First Thessalonians
Second Epistle to the Thessalonians
The Second Epistle to the Thessalonians, commonly referred to as Second Thessalonians or 2 Thessalonians is a book from the New Testament of the Christian Bible. It is traditionally attributed to Paul the Apostle, with Timothy as a co-author. Modern biblical scholarship is divided on whether the epistle was written by Paul; many scholars reject its authenticity based on what they see as differences in style …
What is the purpose of the Book of 1 Thessalonians?
Book of 1 Thessalonians. Date of Writing: The Book of 1 Thessalonians was written in approximately A.D. 50. Purpose of Writing: In the church of Thessalonica there were some misunderstandings about the return of Christ. Paul desired to clear them up in his letter. He also writes it as an instruction in holy living.
Who are the Thessalonians in the Bible?
The Thessalonians will be Paul’s hope, joy, and crown when Jesus returns (1 Thes 2:19). Paul prays that their hearts will be established at the coming of Jesus (1 Thes 3:13).
What can we learn from the Thessalonians?
The Thessalonians set a good example for churches in the area (1 Thes 1:7), and they still set a good example for us today. Theme verse of 1 Thessalonians
What does Paul say about the Thessalonians in his letter?
Paul opens his letter commending the Thessalonians for their “work of faith,” “labor of love,” and “steadfastness of hope” (1 Thes 1:3)—themes that echo throughout his letter. Paul writes to remind, encourage, and instruct them concerning a few areas of interest:
What does 1 Thessalonians teach?
Paul's teachings in the First Epistle to the Thessalonians are primarily focused on the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, including the hardships that followers of Jesus Christ will face before Christ's return (see 1 Thessalonians 3:3), the resurrection of Christians at the Second Coming (see 1 Thessalonians 4:13–14), and ...
What was Paul's purpose in writing 1 Thessalonians?
Paul's main purpose in writing is to encourage and reassure the Christians there. Paul urges them to go on working quietly while waiting in hope for the return of Christ.
What is the theme of 1 Thessalonians 1?
Paul begins with faith, love and hope, observing that each of these virtues has results in a person's behavior. He will later say more about how hope helps us endure difficulties, and the kind of life that flows from faith.
What is the key verse of 1 Thessalonians?
1 Thessalonians 5:23 KJV And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Who wrote 1 Thessalonians and why?
There is little doubt that Paul wrote 1 Thessalonians, and many scholars consider it to be one of his earliest letters. In contrast, the authenticity of 2 Thessalonians is much contested, with scholars split between ascribing it to Paul and ascribing it to a later writer using Paul's name.
What is the meaning of Thessalonians?
1 : a native or resident of Thessaloníki, Greece. 2 Thessalonians plural in form but singular in construction : either of two letters written by Paul to the Christians of Thessalonica and included as books in the New Testament —abbreviation Th, Thes, Thess — see Bible Table.
Who was 1 Thessalonians written to?
Paul wrote 1 Thessalonians to the members of the Church in Thessalonica.
What is the main message of 1 Thessalonians 5?
It is authored by Paul the Apostle, likely written in Corinth in about 50-51 CE for the church in Thessalonica. This chapter contains a message about Christ's second coming, and various final exhortations and greetings.
Why did Paul write a second letter to the Thessalonians?
1:4); the prospect of an immediate return of the Lord fostered an unhealthy excitement (2:2)” (Bible Dictionary, “Pauline Epistles”). Paul wrote 2 Thessalonians in order to strengthen the faith of these members and to correct doctrinal misunderstandings.
What is the theme of 1 Thessalonians chapter 2?
1 Thessalonians 2 Paul explained that he ministered with sincerity and love, not by using flattering words or seeking for personal glory. The Thessalonian members suffered persecution for their belief in Jesus Christ. The Second Coming brings hope and joy to believers.
How many verses are in the 1st Thessalonians?
10 versesThe original text was written in Koine Greek. This chapter is divided into 10 verses.
Who was Paul writing to in 1 Thessalonians?
To whom was it written and why? Paul wrote 1 Thessalonians to the members of the Church in Thessalonica.
What is the main message of 1 Thessalonians 5?
It is authored by Paul the Apostle, likely written in Corinth in about 50-51 CE for the church in Thessalonica. This chapter contains a message about Christ's second coming, and various final exhortations and greetings.
When was the book of 1 Thessalonians written?
Date of Writing: The Book of 1 Thessalonians was written in approximately A.D. 50. Purpose of Writing: In the church of Thessalonica there were some misunderstandings about the return of Christ. Paul desired to clear them up in his letter. He also writes it as an instruction in holy living.
What does Paul pray for in Thessalonians?
Paul then prays for them ( 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13 ). In chapter 4, Paul is instructing the believers in Thessalonica on how to live, in Christ Jesus, a holy life ( 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 ). Paul goes on to instruct them of a misconception they had.
What did Paul say about the return of Christ?
Paul displayed great pastoral compassion as he addressed their concern regarding the death of some of the saints among them. He explained that at Christ's return, the dead in Christ would rise to join those believers still living on earth, and that together they would be "caught up" to join Christ in the sky. Paul then set up his second letter as he closed by encouraging his readers to use their hope in Christ as a fuel for living in the present age.
