Introduction to First Thessalonians

Authorship

Paul (“I, Paul, write this with my own hand,” 2 Th 3:17)
Co-Senders: Silvanus (Silas) and Timothy
Same for both 1 and 2 Thess.

Date: AD 49–51

Same window as 2 Thess, but 1 Thess is the earlier of the two letters.

Place of writing

Written from Corinth during Paul’s 2nd missionary journey.

Addressees

To the church of Thessalonica
Capital of the Roman province of Macedonia
Paul and Silas planted church on Paul’s 2nd Missionary Journey, AD 49-51 (Acts 17:1-9)
The first converts were from the synagogue, both Jews and Gentile God-fearers
Violent Jewish opposition (Acts 17:5-9, 13; 1 Th 1:6; 2:2, 14-16; 3:3-4)

Purpose of 1 Thessalonians

Paul had taught them about the second coming of Christ, but some believers died before Christ’s return, causing the church to be concerned. So Paul wrote to them to clarify the timing of the Lord’s return and to write “concerning the times and the seasons” (4:13–5:11).

Outline of 1 Thessalonians

1:1: Letter Opening
1:2–5:22: Letter Body
1. 1:2-10: Thanksgiving
2. 2:1–3:13: Paul’s integrity and genuine pastoral concern
3. 4:1–5:22: Exhortations and encouragements (sexual purity, eschatology, etc.)
5:23-28: Letter Closing

Key Contributions of 1 Thessalonians

A succinct statement of the gospel Paul preached (1:9-10)

“For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.”
Exhortation to sexual purity (4:1-8)
What happens to believers when they die? (4:13-18)
1. It is not the end; they merely “fall asleep” in Jesus
2. They will not miss out on the resurrection
3. The resurrection of believers will precede we who are alive
4. We will all be caught up to meet the Lord in the air
Instruction on the day of the Lord
1. Like a thief in the night (5:2)
2. Sudden destruction (5:3)
3. The call to be spiritually awake and sober