I Thessalonians & II Thessalonians

Before studying the text of these two books, it is well to discover the background and purpose for which the books were written. This gives us a much better appreciation and understanding of what is being set forth.

Paul was engaged in his second missionary journey to the churches (Acts 16) when he received the ‘Macedonian call” which moved Paul into the ministry to the Gentiles.

The first city in which this new emphasis was employed was Philippi. Here a church was established and among the converts was Lydia and her household. Paul and Silas were arrested on false charges and put in jail which resulted in the jailer and his whole family becoming Christians.

Following this, they left and headed to Thessalonica. They passed through but did not stay in Amphipolis and Apollonia.

This leads us to the events of the ministry of the Gospel in Thessalonica.

Acts 17:1-15

• They shared the Gospel (Acts 17:2-4)
  • Paul spoke first to the Jews
  • Some Jews and a great multitude of Greeks believed
• Trouble comes (Acts 17:5-9)
• The departure (Acts 17:10-15)
  • They go to Berea (40 miles to the south)
  • The troublemakers follow them
  • Paul departs to Athens by sea

Paul is concerned about the believers in Thessalonica, so he sends Timothy back to encourage them in the faith. Timothy comes back and reports good news concerning these people to Paul. This prompts Paul to write the two epistles which we are about to study.

Reason for writing the books

• He wanted to assure them of his love and concern
  • He had left rather abruptly
  • His enemies were attacking his character, accusing him of preaching to get money
• He wanted to establish them in the doctrines of the Christian faith, particularly concerning the return of Christ
• He wrote to correct some weaknesses in the church

There are some things this background teaches us:

• God chooses to use people to accomplish His work in the world
• The Gospel is still the “power of God unto salvation” (Romans 1:16)
• Satan still opposes the Gospel and causes persecution to come to people
  • HOWEVER, what Satan intends for evil, God uses for good to make His people grow