Paul and Silas’s nighttime escape from Thessalonica inaugurated their quick tour of Macedonia and Achaia (northern and southern Greece, respectively). Their next stop was Berea, where Timothy rejoined them. When Paul’s enemies from Thessalonica followed him there, he was quietly escorted to Athens. At this intellectual center of the Greek world, Paul was allowed to pre-sent the gospel to the philosophers who had gathered at Mars Hill (Acts 17:19–34). Although most of his audience rejected and even mocked his message, a few were persuaded and became believers (Acts 17:32–34).
Silas and Timothy soon joined Paul there (Acts 17:15). While at Athens, Paul probably sent Timothy back to Thessalonica to see how the believers were doing (see Paul’s reference to this in 3:1–4).
Paul traveled on to Corinth, where he found a receptive climate for his preaching. Ancient Corinth was one of the major cities of the Roman Empire. Its prominence and wealth were derived from the extraordinary amount of shipping and commerce that went through its harbors. Corinth’s location on a four-and-a-half mile isthmus connecting mainland Greece and Achaia made it an ideal hub of shipping in the Roman Empire. Ships would be placed on wooden platforms and dragged across a stone road on the isthmus between the two ports of Corinth—Lechaeum and Cenchreae. As a commercial and cosmopolitan center, Corinth drew a substantial number of people from all over the Roman Empire.
Paul spent a full year and a half in Corinth, establishing a church in that city. During that time, Timothy returned from Thessalonica (Acts 18:5) with a favorable report on the Thessalonian believers and with their questions. In response to Timothy’s report, Paul dictated 1 Thessalonians.
Paul’s stay in Corinth can be dated with some precision because of the Delphi inscription. Dated a.d. 52, the inscription names Gallio as the proconsul of Achaia. A proconsul would rule for one year, beginning in July. Therefore, Gallio reigned from a.d. 51 to a.d. 52. During his ministry in Corinth, Paul appeared before Gallio to defend himself against certain charges (see Acts 18:12–16). This occurred toward the end of Paul’s eighteen-month stay in the city. Beginning in a.d. 50, Paul’s ministry in Corinth lasted to a.d. 51. Paul probably wrote 1 Thessalonians at the beginning of his stay—in a.d. 50.
OCCASION AND PURPOSE
To strengthen the Thessalonian Christians in their faith and assure them of Christ’s return.
First Thessalonians is primarily a letter of praise and thanksgiving. In this letter Paul rejoiced over the Thessalonians’ progress in the Christian faith. Timothy had given Paul an encouraging report on the Thessalonian believers. Their faith in Christ had remained strong (3:6). Although severely tested, they had withstood persecution (1:6). Having accepted Paul’s message with great joy, they had been eagerly looking forward to Christ’s return (1:6, 10). Their eager response was a clear sign that the Holy Spirit had been working in their hearts. This letter celebrates this great news (1:1–10; 2:13-3:13). Although Paul’s ministry with them had been short, they had thrived. He wrote to congratulate them and to answer their questions about the faith.
As part of his instruction, Paul discussed the Second Coming. When presenting the gospel, Paul had told of Christ’s return (1:10). Apparently, many Thessalonians were confused about the Second Coming and the fate of believers who had died. The Thessalonian believers probably understood Christ’s return from their Greek perspective (the half-life after crossing the River Styx) and were therefore confused. Paul reassured them that all believers, living and dead, would share in the joy of Christ’s return (4:13–17). He further explained that Christ’s return would come suddenly (5:2), so they should be prepared (5:4–11).
Evidently, some had stopped working because they thought Christ would be returning at any moment. Paul redirected the enthusiasm of these young believers by outlining the proper way to await their Savior’s return. “Stay alert” (5:6 nlt), continue to work (4:11), “encourage each other and build each other up” (5:11 nlt), he wrote.
Paul also took time to defend his ministry. Some had accused him and his co-workers of preaching for money and fame. This Paul vigorously denied (2:3–12).
The small and young Thessalonian church faced powerful and determined enemies. Paul wasn’t concerned about the power of the enemies, however, as much as the strength of the Thessalonians’ faith. Would they continue to seek God? Would they continue to love and encourage each other? Would they spurn the temptations of life in a cosmopolitan city? This letter explains exactly how the believers could endure persecution and opposition. They were to pray for each other, just as he was praying for them (1:2). They were to rejoice in each other’s victories, just as he was rejoicing over them (1:3–10). They were to encourage each other to holy living, just as he had been encouraging them (4:1–4). Most of all, they were to seek strength from the Lord—from the one who could preserve them until Christ’s sure return (5:23).
MESSAGE
Persecution; Paul’s ministry; hope; preparation for the Second Coming.
Persecution (1:6; 2:1–2, 14–16; 3:3–8). Paul and his associates had been hounded and finally driven out of Thessalonica during their short visit to that city. The new Christians Paul left behind were being persecuted because of their faith in Christ.
Importance for Today. Believers in any age can expect to be persecuted. They need to stand firm in their faith in the midst of trials, being strengthened by the Holy Spirit, who helps them remain strong.
We may experience threats or overt slander and physical opposition, or the persecution and oppression may be more subtle. Whatever the case, we must remain strong in faith through the power of the Spirit, showing genuine love to others and maintaining our moral character.
Paul’s ministry (1:5–6; 2:1–20; 3:1–8). Some in Thessalonica were suggesting that Paul and his associates were preaching with selfish motives. Paul denied these charges by reminding the believers of his ministry among them and throughout the area. Paul was determined to share the gospel despite being slandered and facing other difficult circumstances.
Importance for Today. Paul not only delivered his message, he also gave of himself. In addition, Paul didn’t allow persecution or slander to deter him from obeying the Lord and fulfilling his calling. In our ministries, we must become like Paul—faithful and bold, yet sensitive and self-sacrificing.
Hope (1:3, 10; 2:19; 4:13–18). Paul encouraged the Thessalonian Christians by reminding them that one day all believers, both those who are alive and those who have died, will be united with Christ. Christians who die before Christ’s return have hope—the hope of the resurrection of the body and life everlasting with the Lord.
Importance for Today. All who believe in Christ will live with him forever. All those who belong to Jesus Christ—throughout history—will be present with him at his second coming. No matter how bad the situation or bleak the outlook, we can take heart, knowing that our future is secure in Christ. We can be confident that at death or at the Second Coming, we will be with loved ones who also have trusted in Christ.
Preparation for the Second Coming (1:3, 9; 2:19–20; 3:13; 4:1–12; 5:1–28). No one knows the time of Christ’s return—it will come suddenly, when people least expect it. Thus, believers should live moral and holy lives, ever watchful for his coming, not neglecting daily responsibilities, but always working and living to please the Lord.
Importance for Today. The gospel is not only what we believe but also what we must live. The Holy Spirit helps us to be faithful to Christ, giving us strength to resist lust and fraud. Live as though you expect Christ’s return at any time. Don’t be caught unprepared.
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