1 Thessalonians Introduction

1.THESSALONIANS. INTRODUCTION.

L.H.Brough.

Modern name Salonika.  More ancient name for its vicinity was Therma.  Thessalonica, was built by Cassander, 315.B.C.  Was conquered by the Romans 168.B.C.  A Capital of Macedonia.  On the Via Egnatia.

           

Paul entered Thessalonica about 50.A.D.  See Acts 16.  Was roughly handled at Philippi.  He left Silas and Timothy, but Luke he left at Philippi.  He preached at Thessalonica according to Acts.17:1-4.  After having to leave Thessalonica, he went to Berea, and then to Athens.The first Epistle suggests that large numbers were converts from paganism.

           

Outline:

Part 1.    Chapters 1-3. Narrative.          

Part 2.    Chapters 4-5. Exhortation.

1:  1.       Address and Salutation.

1: 2-10.   Thanksgiving for the election of the Thessalonians.

1:  1-13.  The work of the Thessalonians.

1: 14-16. The fidelity of the Thessalonians and the hostility of the Jews.

2:17-3:13. The mutual confidence of Paul and the Thessalonians, now separated, and the apostle's prayer.

                           a. 2:17-20. Paul's unsuccessful efforts to revisit Thessalonica.

                           b.  3: 1- 5.  The mission of Timothy to Thessalonica.

                           c.  3: 6-10.  The return of Timothy.

                           d.  3:11-13.  The prayer of the Apostle.

4: 1- 2.     The Introduction to the hortatory section.

4: 3- 8.     Sanctification excludes impurity.

4: 9-12.    Live as exemplary Christians.

4:13-18.  The dead in Christ.

5: 1-11.   The Day of the Lord is imminent and unforseeable, therefore, watch and be calm.

5:12-22.              Final instructions.

5:23-24.              Final prayer.

5:25-28.              Salutations.