What is the significance of the second coming of Christ?
The second coming of Christ is a foundational truth to the Christian faith. Its importance can be measured by the 318 different occasions it is referenced in the New Testament. The Thessalonians had definitely grasped the significance of this event, and their lives displayed their eager anticipation. The problem was that they believed Christ would return very soon to restore his kingdom and to sustain it forever. With this in mind Paul wrote cautiously to clear up their misconception, wanting to suppress neither their fervent hope in Christ nor their enthusiasm for the spread of the gospel.
Why is First Thessalonians so important?
How much more so when it comes to the end of the whole world? First Thessalonians provides Christians with the clearest biblical passage on the coming rapture of believers, an event that will inaugurate the seven-year tribulation. At the rapture, Christ will return for His people. The dead in Christ shall rise first, while those still living will follow close behind. All believers will meet Jesus in the air to begin an eternity spent with the Lord ( 1 Thessalonians 4:16–18 ).
Why did Paul write 1 Thessalonians?
Paul wanted to check on the state of the Thessalonians’ faith, for fear that false teachers might have infiltrated their number. However, Timothy soon returned with a good report, prompting Paul to pen 1 Thessalonians as a letter of encouragement to the new believers.
What is Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians about?
Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians is the perfect remedy for such a feeling. Its focus on Christ’s return provides water for the thirsty soul today, encouraging growth in maturity by providing hope in the midst of suffering or uncertainty.
How long did Paul spend with the Thessalonians?
However, most scholars believe Paul spent about three months, rather than three weeks , with the Thessalonians because he would have had to have been there long enough to receive more than one offering from the Philippian church ( Philippians 4:15–16 ).
When did Paul write Thessalonians?
D. Therefore, Paul probably wrote 1 Thessalonians in A.D. 50 (or 51)
What did Paul want to express?
D. Paul wanted to express his affection for the Thessalonians and his desire to be with them (3:10)
How long did Paul spend in Corinth?
Paul’s eighteen months in Corinth ( Acts 18:11-17) probably lasted from late summer of A.D. 50 to spring of A.D. 52. C. 1 Thessalonians may well have been written earlier in his time at Corinth when he received word from the return of Timothy and Silas about the church ( Acts 18:5; 1 Thess. 3:6) D.
How long did it take for Paul and Silas to proclaim Jesus as Messiah?
2. When Paul and Silas arrived in Thessalonica they proclaimed Jesus as Messiah in the synagogue for three weeks causing some Jews, many devout Greeks, and leading woman to believe, but raising jealousy in the Jews to the point that the new disciples were severely persecuted before the authorities Acts 17:1-9
What is the context of Acts 16-18?
The historical context is Acts 16 --18, especially Acts 17:1-9 (cf. 1 Thessalonians 1:3 --3:8) 1. Paul, Silas, and Timothy ministered on their second missionary journey in Philippi and left after their imprisonment and subsequent release ( Acts 16:11-40) 2.
Where did Paul go in the Bible?
Paul went from Athens to Corinth ( Acts 18:1) 8. Timothy returned to Paul in Corinth ( Acts 18:5; 1 Thess. 3:6) 9. Silas returned to Paul at about the same time (if not the same time) Acts 18:5. 10. Paul then wrote 1 Thessalonians in the name of Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy ( 1 Thess. 1:1) III.
What does Acts 17:2 mean?
a. The statement in Acts 17:2 may only refer to Paul’s ministry among the Jews
What is the book of 1st Thessalonians about?
and it was one of his earliest written letters. The key personalities in this book are the Apostle Paul, Timothy, and Silas. Paul wrote this letter to strengthen and encourage the church in Thessalonica. To encourage and hearten the believers, Paul chose to emphasize the second coming of Jesus Christ. Throughout this letter, Paul focused on the principles of Faith, Hope, and Love.
What does Paul teach the church?
Paul teaches the church about the resurrection on the last day and that Christ will return in the clouds, this was exactly the encouragement that the church in Thessalonica needed. Lastly, before Paul finishes his letter he does not forget to add that they must pray constantly and “examine everything carefully’.
Why did Paul write the letter to the church?
Paul wrote this letter to strengthen and encourage the church in Thessalonica. To encourage and hearten the believers, Paul chose to emphasize the second coming of Jesus Christ. Throughout this letter, Paul focused on the principles of Faith, Hope, and Love.
What does Paul say about Thessalonians?
Expression of Paul’s affection for them. Paul communicates his pride in the Thessalonians, even calling them his glory, hope, joy, and crown (1 Thes 2:19–20). He was both mother and father to this church (1 Thes 2:7, 11), and he loves them dearly.
What is the good news of the Thessalonians?
The members were loving one another. They were standing firm in their beliefs. They were holding up under persecution for their faith.
What does Paul want them to be prepared for?
Paul wants them to be prepared for the day of the Lord (1 Thes 4:13–5:11).
What does Paul write to remind Timothy?
