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New Testament · Epistle · Book 52 of 66

Book of 1 Thessalonians

A letter of encouragement to a young church: faithful in suffering, called to holy living, and waiting for the return of Christ.

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5 Chapters

1 Thessalonians 1–5

Author

Paul (with Silas and Timothy)

Written

c. A.D. 50 – 51

Written From

Corinth

Summary
Title
Author
Date
Outline
Looking Back
Looking Ahead
Overview

Book of 1 Thessalonians Summary

Paul had to leave Thessalonica quickly after only a short stay, and he worried about the young church he left behind. When Timothy returned with good news of their faith and love (3:6), Paul wrote this letter of encouragement, thanks and instruction.

The first three chapters look back. Paul gives thanks for the way the Thessalonians welcomed the gospel and stayed faithful in the face of suffering, recalls the gentle and honest way he and his companions had worked among them, and tells of his longing to see them again.

The last two chapters look ahead. Paul calls the church to holy living and to love for one another. He comforts believers who were grieving for fellow Christians who had died, explaining that the Lord will return and the dead in Christ will rise first, and he urges everyone to be alert and ready for the day of the Lord. Each chapter of the letter ends with a reference to Christ’s return.

About the Name

Title

The letter is named for its recipients, the church at Thessalonica. The early Greek title is Pros Thessalonikeis A, “To the Thessalonians, first.” Thessalonica was the capital of the Roman province of Macedonia and an important port on the Egnatian Way. It is the modern city of Thessaloniki in Greece.

Paul planted the church on his second missionary journey, preaching in the synagogue for three Sabbaths before opposition forced him out (Acts 17:1–9).

Who Wrote It

Author Details

The letter opens with the names of Paul, Silas (Silvanus) and Timothy (1:1), the three men who had brought the gospel to Thessalonica. Paul writes mostly in the plural “we,” but he adds “I, Paul” in 2:18.

Paul’s authorship is accepted by virtually all scholars, and 1 Thessalonians is likely among the earliest writings of the New Testament.

When It Was Written

Date of Writing

The letter was probably written about A.D. 50–51 from Corinth. Silas and Timothy had rejoined Paul there with news from Thessalonica (Acts 18:1–5; 1 Thessalonians 3:6).

Luke’s mention of Gallio as proconsul of Achaia (Acts 18:12) helps anchor the date of Paul’s stay in Corinth.

Study Guide

1 Thessalonians Outline

5 chapters in two parts. Tap any section to expand it, and tap a verse reference to read it at BibleGateway.

Read 1 Thessalonians at BibleGateway
Part I

Looking Back

Chapters 1–3 · Paul’s relationship with the Thessalonians

Read this passage · 1:1

  1. Work of faith, labor of love and endurance of hope · 1:2–3
  2. The gospel came with power; they became imitators · 1:4–7
  3. Their faith is known everywhere; waiting for God’s Son from heaven · 1:8–10
  1. A bold ministry with pure motives, not flattery · 2:1–6
  2. Gentle as a mother and encouraging as a father · 2:7–12
  3. They received the message as the word of God, despite suffering · 2:13–16
  1. Paul’s eager desire to see them again · 2:17–20
  2. Timothy sent to strengthen their faith · 3:1–5
  3. Timothy’s good news and Paul’s joy · 3:6–10
  4. Paul’s prayer for their love and holiness · 3:11–13
Part II

Looking Ahead

4:1–5:28 · Living in hope until the Lord returns

  1. Holiness and sexual purity · 4:1–8
  2. Love for one another and a quiet, working life · 4:9–12
  1. Do not grieve like those without hope · 4:13–14
  2. The Lord’s return and the resurrection of the dead in Christ · 4:15–18
  1. The day will come like a thief in the night · 5:1–3
  2. Children of the light: be alert and self-controlled · 5:4–8
  3. Encourage one another and build each other up · 5:9–11
  1. Respect your leaders and live in peace · 5:12–15
  2. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances · 5:16–18
  3. Do not quench the Spirit; test everything · 5:19–22
  1. May God sanctify you through and through · 5:23–24
  2. Final requests and benediction · 5:25–28

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