1 Thessalonians - Introduction

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Introduction

Author

PAUL IDENTIFIES HIMSELF AS THE author of 1 and 2 Thessalonians (1 Thess 1:1; 2 Thess 1:1). No serious objections have been made about his authorship of the former, but some critical scholars have questioned his authorship of the latter. Some argue that the two letters are too different from one another to have been penned by the same author. Alleged differences, however, are overblown. We are fully justified in believing that the apostle Paul wrote both. And though he mentions Silvanus and Timothy in his initial greetings (1 Thess 1:1; 2 Thess 1:1), clearly Paul is the primary author.

Historical Background

Paul visited Thessalonica (the modern Greek city of Thessaloniki) during his second missionary journey. It was an important port city on the Aegean Sea, the capital of the Roman province of Macedonia, and was located at the crossroads of two major routes. Thus, it was significant culturally and economically.

Though a large number of Greeks in Thessalonica initially believed Paul’s preaching, the Jews there stirred up persecution against him so that he had to flee to Berea (see Acts 17:1-10). Paul probably wrote 1 and 2 Thessalonians in AD 50–51 during his lengthy ministry in Corinth (see Acts 18:1-17).

Message and Purpose

Paul wrote to the believers in Thessalonica because false teachers had infiltrated and were threatening damage to the church. He also wanted to challenge the moral laxity that had penetrated the church and to correct confusion that had arisen concerning Christ’s second coming. Some believers in Thessalonica were suffering for their commitment to Christ, so Paul also wrote to encourage them to remain faithful given that Christ could return at any moment. If these believers would live in light of Christ’s immanent return, they would have lifestyles pleasing to the Lord.

The apostle balanced encouragement, correction, and challenge to call this church to remain faithful to Christ even though things were not going their way. He wanted them to operate with a kingdom mentality so that they would live out the values of God’s kingdom in their daily lives.

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