Background on 1 and 2 Thessalonians

The church in Thessalonica was the second church Paul established in Europe during his second missionary journey (Acts 17:1). Paul and Silas debated in the Jewish synagogue in Thessalonica for only three Sabbaths (Acts 17:2) before they were forced to leave by the Jews (Acts 17:10). Although their time preaching was not long, some Jews, “devout Greeks” who were attracted to Judaism, and “prominent women” believed in the Lord (Acts 17:4).

After Paul and Silas were forced to leave Thessalonica, they went southwest to Berea to continue preaching (Acts 17:10). However, Jews from Thessalonica pursued them (Acts 17:13), forcing Paul to travel by ship south to Athens in the province of Achaia (Acts 17:14-15). Silas and Timothy later joined him in Athens, but because the young church in Thessalonica was facing severe persecution, Paul was very concerned. He sent Timothy back to Thessalonica to visit and strengthen them, while he himself proceeded to Corinth. After entering Europe, Paul encountered setbacks successively in Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens, feeling “weak and fearful, and with much trembling” (1 Corinthians 2:3). Therefore, when Timothy brought good news from the Thessalonian church to Corinth, Paul was greatly comforted and encouraged by God, becoming “compelled by the word” (Acts 18:5). He then wrote this letter in Corinth (Acts 18:1, 5), on one hand encouraging the brothers in Thessalonica to continue standing firm for the Lord, and on the other hand strengthening their hope in Christ. Paul continued to maintain contact with the Thessalonian church later on (Acts 19:22; 20:1-3), and several Thessalonians even became his co-workers, such as Aristarchus (Acts 19:29; 20:4; 27:2) and Secundus (Acts 20:4). Demas (2 Timothy 4:10; Philemon 24) might also have been from Thessalonica.

1 and 2 Thessalonians are very likely the first two letters Paul wrote to churches, and also among the first letters inspired by the Holy Spirit to the church, dating to approximately 51 AD, almost twenty years after the Lord Jesus’ ascension. These two letters are addressed to new believers. Although they contain almost all fundamental truths, they are simple and concise, with a focus on helping new believers become holy and blameless (1 Thessalonians 3:13; 5:23; 2 Thessalonians 2:13). The most detailed exposition in these letters concerns the return of Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17). The end of every chapter in these letters mentions Christ’s return (1 Thessalonians 1:10; 2:19; 3:13; 4:17; 5:23), like a trumpet constantly sounding the call of Christ’s return.

The unique aspect of these letters is that they were written to a young church that Paul had to leave in haste. To counter the slander of opponents, Paul was compelled to recount his missionary process in the letter, making it an excellent textbook for churches to train evangelists. Furthermore, due to Satan’s hindrance, Paul was forced to strengthen the faith of new believers through letters, making it an excellent disciple-making manual for churches. In this way, the enemy’s opposition miraculously accomplished God’s will.