Introduction to the Book of 1 Thessalonians

Introduction

More than Eschatology

The subject of Biblical Eschatology (the study of end times) is of great interest to many Christians, especially today since we live in what might be best described as turbulent times. While the book of 1 Thessalonians does reveal insight on several end-time events, it also contains some invaluable theological viewpoints for Christian living. In other words don’t skip over the first three plus chapters!

Paul wrote to the church in Thessalonica for a number of reasons, including: to encourage them as they faced persecution, to commend them for their their faith, and to express his affection for them. He also addressed concerns they had regarding believers who died possibly missing Jesus’ return and about the day of the Lord, all of which leads to events yet future.

Regarding Eschatology

Both of Paul’s epistles to this church provide a significant amount of information regarding end-time events. In this epistle Paul discusses the often-debated subject of the rapture, the resurrection of all believers, and the beginning of the period known as the Tribulation. Click here to read more about these events.

The City of Thessalonica

It is a very old city, originally called Therma, named after the abundance of hot springs all around it. In 315 B.C. it was renamed Thessalonica after the half-sister of Alexander the Great. Subsequent to being conquered by Rome in 168 B.C., the city was made the capital of Macedonia.

Today the city is known as Thessaloniki, at the time of Paul’s visit it was the largest city in the Roman province of Macedonia (the northern section of today’s Greece). Located at the north end of the Thermaic Gulf off the Aegean Sea, and like Philippi, it was situated on the Via Egnatia, a seven-hundred mile long Roman highway that stretched from the Adriatic coast to Byzanthium.

It is impossible to overstress the importance of the arrival of Christianity in Thessalonica. If Christianity was established there, it was bound to spread east along the Egnatian Road until all Asia was conquered, and west until it stormed even the city of Rome. The coming of Christianity to Thessalonica was crucial in its development into a world religion.^[1]

Paul's History with the Thessalonians

The book of Acts tells us that Paul, during his second missionary journey, entered into the province of Macedonia and traveled to the city of Samothrace, then to Neapolis, and on to Philippi where Paul and Silas were arrested (see Acts 16:11-40). Afterward they were strongly encouraged to leave Philippi. The first two verses of Acts chapter seventeen reads: “Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures...” (Acts 17:1-2, ESV) But since the gospel message was being widely accepted by “devout Greeks” and several “leading women” (see Acts 17:4), the Jews became jealous and caused a major uproar and riot in the city (see Acts 17:5). So the Jews went before the city authorities and proclaimed, “they are all acting against the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.” (Acts 17:7b, ESV) Which would have a very serious charge, but at that time the authorities did not have Paul and Silas in custody.

It would appear that this riot was more serious than the words of Luke would at first sight suggest. The language of Paul in his first letter to the Thessalonians, 2:14–16, shows that a powerful, dangerous, and lasting sentiment was roused among the classes which made the riot.
The charge brought against Paul was subtly conceived and most dangerous. The very suggestion of treason against the Emperors often proved fatal to the accused; and it compelled the politarchs to take steps, for, if they failed to do so, they became exposed to a charge of treason, as having taken too little care for the honour of the Emperor. Many a man was ruined by such a charge under the earlier Emperors.^[2]

Paul and Silas were then stealthily sent out of the city with the help of those who came to believe in Jesus (see Acts 17:10). This account tells us that Paul was in Thessalonica for at least two to three weeks. Which apparently was enough time for a church to be planted. Some believe, based on 1 Thessalonians 2:9 and 2 Thessalonians 3:8, that Paul stayed longer than just the three Sabbaths mentioned in Acts 17:2. After leaving Thessalonica they traveled approximately fifty miles to Berea. The people of Berea received Paul and Silas with open arms. Even though Paul had to leave Thessalonica quickly and under cover of darkness, Paul remained concerned for them as he desired to return and continue to teach (see 1 Thessalonians 2:17-18).

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[1] Barclay, W. (2003). The Letters to Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians (3rd ed. fully rev. and updated, p. 209). Westminster John Knox Press.

[2] Ramsay, W. M. (1907). St. Paul the traveller and the Roman citizen (pp. 229–230). Hodder & Stoughton.

Navigation

Outline

I. Chapter One (1 Thessalonians 1:1-10)

A. Opening Greeting (1 Thessalonians 1:1)

B. In Recognition of their Faith and Being an Example to Others (1 Thessalonians 1:2-10)

II. Chapter Two (1 Thessalonians 2:1-20)

A. Paul Remembers His Visit (1 Thessalonians 2:1-16)

B. Paul Desires to See Them Again - Part One (1 Thessalonians 2:17-20)

III. Chapter Three (1 Thessalonians 3:1-13)

A. Paul Desires to See Them Again - Part Two (1 Thessalonians 3:1-5)

B. An Encouraging Report from Timothy (1 Thessalonians 3:6-13)

IV. Chapter Four (1 Thessalonians 4:1-18)

A. Lead a Life Pleasing to God (1 Thessalonians 4:1-12)

B. Encouragement from Knowing Jesus Will be Coming to Collect His Own (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)

V. Chapter Five (1 Thessalonians 5:1-28)

A. Concerning the Day of the Lord (1 Thessalonians 5:1-11)

B. Final Instructions (1 Thessalonians 5:12-22)

C. Benediction and Closing (1 Thessalonians 5:23-28)