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 (in modern-day Greece)
- 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.
Historical setting: A new church in Roman Macedonia facing persecution; the Second Temple still standing.
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
Key lessons
- Christ’s return is a comfort, not merely a doctrine; believers who have died will rise, so we grieve “not as others which have no hope.” 1 Thess 4:13–14
- The hope of Christ’s return calls for alert, holy living now; children of the day stay awake and sober, ready for his coming. 1 Thess 5:4–8
- A thankful, prayerful spirit is God’s will for his people in every circumstance: “rejoice evermore; pray without ceasing; in every thing give thanks.” 1 Thess 5:16–18
“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.”