Book Study: First Thessalonians

Book Overview

Paul commends the church at Thessalonica for their faithful example in Christ. Even in persecution they have endured and remained faithful. Paul requests they continue to walk true to the teaching they received, especially with sexual purity and honest dealings. They should live quiet obedient lives avoiding even the appearance of evil. In every chapter he mentions the coming of the lord. He assures them that those who have died will be resurrected and that we will all be preserved complete at his return.

Brief Chapter Summaries

Chapter 1

Paul expresses thankfulness for their work of faith and their strong reputation. He commends the example they have been to surrounding cities and for their strong testimony of dedication and service to God.

Chapter 2

Paul recalls how he brought the gospel to them after leaving Phillipi in the midst of persecution. Paul defends his pure motives and acknowledges they shared in the persecution that followed him to Thessalonica. Paul’s hope is their standing in the presence of the coming Jesus.

Chapter 3

Paul sent timothy who brought back a good report of their faith bringing joy to Paul. Paul longs to see them and encourages their continued love and holiness with an anticipation of Jesus return.

Chapter 4

Paul exhorts the church to obey the instruction from God that Paul has given specifically sexual purity, honesty and quiet loving lives. He tells them not to grieve over those who have died in the way those without faith in Jesus do. They have comfort and hope knowing they will be resurrected at the return of Jesus. Paul details Jesus’ return describing that the Lord will descend and we will ascend to meet him when he returns.

Chapter 5

Paul explains that no one knows the timing of the Day of the Lord. He contrasts the world's response of being surprised and in terror with Christians who will be alert and prepared. Paul again emphasizes that those who have died will be no obstacle for Jesus bringing all people to himself at his return. He concludes with some instructions to live just, loving and thankful lives, avoiding even the appearance of evil. Finally, God will purify each of us alive or dead without blame at his coming.

Key Verses

1 Thessalonians 1:6

"You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit."

1 Thessalonians 2:9

"Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you."

1 Thessalonians 3:9

"How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?"

1 Thessalonians 4:13–17

"Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever."

1 Thessalonians 5:6

"So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober."

1 Thessalonians 5:15–18

"Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

1 Thessalonians 5:22

"Abstain from all appearance of evil."

‍

‍