Page 8 - Pauline Epistles Student Textbook

narrative in Acts informs us that a large number of God-fearing Greeks and not a few prominent
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women were persuaded and attached themselves to the apostles” (Acts 17:4).

Occasion
In the book, Paul reminded the recipients that his ministry with them was without error, impurity,
trickery, greedy, and flattery (1 Thess. 2:1-16). This suggests the presence of opponents who were
most likely of Jewish origin [1 Thess. 2:13-16; cf. Acts 17:5]). As a result, Paul wrote to them in order
to remind them about his behavior among them during his mission work. Secondly, the manner of
their exit from Thessalonica without bidding a farewell speech, their unceasing hunger to articulate
to them what has been holding them back from visiting, and anxieties concerning the false teaching
probably of Jewish origin among them led to the writing of the epistle (1 Thess. 2:17—3:5). Third,
the mentioning of sexual immorality (1 Thess. 4:1-8) could have also prompted Paul to write a letter
to them. Further, conflict over the destiny of the brothers (Christians) who have died and the timing
for the Parousia (Jesus’ second coming [1 Thess. 4:13—5:11]) appears to have motivated Paul to
write the letter.

Purposes
In the opening chapter of the epistle, Paul wanted to let the newly founded church know that he and
his companions were grateful for their spiritual progress and requested that they continue
implementing what they were taught (1 Thess. 2:1-10; cf. 4:1). Further, Paul wanted to teach them
about Christians who died before Christ’s coming (1 Thess. 4:13—5:11). In addition, he wanted to
give them instruction regarding biblical principles about honoring church leaders (1 Thess. 5:12-13),
rehearsal of patience and kindness in the body of Christ (1 Thess. 5:14-15), exultation and giving of
thanks in all circumstances (1 Thess. 5:5:16-18), and testing prophecies with careful discretion (1
Thess. 5:19-21).

Theological Values
The two books to the Thessalonians contribute much to the establishment of major doctrines in the
canon of the Bible. In the books Paul touched on the doctrine of the inspiration and authority of
Scripture, the Trinity, salvation based on Christ’s death, the deity of Jesus Christ, sanctification and
personal purity, vocational diligence, and discipling others. Far and away the largest contribution of
the Epistles lies in what they say about eschatology. Paul talks extensively about the future coming
of the Lord and the day of the Lord following, revealed by the coming of a lawless one and the
removal of a restraining force. He also talks about a righteous judgment coming to the ungodly. He
leaves us with the anticipation that our deliverer may come at any time, and to be ready.

15 Gene L. Green, The Letters to the Thessalonians: The Pillar New Testament Commentary, ed. D. A.
Carson (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2002), 49.

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