Paul writes to remind, encourage, and instruct them concerning a few areas of interest: Encouragement for the Thessalonians. Paul had sent Timothy to them, and Timothy had returned with a glowing report.
Who recalls the Thessalonians turning to Jesus and waiting for His return?
Paul recalls the Thessalonians turning to Jesus and waiting for His return (1 Thes 1:10).
What is the gospel sounding forth from their city?
The gospel is sounding forth from their city. Paul is overjoyed to hear this, and (with Timothy and Silvanus) writes them a letter to encourage and instruct them. This is one of the most positive letters from Paul to a church. Paul overviews his history and relationship with the church members (which you can also read about in Acts 17:1–9 ), ...
Why was Thessalonica important?
In time it became an important city because of its strategic location near the Aegean Sea. In the Roman Empire, it became the capital of the province of Macedonia and its largest city with 200,000 people.
What was Paul's purpose in writing 1 Thessalonians?
First, he wanted to encourage the Christians in Thessalonica who were making good progress in their new faith. Second , he desired to correct misinformation about himself and his fellow missionaries that some of his critics in Thessalonica were circulating. Third, he wrote to give additional instruction that would contribute to the Thessalonians’ spiritual growth.
What was the first letter Paul wrote to the Thessalonians?
Timothy’s report of conditions in the Thessalonian church led Paul to write the first letter shortly after he arrived in Corinth about A.D. 51. Some of the Thessalonians apparently believed that Jesus Christ was about to return momentarily and had consequently given up their jobs and had become disorderly. Some worried about what had happened to their loved ones who had died before the Lord had returned. Persecution from the Gentiles as well as the Jews still oppressed the believers who were nevertheless holding fast to the truth and eager to see Paul again. Some outside the church, however, remained hostile to Paul. There also appears that some within the church had returned to their former habits involving sexual impurity.
How long did Paul minister in Thessalonica?
However, he probably ministered in Thessalonica for a longer time than just three weeks in view of what he wrote that he had done there.
Where did Paul work in the Bible?
Paul and his party began their evangelistic work in Berea in the synagogue, as was their custom. However when many Jews there believed, the Thessalonian Jews came down to Berea and stirred up more trouble. The Berean Christians sent Paul away to Athens, but Silas and Timothy remained in Berea.
Where did Paul send Timothy and Silas?
Having been sent for by Paul, Silas and Timothy joined Paul in Athens, but he soon sent Silas back to Philippi and or Berea, and Timothy back to Thessalonica. Later both men returned to Paul while he was in Corinth with a financial gift from the Christians in those Macedonian towns.
Why did Paul write 2 Thessalonians?
Paul wrote 2 Thessalonians to commend his children in the faith for their growth and faithfulness, to correct the doctrinal error about the day of the Lord, and to warn the idle to get back to work. Far and away the largest theological contribution of both 1 and 2 Thessalonians lies in what they say about eschatology.
Why did Paul send Timothy back to Thessalonica?
When Timothy rejoined him there Paul sent him back to Thessalonica in order to strengthen the believers (1 Thess. 3:1-2) and to reassure himself that the persecution had not forced them to recant (3:1). According to Kümmel the general view is that Paul wrote his first letter to them from Corinth (Acts 18:1), where Timothy reported to him what he had found out during his visit (1 Thess. 3:6). (6)
What does 1 Thess 4:13-18 say about the rapture?
1 Thess. 4:13-18 is most frequently cited a proof-text for the rapture of the church, however this is not its true purpose , rather Paul is assuring the believers that their brothers and sisters who have already died as a result of the persecution in the city (23) will not be left in some intermediate state when the Lord returns. He tells them that he has the Lord's own word that they will proceed those still alive. A.T. Robertson and others point out that 4:12 is intended to discourage any from giving up their jobs in anticipation of the Second Advent. (24) Instead they are to continue to live their lives, without causing a disturbance.
Who Wrote The Book?
Where Are We?
- Paul wrote his first letter to the Thessalonian church from the city of Corinth around AD 51, just a few months after having preached in Thessalonica on his second missionary journey. Upon leaving Thessalonica under duress, Paul, Silas, and Timothy traveled to Athens by way of Berea. But after a short time in Athens, Paul felt the need to receive a report from the newborn church i…
Why Is First Thessalonians So Important?
- Everyone would like to have some insight into what their future holds. How much more so when it comes to the end of the whole world? First Thessalonians provides Christians with the clearest biblical passage on the coming rapture of believers, an event that will inaugurate the seven-year tribulation. At the rapture, Christ will return for His peopl...
What's The Big Idea?
- Impressed by the faithfulness of the Thessalonians in the face of persecution, Paul wrote to encourage the Christians in that community with the goal that they would continue to grow in godliness. Paul knew that the people had been exposed to errant teaching from those in opposition to the way of Jesus Christ and the grace of God. And Paul also understood that unles…
How Do I Apply this?
- Do you ever feel as though your Christian faith has grown stale, that you are withering on the vine when you would rather be flourishing in His service? Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians is the perfect remedy for such a feeling. Its focus on Christ’s return provides water for the thirsty soul today, encouraging growth in maturity by providing hope in the midst of suffering or uncertainty. …