Paul's First Letter to the Thessalonians
Paul founded the church at Thessalonica during his second missionary journey. He had taught there just three weeks when he had to leave suddenly because of the opposition of the Jews. Recent converts from paganism were thus left with little external support in the midst of persecution. Paul wrote in about A.D. 51 to give encouragement to them.
Although the thrust of the letter is varied, the subject of eschatology (concerning last, or final matters, as death, the Judgment, the future state) seems to be predominant in both Thessalonian letters. Every chapter ends with a reference to the second coming of Jesus, with chapter 4 giving it major consideration. Thus, the second coming seems to permeate the letter and may be viewed as its theme. Paul focuses on the principles of faith, hope and love.
I. Greetings and Thanksgiving (1:1-10)
II. Paul's Defense of His Actions and Absence (2:1-3:13)
III. Exhortations (4:1-5:22)
A. About Personal Life (4:1-12)
B. About Jesus' Coming (4:13-5:11)
C. About Church Life (5:12-22)
IV. Concluding Prayer, Greetings and Benediction (5:23-28)
In chapters 1-3, Paul accentuates and commends them for their faithfulness to the Lord. He wrote, “thank God that when you
received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs it work in you who believe” (2:13).
In chapters 4-6, Paul highlights Love and Hope. He encourages the church to walk in love; to (excel still more). He then expounds on the return of Jesus and “the day of the Lord”. Paul teaches the church about the resurrection on the last day and that Christ will return in the clouds, this was exactly the encouragement that the church in Thessalonica needed. Lastly, before Paul finishes his letter he does not forget to add that they must pray constantly and “Examine Everything Carefully”; this advice must still be applied today.
continue to 2 Thessalonians...
continue to 2 Thessalonians...
