Author

The apostle Paul, along with his travel companions, Silvanus (Silas) and Timothy, wrote First Thessalonians (1:1; 2:18). First Thessalonians contains internal marks of its genuineness as a letter from Paul. First Thessalonians 1:5 is very similar to First Corinthians 2:1-5, First Thessalonians 2:1-2 agrees with Luke's description of what happened in Philippi (Acts 16:22-23), and Acts 18:5 and First Thessalonians 3:1-6 refer to the same incident.

Where Written

Paul wrote First Thessalonians while he was in Corinth. He sent the letter by Timothy, who returned with good news of their steadfastness in the faith (Acts 18:1,5; 1 Thessalonians 3:1-8).

When Written

The apostle penned the epistle while he was on his second preaching journey to the Gentiles, in A.D. 52. Thus, this is Paul's first letter and perhaps the first book of the New Testament.

To Whom Written

Paul addresses "the church of the Thessalonians" (1:1).

The City of Thessalonica

Thessalonica is a seaport located at the head of the Themaic Gulf in Macedonia, possessed an excellent harbor, and was on the well traveled Egnatian Way. When Macedonia was made a Roman colony in 146 BC, Thessalonica, the largest city of Macedonia, with a population of ca. 200,000, was made the capital of the second division of the country. The city was affectionately called the "mother of all Macedon." It had been granted the status of a free city. Because the people were largely idolatrous, it was a grossly immoral city (1:9). Since it was an important commercial city, it had a large Jewish population, who had their own synagogue (Acts 17:1).

The Church in Thessalonica

Paul, Silas and Timothy came to Thessalonica after they had preached in Philippi on the apostle's second journey (Act 16:1-3; 17:1-2). Paul preached to the Jews in their synagogue for three Sabbaths, proving that Jesus was Christ by appealing to the Old Testament prophets (Acts 17:2-3). There are three reasons to believe Paul stayed in Thessalonica at least several months. He converted a large number of people, including proselytes to Judaism, upper class women, and Gentiles (Acts 17:3-4; 1 Thessalonians 1:9). Paul engaged in manual labor while there (2 Thessalonians 3:7-8), and he received support at least twice from Philippi while in Thessalonica (Philippians 4:16). The apostle preached boldly among them in the face of much opposition (2:2,14-16). His work among them was as a father with his children (2:3-11), while they received his preaching as the word of God (2:13). He was forced to leave Thessalonica by a Jewish persecution (Acts 17:5-10). He was anxious about them, and desired to return, but was hindered by Satan (2:17-20). He sent back Timothy from Athens to find out about them (3:1-5). Timothy brought back to Paul the comforting news of a faithful church who loved Paul (3:1-10; 1:3,8). They were surrounded, however, by ungodliness and were being persecuted (2:14). It was hard to be a Christian.

Theme

The theme of First Thessalonians is the Christian's hope in a wicked world. The second coming of Christ is mentioned in every chapter (1:9-10; 2:19; 3:12-13; 4:13-18; 5:23). It is the incentive for the Christian to live a godly life in a wicked world. The fullest statement of this hope is found in First Thessalonians 4:13-18, one of the greatest passages of comfort and hope in the Bible.

Outline

I. Introduction - 1:1
II. Paul's Thanksgiving for Them (The State of the Church) - 1:2-10

• Elect - verses 2-5
• Exemplary - verses 6-7
• Evangelism - verses 8
• Expectant - verses 9-10

• Faithful Steward - verses 1-6
• Loving Mother - verses 7-8
• Concerned Father - verses 9-12