The Apostle Paul ministered in the city of Thessalonica (present day northern Greece) during his second missionary journey and following his ministry at Philippi. The record of Paul's ministry in Thessalonica is found in Acts 17:1-10. His ministry was in the Jewish synagogue. The message was that Jesus is the Messiah, who had to suffer and rise from the dead. Some Jewish and Gentiles were converted. However, other Jews resisted and started a riot against Paul in the city. False charges were leveled at Paul and his companions before the city officials. This necessitated the exodus of Paul from Thessalonica.
The two Thessalonian letters, along with the Galatian letter, are probably the earliest that Paul wrote-around A.D. 51. In addition to general instructions on survival in the midst of persecution and on godly living, Paul wrote them about the coming of Christ. This is the only place in the New Testament where "the rapture" is indicated. It is also the first apostolic writing on "the coming" or the "parousia" of Jesus.
First Thessalonians is truly a helpful letter for the Christian believer.
This chapter is perhaps the greatest written statement of how Paul felt about his Christian friends at Thessalonica and everywhere. As an evangelist-pastor he loved them deeply.
Discipline in the church is important. So is Christian growth. Both of these things are discussed at the end of the first letter.
Teaching on human sexuality is often neglected in the church. But the Scriptures speak clearly on this subject. Sexual immorality must be avoided.
Paul thanks God for the Thessalonians. He discusses how the gospel came to them. The result was that many turned from idol worship to serve the living and true God.
This Scripture gives us the only teaching on "the rapture" of Christian believers out of the world. Are you ready?
Paul's concern is that the people in this young church would be strengthened in their faith.