1 Thessalonians

Part One: Introduction to 1 Thessalonians

The Author and Date

"Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ" (1:1). Silvanus is Silas, Paul's companion on his second missionary journey (Acts 15:40). Paul wrote from Corinth around AD 50-51, soon after Timothy returned from Thessalonica with good news (3:6; Acts 18:5). It is one of Paul's earliest letters, and among the earliest books of the New Testament.

The City of Thessalonica

Thessalonica (modern Thessaloniki) was the capital of the Roman province of Macedonia and its largest city, with perhaps 200,000 people. It was named after Thessalonike, a half-sister of Alexander the Great. It was a busy seaport on the Via Egnatia, the main Roman road between Rome and the east, so news travelled from it quickly in every direction (1:8). As a "free city," it governed itself through magistrates called politarchs, the exact title Luke uses for "the rulers of the city" (Acts 17:6), confirmed by inscriptions found there.

The Founding of the Church

After being beaten and imprisoned at Philippi, Paul, Silas and Timothy came to Thessalonica (Acts 17:1-9; 1 Thessalonians 2:2). For three Sabbaths Paul reasoned in the synagogue, showing from the Scriptures that the Christ had to suffer and rise again, and that Jesus was the Christ. Some Jews, many God-fearing Greeks and a number of leading women believed (Acts 17:4). Most of the converts had been pagans who "turned to God from idols" (1:9). Jealous Jewish leaders stirred up a mob, attacked the house of Jason, and accused the believers of turning the world upside down and proclaiming "another king, one Jesus" (Acts 17:5-7). Paul and Silas were sent away by night to Berea, and Paul went on to Athens and Corinth. His stay in Thessalonica had been short, perhaps only a few weeks or months, leaving a young church to face persecution without him.

Anxious about them, Paul sent Timothy back from Athens to strengthen them (3:1-5). Timothy returned to Paul at Corinth with an encouraging report of their faith and love, along with some questions and concerns (3:6). Paul wrote this letter in response.

Purpose

Paul wrote to:

• thank God for the Thessalonians' faith, love and hope, and their bold witness (1);
• defend his own conduct against those who slandered his motives (2:1-12);
• encourage them in persecution (2:13-3:13);
• urge them to sexual purity, brotherly love and diligent work (4:1-12);
• comfort them concerning believers who had died before Christ's return (4:13-18);
• teach them about the day of the Lord and how to be ready (5:1-11);
• instruct them in church life (5:12-28).

Theme: The Coming of the Lord

The return of Christ is mentioned in every chapter, each time with a practical application:

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

Outline of 1 Thessalonians

Part Two: Chapter-by-Chapter Analysis

Section I: Looking Back (Chapters 1-3)

Chapter 1 — A Model Church

Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father

1 Thessalonians 1:3

Faith, love and hope are the three great Christian virtues (1 Corinthians 13:13). Genuine faith produces work; genuine love produces labour (toil to the point of weariness); genuine hope produces patience (steadfast endurance). Paul knew they were chosen by God, "Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God," because of the way the gospel had come to them:

For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance

1 Thessalonians 1:5

The gospel was not mere words; the Holy Spirit worked with power and produced deep conviction. The Thessalonians became imitators of the apostles and of the Lord, "having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost" (1:6). Joy in suffering is the work of the Spirit. They became an example to all believers in Macedonia and Achaia (1:7). "For from you sounded out the word of the Lord" (1:8), like a trumpet blast or a rolling echo, so that Paul did not need to tell others about them; everyone was already talking about their conversion:

For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye 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, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

1 Thessalonians 1:9-10

These verses summarise genuine conversion:

• Turned to God from idols: repentance and faith, a decisive turning to God and away from false gods.
• To serve the living and true God: a changed life of service.
• To wait for his Son from heaven: an eager expectation of Christ's return.

Jesus, whom God raised from the dead, delivers believers "from the wrath to come," the future judgment of God.

Chapter 2:1-12 — A Model Ministry

Paul's enemies apparently accused him of being one of the many travelling teachers who used religion for money, sex or fame. Paul reminded the Thessalonians how he had actually behaved among them.

His courage and integrity (2:1-6). Though he had just been "shamefully entreated" at Philippi, he was "bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention" (2:2). His message was not "of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile" (2:3).

But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.

1 Thessalonians 2:4

God had entrusted him with the gospel, as a steward; he answered to God, not to people. He used no flattery, no hidden greed, and sought no glory from men (2:5-6).

Like a mother (2:7-9).

