An introductory synopsis and brief outline to the New Testament books of first and second Thessalonians. Teaching tips, advice on interpretation.
The first book of Thessalonians is most often believed to be the first letter written by Paul. The circumstance surrounding the writing of this letter appears to have been the excellent testimony of the faithfulness of the church at Thessalonica. Their faith in the gospel was a witness and testimony to Paul. This letter conveys affection and self-assurance along with compassion in a manner not so religious or doctrinal as the other letters Paul wrote. The faith, love and patience that the Thessalonians showed gave great courage and strength to Paul and others that traveled with him.
The second book of Thessalonians was written shortly after the first book. The apostle Paul have been told that some of the language used in his first letter caused many to feel and expect that the second coming of Christ was very close at hand had caused many to shirk their worldly duties thinking the day of judgment was soon upon them so he was compelled to write the second letter correcting this error. Paul had written according to the writings of the Old Testament prophets, which spoke of many things yet to be fulfilled by the Lord. Paul explains that he meant that since the things of the Lord would soon come to be it made it look as though he was saying it would be very soon.
Paul blesses God for the budding status of the love, patience and faith of the Thessalonians. Paul also encourages the Thessalonians to carry on under all their sufferings for Jesus Christ realizing that He would one day come for them and all would be held accountable.
The key scriptures in the first book of Thessalonians are:
· 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 This passage is related to the events pertaining to the last days and the rapture of the church
· 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 This passage speaks of the day of the Lord
The key scriptures in second Thessalonians are:
· 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 This passage is speaking about the antichrist/the man of sin
Outline of first Thessalonians:
Greetings, historical and personal thoughts 1:1 to 3:13
A. Paul greets the church 1:1
B. Paul praises the Thessalonians 1:2-10
1. Paul speaks of their faith, love and patience
2. Paul speaks of their actions toward God and becoming imitators of the Lord
3. Paul speaks of their testimony and witness in letting the Word of God go forth from them
C. Paul speaks about his conduct amongst the Thessalonians 2:1-12
1. Paul speaks of being upright and bold
2. Paul speaks of greed and makes a statement saying they addressed them for God's glory not man's
3. Paul speaks of his own character and actions and states how they treated each of the Thessalonians as a father would treat his own children
D. Paul speaks with concern for the Thessalonians 2:13 to 3:13
1. Paul talks of their suffering
2. Paul talks about their trials and tests
3. Paul prays for the growth of their church to continue
An exhortation to purity and holiness 4:1to 5:28
A. Paul addresses brotherly love, sexual relations and orderly living
B. Paul talks about the dead
1. Will the death of a believer before the Lord comes cause the believer to lose hope in the second coming of Christ
2. Paul states the dead will be raised and join the rest in the kingdom of God
C. Paul speaks of the day of the Lord
1. This is a time starting with tribulation and ending with the second coming
2. The day of the Lord will come unexpectedly and like a thief in the night
D. Paul speaks on the various tasks and duties of the people
1. Appreciation for those that labor
2. Living in peace with one another
3. To admonish the unruly and help the weak
4. To rejoice always, pray always and give thanks always for all things
An Outline to second Thessalonians:
The greeting 1:1-2
Paul speaks of thanks and being an encouragement towards others 1:3-12
A. Paul says thanks should be given to God and shown towards the people also to help build their faith
B. God is righteous
Paul addresses his error as to the day of the Lord 2:1-17
A. Paul addresses the issue in relation with the present day
B. Paul says it will not come unless apostasy comes first
C. Paul speaks of the lawless man/antichrist
D. Paul speaks of the situation concerning the unbelievers
Paul exhorts the people toward prayer and discipline 3:1-15
A. Paul speaks of having confidence in the Lord
B. Paul tells the people to remain steadfast in the Lord and to not live an unruly life
C. Paul says not to associate with idlers
Paul gives his benediction and offers a word of peace to the people
