3. AD 47 – Paul’s first missionary journey AD 49 – Jerusalem council
TIMELINE
AD 30 – Jesus crucified
AD 33 – Saul converted
AD 47 – Paul’s first missionary journey
AD 49 – Jerusalem council
AD 49 – Paul’s second missionary journey
Thessalonica
Preached in synagogue, converted many.
Jews became jealous and drove Paul out.
Paul went on to Berea, had great success.
Jews followed him, stirred up trouble.
Paul slipped away to Athens.
The church in Thessalonica faced opposition.

5. Background Summary
While Paul was in Corinth, Silas and Timothy caught up with him.
Paul writes a letter to the church in Thessalonica, and sends it back with Timothy. AD

6. 1 Thessalonians 1:1 Salutation 1:2-10 Thanksgiving and prayer
2:1-3:13 Paul’s Relationship with the Thessalonians
Gentle, like a mother with her children (2:7)
We shared our very lives (2:8)
We were holy, righteous and blameless (2:10)
Like a father with his children (2:11)
Encouraging, comforting, and urging (2:12)

7. 1 Thessalonians 1:1 Salutation 1:2-10 Thanksgiving and prayer
2:1-3:13 Paul’s Relationship with the Thessalonians
Paul praises them for their steadfastness under persecution.
1:6
2:13-16
3:4-5

8. 1 Thessalonians 1:1 Salutation 1:2-10 Thanksgiving and prayer
2:1-3:13 Paul’s Relationship with the Thessalonians
4:1-8 Instructions concerning holy living.

9. 1 Thessalonians 1:1 Salutation 1:2-10 Thanksgiving and prayer
2:1-3:13 Paul’s Relationship with the Thessalonians
4:1-8 Instructions concerning holy living.
4:9–5:11 Corrects misunderstandings about the Second Coming.
Eschatology = the study of the Last Days

10. 1 Thessalonians Corrects misunderstandings about the Second Coming.
4: Why work if Jesus is coming soon?
4: What will happen to those who have already died when Jesus returns?
5: What will Jesus’ return be like?

11. 1 Thessalonians 1:1 Salutation 1:2-10 Thanksgiving and prayer
2:1-3:13 Paul’s Relationship with the Thessalonians
4:1-8 Instructions concerning holy living.
4:9–5:11 Corrects misunderstandings about the Second Coming.
5:12-28 Final Instructions.

12. Purposes in Writing
To praise them for their steadfastness under persecution.
To instruct them concerning holy living.
To correct misunderstandings about the Second Coming.

13. Important Words “God” 36 times “Jesus 16 times “Lord” 24 times
In 1 and 2 Thessalonians combined,
136 verses total.
150 references to God, Christ, or both