Introduction to the first letter to the Thessalonians
The 52nd book of the Bible, the 13th in the New Testament
Thessalonica, now known as Thessaloniki, was an important trading city in northern Greece and also the capital of the Roman province of Macedonia.
Paul visited the city on his second journey and spent several months there, but he was forced to flee Thessalonica due to an uprising against his missionary work.
Concerned for the Thessalonians, he sent his associate Timothy back to the city from Athens during the remainder of his journey.
After Timothy returned with good news—even though the church was already enduring severe persecution—Paul wrote to encourage them and clarify questions that had arisen in the meantime.
The letter was likely written in Corinth in A.D. 50 or 51, making it probably Paul’s first and oldest epistle.
Outline of the First Epistle to the Thessalonians:
Chapters 1:1–10 – Praise for the Faith of the Thessalonians
Chapters 2:1–20 – Paul’s Ministry and the Reception of the Gospel in Thessalonica
Chapters 3:1–4:12 – The apostle’s concern and instruction regarding sanctification
Chapters 4:13–5:28 – On the resurrection of the dead, the return of Jesus, and life in light of the Lord’s Day, which will come unexpectedly
Content of the first letter to the Thessalonians:
- 1. Thessanlonians chapter 1
Sender
I. The Apostle’s Relationship with the Church (1:2–3:13) - 1. Thessanlonians chapter 2
- 1. Thessanlonians chapter 3
- 1. Thessanlonians chapter 4
II. Exhortations and Instructions for the Church (4:1–5:24) - 1. Thessanlonians chapter 5