Paul wrote 1 and 2 Thessalonians while he was in Corinth during his 2nd missionary journey, most likely during the summer of AD 51. Paul had planted a church in Thessalonica a few months before, but was run out of town before he could complete his work (Acts 17:1-10).
He wrote 1 Thessalonians to instruct these young believers and encourage them to wait for Jesus' return and live holy lives as they endured persecution.
He wrote 2 Thessalonians when he heard that the church had become idle, having believed some false teaching about Jesus' return.
Here are some things to watch out for as you read these letters.
- What does the gospel do when we believe it? (1 Thess 1)
- What type of pastor was Paul (1 Thess 2-3)
- How should we live as Christians? (1 Thess 4-5)
- What will happen when Jesus returns? (1 Thess 4-5)
- What will God do to those who persecute believers? (2 Thess 1)
- Who is the man of lawlessness and how does he relate to the day of the Lord? (2 Thess 2)
- How should we deal with lazy Christians? (1 Thess 3)
Pastor Mike
