1. Neapolis
Acts 15:36-18:22

2. The Book of 1Thessalonians
Acts 17:1-13… then to Acts 18:11

3. 1 Thessalonians Acts 17:1-13… then to Acts 18:11
It was at this time, when Timothy and Silas came from Macedonia to join Paul at Corinth, that the apostle wrote his 1st letter to the Thessalonians (A.D. 51 or 52).
Letter to recently converted Christians, from the man who was accountable for their learning the truth.
This new congregation was facing persecution from those within their own city; Paul is concerned about their ability to remain faithful.
When the Jews stirred up a mob in Thessalonica & they came before the rulers, they made the charge that these people were “proclaiming another king- Jesus” (Acts 17:6-8).
Would have sounded like treason. Rulers would be quick to listen to any charge against these saints.

4. 1Thessalonians We thank God that you turned from idols to God (1:2-10)
You were converted in spite of much affliction.
Now you serve as examples to others.
Our coming to you was not in vain (2:1-16)
You know how we conducted ourselves in your midst
You accepted the gospel as God’s word, not our own.
You became imitators of the churches of Judea.

5. 1Thessalonians
I was worried that persecution might make you give up (2:17-3:10)
I was so worried I sent Timothy.
He has returned with a good report, so I am comforted.
May the Lord establish you (3:11-13)
“May the Lord make you to increase and to abound in love for one another, and may He establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the time when the Lord Jesus Christ comes again with all His saints.”

6. 1Thessalonians Walk so as to please God (4:1-12)
Conversion means a special kind of life.
Live quietly and take care of your own affairs.
Those who have died in Christ are safe (4:13-18)
They will return with Jesus.
The dead in Christ shall be raised first.

7. 1Thessalonians The time for His coming is unknown (5:1-11)
Be warned and ready.
Instructions for the church, and closing remarks (5:12-28)
 ”I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read to all the holy brethren.” (5:27)

8. 1Thessalonians: Idolaters became worshipers of God in spite of persecution.
Expression of joy for their conversion from idols to the true God.
Paul thanks God for how thoroughly the Thessalonians were converted, in spite of the opposition.
He and his co-workers encouraged the Thessalonians to accept the gospel by the example of their own conduct.
He reminds the Thessalonians of their conversion and exhorts them to walk as children of God.
They were worried about what would happen to the dead saints at the time of the Lord’s coming.
Paul assured them that these saints would not be left behind, but would be raised from the dead and taken with the living saints to meet the Lord in the air. He closed with various instructions to the church.