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1:9b]). Leon Morris also states that “the largest group among the converts was thus derived from the Gentiles.”
Commenting on the response to the proclamation of good news to the Thessalonians, Gene L. Green explains
that “only a few Jews were persuaded,” however, “the narrative in Acts informs us that a large number of God-

fearing Greeks and not a few prominent women were persuaded and attached themselves to the apostles” (Acts
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17:4).

Occasion

In the book, Paul reminded the recipients that his ministry with them was without error, impurity,
trickery, greed, 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 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 motivated 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

13 Leon Morris, The New International Commentary on the New Testament: The First and Second Epistles to the
Thessalonians, eds. Ned B. Stonehouse, F.F. Bruce, and Gordon D. Fee (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing
Company, 1991), 4.
14 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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