Content reworked from Joel Megli’s 1 and 2 Thessalonians class at Ethnos360 Bible Institute
Edited and formatted by Eliza Field
Thessalonians Overview
The Thessalonians were newer believers at the time these letters were written. Paul had only spent a few weeks with them, but he’d gone in-depth with what he taught them. He’d even explained end times. This follow-up letter to his teaching is basically, “Hey, Thessalonians. You’re doing well. Keep going and don’t lose hope.” He touches on his thankfulness for them, how to live a life pleasing to God, and the coming resurrection of believers.
Literary Genre of 1 and 2 Thessalonians
Epistle (a letter written to someone)
Date 1 and 2 Thessalonians were Written
Around 50/51 AD
Who Wrote the Books of 1 and 2 Thessalonians
Paul wrote these letters with Silas and Timothy. You can read more about Paul’s background and life here. Silas was one of the leading men at the Council of Jerusalem and a prophet. Paul seems to think of him as an equal and shares responsibility with him in that way. As for Timothy, he and Paul had a very close relationship. Paul even referred to him as his son in 1 Timothy 1:2. Both Silas and Timothy went with Paul on his second missionary journey. This means they would have all spent 3 weeks or more in Thessalonica and interacted with the Thessalonian believers. Paul wrote the letter from Corinth after receiving a good report from Timothy of how the Thessalonian believers were doing.
1 and 2 Thessalonians Audience
Thessalonica was a city of 200,000 people in Greece. The unbelieving Jews there were quite hostile towards Paul and the others. They even followed them to Berea and stirred up trouble there. The believers in Thessalonica, the people this letter was written to, were a mix of Jews and Greeks. They learned much from Paul in the short time he was with them. He only spent three or so weeks with them during his second missionary journey, but for so little teaching they were very mature believers.
Themes in 1 Thessalonians
- Christian Life
- The Resurrection and the Lord’s Return
- Identity in Christ
- Community Living
Key verse of 1 Thessalonians
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
The Purpose of 1 Thessalonians
Paul’s purpose for this letter was encouragement. Paul was encouraging the Thessalonians to not lose hope and to continue persevering even under persecution. He was also addressing confusion in the area of the future resurrection of believers. Some were worried that because friends or family had died before Christ’s return they were lost. Paul told them that that wasn’t the case. Those who died believing in Christ will be with him for eternity.
1 Thessalonians Outline
- Paul, Silas, and Timothy Remind the Thessalonians 1:1-3:13
- You’re Doing the Work of God 1:1-10
- We Loved You Up Close 2:1-16
- We Loved You From Afar 2:17-3:13
- Instruction for Sexual Sanctification 4:1-18
- Other Issues 4:9-5:11
- Brotherly Love 4:9-12
- Those Who are Asleep 4:13-18
- Times and Epochs 5:1-11
- End Times 4:13-5:3
- Resurrection of Believers 4:13-14
- The Lord’s Return 4:15-5:3
- Final Instructions 5:12-28
Themes in 2 Thessalonians
- God’s Goodness
- Find Comfort in God
- Keep Enduring Persecution
Key verse of 2 Thessalonians
God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels.
The Purpose of 2 Thessalonians
Paul’s purpose in writing 2 Thessalonians was to tell the persecuted believers to look to the Lord for comfort. Paul wanted the believers to keep persevering. He wanted them to know that in the end the Lord will punish their persecutors.
2 Thessalonians Outline
- Prescript and Thanksgiving 1:1-4
- God is Just 1:5-12
- The Day of the Lord isn’t Here Yet 2:1-17
- Final Thoughts 3:1-18
- Prayer Requests and Prayer
- Avoid the Unruly
- Closing Prayer and Postscript
Why should you study 1 and 2 Thessalonians?
These epistles are for suffering Christians. In them we find the answer to our suffering is that Jesus is coming back. They frame our current struggles in light of eternity. When we walk through trials, we need to see them in light of the eternal hope we have in Christ. This is something all believers, not just the Thessalonians, can benefit from. Studying these books also helps us grow in the knowledge of how to live the Christian life. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 is a verse I’ve personally gone back to again and again. It’s helped me remember to find my joy in Christ, be thankful to the Lord, and pray about everything. I’m to do these things no matter what my circumstances are.
Interested in digging deeper into God’s word?
Does understanding the context of scripture interest you? Here at Ethnos360 Bible Institute, we walk students through the Bible exegetically and chronologically. We dig into the background and find application using careful hermeneutics. Our teachers care deeply about our students. They’re always willing to discuss the Bible and Christian life topics. If this interests you, request a free info packet below!
