NT Survey II

1 Thessalonians
Pauls Second Journey
(Acts 15:36 18:22)
 Occasion for 1 Thessalonians

Pauls concern for the new converts there.

Timothys report:
Misunderstanding about Pauls teaching on
the return of Christ.
Disorderly behavior by the believers there.
Grief over the loss of loved ones.
 Introductory Matters for 1
Thessalonians
Author: The Apostle Paul. He writes this letter
on his second missionary journey, from the city
of Corinth.
Date: Approximately 51 AD; the earliest of Pauls
letters.
Audience: New believers at Thessalonica, both
Jews and Gentiles, with Gentiles in the majority
(1 Thess 1:9). The origin of this church is
described in Acts 17:1-9.
Character of the book: Very eschatological;
return of Christ is a dominant theme.
 Major Themes in 1 Thessalonians

Prayer
Pauls Vindication of His Ministry
The Return of Christ
The coming wrath (1:10; 5:9)
The rapture of the church (4:13-18)
The Day of the Lord (5:1-11)
Exhortation to Growth and Personal
Holiness
 Purpose Statement for 1
Thessalonians
Paul writes to encourage the
Thessalonians in their spiritual growth, to
defend his ministry among them, and to
exhort them to live holy lives in light of
the coming Day of the Lord.
 Survey of 1 Thessalonians
Salutation (1:1)
Thanksgiving for the Thessalonians (1:2-10).
Paul expresses his gratitude to God for His choice of
the Thessalonians, as evidenced both by the
missionaries personal impressions and the
Thessalonians changed lives.
Vindication before the Thessalonians (2:1-3:13)
Paul vindicates his ministry among them by
contrasting his methods with those of false teachers,
by the Thessalonians acceptance of the Word of God,
and by his strong desire to see them again.
Exhortation to the Thessalonians (4:1-5:22)
Paul exhorts these believers in 3 major areas:
personal needs (4:1-12), eschatological needs (4:13
5:11), and ecclesiastical needs (5:12-22).
Epilogue (5:23-28)
Next Week

2 Thessalonians