1 st & 2 nd Letter to the Thessalonians

1st & 2nd Letter to the Thessalonians By: Angel Pena Maya Gutierrez

Authors and Audience • Author of the first letter is Paul • Author of the second letter is also Paul with the help of Silvanus (Silas) and Timothy • Audience of Paul’s letters are persecuted Christians of Thessalonica

Background of Letters • Letters make up one of the most dramatic books in acts • Both letters were written days or weeks of each other • The 1st letter urges watchfulness • The 2nd letter clears up misconceptions • Paul has a certain style of writing

1 Thessalonians 1 • Paul offers salutation along with petition for peace and grace • They became followers of Paul and of the Lord • From them the news of their own faith toward God had spread • Others were telling Paul of the Thessalonians’ conversion

1 Thessalonians 2 • Describes the manner of his preaching as one that was free of guile, deceit, flattery, and covetousness • Spoke with boldness despite conflict, and was gentle • His manner of life was sacrificial, working hard not to be a burden to them, behaving devoutly, justly, and blamelessly while among them

1 Thessalonians 3 • He explains why Timothy had been sent to them while he himself remained in Athens • Timothy was sent to establish and encourage them in their faith • Timothy brought back good news to Paul concerning the church at Thessalonica • He also prays that the Lord will help them to increase and abound in love to one another and to all

1 Thessalonians 4 • He urges them to increase more and more in brotherly love • He first focuses on their sanctification and the need to abstain from sexual immorality • He urges them to lead quiet lives, mind their own business, and to work with their own hands

For just as God raised Jesus from the dead, even so he would bring with him those who sleep in Jesus

1 Thessalonians Key Verses • “You, in turn, became imitators of us and of the Lord, receiving the word despite great trials, with the joy that comes from the Holy Spirit.” (1:6) • “So we tried to come to you-I, Paul, tried more than once-but Satan blocked the way.” (2:18) • “and send you Timothy. He is our brother and God’s fellow worker in preaching the gospel of Christ” (3:2)

“Make it a point of honor to remain at peace and attend to your own affairs.” (4:11)

1 Thessalonians 5 • Live in constant anticipation of the second coming • Lord will come like a thief in the night • Respect and love are due to authoritative figures • Strengthen the ones with weak faith • Ends in petition for perfect holiness

2 Thessalonians 1 • Greets Silvanus, Timothy, and the Thessalonians • Thankful for brothers • God’s judgment will bring relief • Prays for Thessalonians to be glorified in God’s name

2 Thessalonians 2 • Thessalonians are not to expect the second coming • Paul says do not be seduced • The man of lawfulness has not been revealed • There is one that holds him back • Thank God for beloved brothers

2 Thessalonians 3 • May God deliver them from confused and evil • Lord will lead the right path • Avoid those who wander from the right path • Thessalonians know what is to be imitated • Ends in may the Lord continually give peace

2 Thessalonians:key versus • “God has not destined us for wrath but for acquiring salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He dies for us, that all of us, whether awake or asleep, together might live with him”. (5:9-11) • “With flaming power he will inflict punishment on those who do not acknowledge God nor heed”. (1:8-9) • “not to be so easily agitated or terrified, whether by an oracular utterance, or rumor, or a letter alleged to be ours, into believing that the day of the Lord is here. Let no one seduce you, no matter how”. (2:1-3)

“We command you brothers in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, to avoid any brother who wanders from the straight path and does not follow the tradition you received from us. You know how you ought to imitate us”. (3:6-7)

THE END 

1 st & 2 nd Letter to the Thessalonians