1 Thessalonians Part 1
Explanation
Although there are two letters from Paul to Thessalonica, we will use two leaflets in looking at them together because they are probably the earliest of all Paul’s letters and need to be seen together.
The Place
Thessalonica is an Argean seaport in Macedonia, linked with Philippi and Berea and all points east to west, by the main trade highway called Via Ignatia. (A map of Paul’s journeys would help clarify this)
The Church is Born
Acts 17 verses 1 to 12-Note Paul’s usual missionary policy, going first to synagogue and giving the central Christian gospel; the opposition; and the Church’s decision to send Paul out of danger to the more hospitable Berea.
Reasons for Writing
Paul felt that the new Church needed strong leadership, so he sent Timothy to guide them. He returned with not only most encouraging news of their progress but also of their (over-)excitement about Christ’s second coming.
Group Detective Work
By reading Paul’s words, it is possible to construct the main issues at Salonica. (It’s a bit like inferring a whole conversation over the telephone when you can only hear one speaker.)
There was sneering opposition that Paul’s visit was a flop.- Chapter 2 verse 1
That Paul’s message was mere “Travelling Sales Talk”.- Chapter 2 verse 3
That the missionaries were carpetbaggers, only in it for money-Chapter 2 verses 4 to 6
That real faith never stirs up trouble of any sort.- Chapter 2 verses 14 to 16
What happens to Christians who die before Jesus comes again?- Chapter 4 verses 13 to 18
When will the second coming happen?- Chapter 5 verses 1 to 2
What do we do meanwhile, sit and wait?- Chapter 5 verses 6 to 11
Question – Any other ideas?
They must have welcomed Paul’s first letter, which encouraged them to write and ask for further clarification about the second coming. Paul answered it right away, so we guess that both these letters were written within a month of each other. We will look back at some of the positive teaching in the first part of I Thessalonians:
This is Paul ‘The Pastor’ encouraging his flock.-Chapter 1 verses 1 to 10
Putting the record straight.-Chapter 2 verses 1 to 16
Paul confessing his anxiety about their welfare and his relief at good news about them.-Chapter 2 verse 17 to Chapter 3 verse 13
Basic guidelines to daily Christian living-Chapter 4 verses 1 to 12
Question -Do Christian congregations get enough encouragement these days?
There is plenty here to pray about together.
Optional Reading for Next Session read I Thessalonians, Chapter 4 verse 13 to II Thessalonians, Chapter 3 verse 18.

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