Introduction to 1 Thessalonians

Today, we are going to begin a new study. But before we dive into the book of 1 Thessalonians, it is important to prepare ourselves for what we are going to learn. This short book dives into hard topics such as the purpose of God’s word, are we acting in a way to please man or God, are we encouraging believers to hold fast to the faith, the Christian’s calling, and where our hope is.

To understand more of this book, we first need to look at Acts 17. This dictates Paul’s missionary journey and details when he came to Thessalonica. “2 Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ.” Acts 17:2-3. Some of the Jews were persuaded by Paul’s argument, but many hardened their hearts to Paul’s teaching. In fact, they formed a mob that caused the family who was hosting Paul to be pulled out into the street. “6 But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too. 7 Jason has harbored them, and these are all acting contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying there is another king—Jesus.” 8 And they troubled the crowd and the rulers of the city when they heard these things. 9 So when they had taken security from Jason and the rest, they let them go.” Acts 17:6-9

The word “security” in verse 9 is also seen as pledge and most likely means that the angered Jews received a monetary payment from Jason and the others that Paul and Silas would not cause any further commotion in Thessalonica, which is consistent since Acts 17:10 shows Paul leaving for Berea.

With that background in mind, it is no wonder that Paul, through the Holy Spirit, wrote to the disheartened believers in Thessalonica. These believers had just seen how the angered Jews would treat those who professed their faith in Jesus Christ. With that fresh in their mind how could they possibly remain in the faith? This is the issue, among others, that Paul seeks to put to rest in the book of 1 Thessalonians. 1 Thessalonians was written to encourage the readers to remain steadfast in the faith and to not be concerned about Paul’s imprisonment but to keep the focus on sharing the gospel.

Next week, we will begin our look into 1 Thessalonians and see exactly what Paul has to say to these new believers.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex