1 Thessalonians

Content of this Introduction  (top)

• Fast Facts
• Author
• Interesting Observances
• Date and Providence
• Background
• Purpose
• Content

Fast Facts  (top)

• Author: Paul (more info) (Biography of Paul)
• Date of composition: 50-52 (more info)
• Place of composition: Probably in Corinth (more info)
• Main themes: Encouragement to the Thessalonians to persevere in holy living, instruction on the nature of the end times and general instructions for living at peace with one another.
• No. of chapters: 5
• No. of verses: 89 (10, 20, 13, 18, 28)

     Author  (top)

The letter is held to be written by Paul and no serious claim has been raised against this view. The vocabulary and style are Pauline, as is the content; so there seems no reason to doubt Pauline authorship. However, the epistle is different to other Paulines in several ways (see below). There has also been some discussion over whether the letter may actually be a combination of two letters, though in general the arguments for this view seem unconvincing when compared to the weight of evidence against it.

     Interesting Observances  (top)

The First Letter to the Thessalonians is different to other Pauline epistles in several ways: -

• The Apostle doesn't seem to be writing to counter a scandal or teach on a divisive issue (as is his usual motivation in many of his letters - e.g. Galatians).
• Paul doesn't really go into depth on any of the doctrinal themes he is noted for in his other letters (e.g., he doesn't speak at length of Christ's atoning death, the contrasts of faith and works or flesh and spirit; and He doesn't use such theological terms such as "righteousness", "justification" etc)
• The letter is largely non-Jewish in thought - there is not much mention made of major OT historical figures or Jewish customs (although the eschatology touches heavily upon Jewish Eschatalogical understanding).

     Date and Providence  (top)

History tells us that Paul was most likely in Thessalonica in about 50 AD. Therefore 1 Thessalonians would most likely have been written soon after this, from Corinth - probably 50-52 AD - making it one of his earliest epistles.

     Background  (top)

Thessalonica ("Thess-al-on-eye-ka") was under Roman rule, and was known for the cult of Dionisius. This cult had much to do with sexuality and its symbol was the Phallus. It seems that overtones of this sexually provocative influence in the city forced Paul to write concerning sexual purity. (See 4:3-8).

Acts 17:1-9 records the beginning of Paul's ministry to the Thessalonians. He preached in the Synagogues, on three Sabbaths reasoning from the Scriptures. Several Jews, and "God-fearing Gentiles" were converted. But soon, hostile Jews rounded up a mob and laid charges against him, so he left for Berea (Acts 17:10-15). From Berea, Paul travelled to Athens (Acts 17:16-34) and then Corinth (Acts 18:1-18), from where he wrote this epistle.

     Purpose  (top)

It is clear from his many words of encouragement and recorded prayers, that Paul wrote 1 Thessalonians in order to comfort his Thessalonian readers in the face of persecution (1:1-3:13). This likely meant also that his instruction on the End Times (eschatology) in 4:13-5:11 was the result of his desire to give hope that "the dead in Christ will rise first" (4:16). He also gives various exhortations to holy living (4:1-12, 5:12-28).

     Content:  (top)

• 1:1 Paul, Silas and Timothy, to the Church of the Thessalonians: Grace and peace to you.
• 1:2-10 We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We remember your work produced by faith, your labour prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. We know that you have been chosen by God because our gospel came to you with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction.
• 2:1-16 You know, brothers, that our visit to you was not a failure, for the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives. On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God. As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you, but we were gentle among you. And we also thank God because you received and accepted what you heard from us as it is: the word of God.
• 2:17-3:10 When we were torn away from you for a short time, out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you, but Satan stopped us. When we could stand it no longer we sent Timothy to strengthen and encourage you in your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter might have tempted you. But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news of your faith and love. Therefore we are encouraged because of your faith.
• 3:11-13 Now may God clear the way for us to come to you, and may he bless you with love, and strengthen you to be blameless and holy when Christ comes.
• 4:1-12 Finally, brothers, we instructed you on how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask and urge you to do this more and more. For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. And live in such a way so that your daily life will win the respect of outsiders.
• 4:13-5:11 Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep: we believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. The Lord himself will come from heaven and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. And this day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night, so let us be alert and self-controlled. Christ died so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up.
• 5:12-22 Respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord, and who admonish you. Live in peace; warn those who are idle, encourage the timid and help the weak; be patient with everyone, be kind to each other and to everyone else; be joyful always, pray continually and give thanks in all circumstances. Do not put out the Spirit's fire or treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good and avoid every kind of evil.
• 5:23-24 May God sanctify you through and through.
• 5:25-28 Pray for us, and greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. Read this letter to all the brothers. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.