Writer & Recipient

From Apostle Paul with Silvanus & Timothy

To the believers of the church in the city of Thessalonica (clearly stated in introduction)

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)

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.

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)

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

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)

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

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

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?