1st THESSALONIANS: The Blueprint

            The Apostle Paul starts his letter with a note of encouragement, thanking Almighty God for their strong faith, trust, and good moral character. Then he reviews his relationship with them; how Paul presented the gospel and how they readily accepted the message. 

            The core of Paul’s message was to advise and comfort. He urges the Thessalonians to please God with their daily lifestyle by avoiding sexual immorality. In addition, Paul points out that they need to love one another, and be good citizens in a sin-sick, lustful world.

            Paul comforts the believers by reminding them of the hope of resurrection. To follow that thought he cautions the congregation to be continuously prepared at any moment for Christ’s return, for no one knows when Christ shall return for us.

            The Apostle Paul shares a handful of reminders on how they should prepare themselves for Christ’s 2^ndComing; warn the lazy, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with others, always be joyful, pray continuously, give thanks, test everything that is taught, and avoid evil.

 

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            The Apostle Paul & his travel companions more than likely arrived in Thessalonica in AD 50. The city of Thessalonica was 358 miles northeast of the city of Corinth. Corinth was purposely placed on the isthmus*between mainland Greece and the Peloponnese province of the Roman Empire. 

            Paul and company planted the church in Thessalonica, which was the first Christian church in that city. It was necessary for them to flee in a hurry because their lives had been threatened. At his 1^st opportunity, possibly when he stopped in Corinth, Paul sent Timothy back to Thessalonica to see how the new believers were doing. Timothy returned to Paul with good news. The Christians there were remaining firm in their faith and were unified. In spite of the good report, the believers still had some questions regarding their new faith. Paul didn’t have the time to answer all the questions during his brief visit, so other questions had arisen. In response to their questions, Paul wrote this 1^st of 2 letters to commend them on their continued faithfulness to Christ.

            Up next are the Mega Themes found in Paul’s letter to the Thessalonican church.  Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.

 

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Source: The Life Application Study Bible

* A narrow strip of land connecting two larger masses of land.