1 Thessalonians for Dummies

We’ve finished the second letter in our sermon series on Paul’s letters to the churches! Here’s the recap of 1 Thessalonians:

Who is Paul writing to?

The church in Thessalonica, a big city along a major trade road in ancient Rome. Paul planted this church on his second missionary journey (see Acts 17).

When is he writing?

Between 49-52 CE, likely within a year or two of planting the church there.

Why is he writing?

Paul wants to visit the Thessalonians, but the Spirit hasn’t allowed it, so he’s sent Timothy to them instead. Timothy brings back a good report that the church is faithfully following Jesus, but they also have some questions: When is Paul coming to visit? If Jesus’s return is imminent, can they all just quit working? And what will happen to the church members who have already died when Jesus comes back? Paul writes to encourage their faith and answer their questions.

Verses to know

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18: “Rejoice always. Pray continually. Give thanks in every situation because this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Fun fact

This is the letter in which Paul compares himself to a nursing mother, an encouraging father, and a humble child in his relationship to the Thessalonian church (see chapter 2).