First Thessalonians

Author: Paul
Type of Book: Epistle
Date of Writing: 52 AD
Theme: The return of Christ

The church in Thessalonica was a vibrant church that Paul had founded while on his second missionary journey with Silas, Timothy, and Luke. Paul was in Thessalonica for less than a month and taught them for three consecutive Saturdays, according to Acts 17. He moved on after a few weeks but left behind a young, healthy church.

Paul continued on his journey to Berea, then to Athens and Corinth. Apparently, while in Corinth, he received a report about how things were going in Thessalonica, including some questions the church had concerning some of his teachings. This letter was written to answer their questions and to correct their misunderstandings. It was probably one of the first letters Paul wrote, around AD 52.

First Thessalonians contains profound teachings on the nature of the gospel, the methodology of ministry, and the life of the believer. But its most distinguishing trait is the extensive teachings concerning the end times and the rapture of the church.

Paul had obviously taught the Thessalonians that the return of Christ could come at any moment. Since a little time had gone by and some of their members had died, the Thessalonians feared that those who had died would miss the rapture of the church. Paul wrote with the intent of comforting them (1 Thess. 4:18, 5:11), telling them that those who had already died wouldn't miss anything. He had already comforted them with the teaching of the rapture, which would deliver us "from the wrath to come," but he also wanted to make it clear that those who died before the rapture would be equally blessed. They would go immediately to be with the Lord, later meeting up with us in the air.

One of the striking features of this book is the depth of the teaching that Paul had communicated during only three weeks of a church's existence. Some people today feel that teaching eschatology (the study of last days prophecy) is too advanced and complicated for newer Christians, and some feel it is too complicated even for mature Christians. But Paul included eschatology in his new believers' class. Why? Because it provides tremendous comfort for those who are suffering and powerful motivation to live our lives with the right priorities.

-from Pastor Chuck Smith from The Word for Today Bible