But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.

1 Thessalonians 2:7-8

Paul cared for them like a nursing mother warming her own children. He gave them not only the message but himself. He worked "night and day" at his trade so as not to be a financial burden (2:9).

Like a father (2:10-12). He lived "holily and justly and unblameably" among them (2:10). "As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory" (2:11-12). A father encourages, comforts and urges his children individually toward maturity. Faithful ministry combines a mother's tenderness and a father's guidance.

Chapter 2:13-16 — The Word of God in Persecution

For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

1 Thessalonians 2:13

The apostles' message was not human opinion but the very Word of God, and it actively worked in those who believed. This is a clear claim to the divine inspiration of apostolic teaching (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21).

The Thessalonians suffered from their own countrymen just as the churches in Judea suffered from the Jews, "Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us... Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved" (2:14-16). Paul, himself a Jew who loved his people deeply (Romans 9:1-5), was speaking of those who violently opposed the gospel. "For the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost" (2:16), a judgment that would fall on Jerusalem in AD 70.

Chapters 2:17-3:13 — Paul's Longing and Timothy's Report

Torn away from them, Paul longed to see them again, but "Satan hindered us" (2:17-18).

For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? For ye are our glory and joy.

1 Thessalonians 2:19-20

Paul's reward at Christ's coming would be the people he had led to Christ, standing in the Lord's presence. This "crown of rejoicing" is often called the soul winner's crown.

Unable to bear the suspense, Paul stayed alone at Athens and sent Timothy "to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith: That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto" (3:1-3). Suffering is part of God's plan for believers (2 Timothy 3:12). Paul feared the tempter might have succeeded and his labour been in vain (3:5). But Timothy brought "good tidings of your faith and charity," and that they longed to see Paul (3:6).

Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith: For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 3:7-8

Their steadfastness revived him. He prayed "night and day... exceedingly" to see them and supply what was lacking in their faith (3:10). His prayer for them:

And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.

1 Thessalonians 3:12-13

Growing love leads to established holiness, ready for the day when Christ comes "with all his saints" (Zechariah 14:5; Jude 14).

Section II: Looking Forward (Chapters 4-5)

Chapter 4:1-12 — Purity, Love and Work

"We beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more" (4:1).

Sexual purity (4:3-8).

For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God

1 Thessalonians 4:3-5

People often ask what God's will is; here it is stated plainly: sanctification, beginning with sexual purity. In a pagan culture where sexual immorality was accepted, believers must abstain from all sexual activity outside marriage. Each must learn to control "his vessel" (his own body, or possibly to take a wife) in holiness and honour, not in lustful passion like those who do not know God. Sexual sin wrongs others: "That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such" (4:6). "For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit" (4:7-8). To reject this teaching is to reject God Himself.

Brotherly love (4:9-10). "But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another" (4:9). They already loved all the believers in Macedonia, but Paul urged them to "increase more and more" (4:10).

Quiet, diligent work (4:11-12).

And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

Some believers had apparently stopped working, perhaps thinking Christ's return was so near that work was pointless, and were depending on others. Paul urged them to live quietly, mind their own affairs, and earn their own living, to keep a good testimony before unbelievers and to be self-supporting (compare 2 Thessalonians 3:6-12). Expecting Christ's return should make believers faithful, not idle.

Chapter 4:13-18 — The Coming of the Lord for His People

Some Thessalonian believers had died since Paul left. Their friends grieved, perhaps fearing that the dead would miss the blessing of Christ's coming.

But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14

"Asleep" describes the death of believers: their bodies lie in the grave as if sleeping, awaiting resurrection, while their spirits are already with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:23). Christians grieve, but not like those without hope. Because Jesus died and rose, God will bring with Him the spirits of believers who have died.

For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

1 Thessalonians 4:15

"Prevent" in the King James English means "precede": living believers will not go ahead of those who have died. Paul's teaching came "by the word of the Lord," a direct revelation.

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

The order of events:

• The Lord Himself shall descend: not an angel, but Christ in person (Acts 1:11).
• With a shout, the archangel's voice, and the trump of God: a commanding call, as when He called Lazarus from the tomb (John 11:43; 1 Corinthians 15:52).
• The dead in Christ shall rise first: their bodies raised and reunited with their spirits in glorified form.
• Then we which are alive... shall be caught up: living believers will be suddenly snatched up and transformed (1 Corinthians 15:51-53). The Latin translation of "caught up" (rapiemur) gives the English word "rapture."
• Together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: a joyful reunion with departed loved ones and with the Lord. "Meet" was used of a welcoming party going out to greet an arriving dignitary.
• So shall we ever be with the Lord: permanent, unbroken fellowship (John 14:1-3).

