New Testament 101: Thessalonians

Well, we are almost at the end of our summer mini-bible study.  But we are still in the letters of Paul (those written by him and those written in the style of Paul)

Paul started the church in Thessalonica (2: 13, 14) while working hard to support himself (2: 9).  In this important city of northern Greece, many of the followers had worshiped idols before becoming Christians (1: 9). But they were faithful to the Lord and, because of them, the Lord’s message had spread everywhere in that region (1:8).

This letter may have been the first one that Paul wrote.

Some people in Thessalonica began to oppose Paul, and he had to escape to Athens.  But he sent his young friend Timothy to find out how the Christians were doing.  When Timothy returned, he gave Paul good reports of their faith and love (3: 6-10).

The church itself had problems.  Some of its members had quit working, since they thought that the Lord would soon return (4: 11, 12).  Others were worried because their relatives and friends had already died before Christ’s return.  Sol Paul tried to explain to them more clearly what would happen when the Lord returns (4: 13-15) and then told them how they should live in the meanwhile (5: 1-11).

Paul’s final instructions are well worth remembering:

Always be joyful and never stop praying.  Whatever happens, keep
thanking God because of Jesus Christ.  This is what God wants you to do.

(5:16-18)

A Quick Look at This Letter

1.    Greetings (1: 1-3)
2.    The Thessalonians’ Faith and Example (1: 4-3:13)
3.    A Life That Pleases God (4: 1-12)
4.    What to Expect When the Lord Returns (4: 13-5:11)
5.    Final Instructions and Greetings (5: 112-18)

Beryl

[Images: The Cathedral of Hagia Sophia in Thessaloniki, Greece. One of the oldest churches in the city still standing today, this building was constructed in the 8th Century, but there has been a church in this place since the 3rd century.]