Sunday

Reading through The Bible - 1 Thessalonians








Some Books of the bible are very short and some are very long but this one is one of the shortest.








1st Thessalonians  -  NEW TESTAMENT  -  EPISTLE

13th book of the NT 
52nd book of the Bible



It starts with a greeting of grace and peace from God in chapter 1 verse 1

"Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,
To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
        Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the           Lord Jesus Christ."



and immediately reassures the believers of the prayers and thanks made to God about them in the second verse of the first chapter








What is it?

The Book of 1 Thessalonians is one of the EPISTLES in the New Testament which means it is a Letter.



How Long is it?

It has 5 chapters.



When was it Written?

It was written about 50 AD



Who Wrote it?

The Apostle Paul

The first verse tells us the author and the names of two others who were with him at the time.

"Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,
To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."

 







Who was it Written to?

It was written to the believers living in Thessalonica in Macedonia (which is now northern Greece)


Teach Sunday School  tells us the following

Paul had spent around 3 months in Thessalonica.

Later he wanted to check up on them so he sent Timothy to visit them and he came back with a good report so Paul wrote this as a letter of encouragement. 


 

 


What is it normally well-known for?

As being one of the places in the bible to find info on the second coming

and 

encouragement for how to live in the will of God.








Why was it Written? 

It was written to commend the believers for their love as seen in


verse 12 of chapter 3






and to instruct them about the return of Christ in



verses 16-17 of chapter 4




and to have them continue to love, encourage and support each other in


verse 11 of chapter 5








The Overview Bible  tells us the following


"Paul has heard a good report on the church at Thessalonica, and encourages them to “excel still more” in faith, hope, and love."



Teach Sunday School  tells us the following

"Paul uses this book to encourage the church in their pursuit of holiness, diligence, love and hope.  He tells them to walk in the light and makes many mentions of the second coming."





Which other Epistles speak of the second coming of Christ?

Romans
1 Corinthians
2 Thessalonians
2 Peter
Jude

see 





Which other books of the Bible is this linked to? 

Paul wrote 2 epistles to the Thessalonians so this one is followed by 2nd Thessalonians







How does it end?


With the famous admonition in

 verses 16-18 of chapter 5

 







and as usual in Paul's epistles we also have the final greeting or blessing


verses 23 of chapter 5









The Overview Bible  gives us this


Quick outline of 1 Thessalonians

  1. Commendation for faith, hope, and love (1Thes 1–3)
    • The Thessalonians’ example (1 Thes 1)
    • Paul’s history with them (1 Thes 2)
    • Timothy’s visit and report (1 Thes 3)
  2. Challenge to grow in these areas even more (1Thes 4–5)
    • Love for others (1 Thes 4:1–12)
    • Hope for the Lord’s return (1 Thes 4:13–18)
    • Preparation for the Lord’s return (1 Thes 5)










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