The purpose of this revelation is comfort: "comfort one another with these words." Many Baptists and others understand this event, the "rapture" of the church, as distinct from Christ's coming in glory to the earth, and believe it will take place before the time of God's wrath on the earth (1:10; 5:9; Revelation 3:10). Other believers see it as one event with Christ's return to reign. All agree that the Lord Himself will come, the dead in Christ will be raised, the living will be changed, and believers will be with the Lord for ever.

Chapter 5:1-11 — The Day of the Lord

"But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you" (5:1).

For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

1 Thessalonians 5:2-3

"The day of the Lord" is the prophets' term for God's direct intervention in judgment and deliverance (Joel 2:31; Amos 5:18; Zephaniah 1:14-18). It will come unexpectedly, like a thief, on an unbelieving world lulled by false security (Jeremiah 6:14), and as suddenly and inescapably as labour pains.

But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

1 Thessalonians 5:4-6

Believers belong to the day; they should therefore be alert and self-controlled, not spiritually asleep or drunk with the world (5:7). "But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation" (5:8; Isaiah 59:17; Ephesians 6:14-17).

For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

1 Thessalonians 5:9-11

God has destined believers not for wrath but for full salvation. Christ died for us so that, whether we are alive ("wake") or have died ("sleep") when He comes, we will live together with Him.

Chapter 5:12-28 — Instructions for Church Life

Paul closes with a rapid series of short commands for congregational life:

Toward leaders (5:12-13). "Know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves." Believers should recognise, respect and love their pastors (Hebrews 13:17).

Toward one another (5:14-15).

Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

1 Thessalonians 5:14-15

Different people need different care: the idle and disorderly need warning; the fainthearted need encouragement; the weak need support; and everyone needs patience.

Toward God (5:16-18).

Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Constant joy, constant prayer (an unbroken attitude of dependence and communion with God), and thanksgiving in every circumstance (not necessarily for every circumstance) are God's will for His people.

Toward the Spirit and the Word (5:19-22). "Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil" (5:19-22). Believers must not stifle the Spirit's work, nor despise God's message, but must test everything by God's Word, hold onto what is good, and avoid every form of evil.

Benediction (5:23-28).

And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

Paul prayed for their complete sanctification, every part of their being, spirit, soul and body, kept blameless until Christ comes. And the God who called them is faithful; He will do it (Philippians 1:6). Paul asked for their prayers (5:25), sent greetings (5:26), and solemnly charged that "this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren" (5:27). Paul expected his letter to be read publicly to the church, as the Old Testament Scriptures were. "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen" (5:28).

Part Three: Christ in 1 Thessalonians

Portraits of Christ

The Rapture and the Day of the Lord

Many Bible teachers, including many Baptists, distinguish between Christ's coming for His people (4:13-18) and the day of the Lord, which brings judgment on the world (5:1-11). Others see these as aspects of a single coming. The differences in emphasis are clear in the passages themselves:

Faith, Hope and Love

Part Four: Prophecies Fulfilled and Future

Part Five: Key Passages in Depth

1 Thessalonians 1:5-10 — A Model Conversion

The gospel came in power and the Holy Spirit. The Thessalonians received the word with joy despite affliction, turned from idols to serve the living God, and waited for His Son. Their transformed lives spread the gospel far and wide.

1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 — A Model Ministry

Paul spoke boldly, honestly and without greed, pleasing God rather than men. He cared for his converts with a mother's tenderness and a father's guidance, giving them both the gospel and his own life.

1 Thessalonians 2:13 — The Word of God

The apostolic message is the very Word of God, and it works powerfully in those who believe.

1 Thessalonians 4:3-8 — God's Will: Sexual Purity

God's will is our sanctification, including abstaining from sexual immorality and controlling the body in holiness and honour. Rejecting this is rejecting God.

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 — The Dignity of Work

Believers should live quietly, mind their own business and work with their own hands, keeping a good testimony and depending on no one.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 — The Blessed Hope

Believers who die are not lost. The Lord Himself will descend, the dead in Christ will rise, the living will be caught up together with them, and all will be with the Lord for ever. This truth comforts grieving believers.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 — Ready for the Day

The day of the Lord will come suddenly on an unprepared world. Believers, as children of light, must stay awake, sober and armed with faith, love and hope, knowing God has appointed them not to wrath but to salvation.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 — Joy, Prayer and Thanksgiving

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in everything: this is God's will for every believer.

