The First Letter of the Apostle Paul to the
THESSALONIANS
Author:
Paul an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Date:
Sometime between 50 and 54 AD.
Themes:
During his second missionary journey Paul visited Thessalonica and preached the gospel of Christ. Some people there believed in Christ, left their idols, and became disciples (Acts 17:1-9). Now Paul writes to strengthen their faith, to let them know of his joy concerning them, and to give them some further teaching. A principal theme is the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul refers to this event in each chapter of this letter (1 Thess 1:10; 2:19; 3:13; 4:13-17; 5:1-4). Christ will come again and gather His believers to Himself to be with Him forever, therefore believers should now rejoice in this great truth and live lives worthy of it.
Contents:
Paul’s prayer and thanksgiving 1:2-3
An ideal church 1:4-10
Paul and his companions are examples of what
all servants of Christ should be 2:1-12
Their courage and determination 2:1-2
Their integrity, faithfulness, motives 2:3-6
Their loving hearts 2:7-8
Their constant labour 2:9
Their holy and righteous lives 2:10
Their tender care of believers 2:11-12
More thanksgiving 2:13-14
The opposition of the Jews 2:14-16
Paul’s love for believers 2:17-20
Paul sent Timothy to Thessalonica 3:1-6
Paul’s encouragement and desire to visit them 3:7-11
Paul’s prayer for them 3:12-13
Living to please God 4:1-12
Holy living 4:3-8
Brotherly love 4:9-10
Living in a way that attracts others 4:11-12
The second coming of Christ, the Rapture 4:13-18
Times and dates 5:1-4
Living as children of the Light 5:5-11
Closing remarks 5:12-17