Introduction to 1 Thessalonians

Paul writes to the church at Thessalonica to encourage believers. He is enthusiastic—both about the Thessalonians’ faith and about the way in which they have shared the good news of Jesus in their region (1 Thess 1:7–8). But Paul also addresses two pressing issues. First, he offers an explanation and a defense of his work among them. Second, he assures them that all fellow believers who have already died will be resurrected to life with Jesus (4:15–18). This letter charges the Thessalonians—and us—to place our confidence in Christ.

Background

The opening verse lists Paul as the primary author, along with Silvanus (Silas) and Timothy. Paul wrote the letter from Corinth during his 18-month plus stay there in ad 50–51 (Acts 18:11). This can be dated precisely because of an archaeological inscription found at Delphi that mentions Gallio, the proconsul who heard charges against Paul in Corinth (Acts 18:12–17; compare 1 Thess 3:4).

Before writing this letter, Paul had visited the city of Thessalonica on his second missionary journey (circa ad 49–51). He started his ministry in Thessalonica by preaching in the local synagogue, leading several people to follow Jesus (Acts 17:2–4). However, a riot instigated by other Jews compelled him to leave the city (17:5–10). After Paul went south to Athens, he sent Timothy back to Thessalonica to check on the believers there (1 Thess 3:1–2). Later, Timothy joined Paul in Corinth and gave him an update on the Thessalonians, and Paul decided to write to them (Acts 18:5; 1 Thess 3:6).

Thessalonica was the capital of Macedonia (northern Greece), a Roman province. It was one of the major commercial centers in the area and a strategic city for Paul’s ministry. First Thessalonians and Acts suggest that most of the church there consisted of non-Jewish people (1 Thess 1:9; 2:14; Acts 17:4). During Paul’s visit and after his departure, the believers in Thessalonica experienced persecution (1 Thess 1:6; 2:14; 3:3–4). Roman emperor worship—which was popular in the city—made the residents suspicious of Christians, who claimed that Jesus was a king (Acts 17:7). In response to this persecution, Paul encourages the Thessalonians to continue in the faith and to put their hope in the resurrected Christ, who suffered and died for them and who will come again (1 Thess 4:13–18).

Structure

Like a typical Graeco-Roman letter, 1 Thessalonians has a greeting (1:1), a body (1:2–5:22), and a conclusion (5:23–28). The body of the letter can be divided into two sections: The first section (1:2–3:13) looks backward to Paul’s time with the Thessalonians; the second section (4:1–5:22) addresses issues and concerns in the church. Immediately after the greeting, Paul gives thanks for the Thessalonians’ conversion (1:2–10). Paul then defends his conduct when he was with them (2:1–12), expresses thanks for their response (2:13–16), states his desire to visit them (2:17–20), and describes Timothy’s visit and return (3:1–13).

In the second section of the letter body, Paul offers guidance on a variety of practical issues. First he addresses sexual conduct (4:1–8), then brotherly love (4:9–12). Then he answers questions about Christians who have died (4:13–18) and Christ’s return (5:1–11). He gives several quick instructions (5:12–22) before concluding the letter.

Outline

• Paul and the Thessalonian church (1:1–3:13)

• Practical instructions and Christ’s return (4:1–5:22)

• Prayer and conclusion (5:23–28)

Themes

In the midst of great difficulties, Paul encourages the Thessalonians—noting that the message he preached, and the gospel they received, is authentic (2:13–16). The good news of Jesus could have come only from God, and they can trust it to sustain them until the very end (5:1–11). They have proven that they can endure persecution and turn away from idols (1:6, 9), and now they must continue to faithfully follow Jesus (4:1–12; 5:12–22).

Paul’s message in 1 Thessalonians is that we can trust the character of God and the truth of the gospel (1:10; 2:19–20; 5:1–11). Paul reassures believers who have died that they have not missed anything; both the living and the dead will participate in Christ’s return (4:13–18). This would have encouraged the Thessalonians to endure persecution, even to the point of death.

Since Christ will surely come again, we must live faithfully in light of this reality. Like the Thessalonians, we still grieve for those who have died. But we do not grieve like those who have no hope. Because Jesus has been raised, our resurrection is certain—and we can face any hardship with the confidence that God is with us.

Further Reading

The Gods at Thessalonica

Thessalonica CLBD