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 — Wholly Sanctified

God will sanctify believers completely, spirit, soul and body, preserving them blameless until Christ comes. He is faithful and will do it.

Part Six: The Major Teachings of 1 Thessalonians

1. Election and Effectual Calling

God chose believers, and the gospel came to them in power (1:4-5; 2:12).

2. Genuine Conversion

Turning to God from idols, serving Him, and waiting for His Son (1:9-10).

3. The Inspiration of Scripture

The apostles' message is the Word of God (2:13).

4. Faithful Ministry

Courageous, honest, unselfish and loving (2:1-12).

5. Suffering

Believers are appointed to affliction, and God sustains them (1:6; 2:14; 3:3-4).

6. Sanctification

God's will is the believer's holiness, including sexual purity (4:3-8; 5:23).

7. Brotherly Love

Taught by God, it must keep growing (3:12; 4:9-10).

8. Work and Testimony

Believers must earn their living and live honestly before outsiders (4:11-12).

9. The Death of Believers

Believers "sleep in Jesus" and will be raised (4:13-14).

10. The Return of Christ

The Lord will descend, raise the dead in Christ, and catch up living believers to be with Him for ever (4:16-17).

11. The Day of the Lord

A sudden day of judgment on the unbelieving world (5:1-3).

12. Deliverance from Wrath

Believers are not appointed to wrath but to salvation (1:10; 5:9).

13. Church Life

Respect leaders, care for one another, rejoice, pray, give thanks and test all things (5:12-22).

Part Seven: Connections — How 1 Thessalonians Links to the Rest of the Bible

1 Thessalonians and the Old Testament

1 Thessalonians and the New Testament

Themes That Run from 1 Thessalonians Through Scripture

Part Eight: Practical Lessons

• Let your faith work, your love labour, and your hope endure (1:3).
• Receive God's Word with joy, even in affliction (1:6).
• Be an example to other believers (1:7).
• Let the word sound out from your life (1:8).
• Turn from every idol to serve the living God (1:9).
• Wait eagerly for God's Son from heaven (1:10).
• Speak boldly, even after suffering (2:2).
• Seek to please God, not men (2:4).
• Care for others with a mother's gentleness (2:7).
• Give people your life as well as the gospel (2:8).
• Encourage and urge others like a father (2:11-12).
• Receive the Bible as the Word of God (2:13).
• Expect affliction as part of God's plan (3:3).
• Strengthen and encourage young believers (3:2).
• Pray earnestly for others' growth (3:10-13).
• Pursue holiness and sexual purity (4:3-7).
• Love one another more and more (4:9-10).
• Live quietly, mind your own business, and work (4:11).
• Grieve with hope when believers die (4:13).
• Comfort others with the promise of Christ's coming (4:18).
• Stay awake and sober, not spiritually asleep (5:6).
• Put on faith, love and the hope of salvation (5:8).
• Rest in knowing God has not appointed you to wrath (5:9).
• Encourage and build one another up (5:11).
• Respect and love your spiritual leaders (5:12-13).
• Warn the unruly, comfort the fainthearted, support the weak (5:14).
• Never repay evil for evil (5:15).
• Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in everything (5:16-18).
• Don't quench the Spirit (5:19).
• Test all things, and hold fast what is good (5:21).
• Abstain from every form of evil (5:22).
• Trust God to sanctify you completely (5:23-24).

Part Nine: Key Verses to Memorize

Conclusion

1 Thessalonians is one of Paul's earliest letters, written to a young church that had been planted in a few weeks and immediately plunged into persecution. Paul thanked God for their work of faith, labour of love and patience of hope, and for a conversion so real that the whole region was talking about how they had turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God and to wait for His Son from heaven. He reminded them of his own conduct among them, gentle as a nursing mother and earnest as a father, delivering not the word of men but the Word of God. He rejoiced at Timothy's report that they were standing fast. He called them to holiness, especially sexual purity, to growing brotherly love, and to quiet, diligent work. And he comforted them with the great hope of the church: the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout; the dead in Christ will rise; the living will be caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Because the day of the Lord will come as a thief, believers must stay awake and sober, armed with faith, love and hope, knowing that God has not appointed them to wrath. Meanwhile they are to honour their leaders, care for one another, rejoice evermore, pray without ceasing, give thanks in everything, and trust the faithful God who will sanctify them wholly and preserve them blameless until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17