I Thessalonians
Purpose
First Thessalonians is a tender letter of affection from Paul to a young church in the Macedonian city of Thessalonica, founded amid opposition and now standing firm in faith and love despite continued persecution. Unable to visit them, Paul sent Timothy and was overjoyed to hear of their steadfastness, and he writes both to encourage them and to fill in what was lacking in their faith. He commends them as a model church whose faith has "sounded forth" everywhere, recalls the purity and gentleness of his ministry among them, and longs to see them again. The letter is especially known for its teaching on the return of the Lord: believers who have died will not miss the day of Christ, for at his coming "the dead in Christ will rise first," and all who are alive will be caught up together to meet the Lord, comforting one another with this hope. The letter closes with practical exhortations to holiness, brotherly love, quiet working, and watchfulness, shaping a community that lives in the light of the coming Day.
Author
Paul the apostle
Time Period
Written c. 50-51 AD from Corinth, among the earliest of Paul's letters
Key Themes
- An exemplary church
- Holiness and brotherly love
- The return of the Lord
- Comfort in bereavement
- Watchful living
Outline
Commendation and pastoral concern (ch. 1–3): the church's faith spoken of everywhere, Paul's gentle entry, his longing to see them, and Timothy's encouraging report. Exhortation to holiness and the Lord's coming (ch. 4–5): sexual holiness and brotherly love, the dead in Christ and the catching up, the Day of the Lord like a thief, watchfulness, and the God of peace who will sanctify them completely.