1 Thessalonians
Author: Paul
Paul writes to a young church in Thessalonica that he had to leave quickly, to strengthen their faith and answer questions about the dead in Christ.
Outline
A church that became an example (1–2)
Thanksgiving for their faith is joined to a defense of the way Paul lived among them.
Timothy’s report (3)
Timothy’s news comforts Paul, and he prays that their love would increase.
Holiness and the coming of the Lord (4–5)
Sexual purity, daily work, the resurrection of the dead, and a watchful life close the letter.
Key verses
1 Thessalonians 1:9–10
They turned from idols to serve the living God and to wait for his Son from heaven.
1 Thessalonians 4:16–17
The Lord descends, the dead in Christ rise first, and the living are caught up together with them.
1 Thessalonians 5:16–18
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and in everything give thanks.
Thessalonica was a free city on the Egnatian Way, and Paul’s stay there was short. Acts says he reasoned in the synagogue for three sabbaths, a church was formed of Jews and of a great multitude of devout Greeks and chief women, and then the city was stirred up and the believers sent Paul and Silas away by night. First Thessalonians is written not long after, from Corinth, once Timothy has come back with news. The letter’s warmth comes from that interruption. Paul is a founder who had to leave before the church was steady, and he writes to finish conversations the riot cut off.
He thanks God always for them, remembering their work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope. The gospel came not in word only but in power, in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance. They became followers of the churches in Judea, and they became an example to all who believe in Macedonia and Achaia. In every place their faith is spoken of. People report how they turned to God from idols, to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, who delivered them from the wrath to come. A young church is described by a turn, a service, and a waiting.
Paul then reminds them how he lived while he was there, because his leaving has been used against him. His exhortation was not of deceit, uncleanness, or guile. He was gentle among them, as a nurse cherishes her children. He was willing to impart not the gospel only but his own soul. He worked night and day so as not to be chargeable to any of them. They are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably he behaved. He had warned them that they would suffer, and they have. He wanted to come again and again, and Satan hindered him. They are his hope, joy, and crown of rejoicing at the coming of the Lord. When he could no longer forbear, he sent Timothy to establish them and to comfort them concerning their faith. Timothy has brought good tidings of their faith and charity, and that they remember Paul kindly and long to see him. For this he thanks God. He prays that the Lord would make them increase in love and establish their hearts unblameable at the coming of the Lord Jesus.
The remaining chapters answer how they are to live while they wait. Abstain from fornication. Possess your vessel in sanctification and honor, not in the lust of concupiscence, as the Gentiles who do not know God. No one is to defraud his brother. Study to be quiet, do your own business, and work with your hands, so that you may walk honestly toward those outside and lack nothing. Then he addresses a grief. Some have died, and the living are afraid the dead will miss the Lord’s coming. Paul does not want them ignorant. If they believe that Jesus died and rose, God will bring with him those who sleep in Jesus. The Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God. The dead in Christ shall rise first. Then those who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air, and so shall they ever be with the Lord. Comfort one another with these words. The day of the Lord comes as a thief. They are not in darkness. They are children of light, so they should watch and be sober. Esteem those who labor among you. Be at peace. Warn the unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks. Do not quench the Spirit. Prove all things. Hold fast what is good. The God of peace sanctify you wholly. First Thessalonians is a letter to people who turned from idols and then had to bury their dead before the Lord returned, and it tells them both how to work with their hands and how to comfort one another.