1 Thessalonians

Paul greets the Thessalonian church, thanks God for their work of faith, labor of love, and steadfast hope, and recalls how the gospel came to them in power and the Spirit. Their joyful endurance amid persecution made them examples throughout Macedonia and Achaia as they turned from idols to serve the living God and await His Son from heaven.

Defending his ministry, Paul reminds them that he preached with sincerity despite suffering, not using flattery or greed. He cared for them gently like a nursing mother and exhorted like a father. They welcomed God’s word and now suffer the same persecution as the Judean churches; though torn from them in person, they remain his hope, joy, and crown.

Unable to bear the uncertainty, Paul sent Timothy, who returned with good news of their faith and love. Encouraged, Paul prays earnestly that the Lord direct his way back to them and make them increase in love so their hearts will be blameless in holiness at Christ’s coming with all His saints.

Paul urges them to excel still more in pleasing God—especially in sexual purity, brotherly love, and quiet industry. He then comforts them about believers who have died: the Lord will descend with a shout, the dead in Christ will rise first, and the living will be caught up together with them in the clouds to be with the Lord forever—so they should encourage one another.

The Day of the Lord will come like a thief, so believers—children of light—must stay awake, sober, and armed with faith, love, and hope. Paul gives rapid-fire exhortations: respect leaders, help the weak, rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks, quench not the Spirit, test everything, hold the good, abstain from evil. He ends with a prayer for their complete sanctification, a call to read the letter to all, and a benediction of grace.