The Thessalonian Epistles
Acts 17:1–15 records the founding of the church in Thessalonica. Paul ministered there a short time, possibly only a month; but the Lord did a great work, and the witness of the church was known far and wide.
Paul had to leave the city and was not able to return, so he sent Timothy to see how things were going. Paul wrote the first letter from Corinth (Acts 18:5) in response to Timothy’s report (
The second letter was written a few months later to encourage the church to be steadfast in the midst of persecution. Some of the people thought the “day of the Lord” had come, so Paul dealt with that theme as well. Both letters emphasize the coming of Christ and the practical effect it should have on our lives.