I Thessalonians: Persevering in Holiness, Steadfast in Hope

Overview of I Thessalonians

  • Paul, Silas, and Timothy first went to the Macedonian port city of Thessalonica on the second missionary journey (Acts 17:1-14).
  • This was the second place the gospel was preached in Europe, Philippi being the first.
  • Because the preaching of the gospel depleted the ranks of the synagogue, the Jews charged Paul’s host Jason, with harboring traitors to Caesar.
  • The rulers of the city took Jason as security (like a peace bond) and let the missionaries leave the city.

When they arrived in Athens, Paul sent Timothy back to Thessalonica (I Thess. 3:1-2, 5) to encourage the believers and then report back on the condition of the church there.

Timothy rejoined Paul in Corinth (3:6), where the two Thessalonian letters were written (A.D. 51).

Some feel that Paul was in Thessalonica less than a month (only three Sabbaths are mentioned in Acts 17:2).

He must, however, have had an extended ministry outside the synagogue and the Jewish community, since the church was largely Gentile.

Key Verse

23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24 Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.
I Thessalonians 5:23-24 (NASB)

Available Lessons

Content Outline

The Message of I Thessalonians

“Five major themes are woven together in I Thessalonians: (1) an apologetic theme with the historical correlation between Acts and I Thessalonians;
(2) an ecclesiastical theme with the portrayal of a healthy, growing church;
(3) a pastoral theme with the example of shepherding activities and attitudes;
(4) an eschatological theme with the focus on future events as the church’s hope;
and (5) a missionary theme with the emphasis on gospel proclamation and church planting.”
Dr. John MacArthur

“The Thessalonians were especially confused about the timing of the Lord’s return. Paul addressed those questions and outlined the events connected with the Rapture of the Church.

He exhorts us to persevere with holiness and expectancy as we await His coming. Since we don’t know the precise moment of the Lord’s return, it could be at any moment.

As those who belong to Christ, we should watch for His coming; and while waiting, we should live faithfully, righteously, and productively for His glory.”
Dr. David Jeremiah

“Why did Paul write these two letters? First, he wanted to assure his friends of his love and concern. After all, he left the city hastily at night, and he did not want them to think he had deserted them.

He had a second purpose in view: He wanted to ground them in the doctrines of the Christian faith, particularly with reference to Christ’s return.

It appears that the church was going through severe persecution, and this is always a time of temptation to compromise and give in to discouragement.

He also encouraged them to live holy lives. These letters emphasize purity of life—a concept that needs to be emphasized in our churches too.”
Dr. Warren Wiersbe

“So in our study of 1 Thessalonians we shall be asking ourselves what lessons it is legitimate to draw from this letter for local Christian churches today.

What is of particular interest, because it applies to Christian communities in every age and place, is the interaction which the apostle portrays between the church and the gospel.

He shows how the gospel creates the church and the church spreads the gospel, and how the gospel shapes the church, as the church seeks to live a life that is worthy of the gospel.”
Dr. John R. W. Stott

“From the very beginning, following Jesus as King has produced a truly counter-cultural holy way of life that will sometimes generate suspicion and conflict among our neighbors.

The way Jesus’ followers respond to such hostility should always be with love, and they should meet opposition with grace and generosity. This way of life is motivated by hope in the coming kingdom of Jesus that has already begun in His resurrection from the dead.

Throughout 1 Thessalonians, we see how the Thessalonian Church embodies holiness, love and a future hope as they remain firm in their faith and commitment to Jesus their King.”
Bible Project

Timeline of I Thessalonians

About the Author

References

Social media & sharing icons powered by UltimatelySocial