First Thessalonians

The Book of 1 Thessalonians

Brief Summary. Paul had not spent long enough time with the church in Thessalonica, and wrote this letter to further instruct them in their walk with Christ and sound doctrine. He also addresses their concerns regarding those who died in Christ, and Jesus' second coming.

Latin: Thessalonicenses I

Greek: Thessalonikeis a, First (letter) to the Thessalonians

Author: Paul (Saul) of Tarsus

Date: 50-51, during Paul�s second missionary journey

Place: Corinth

Writing to: Christians in Thessalonica

Doctrinal Classification: Eschatology

General Theme: Second coming of Christ described

Important Points: Jesus' Second Coming. Paul�s ministry to the Thessalonians. Teachings on purity and mention of the return of Christ.

Smith's Bible Dictionary: First Thessalonians

Unger's Bible Dictionary: First Thessalonians

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1 Thessalonians. "THESSALONICA was formerly the metropolis of Macedonia; it is now called Salonichi, and is the best peopled, and one of the best towns for commerce, in the Levant. The apostle Paul, being diverted from his design of going into the provinces of Asia, properly so called, and directed after an extraordinary manner to preach the gospel in Macedonia (Acts 16:9,10), in obedience to the call of God went from Troas to Samothracia, thence to Neapolis, and thence to Philippi, where he had good success in his ministry, but met with hard usage, being cast into prison with Silas his companion in travel and labour, from which being wonderfully delivered, they comforted the brethren there, and departed. Passing through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where the apostle planted a church that consisted of some believing Jews and many converted Gentiles, Acts 17:1-4. But a tumult being raised in the city by the unbelieving Jews, and the lewd and baser sort of the inhabitants, Paul and Silas, for their safety, were sent away by night unto Berea, and afterwards Paul was conducted to Athens, leaving Silas and Timotheus behind him, but sent directions that they should come to him with all speed. When they came, Timotheus was sent to Thessalonica, to enquire after their welfare and to establish them in the faith (1 Thessalonians 3:2), and, returning to Paul while he tarried at Athens, was sent again, together with Silas, to visit the churches in Macedonia. So that Paul, being left at Athens alone (1 Thessalonians 3:1), departed thence to Corinth, where he continued a year and a half, in which time Silas and Timotheus returned to him from Macedonia (Acts 18:5), and then he wrote this epistle to the church of Christ at Thessalonica, which, though it is placed after the other epistles of this apostle, is supposed to be first in time of all Paul's epistles, and to be written about A.D. 51. The main scope of it is to express the thankfulness of this apostle for the good success his preaching had among them, to establish them in the faith, and persuade them to a holy conversation." - Matthew Henry (Read More)

Outline of the Book of 1 Thessalonians (Scriptures and Topics Covered)
Paul's Greetings and Concerns - Chapters 1-2
Christian Living - Chapter 3
The Coming Day of Jesus - Chapter 4-5

Questions for further study.

Why did Paul feel the need to write First Thessalonians?

Who founded the church in Thessalonica?

Who delivered this letter to the church in Thessalonica?

Who was the author of the book of First Thessalonians?

When was the book of First Thessalonians written?

Where was the book of First Thessalonians written?

What language was the book of First Thessalonians written in?

What is the main theme of the book of First Thessalonians?

What was the report made to Paul by epistle's messenger?

1 Thessalonians Resources

Map of New Testament Israel
Map of the Roman Empire
Map of the New Testament World 
Map of Paul's First Missionary Journey
Map of Paul's Second Missionary Journey
Map of New Testament Cities
Map of the 7 Churches of Revelation (Asia Minor)
Map of the Roman Empire In the Time of Jesus
Map of Asia in Roman Times
Map of New Testament Greece