1 Thessalonians

Lore & Background

Paul, along with Silvanus and Timothy, writes to the Thessalonian believers, commending them for becoming examples to all believers in Macedonia and Achaia (1 Thessalonians 1:7). He recalls his own conduct among them, emphasizing that his exhortation was not deceitful or impure (1 Thessalonians 2:3), and that he labored night and day to avoid being a burden (1 Thessalonians 2:9). Paul also notes that he had foretold they would suffer tribulation, which indeed occurred (1 Thessalonians 3:4). Despite being hindered by Satan from returning (1 Thessalonians 2:18), Paul sent Timothy to strengthen their faith (1 Thessalonians 3:1-2), and was comforted by their faith amid his own affliction (1 Thessalonians 3:7).

Reader's Guide

The passages portray 1 Thessalonians as a pastoral letter focused on encouragement, moral instruction, and eschatological hope. Paul affirms the Thessalonians' election (1 Thessalonians 1:4) and their reputation as models of faith (1 Thessalonians 1:7). He defends his apostolic integrity, stating he sought no glory from men (1 Thessalonians 2:6) and worked to support himself (1 Thessalonians 2:9). The letter calls believers to walk worthy of God (1 Thessalonians 2:12), abstain from fornication (1 Thessalonians 4:3), avoid defrauding others (1 Thessalonians 4:6), and practice brotherly love (1 Thessalonians 4:9). A major theme is the coming of the Lord: believers are to wait for God's Son from heaven (1 Thessalonians 1:10), and those alive at His coming will not precede those who have died (1 Thessalonians 4:15). The letter warns of sudden destruction for those who say 'Peace and safety' (1 Thessalonians 5:3), and urges watchfulness and sobriety (1 Thessalonians 5:6). Believers are appointed to salvation, not wrath (1 Thessalonians 5:9), and are instructed to give thanks in everything (1 Thessalonians 5:18), prove all things (1 Thessalonians 5:21), and comfort one another with these words (1 Thessalonians 4:18).

Did You Know?

• Paul states that Satan hindered his return to Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 2:18).
• The letter says believers are to 'wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come' (1 Thessalonians 1:10).
• Paul describes his own labor: 'labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you' (1 Thessalonians 2:9).
• The phrase 'the coming of the Lord' appears in relation to those who have died, with the promise that the living will not precede them (1 Thessalonians 4:15).