First Letter to the Thessalonians ~ Part 1

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We pause our ongoing story of Sha’ul’s Second Missionary Journey to explore the two letters he wrote to the Thessalonians while in Corinth.

Introduction

Sha’ul spent a very short time in the city of Thessalonica, but he was able to establish a church during his stay. There may have been little time for instruction of the new converts, so it is not surprising that Sha’ul wrote a letter to address some questions. Around 51 CE, Sha’ul wrote two letters to the Believers in Thessalonica. At some point, he sent Timothy back to Thessalonica to establish their faith and to encourage them to be steadfast in the face of persecution. He reminds these new converts that they have turned from idols to worship the true living God and encourages them to continue in purity, love, and labor for the Lord. He also answers questions that have arisen in their minds regarding the Second Coming of Yeshua. ^[1]

1 Thessalonians presents four major themes:

1. Sha’ul’s conduct of his ministry: Sha’ul’s ministry centered on two aspects – the impartation of the Word of God and the sharing of his life (2:8). The Gospel did not come in word only but in power and deed. Sha’ul’s motives were to please God (2:4; 4:1) and to express his concern for the Thessalonians’ welfare (2:8). His message didn’t come in error, uncleanness, and deceit but in purity and truth (2:3, 10). Also, Sha’ul didn’t use his ministry as a cloak for covetousness (2:5). His work demonstrated this to provide for his material needs (2:9).

2. Persecution: The Thessalonian church was founded during persecution. Sha’ul had to leave the city for that reason, and the church continued after he left (1:6; 2:14–15). Sha’ul encouraged the Believers not to be shaken by these afflictions because Believers will suffer (3:3–4).

3. Sanctification: Salvation isn’t finished once a person believes in Christ and receives forgiveness of sins. Sha’ul prayed for the Believers at Thessalonica in 3:13 that God would establish their hearts blameless in holiness before God. He pointed out that God’s will for them was to abstain from sexual immorality and to love one another (4:1–12). Sha’ul used his example of work to encourage them in their work so they would not be unnecessarily dependent on anyone (4:10–12; 5:14).

4. The second coming of the Messiah: Yeshua’s return is mentioned in every chapter of 1 Thessalonians. Specific attitudes, events, and encouragements about the “Day of the Lord” are given with the assurance that Believers are not appointed to God’s wrath (5:9).^[2]

Salutation

1:¹ From: Sha’ul, Sila, and Timothy

To: The Messianic Community of the Thessalonians, united with God the Father and the Lord Yeshua the Messiah:

Grace to you and shalom. ^[3]

Ancient Thessalonica is modern Salonika in Macedonia, northern Greece.

In our next post, we will continue to explore Shaul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians beginning in 1 Thess. 1:2.

Okay, I admit we didn’t get very far into the meat of Shaul’s letter, but I hope this background information helps to build a better understanding of him and his writings.

Click here for the PDF version.

[1] F. LaGard Smith, The Narrated Bible in Chronological Order.

^[2] James F. Davis, “1 Thessalonians,” in Holman Illustrated Bible Commentary.

^[3] 1 Thessalonians 1.