1) The city of Thessalonica was founded in the 4th century BC and became the capital of Macedonia when it became a Roman province. It had a large Jewish population and was influenced by Greek thought. 2) Paul wrote 1 Thessalonians to the church in Thessalonica in the early 50s AD from Corinth to encourage them in their hope for Christ's return amid suffering and persecution. He commended them for their faith, love, and hope. 3) The Thessalonians imitated Paul and the apostles by receiving the gospel with power despite affliction and became examples to others by loudly proclaiming the word. Their repentance from idols impressed all who heard.

2. 1 ThessaloniansIntroduction, Chapter 1

3. Thessalonica (Modern Salonika)Founded in ~300 B.C.When Macedonia became a Roman province, Thessalonica became its capital.Strategic location – a port city, and located on the Via Egnatia (connected Italy with the East).

4. Thessalonica (Modern Salonika)Modern Thessalonica (Salonika, Saloniki) is still a major city and center of trade in Greece.Had rather large Jewish population – Acts 17:1 – Had synagogue (emphatic statement).Likely heavily influenced by the Greek thought/mythology of the day as well (cf. 1 Thess. 1:9).

5. Evidence to Historical Accuracy of the Scriptures:Luke mentions the “politarchs” – translated as “rulers of the city” (Acts 17:6).Skeptics long used this to try to prove that Luke was historically inaccurate – they claimed the word was not found in contemporary literature.Archaeologists have since discovered many inscriptions which refer to the “politarchs”.

6. Thessalonian Epistle.A Little About The First

7. Quick Facts:Written by Paul during early A.D. 50-52.Written from Corinth (2nd Journey).Main theme of first letter – “HOPE”Cf. 1 Thess. 1:3Had hope of Christ’s coming – 1:10Cf. 1 Thess. 5:7-8

8. Themes:Hope (Overall) – 1:3; 5:7-8Repentance – 1:9-10Christ’s Return – 4:13-5:11Holiness – 4:1-12Comfort – 4:18; 5:11

9. Occasion of WritingActs 17:1-9, Paul comes to Thessalonica.Acts 17:10, Paul is forced to leave.Acts 17:13,15, Paul goes to Athens to wait.Acts 18:1, Paul goes to Corinth.1 Thess. 3:1-2, Paul sends Timothy/Silas back to check on them (cf. Acts 18:5).

10. Chapter 11 Thessalonians

11. Paul’s Greeting (vs. 1)Church… “in God” – close relationshipAND the LORD Jesus Christ (remember Jews…)Grace (John 1:17) came through JesusPeace, a result of that Grace.

12. Paul Gives Thanks (vs. 2)Gave thanks “always”How? Prayer… to God!Paul was always thankful for his brethren – cf. Romans 16:3-4; Col. 1:3

13. Paul’s Commendation (vs. 3-4)“work of Faith” – James 2:14, 26“labor of Love” – love expressed through their good deeds (1 Cor. 13:1-3)“patience of Hope” – despite their suffering (detailed Acts 17) they were enduring – (Rom. 8:25). Paul remembered these things in his prayers. God saw these things – comfortElection – “choice of you” – cf. Gal. 3:26-27.

14. Q&A’sWhy is thankfulness (especially of our brothers and sisters) so important?How does love compare to faith and hope? Why? (cf. 1 Cor. 13:13)

15. The Coming of the Gospel (vs. 5)Came to them in “power” – dunamis – force – “dynamite”We must remember the power of God’s Word (Rom. 1:16)We DON’T have to resort to entertainment – we DO have to focus on sharing the Gospel!“In the Holy Spirit” – cf. Mk. 16:20, Jn. 16:13ffIn these things, they had assurance.

16. Imitators and Examples (vs. 6-7)“Followers” – lit. “imitators” – mimes1 Cor. 4:16 – KJV, followers, NKJV, imitate.Despite much affliction!They became examples!2 Corinthians 8:1-5

17. Q&A’sHow were they convinced to become followers in spite of the current affliction?Why is it important to mimic the pattern of the Apostles (Paul)? (cf. 1 Cor. 11:1)How are we examples to each other?

18. Examples (vs. 8-10)“Loud, unmistakable proclamation” – Vincent’s Word StudiesThere was no hesitation or confusion when the “word” sounded forth.Where did it go? Every place.What did it say? Their repentance made a profound impression.They had likely served idols for a few centuries, but now they have turned to God. They did not fall victim to the modern day equivalent – “multiculturalism” (e.g. – not promoting one culture above another.)

19. Examples (vs. 8-10)“The wrath to come…”God’s Word distinguishes between right and wrong, good and evil – Revelation 20:11-15 – the books – John 12:48.But those in Christ are delivered! Hope!

20. Q&A’sHow can the word of the Lord “sound forth” from us?What does true repentance mean?How/Can we make an impression and become an example to those around us? (cf. Phil. 1:27)