A Commentary on the Book of First Thessalonians

First Thessalonians is the first letter that the Apostle Paul wrote to any of the local churches. In the opening chapter of this book, one will see how and when he had gotten to the place where he wrote this letter. It is interesting to see and retrace his travels throughout the region along with the travels of Silas and Timothy. Bible scholars have done an excellent job of examining the scriptures and the movements of key people to put everything into the right context and the right timeframe. That having been said, Paul was in his second Bible-recorded missionary journey. This letter to the church in Thessalonica was likely written around 52 AD or 53 AD.

Next, in I Thessalonians chapter two, Paul told the Thessalonian saints that they already knew about the trouble that he had had in Philippi and also about the trouble that he had had in Thessalonica. But that was important for them to hear because they were also suffering persecution because of their own stand for Christ. However, Paul took exception in that chapter with those who were saying that he was too afraid to go back to Thessalonica because of that persecution. So the view of this text, about that possibility, will be considered along with sharing similar times in the life of Jesus.

Next, in I Thessalonians chapter three, Paul wrote about his having sent Timothy back to Thessalonica and then also about receiving the good report from Timothy upon his return. In I Thessalonians chapter four, the highlight of that whole chapter was Paul explaining the Rapture of the Church. Then at the end of that chapter, there is a brief discussion about how he had probably figured out about the Rapture. It is not believed that the Holy Spirit and he or that Jesus and he had ever sat down and discussed the whole idea over a cup of coffee. Then, after that and in I Thessalonians chapter five, things start to move to the end of Paul's letter. He talked about abstaining from fornication, about not cheating anyone, and about increasing in love for the brethren.

Finally, in I Thessalonians chapter five, he expressed some last thoughts before ending his letter. He wanted the Thessalonian Christians to know that they were not in the dark spiritually. He again wanted them to know that they had not been appointed to wrath, which was probably in connection with the Tribulation since he had just talked about the Rapture of the Church. Then just before ending, he listed several more things for them to either do or not do as they were learning to live for the Lord. At the end of his letter, he asked for their prayers and wished God's grace upon them.

There is one note, however, to be made before ending this introduction with respect to the organization of this text. Something that the reader might find useful is boxes throughout that show the different passages that are being referenced at the times and in the places where they are being referenced. That way, he or she will not have to jump all over the place or get into or out of the scriptures to locate a particular reference. Hopefully that inclusion will help the reader in trying to understand the various events and to also put them into their right and proper context. So it is hoped that that will make this book easier to read and that the Lord will receive the praise, honor, and glory that He rightfully deserves.