Paul’s first and second letter to the Thessalonians are two brief letters written to Christians in the Greek city of Thessalonica. The Christian communities in Thessalonica were founded directly by Paul (and his companions Timothy and Sylvanus) as part of Paul’s second missionary journey (described in Acts). Although the letters are written by Paul, “This greeting is in my own hand, Paul’s. This is the sign in every letter; this is how I write.” (2 Thessalonians 3:17), the greeting of both letters includes both Timothy and Sylvanus as co-senders of the letters.

The letters were written in approximately 51 A.D. and are occasioned by news returned to Paul by Timothy after a recent visit to Thessalonica. Both letters are quite brief (spanning only 8 total chapters combined), but are filled with warmth. Key themes include Paul’s tender concern for the Thessalonians, encouragement in the midst of persecution, and practical advice for daily living. 

Paul’s second letter is slightly more difficult to interpret because it also includes a section which seems to respond to a forged letter with false teaching about the second coming of the Lord. 

“We ask you, brothers, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our assembling with him, not to be shaken out of your minds suddenly, or to be alarmed either by a “spirit,” or by an oral statement, or by a letter allegedly from us to the effect that the day of the Lord is at hand.” (2 Thessalonians 2:2) 

For this reason, we will focus on the themes that are prevalent in both letters. 

Paul’s Warm Regard for the Thessalonians

Both letters begin with Paul giving thanks and praise for the Thessalonians and their faith. 

“We give thanks to God always for all of you, remembering you in our prayers, unceasingly” (1 Thessalonians 1:2)

“We ought to thank God always for you, brothers, as is fitting, because your faith flourishes ever more, and the love of every one of you for one another grows ever greater.” (2 Thessalonians 1:3)

It is clear throughout these letters that this is not simply empty praise. The depth of Paul’s feeing for the Thessalonians becomes apparent as one continues reading. In fact, some of Paul’s warmest writing appears in these short letters and some of the lines are among the most memorable in all of scripture.

“With such affection for you, we were determined to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our very selves as well, so dearly beloved had you become to us.” (1 Thessalonians 2:8)

“As you know, we treated each one of you as a father treats his children,” (1 Thessalonians 2:11)

“For you are our glory and joy.” (1 Thessalonians 2:20) 

“Night and day we pray beyond measure to see you in person and to remedy the deficiencies of your faith.” (1 Thessalonians 3:10)

Encouragement in Persecution

A second key theme is Paul’s encouragement in the midst of persecution. 

“For you, brothers, have become imitators of the churches of God that are in Judea in Christ Jesus. For you suffer the same things from your compatriots as they did from the Jews, who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets and persecuted us; they do not please God, and are opposed to everyone,” (1 Thessalonians 2:14-15)

“Accordingly, we ourselves boast of you in the churches of God regarding your endurance and faith in all your persecutions and the afflictions you endure. This is evidence of the just judgment of God, so that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God for which you are suffering.” (2 Thessalonians 1:4-5)

Paul also picks up on a theme which pervades his letter to Philippians by encouraging them to imitate him. 

“For you know how one must imitate us.” (2 Thessalonians 3:7)

In this manner Paul encourages the Thessalonians in perseverance. They have seen Paul’s own sacrifices for the gospel first hand. 

“For we did not act in a disorderly way among you, nor did we eat food received free from anyone. On the contrary, in toil and drudgery, night and day we worked, so as not to burden any of you. Not that we do not have the right. Rather, we wanted to present ourselves as a model for you, so that you might imitate us.” (2 Thessalonians 3:7-9)

Practical Advice for Christian Living

Finally, both letters end with Paul’s practical advice for living the Christian life on a day-to-day basis. Paul’s advice includes comments on the value of work, marriage, charity towards neighbor, hope in the resurrection, and prayer. 

“…we instructed you that if anyone was unwilling to work, neither should that one eat.” (2 Thessalonians 3:10)

“…aspire to live a tranquil life, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your [own] hands, as we instructed you, that you may conduct yourselves properly toward outsiders and not depend on anyone.” (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12) 

“We do not want you to be unaware, brothers, about those who have fallen asleep, so that you may not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose, so too will God, through Jesus, bring with him those who have fallen asleep” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14)

Finally, Paul concludes his practical advice for prayer with what is probably the most memorable lines of either letter.

“Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

We hope that as you read these two great letters of Paul that you will be touched by their warmth and let his practical wisdom enrich your daily living.