1Thessalonians #1 An Introduction to Guiding and Correcting the Church in Macedonia 1:1-10

Here’s where we’ve been…. > February- How We Got the Bible > March- The Gospel of Mark > April- The Acts of the Apostles > May- The Epistle of James > June- The Letter to Galatia > July- The Thessalonian Letters

And here’s where we’re going... > Today (am)Introduction- 1:1-10 > TonightPaul’s Relationship w/ Church, 2:1 - 3:13 > 10 th Out of town- guest speaker > 17 th (am)Edification/Correction 4:1-12 > 17 th (pm)Sunday Night Singing

And here’s where we’re going... > 24 th (am)Edification/Correction 4:13 - 5:11 > 24 th (pm)Expectation of Persecution, II 1:1-12 > 31 st (am)Explanation of Events II 2:1-17 > 31 st (pm)Exhortations to Readiness, II 3:1-18

Our Introduction to the Thessalonian Letters... > First, the writer- -obviously Paul, 1:1 -but with Silvanus & Timothy Acts 15:22 & 16:1ff > Next, the date- -probably late in A.D. 51, 52, or early 53 while Paul was at Corinth, (Acts 18).

Our Introduction to the Thessalonian Letters... > And then, the background- -essential background information, Acts 17:1-11 -Silas & Timothy were left behind in Berea, Acts 17:12-15 (cf.3:1-6) -They then later rejoined Paul at Corinth, apparently bringing word of the Thessalonians, 18:5

Our Introduction to the Thessalonian Letters... > And then, the setting- -Thessalonica (modern Salonika) is situated almost due east of Philippi on the famed Engatian Way (road linking cities north of the Aegean Sea with Rome). -It was founded in 315 B.C. by Cassander and it was a free city (self-governing). -It was a major sea-port / commercial city.

Our Introduction to the Thessalonian Letters... > And then, the occasion- -At Troas, Paul had been called over to Macedonia, Acts 16:9. -This represents the first preaching of the gospel in Europe! -After the events of Philippi (Acts 16), Paul came to Thessalonica, Acts 17:1 -And left under less than ideal circumstances, Acts 17:10a.

Our Introduction to the Thessalonian Letters... >The occasion (concluded), -Because of his limited time there (about three weeks, cf. Acts 17:2) and hasty departure, -Paul was very concerned regarding the well-being and continued edification of the brethren in Thessalonica. -Therefore, when Timothy rejoined him with a report, he quickly wrote to praise and edify the brethren.

Our Introduction to the Thessalonian Letters... >The Letter is therefore written to: -praise the church for its continued faithfulness; -edify/correct them concerning things which were left unfinished; -and ultimately (IIThess.) to prepare them for inevitable persecution.

Our Introduction to the Thessalonian Letters... >The Text: (general observations) -although largely a Jewish town, these epistle shows little evidence of the Jewish problems of James and Galatians: >no allusions to tenets of Judaism >or to facts of Jewish history >and no O.T. quotations. -The church was almost entirely Gentile; -Therefore, Gentile issues were treated.

Our Introduction to the Thessalonian Letters... >The Text (of chapter 1) may be easily divided into three sections: 1. The Character of the Church 2. The Election of the Church, and 3. The Reputation of the Church. Let’s look briefly at each of these.

Our Introduction to the Thessalonian Letters The Character of the Church, 1:2-3. Paul was thankful for: -v.2 “all of you”- every one! -v.3a “work of faith”- cf.2Th.1:11 > Rom.10:8-17 -v.3b “labor of love”- John 14:15 -v.3c “steadfastness of hope”- This was and would be essential because of persecutions.

Our Introduction to the Thessalonian Letters The Election of the Church, 1:4-7. They were: -v.4 “beloved” and chosen by God, and accepted as Gentiles! -v.5a through the power & Spirit of the gospel- cf. 2Thess.2:14 > 1Cor.2:5 -v.5b and by the example of Paul & company.

Our Introduction to the Thessalonian Letters The Election of the Church, 1:4-7. Therefore they could: -v.6a imitate Paul & those who preached the word to them, cf. 1Tim.4:12; and -v.6b the Lord! Which would enable them to: -v.6c continue in tribulation w/ joy -v.7 be exemplary to others!

Our Introduction to the Thessalonian Letters... 3.The Reputation of the Church, 1:8-10 -v.8 The word has sounded forth from them to: -Macedonian & Achaia -but also everywhere else anyone knows about it! -vv.9-10 Even others tells us about your repentance & patience!

Conclusions: >What about you? Your work of faith, labor of love, & steadfastness of hope? 1:3 >What about us? Our reputation for: -sounding forth the word -faith toward God -repentance & patience? Are they Exemplary or Shameful?