In Acts 17 we find Paul having freshly departed Philippi and traveling west along the Egnatian Way to Thessalonica. This would be late 49 or early 50 AD. He managed to speak in the synagogue three Sabbaths, gaining quite a following, particularly among the Gentile believers. The Jews were persuaded only of the need to have Paul arrested. Hiring thugs they stirred up a riot. In the end, Paul's host, Jason, was forced to post a bond, while Paul, Timothy and Silas slipped away.
This left the church to grow on their own with but three weeks of teaching. Paul traveled on, stopping in Berea long enough to be driven out yet again. From there he went to Athens, then back to Corinth. He had sent Timothy back to check on the Thessalonian church, and met Timothy again sometime later in Corinth. From there it was he wrote the two letters we have to the Thessalonians.
These may well have been the first of his many letters. They are not weighty in theology, but more personal. The only issue he addresses squarely is the matter of the Return of Christ.
Chapter 1 -- Paul praises the church for their powerful witness.
Chapter 2 -- Could anyone bring evidence Paul had preached in Thessalonica out of any human motive?
Chapter 3 -- Paul's longing for the Thessalonians becomes a lesson in holiness.
Chapter 4 -- A proper grasp of the implications of spiritual birth bring a dramatic change in conduct.
Chapter 5 -- Paul wraps up this letter with some final admonitions, using the themes of peace and light.
Chapter 1 -- The foundation for understanding the Return of Christ is understanding what should prevail before He comes.
Chapter 2 -- The point of this letter was reminding them what has to happen before Christ returns.
By Ed Hurst
12 February 2011
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