1 Thessalonians

Read 1 Thessalonians in the New Living Translation with Life Application notes, cross-references, profiles and charts.

Chapters

1 2 3 4 5

Introduction to 1 Thessalonians from the Life Application Study Bible

Book introductions contain charts, maps and timelines that are best seen on the scanned pages: p. 2039, p. 2040.

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SLOWLY they walk, one by one, scattering the

leaves and trampling the grass under measured and

heavy steps. The minister's words still echoing in

their minds, they hear workmen moving toward the

terrible place, preparing to cover the casket of their

loved one. Death, the enemy, has torn the bonded

relationships of family and friends, leaving only

memories... and tears... and loneliness.

But like a golden shaft of sun piercing the winter

sky, a singular truth shatters the oppressive gloom: Death is not the end! Christ is the victor over death, and there is the hope of resurrection through him. As with every member of the human family, first-century Christians came face to face with their mortality. Many of them met early deaths at the hands of those who hated Christ and all allied with him. Whether at the hands of zealous Jews (like Paul before his conversion), angry Greeks, or ruthless Roman authorities, persecution included stonings, beatings, crucifixions, torture, and death. To be a follower of Christ meant to give up everything. Paul established the church in Thessalonica during his second missionary journey (about A.D. 51). He wrote this letter a short time later to encourage the young believers there. He wanted to assure them of his love, to praise them for their faithfulness during persecution, and to remind them of their hope—the sure return of their LORD and Savior. Paul begins this letter with a note of affirmation, thanking God for the strong faith and good reputation of the Thessalonians (1:1—10). Then Paul reviews their relationship—how he and his companions brought the gospel to them (2:1-12), how they accepted the message (2:13-16), and how he longed to be with them again (2:17-20). Because of his concern, he had sent Timothy to encourage’ them in their faith (3:1-13). Paul then presents the core of his message—exhortation and comfort. He challenges them to please God in their daily living by avoiding sexual immorality (4:1-8), loving each other (4:9, 10), and living as good citizens in a sinful world (4:11, 12). Paul comforts the Thessalonians by reminding them of the hope of resurrection (4:13—18). Then he warns them to be prepared at all times, for Jesus Christ could return at any moment. When Christ returns, those Christians who are alive and those who have died will be raised to new life (5:1-11). Paul then gives the Thessalonians a handful of reminders on how to prepare themselves for the Second Coming: Warn the lazy (5:14), encourage the timid (5:14), help the weak (5:14), be patient with everyone (5:14), be kind to everyone (5:15), be joyful always (5:16), pray continually (5:17), give thanks (5:18), test everything that is taught (5:20, 21), and avoid evil (5:22). Paul concludes his letter with two benedictions and a request for prayer. As you read this letter, listen carefully to Paul’s practical advice for Christian living. And when burdened by grief and overwhelmed by sorrow, take hope in the reality of Christ's return, resurrection, and eternal life!

VITAL STATISTICS PURPOSE: To strengthen the Thessalonian Christians in their faith and give them the assurance of Christ's return AUTHOR: Paul ORIGINAL AUDIENCE: The church at Thessalonica DATE WRITTEN: Approximately A.D. 51 from Corinth; one of Paul's earliest letters SETTING: The church at Thessalonica was very young, having been established only two or three years before this letter was written. The Thessalonian Christians needed to mature in their faith. In addition, there was a misunderstanding concerning Christ’s second coming—some thought Christ would return immedi- ately; thus, they were confused when their loved ones died because they expected Christ to return before- hand. Also, believers were being persecuted. KEY VERSE: “For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died” (4:14). KEY PEOPLE: Paul, Timothy, Silas KEY PLACE: Thessalonica SPECIAL FEATURES: Paul received from Timothy a favor- able report about the Thessalonians. However, Paul wrote this letter to correct their misconceptions about the resurrection and the second coming of Christ.

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1 THESSALONIANS 2040

THE BLUEPRINT 1. Faithfulness to the LORD (1:1—3:13) 2. Watchfulness for the LORD (4:1—5:28)

Paul and his companions were faithful to bring the gospel to the Thessalonians in the midst of persecution. The Thessalonians had only recently become Christians, and yet they had remained faithful to the LORD, despite the fact that the apostles were not with them. Others have been faithful in bringing God’s Word to us. We must remain faithful and live in the expectation that Christ will return at any time.

MEGATHEMES THEME Persecution

Paul’s Ministry

Hope

Being Prepared

EXPLANATION Paul and the new Christians at Thessalonica experienced persecution because of their faith in Christ. We can expect trials and troubles as well. We need to stand firm in our faith in the midst of trials, being strengthened by the Holy Spirit. Paul expressed his concern for this church even while he was being slandered. Paul’s commit- ment to share the gospel in spite of difficult circumstances is a model we should follow. One day all believers, both those who are alive and those who have died, will be united with Christ. To those Christians who die before Christ’s return, there is hope—the hope of the resurrection of the body. No one knows the time of Christ's return. We are to live moral and holy lives, ever watchful for his coming. Believers must not neglect daily responsibilities, but always work and live to please the LORD.

IMPORTANCE The Holy Spirit helps us to remain strong in faith, able to show genuine love to others and maintain our moral character even when we are being persecuted, slandered, or oppressed. Paul not only delivered his message, but gave of himself. In our ministries, we must become like Paul—faithful and bold, yet sensitive and self-sacrificing. If we believe in Christ, we will live with him forever. All those who belong to Jesus Christ—from throughout history—will be present with him at his second coming. We can be confident that we will be with loved ones who have trusted in Christ. The gospel is not only what we believe but also what we must live. The Holy Spirit leads us in faithfulness, so we can avoid lust and fraud. Live as though you expect Christ’s return at any time. Don’t be caught unprepared.

🖼 Map, chart or picture (see the original page image)

Mediterranean Sea

LOCATION OF THESSA- LONICA Paul visited Thessalonica on his second and third missionary journeys. It was a seaport and trade center located on the Egnatian Way, a busy inter- national highway. Paul probably wrote his two tetters to the Thessalonians from Corinth.

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