution and misconceptions, building up the church in integrity. Paul's letters show that he followed Jesus Christ, the true Head of the Church, bearing much fruit along the way. The Thessalonian believers were themselves fruit of that ministry, so cherished by Paul that he called them "our hope, joy, and crown."
In today's church setting, Pastor David Jang and many other pastors continue learning from Paul's spirituality. We need a robust biblical foundation, preaching the gospel plainly and holding firmly to Christ's cross and resurrection, yet also showing the gentle and responsible care of a nursing mother and a father. Numerous churches pursue numerical growth, but if the essential message of the gospel and the Scriptures becomes diluted, they can easily collapse or break apart. True revival arises when, like the early churches, we cling resolutely to Christ's redemptive work on the cross and His triumphant resurrection, sharing and upholding that saving grace among ourselves. As 1 Thessalonians reminds us, adversity never thwarts God's purpose; paradoxically, trials and persecution refine our faith, making the church even stronger.
Understanding the history behind the Bible's chapter-verse divisions, the structure of the Old Testament books (like the splits in Samuel and Chronicles), the unified nature of Isaiah, and the development of the New Testament's divisions helps us read texts like 1 Thessalonians-and all of Scripture-with greater richness. As we open the Bible, recalling the footsteps of church history, the Spirit's guidance, the work of the Reformers, and the spiritual victories of the early Christians, each verse comes alive with fresh meaning. Every time we reflect on Paul's heartfelt statements in 1 Thessalonians 2-his defense and his claim that "you are our glory and joy"-we must not forget that the root of this love is the love of Jesus Christ. Just as Paul passed on this divine love, so we, too, must share it earnestly with our neighbors and fellow believers.
We should remain ever alert to "forces that shake the church," but instead of directly counterattacking them, we can disarm falsehood by living in a way that pleases God. Following Paul's model, our exhortations must not come from duplicity or corruption, but from truth, coupled with an even greater sacrificial love for the community. Eventually, sincerity is revealed, and the church stands united. By appreciating why the Bible was divided into chapters and verses in the first place, by learning from the spirituality of Paul and the early church in 1 Thessalonians, and by prayerfully pondering how to apply these lessons to modern church life, we can fulfill our calling as believers. Throughout that journey, we must continually examine ourselves for any creeping desire to "please men," remembering to give all glory to God alone. If we do this, the convenience of chapter-verse divisions, along with our church's worship and music, will flourish, and the power of the gospel will continue to work in our day. Indeed, the principle Pastor David Jang repeatedly underscores-"Return to Scripture"-will shine ever more brightly.
