1 THESSALONIANS
 WHO IS PAUL THE APOSTLE?
 Paul the Apostle, original name Saul of Tarsus,
born 4 bce?, Tarsus in Cilicia—died c. 62–64
ce, Rome (Italy), one of the leaders of the
first generation of Christians, often considered
to be the most important person after Jesus
in the history of Christianity.
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Main Theme and Purpose of 1Thessalonians
• Paul wrote the letter out of deep love and concern for
the believers in Thessalonica and his desire to continue to
disciple them. He encourages them to grow in faith, strive
for holiness and purity, and stand firm against persecution.
He shares the belief that knowledge of the promised end
times will give them hope to remain steadfast. This
purpose is best summed up with Paul’s encouraging words
in verses 3:12-13
Why is First Thessalonians so important?
• Everyone would like to have some insight into what their
future holds. How much more so when it comes to the
end of the whole world?
At the rapture, Christ will return for His people. The dead
in Christ shall rise first, while those still living will follow
close behind. All believers will meet Jesus in the air to
begin an eternity spent with the Lord
Context and Background of 1 Thessalonians
•Theologians consider 1
Thessalonians to be one of the
first books of the New Testament
written. The time frame comes
from the context.
The Apostle Paul was one of the most influential leaders of the early
Christian church
Paul started more than a dozen churches, and he’s traditionally
considered the author of 13 books of bible—more than any other
biblical writer.
Paul was a follower of Jesus Christ who famously converted to
Christianity on the road to Damascus after persecuting the very
followers of the community that he joined. However, as we will see,
Paul is better described as one of the founders of the religion rather
than a convert to it.
What Can We Learn from 1 Thessalonians
• The truths of the words of 1 Thessalonians remain relevant today. We
should always strive to grow in our faith, show Christian love to all,
and remain hopeful in the promise of Christ’s return. We develop a
more vibrant faith when we look forward to Christ’s return and the
union of all believers on earth and in heaven.
• The encouragement to live lives of purity and holiness as well as to
examine everything are calls for Christians to make wise choices daily
• Like Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians, this
letter is addressed “to the congregation” in
general. This differs from his letters to Timothy or
Titus, which were addressed to individual overseers,
and from the letter to the Philippians, which
specifically mentions the congregation overseers and
the ministerial servants.
paul thanks god for the thessalonians growint faith (1:3-5)
• We are obligated always to give thanks to God for you,
brothers. This is fitting, because your faith is growing
exceedingly and the love of each and every one of you is
increasing toward one another.
Relief will come when the Lord brings vengeance on the
persecutors (1-6-10)
• This takes into account that it is righteous on God’s part
to repay tribulation to those who make tribulation for you
Paul prays that the Thessalonians might
be counted worthy of being called by God
1:11,12
To that very end we always pray for you,
that our God may count you worthy of
his callinga and with his power perform
completely all the good that he pleases
and every work of faith.