Thessalonians Introduced

Paul had established the church in Thessalonica as recorded in Acts 17:1-10. The church was made up of a small group of Jewish converts and also some Gentiles who believed. The beginning of the church brought a strong backlash from the rejecting Jews in the area. They stirred up the city and the mob was on the verge of having some of the new converts killed for proclaiming Jesus as King (17:5-9). The evil rejecting Jews even followed Paul and missionaries to Berea. They caused Paul to flee Berea (Acts 17:13-14).

This letter is written to a young fledgling church plant. Paul sent Timothy to check on them because he was concerned over their condition in light of the opposition they immediately faced (1 Thessalonians 3:1-2). In the letter, Paul expressed his gratitude for Timothy’s report upon his return from visiting them (1 Thessalonians 3:6-10).

The letter appears to be an encouragement letter. Expressing Paul’s gratitude for them. The letter also explained Paul’s desire to return and continue in teaching them the Word. Finally, the letter seeks to give further teaching that Paul apparently didn’t have time to fully flesh out due to his shortened time there with them. He appears to explain the future time before the return of the Lord. The return of Christ is a main theme in the book. Notice how every chapter ends with a reference to Christ’s return.  
There is an important application for us here. 

If Paul believes these baby Christians need eschatology to live in this world, then we need it too! Eschatology, the study of the end times, is foundational for a believer to endure in this world. We need this future focus. We need to keep Christ’s return and His sovereign reign to come in the front of our thoughts. If we know He can return at any moment, we will live by faith, especially in suffering. 

The Thessalonians were facing some harsh persecution from the same Jews that ran Paul off. They needed to know Jesus was coming and they would meet Him in the sky. The world will be judged for their rejection of Him

Eschatology isn’t an option. It is a priority. Let’s study this book together.

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