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“only a few Jews were persuaded,” however, “the narrative in Acts informs us that a large number of God-fearing
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Greeks and not a few prominent 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, it provoked Paul to write 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 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 motivate Paul to
write the letter.

Purposes

In the opening chapter of the epistle, it is clear that 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 (Parousia) 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

19 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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