1. Lesson No. 16 1 & 2 THESSALONIANS

2. KEY WORD—“SECOND COMING.” KEY VERSE—1 Thessalonians 4:17. KEY PHRASE—“THE HOPE OF THE SECOND COMING INSPIRES, PURIFIES and COMFORTS.”

3. WRITER—Paul.

4. DATE—About 52 A.D. from Corinth.

5. THESSALONICA, whose modern name is Salonica, was a commercial center about 100 miles west of Philippi. Paul visited it on his second missionary journey, and finding a synagogue of the Jews there, preached on three successive Sabbaths, when quite a number of Jews, Greeks and women of high standing became converts. His success roused the jealousy of the unbelieving Jews, who raised a commotion and caused the apostle to escape by night to Berea.

6. THE CHURCH AT THESSALONICA was a strong and flourishing one composed of Gentiles rather than Jews. Paul longed to visit it again soon after his departure, but feared it would involve the converts in danger. He therefore sent Timothy from Athens to strengthen the faith of the Christians amid their hardships and persecutions, and he brought back a favorable report that was a great comfort to Paul.

7. OCCASION—The church on the whole was in a good state considering the fact that its members had been out of heathenism but a few months. Some, however, were in danger of accepting the heathen standard of morals. Others were so full of religious excitement and emotion that they neglected their daily labors, 1 Thessalonians 4:10-12. While others who had lost friends were mourning lest at the second coming of Christ these who had fallen asleep would not share in the rapture and glory.

8. PURPOSE— 1. To instruct new converts concerning the Christian’s duties in this life. 2. To inspire comfort, patience and watchfulness because of the Lord’s coming.

9. Great Fact I -- A Picture of a Spiritual Church.

10. Great Fact II -- The Apostle ’ s Example of and Exhortation to Holiness.

11. Great Fact III -- Comfort of and Watchfulness for Christ ’ s Coming.

12. Great Fact IV -- The Man of Sin Must First Come.