1 THESSALONIANS 1

PAUL IS ENCOURAGED BY THE FAITH OF THE THESSALONIANS

Paul addresses the church in Thessalonica, thanking God for their faithfulness, steadfast hope, and generous acts of love. Remembering the conversion of the Thessalonians, Paul recalls how the Holy Spirit filled them with power and conviction. In response to their faith, the Thessalonians became imitators of Jesus and served as an example to all believers. Paul marvels at the way the Thessalonians received the Gospel and turned away from false idols to serve God and trust in Jesus for their salvation.

1 THESSALONIANS 2

PAUL TEACHES TO LIVE IN A MANNER THAT IMITATES JESUS 

Paul reminds the Thessalonians of his visit to Thessalonica, where he and Silas traveled together to spread the gospel message (Acts 17). Paul did not travel for his own purposes, but to entrust the Thessalonians with the news of Jesus as God had intended. Speaking of his love for the people in Thessalonica, Paul remembers the great extent they worked to share the good news of the gospel with them. After hearing Paul’s message, they knew that he was speaking the word of God.

Knowing the followers of Jesus would face rejection and persecution, Paul encourages them to live in a manner that honors God and imitates Jesus. Paul greatly desires to see the believers in Thessalonica and praises God for providing them with faithfulness.

1 THESSALONIANS 3

TIMOTHY RETURNS WITH A HOPEFUL UPDATE 

Paul is concerned about the newfound faith of the people in Thessalonica and worries that they have been tempted to abandon their belief in Jesus. Paul sends Timothy to visit and see how they are doing. When Timothy returns, Paul receives the encouraging message that the Christians in Thessalonica remain steadfast. Despite facing persecution, the believers remained faithful.

Showing the personal nature of Paul’s ministry, Paul writes that he deeply misses the people and cares for them greatly. Paul prays on behalf of the Thessalonians and asks God to provide them with endurance and increasing love for one another, and to establish their hearts with holiness.

1 THESSALONIANS 4

GOD’S WILL TO SANCTIFY BELIEVERS 

Paul urges the believers to live in a way that honors God and follows the life of Jesus. He tells the Thessalonians that it is God’s will for them to be sanctified or refined into a more Christ-like version of themselves.

Consistent with the teachings of Jesus, Paul challenges the believers to live a life free from sexual immorality and lust. As followers of God, the believers have been called to holiness. Paul motivates the Thessalonians to continue loving one another and living quiet, diligent lives.

Answering a common question of the Thessalonians, Paul comforts the believers who are concerned about the eternal fate of those who have died before the life of Jesus. Because Jesus conquered death, death cannot separate those who had hope in the arrival of Jesus. Paul offers hope for those who were followers of God before the arrival of Jesus on Earth.

Encouraging believers that they do not have to grieve in the same ways as those without faith, Paul advocates that in their mourning, believers should point to the greater hope found in eternity with Jesus.

1 THESSALONIANS 5

REMAIN STEADFAST UNTIL THE ARRIVAL OF CHRIST 

Discussing the return of Jesus, Paul reminds the Thessalonians that no one knows the time or date of His return. Like a thief coming in the night or a woman going into labor, there is no way to predict the exact timing of Jesus’ return. Paul inspires the believers to let the hope of Christ’s return fuel their faithfulness. He urges Christians to live with alertness and to build up other believers.

Paul teaches the believers to work diligently and help those who are less motivated or disheartened. Sharing God’s will, he instructs them to rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances.

Paul asks God to sanctify the believers and help them remain steadfast and faithful as they await the arrival of Christ. Encouraging the believers to follow Jesus, Paul desires the Thessalonians to respond to the gospel message with love, generosity, and hope.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.