1 Thessalonians 1

Introduction

Author: Paul

Audience: The Church at Thessalonica

From: Corinth, Achaea (now in southern Greece)

When: ~50 CE (AD) between 1st and 2nd missionary journeys

Theme:

• Encouragement
• Exhortation
• the Afterlife

Timeline surrounding the Writing of 1 Thessalonians

1. Paul and Silas fled from Thessalonica to Berea. Since Timothy is not mentioned (see Ac 17:10 and note), it is possible that he stayed in Thessalonica or went back to Philippi and then rejoined Paul and Silas in Berea (Ac 17:14).
2. Paul fled to Athens from Berean persecution, leaving Silas and Timothy in Berea (see Ac 17:14).
3. Paul sent word back, instructing Silas and Timothy to come to him in Athens (see Ac 17:15; see also note on 1Th 3:1–2).
4. Timothy rejoined Paul at Athens and was sent back to Thessalonica (see 3:1–5). Since Silas is not mentioned, it has been conjectured that he went back to Philippi when Timothy went to Thessalonica (see note on 3:1–2).
5. Paul moved on to Corinth (see Ac 18:1).
6. Silas and Timothy came to Paul in Corinth (see 3:6; Ac 18:5).
7. Paul wrote 1 Thessalonians and sent it to the church.
8. About six months later (a.d. 51/52) he sent 2 Thessalonians in response to further information about the church there.

(the above is from https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/intro-to-1-thessalonians/)

Thessalonica: The City

• Seaport at the head of Thermaic Gulf.
• Important for communication and trade in the region.
• The largest city in Macedonia
• The capital of its province

Thessalonica: The Church

• Founded by Paul
• Composed of some Jews (most likely) but largely Gentile
• Paul had to leave abruptly, so he didn’t have time to disciple them fully

Reading:

Acts 17

What do we learn about the church in Thessalonica

from Acts 17?

What do you suppose it means to have a “Ready Mind” and how would that impact you today?

Reading:

1 Thessalonians 1:5-10

What do we learn about the church in Thessalonica from 1 Thessalonians 1?