1 ThessaloniansIntroduction, Chapter 1

Thessalonica (Modern Salonika)

• Founded in ~300 B.C.• When Macedonia

became a Roman province, Thessalonica became its capital.

• Strategic location – a port city, and located on the Via Egnatia (connected Italy with the East).

Thessalonica (Modern Salonika)

• Modern Thessalonica (Salonika, Saloniki) is still a major city and center of trade in Greece.

• Had rather large Jewish population – Acts 17:1 – Had synagogue (emphatic statement).

• Likely heavily influenced by the Greek thought/mythology of the day as well (cf. 1 Thess. 1:9).

Evidence to Historical Accuracy of the Scriptures:• Luke mentions the “politarchs” – translated as

“rulers of the city” (Acts 17:6).• Skeptics long used this to try to prove that Luke was

historically inaccurate – they claimed the word was not found in contemporary literature.

• Archaeologists have since discovered many inscriptions which refer to the “politarchs”.

THESSALONIAN EPISTLE.

A Little About The First

Quick Facts:

• Written by Paul during early A.D. 50-52.

• Written from Corinth (2nd Journey).

• Main theme of first letter – “HOPE”– Cf. 1 Thess. 1:3–Had hope of Christ’s coming – 1:10– Cf. 1 Thess. 5:7-8

Themes:

• Hope (Overall) – 1:3; 5:7-8• Repentance – 1:9-10• Christ’s Return – 4:13-5:11• Holiness – 4:1-12• Comfort – 4:18; 5:11

Occasion of Writing

• Acts 17:1-9, Paul comes to Thessalonica.

• Acts 17:10, Paul is forced to leave.

• Acts 17:13,15, Paul goes to Athens to wait.

• Acts 18:1, Paul goes to Corinth.• 1 Thess. 3:1-2, Paul sends

Timothy/Silas back to check on them (cf. Acts 18:5).

CHAPTER 11 Thessalonians

Paul’s Greeting (vs. 1)

• Church… “in God” – close relationship

• AND the LORD Jesus Christ (remember Jews…)

• Grace (John 1:17) came through Jesus

• Peace, a result of that Grace.

Paul Gives Thanks (vs. 2)

• Gave thanks “always”• How? Prayer… to God!• Paul was always thankful for his

brethren – cf. Romans 16:3-4; Col. 1:3

Paul’s Commendation (vs. 3-4)

• “work of Faith” – James 2:14, 26• “labor of Love” – love expressed

through their good deeds (1 Cor. 13:1-3)• “patience of Hope” – despite their

suffering (detailed Acts 17) they were enduring – (Rom. 8:25). Paul remembered these things in his prayers.

• God saw these things – comfort• Election – “choice of you” – cf. Gal. 3:26-

27.

Q&A’s

• Why is thankfulness (especially of our brothers and sisters) so important?

• How does love compare to faith and hope? Why? (cf. 1 Cor. 13:13)

The Coming of the Gospel (vs. 5)

• Came to them in “power” – dunamis – force – “dynamite”

• We must remember the power of God’s Word (Rom. 1:16)

• We DON’T have to resort to entertainment – we DO have to focus on sharing the Gospel!

• “In the Holy Spirit” – cf. Mk. 16:20, Jn. 16:13ff

• In these things, they had assurance.

Imitators and Examples (vs. 6-7)

• “Followers” – lit. “imitators” – mimes

• 1 Cor. 4:16 – KJV, followers, NKJV, imitate.

• Despite much affliction!• They became examples!• 2 Corinthians 8:1-5

Q&A’s

• How were they convinced to become followers in spite of the current affliction?

• Why is it important to mimic the pattern of the Apostles (Paul)? (cf. 1 Cor. 11:1)

• How are we examples to each other?

Examples (vs. 8-10)

• “Loud, unmistakable proclamation” – Vincent’s Word Studies

• There was no hesitation or confusion when the “word” sounded forth.

• Where did it go? Every place.• What did it say? Their repentance made a

profound impression.• They had likely served idols for a few

centuries, but now they have turned to God. • They did not fall victim to the modern day

equivalent – “multiculturalism” (e.g. – not promoting one culture above another.)

Examples (vs. 8-10)

• “The wrath to come…”• God’s Word distinguishes

between right and wrong, good and evil – Revelation 20:11-15 – the books – John 12:48.

• But those in Christ are delivered! Hope!

Q&A’s

• How can the word of the Lord “sound forth” from us?

• What does true repentance mean?

• How/Can we make an impression and become an example to those around us? (cf. Phil. 1:27)