Page 82 - New Testament Survey Student Textbook

Study Section 9: The Epistles to the Thessalonians: A Call to
Confidence in Christ

9.1 Connect.

In crossing over the eighth and nineth of Paul’s epistles according to Bible order, I invite you to
imagine playing a very important game which would change players fortunes if they won. The
game starts, but ends in its early stages because of some wrangles among the players, so the
winner would be decided latter. Knowing how the game ended, you do not have much
confidence that it would sway in your favor, in fact, you think you have lost despite the good
effort you applied. Weeks later, you hear that you actually won the game. What would you say to your
teammates? How would you feel about the whole situation? Paul finds himself in a similar situation.
With all your good feelings, I invite you to hear what the winner (Paul) said to his teammates and those
who joined. Let’s begin…

9.2 Objectives

1. The student shall be able to demonstrate their knowledge of the authors of the letters to the
Thessalonians.
2. The student shall be able to locate when and where the books were written.

3. The student shall be able to name the recipients of the books.

4. The student shall be able to describe the occasions under which the books were written.

5. The student shall be able to describe the themes and purposes of the books.

6. The student shall be able to explain the structures and outlines of the books.
7. The student shall be able to demonstrate mastery of the atmospheres at the time of the writing of the
books.

8. The student shall be able to name the key passages in the books.

9. The student shall be able to recite the key words in the books.
9.3 1 Thessalonians

Paul writes to the Thessalonians to encourage them to stay strong in their faith and to continue
sharing their faith in the region the very way they have been doing (1 Thess. 1:7–8). However, Paul
addresses two important issues. First, he offers an explanation and a defense of his work among
them. Second, he assures them that all fellow believers who have already died will be resurrected
to life with Jesus (4:15–18). This letter charges the Thessalonians—and us—to place our
confidence in Christ.

Author Provenance and Date

Internal evidence reveals Paul as the primary author, along with Silvanus (Silas) and Timothy under his
instructions. Paul wrote the letter from Corinth during his 18-month plus stay there in AD 50–51 (Acts

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