1 Thessalonians- Introduction

Additional Details

• Author: Paul
• Audience: Believers in Thessalonica
• Original Greek Name: Α΄ Θεσσαλονικείς
• Translated Hebrew Name: סלוניקים א
• Common English Name: 1 Thessalonians
• Transliteration: A΄ Thessalonikeís
• Meaning: 1 Thessalonians
• Date Created: c 51 CE
• Content Reference Time: c 50-51 CE
• Key Individuals:
  • Paul
  • Timothy
  • Silas
• Key Themes:
  • Faithfulness to the Lord (1 Thessalonians 1:1-3:13)
  • Watchfulness for Messiah's return (1 Thessalonians 4:1-5:28)
• Date Canonized: c 108-117 CE
• Abstract:

  In what is likely his very first epistle, Paul wrote to Thessalonica, a city in Macedonia that he had visited during his second journey into Asia Minor.  Paul wrote to the (predominantly Gentile) believers in Thessalonica to encourage them in their faith amid persecution, reassure them of their hope in Messiah, and remind them to live G-dly lives prepared for His return.  He sends a message from himself, Silvanus, and Timothy to "request and exhort" the believers to excel in their behavior even beyond how they already "walk and please G-d."  Paul also requests that they appreciate those who diligently labor among them and "have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction."  He concludes with the comforting words, "faithful is He who calls you, and he also will bring it to pass."

• Location Created: Corinth
• Content Location: Thessalonica
• Teaches:
  • We should stand firm in our faith in the midst of persecution.
  • We should be faithful and bold in our service or ministry.
  • We should hold fast to the hope of the return of the Messiah.
  • We should be prepared and live our lives knowing that Messiah will return.
• Chapters: 5
• Verses: 89