1 Thessalonians. Year Written. 1 Thessalonians 52 AD 2 Thessalonians 52AD 1 Corinthians 57 AD 2 Corinthians 57 AD. Philippians. 2 Timothy AD

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1 World Christian Fellowship 60, High Worple, Rayners Lane, Harrow Middlesex, HA2 9SZ, United Kingdom Tel: Thessalonians Author: Paul of Tarsus born to Jewish parents, a Roman citizen, speaks Greek eloquently, and a tent maker. Though we see Paul s handiwork throughout the letter, it begins with greetings from both Timothy and Silas alongside him; how much of the letter was contributed by the two is not apparent however. Year written: Letter Year Written 1 Thessalonians 52 AD 2 Thessalonians 52AD 1 Corinthians 57 AD 2 Corinthians 57 AD Galatians AD Romans 57AD Ephesians 62AD Philippians 62AD Colossians 52AD Philemon 63AD Hebrews 64-65AD Titus AD 1Timothy AD 2 Timothy AD 1

2 This letter was written by Paul while he was in Corinth. Historical background and purpose: Acts 17: 1-9 After the trouble at Phlippi, Apsotle Paul, Timothy and Silas, along with Luke, are chased away from there. Then, they move on to the next town, Thessalonica. They stay and establish a church at Jason s home, right next to the synagogue - not sure if that was wise though! Ending up in another trouble at Thessalonica, they are forced to move to the next town, Berea. They leave Timothy back at Thessalonica, with only Silas accompanying Apostle Paul. Thessalonica was an important communication and trade centre, located at the junction of the great Egnatian Way and 2

3 the road leading north to the Danube. It was the largest city in Macedonia, with a population of 200,000 people, and the capital of its province. A crown jewel of the Roman shipping and receiving centres, Roman citizens enjoyed many a freedom here because of its free city status. Acts 17:10-15 Trouble found them in Berea as well, so Paul in the middle of the night left for Athens, leaving Silas back in Berea, who eventually joined Paul in Corinth later. Acts 17: Athens: Athens is known for its philosiphical views, and especially at Mars Hill people come to present their ideas to the gathering, and this is where even Apsotle Paul expounds the scriptures, which leads to a few accepting the Lord. Acts 18 Corinth After being pounded from one city after another, Paul receives Timothy at Corinth with a much awaited news from the Thessalonican church of how well they have been doing, also bringing with him their gifts to Paul for his ministry. Paul is excited that the church is thriving, bearing much fruit. This is likely the first letter of the New Testament, before which all they had was the Old Testament. Nothing called the Bible before this. This letter thus led to the birth of the Bible! 3

4 Purpose: Timothy brings the good news amidst the severe persecutions the church was going through. But the church had something against Paul and his companions, calling their intentions and motive dubious. Hence, Apostle Paul writes to them to: To say how joyful and thankful to God he is for the good news he had received from Timothy. To defend his intentions about the way he preached the Gospel and how he lived among and cared for them. To let them know how much he loves them as Christians and as fellow brothers and sisters. To urge them to live a holy life and have only one wife since polygamy was a common practice among the Greeks back then. To clarify what happens after we die. To counter the false teachings about the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Also to encourage them to have hope in Christ for His return. Apostle Paul always urged Christians to have these three qualities, namely Faith, Hope and Love! 4

5 The church in Thessalonica was doing very well in faith; since they have faith in God, their love towards God and others was evident as well. What was lacking though was hope! 4:13, But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. (NKJV) Faith, hope and love are unified with God, the Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, as the centre, just like the three legs of the chair in the picture above. Paul completes his letter saying God will sanctify you all in body, soul and spirit. 5:23, Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (NKJV) 5

6 Brief Summary: Introduction Chapter 1:1-4 Thanksgiving for their faith, hope, and love 1: Personal Reflections: Chapter 1:5-3:13 By the Church Reception of the Gospel by the church 1:5-7 Their reputation of faith in every place 1:8-10 By Apostle Paul Example of his preaching 2: 1-8 Example of his lifestyle 2:9-12 The concern for the church Their faithfulness 2:13-3:10 Their continued growth 3: Instructions on how to walk a) Walk in Holiness To please God 4:1-2 To keep away from sexual immorality 4:3-8 b) Walk in Love Love one another 4:9 Increase more and more 4:10 6

7 c) Walk in Diligence Work 4:11 Towards those who are outside 4:12 d) Walk in Hope To not be sorrowful about the dead 4:13-14 We will unite with the dead when Christ returns 4:15-18 e) Walk in Light The Day of the Lord will be like a thief in the night 5:1-4 We are sons of Light & Day 5:5-8 God appointed salvation through only Lord Jesus Christ 5:9-11 f) Walk in Obedience Respect for the people over us 5:12-13 Concern for one another 5:14-15 Joy, prayer and thanksgiving 5:16-18 Sanctification through the Spirit 5:19-24 Concluding Remarks 5:25-28 Prayer request for him 5:25 To greet one another with a holy kiss and to read the epistle to others 5:26-27 Benediction of grace from the Lord Jesus Christ 5:28 7

8 Application for today: 1. Serve God for love not for money There are people who serve God for all the wrong reasons, say for money, fame etc. Look at Apostle Paul s example. He serves sincerely, backing them up with two analogies. a) A nursing mother b) And a father who cares for his children 2. Have a firm hope on Christ s second coming Jesus said He will come back. But there were people who claimed He had come back already, walking away from the truth. There were those who forsook all work justifying themselves with the imminence of the second coming, eventually becoming a nuisance to the society 2000 years ago. How confident and hopeful are you about Christ s second coming? I hope Apsotle Paul s encouragment to the Thessalonian Chruch 2000 years ago surely encourages you too today! 8

9 3. How is your Christian walk today? Key Verses Apsotle Paul commanded the chruch to walk in Holiness Love Diligence Hope Light Obedience Are you walking in them today? If not, could you ask God to help you in that area?? I Thessalonians 1:2; 1:5; 2:6-7; 2:12; 3:13 I Thessalonians 4:3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; I Thessalonians 4:11; 4:13-18; 5:2-6; 5:9 I Thessalonians 5:16-19, 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 9