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Most New Testament books are letters ("epistles") written to a person or a church. In order to have the best understanding of an epistle, as well as its chapters and verses, you should get the background—find out who wrote the letter, to whom it was written and its general theme. This first study covers these points.
WHERE WAS THESSALONICA?
Begin to develop the habit of locating places mentioned in the Scriptures on a map (many Bibles have a map section at the back) or a small Bible atlas. On the map of ancient Greece below (known then as Macedonia in the north and Achaia in the south) look for Thessalonica.
Thessalonica (now Salonika) was located on a great northern highway stretching all the way from Rome to the eastern Mediterranean countries. It was a leading city of Macedonia in Paul's day (Paul lived until about 66 A.D.).
HOW THE CHURCH BEGAN
Bible historians tell us that this church was founded about 50 or 51 A.D.* The story of its beginning is found in Acts 17:1-9,13. Read this passage carefully and answer the following questions:
When Paul arrived in Thessalonica (Acts 17:1-3)
(1) Where did he begin to preach?
(2) What was his message?
Describe the response to Paul's preaching. (Acts 17:4)
What did the unbelieving Jews accuse Paul and Silas of doing? (Acts 17:5,6)
What did these Jews do when they heard the Gospel was being preached in Berea? (Acts 17:13)
In spite of this persecution, how did some of the Thessalonians respond to the message Paul preached? (I Thess. 2:13)
How did Paul describe this church which began in the midst of persecution? (I Thess. 1:6,7)
*You can read more on the background of I Thessalonians in one of the books by Halley or Tenney listed on page 4.
WHO WROTE THE EPISTLE, AND WHY?
Author: The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to a new, struggling church which was suffering much persecution. Because of deep concern for them, Paul had sent Timothy to Thessalonica to strengthen these young Christians. Timothy brought word that the church was doing well, but there was grief and confusion about believers who had died. Paul writes to further instruct them on Christ's coming, to assure them of his interest and prayers and to urge them to live worthy lives. He probably wrote from Corinth in 51 or 52 A.D.
Theme: Live godly lives, expecting Christ's return.
THE OVERALL VIEW
An understanding of the overall teaching of this letter will make each verse more meaningful as you study. Read the entire book through once or twice—each time at one sitting. As you read, list below the verses in each chapter which encourage godly living and those which refer to Christ's second coming. You may want to add the main thought of the passages you list.
Verses on the Second Coming | Main Thought
Verses encouraging Godly Living | Main Thought