Pauline Epistles · New Testament
1 Thessalonians
c. AD 51
- Section
- Pauline Epistles · New Testament
- Events span
- c. AD 51
- Written
- c. AD 51, from Corinth
- Author
- Paul the Apostle
One of Paul's earliest letters, 1 Thessalonians encourages a young, persecuted church. He commends their faith, defends his ministry among them, urges holy living and brotherly love, and comforts them about believers who have died — with the sure hope of Christ's return.
Key themes
- The return of Christ
- Hope beyond death
- Holy living
- Encouragement in persecution
- Brotherly love
The letter's message
- Paul commends the Thessalonians' faith, love, and hope amid persecution
- He recalls his tender care for them and his joy at Timothy's good report
- A call to sexual purity, brotherly love, and quiet, honest work
- The dead in Christ will rise when the Lord returns; comfort one another with this
- Be alert and ready for the day of the Lord, which comes like a thief in the night
“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”