Name
The title “1 Thessalonians” comes from the intended audience designated in 1:1, “To the church of the Thessalonians.” The body of the epistle makes it clear that Paul’s intended audience in Thessalonica is both Jewish and Gentile Christians.
Author
Paul claims authorship of 1 Thessalonians in 1:1, and 2:18.
Externally, many of the early church fathers attribute the book of 1 Thessalonians to Paul, including Irenaeus, Polycarp, Ignatius, and Justin.
Genre
Epistle
Literary Form
The epistle to the 1 Thessalonians is a personal letter that includes sections of encouragement and instruction.
Time Frame
1 Thessalonians was written while Paul was in Corinth in A.D. 50-51 during his second missionary journey.
Emphasis
The emphasis of 1 Thessalonians is on 1) how Paul conducted his ministry, 2) the persecution of the church, 3) the process of sanctification in a believer’s life, and 4) the second coming of Christ.
Outline
- Introduction, greeting, and thanksgiving (1:1-10)
- Paul’s conduct in the ministry (2:1-16)
- Concern for the Thessalonians (2:17-3:13)
- Call to sanctification (4:1-12)
- The second coming of Christ (4:13-5:11)
- Concluding exhortation and blessings (5:12-28)
