I Thessalonians Introduction

THE FIRST EPISTLE OF SAINT PAUL TO THE THESSALONIANS Introduction: The Orthodox Study Bible: Thessalonians

Author = Paul, Silouanos and Timothy helped to establish the church in Thessalonica during second missionary journey. (Acts 15:36-18:22)

1Now after they traveled through and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. 2And according to what was customary to Paul, he went in to them, and for three sabbaths was discoursing with them from the Scriptures, 3laying open and setting forth that it was needful for the Christ to have suffered, and to have risen from the dead, and that “this Jesus Whom I proclaim to you is the Christ.” 4And some of them were persuaded and were allotted to Paul and Silas— both of the who were reverent, a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few. 5But those Jews who were not persuaded became jealous, and took to themselves certain evil men of the market-loungers, and formed a crowd, and made an uproar in the city; and having taken a stand against the house of Jason, they were seeking to bring them out to the people. 6But not having found them, they were dragging Jason and certain brethren before the rulers of the city, crying out, “These who have upset the inhabited world are present here also, 7“whom Jason hath received. And these all practice contrary to the decrees of Cæsar, saying there is another king—Jesus.” 8And they agitated the crowd and the rulers of the city when they heard these things. 9And after they took bail from Jason and the rest, they dismissed them. 10And the brethren straightway by night sent off to Verea both Paul and Silas, who, having arrived, went into the synagogue of the Jews. . . 13But when the Jews of Thessalonica came to know that in Verea also the word of God was proclaimed by Paul, they came there also stirring up the crowds. 14And then straightway the brethren sent forth Paul to go as far as the sea; but both Silas and Timothy were staying behind there. 15And those who conducted Paul brought him as far as ; and having received a command for Silas and Timothy that they should come to him as quickly as possible, they went forth. [Acts 17:1-19]

1. The Uniqueness of Each Persons Journey in Christ – Paul & Barnabas “And already indeed Luke has described to us the character of the Apostles, that the one was more tender and indulgent, but this one more strict and austere. For the gifts are diverse— (the gifts, I say), for that this is a gift is manifest— but the one befitting one, the other another set of characters, and if they change places, harm results instead of good. (b) In the Prophets too we find this: diverse minds, diverse characters: for instance, Elias austere, Moses meek. So here Paul is more vehement. And observe for all this, how gentle he is. “Thought not good,” it says, “to take him with them that had departed from them from Pamphylia.” (a) And there seems indeed to be exasperation (παροξυσμός), but in fact the whole matter is a plan of the Divine Providence, that each should receive his proper place: and it behooved that they should not be upon a par, but the one should lead, and the other be led. “And so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; and Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the Churches.” Acts 15:39-41 And this also is a work of Providence. (Chrysostom, Homily 34 on Acts 15:36- 16:5).”

Date: It was written six months after the church in Thessalonica was founded (50-51 AD). It is probably the first letter written by Paul of the New Testament. Theme: A holy life leads to eternal life Background information: Ÿ Thessalonica is a city that was built on the and was the most prominent Roman providence of - it was a naval and commercial center. Ÿ The first members of the church were primarily Gentiles who were former idol- worshippers and some Jews. Ÿ When Paul left the new church was exemplary but young and unstable. After Paul left the Jews continued to persecute them and he became concerned about how they were fairing. He sends Timothy to visit them and to give a report on how they were doing.