1 Thessalonians is book 13 of the 27 books of the New Testament and belongs to the Paul's Letters section. See how it fits with the rest in our guide to all 66 books of the Bible.
Quick facts
- Section
- New Testament · Paul's Letters
- Genre
- Letter (epistle): encouragement
- Author (traditional)
- The apostle Paul, with Silas (Silvanus) and Timothy (1:1).
- Other views on authorship
- Paul's authorship is universally accepted; it is often considered his earliest surviving letter.
- Date (traditional)
- About AD 50–51, written from Corinth during Paul's second journey.
- Other views on dating
- Widely dated around AD 50–51, making it possibly the earliest book of the New Testament.
- Chapters
- 5
- Verses
- 89
- Reading time
- About 9 minutes (1,851 words in the BSB)
What is 1 Thessalonians about?
Thessalonica was the capital of Macedonia and a busy port on the Roman road across Greece. Paul preached there for a short time (Acts 17), and a church of Jews and many Gentiles formed. But opposition erupted, and Paul was forced to leave quickly. Worried, he sent Timothy back to check on them. Timothy returned with good news, and Paul wrote this letter in relief and gratitude.
In chapters 1–3 Paul thanks God for their work of faith, labour of love and steadfast hope, and recalls how they turned from idols to serve the living God. He reminds them that he worked with his own hands so as not to burden them, and that he cared for them like a nursing mother and a father.
Chapters 4–5 give instruction. Paul urges sexual purity, brotherly love and quiet, honest work. Then he answers a painful question: what happens to believers who die before Christ returns? He assures them that the dead in Christ will rise and all believers will be with the Lord forever. Since no one knows the day, they should stay alert, encourage one another, rejoice always, pray continually and give thanks.
Outline of 1 Thessalonians
| ChaptersCh. | Section |
|---|---|
| 1 | Thanksgiving for a model church Faith, love and hope that became known throughout Greece. |
| 2–3 | Paul's ministry and concern His conduct among them, suffering, and joy at Timothy's report. |
| 4 | Holy living and hope for the dead Purity, love, work, and the resurrection at Christ's coming. |
| 5 | Living ready The day of the Lord, life in the community and final blessing. |
Key themes
- Faith, love and hope. Paul's favourite triad appears at the start (1:3) and near the end (5:8), framing the whole letter.
- The return of Christ. Every chapter ends with a glance toward the Lord's coming, which brings comfort rather than fear.
- Holiness. God's will is that believers be set apart in body and behaviour, living to please him.
- Faithful ministry. Paul models leadership marked by honesty, hard work, gentleness and deep affection.
Key people and places
- Paul — Founder of the church, forced to leave early.
- Silas (Silvanus) — Paul's companion and co-sender.
- Timothy — Sent back to strengthen the church and brought good news.
Places: Thessalonica, Macedonia, Achaia, Athens, Philippi, Corinth.
Key verses in 1 Thessalonians
Quoted from the Berean Standard Bible (BSB).
“and continually recalling before our God and Father your work of faith, your labor of love, and your enduring hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”
“Brothers, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who are without hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, we also believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him.”
“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will be the first to rise. After that, we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord.”
“Rejoice at all times. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your entire spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
How 1 Thessalonians fits the big story
As perhaps the earliest Christian writing we have, 1 Thessalonians gives a window into the faith of the very first churches. Its hope rests on the resurrection of Jesus and his promised return, themes rooted in Daniel 7 and in Jesus' own teaching in the Gospels. It picks up the story of Acts 17, and its questions about the end continue in 2 Thessalonians. The comfort it offers the grieving looks ahead to the new creation of Revelation, where death is no more.
How to read 1 Thessalonians
At 5 chapters a day you can read 1 Thessalonians in 1 day — in one sitting. Read Acts 17:1–10 first to see how short Paul's visit was. Notice how each chapter closes with a reference to Christ's coming.