Paul wrote 1 Thessalonians to the church in Thessalonica to encourage believers experiencing persecution, correct misunderstandings about the end times, and defend his ministry. He reminded them to persevere through trials and live according to his teachings. Paul explained that believers who had died would be resurrected on the Day of the Lord and meet Christ together with those still alive.

2. Writer & Recipient
 From Apostle Paul with Silvanus & Timothy
 To the believers of the church in the city of
Thessalonica (clearly stated in introduction)

4. Background
 Believers saved and Church founded in Paul’s Second Missionary
Journey (from Acts 16)
 Paul came to city of Thessalonica after the call to cross over to
Macedonia & having preached in Philippi (Acts 16)
 Acts 17:1-9 = Jews and many Greeks converted. Wave of persecution
from Jews which spread through the city led Paul and Silas to escape
by night
 Paul went onto Berea, Athens & then Corinth – where Silas and
Timothy later came to join him (Acts 18:5)
 2 letters then written in Corinth following Timothy & Silas having just
joined him bringing a report of them (1 Thess.1:8-9; 3:2-7)

5. When & Where ?
 Written from city of Corinth
 AD 50 - 51.
 One of Paul’s earliest letters
 2nd letter written just months after first letter
to correct misunderstanding that the day of
the Lord has already come.

6. Situation
 Much persecution of the believers as seen from
Acts 17 & believers were going through much
persecutions and afflictions (2 Thess. 1:5 7 1 thess.
3:3-4)
 Large commercial city (200,000 people). A free city
of Rome made up of Greeks & a strong Greek
culture (with diaspora Jews & synagogue also
present there)
 After leaving people had accused Paul of preaching
for money and wrong motives (1 Thess. 2)

7. Purpose
1. Defend His ministry against being accused of
preaching for money or wrong motives
2. Encourage Believers through these afflictions and
persecutions
3. Remind them to live out His teachings
4. Correct their misunderstandings of the Rapture
and Return of Christ on the day of the Lord

8. Messages
1. Defending His Ministry – Characteristics of Authentic
Ministry
• Proclaims the Gospel (1 Thess.2:1-2)
• Not for money (1 Thess. 2:9)
• Motivated by Love (1 Thess. 2:10-12)
2. Persevere, remain steadfast through trials & persecution (1
Thess. 2:14, 3:3, 3:5-6)
3. Live out Paul’s Teachings
• Excel in sanctification
• Abstain from sexual immorality
• Do not become idle (as some had thinking the day of the Lord
had come)

9. Central Message =
4. Correct Misunderstandings of the Rapture & Day of the Lord
• Response to concern about believers who had recently died (1
Thess.4:13) – what happened to them?
• Answer – on the Day of the Lord, they will be resurrected first
• To encourage them will meet Christ when raptured along with
those died
• 2nd letter – correct misunderstanding that day of the Lord had
already come (2 Thess.2:2) - they had missed it. Paul explains things
which must take place first

10. Approach / Style
 Very personal – Paul has a close
relationship with believers and is
concerned for their faith
 Very positive – based on feedback report
he receives from Timothy

13. Questions
 What do I understand will happen when believers die
today?
 Am I looking to the final end times as Paul was?
 Am I looking to world events for the rise of the anti-Christ
& increasing evil as Paul told us to?
 Am I giving up on life as the frustrations mount or am I
working for the true master, the Lord – expecting his
return & reward?