The truth of Paul’s teaching in his first epistle to the Thessalonians was distorted by false teachers who claimed that the day of the Lord was already taking place, and this led in turn to a mentality of passivity and idleness. This corrective epistle is of great value in clarifying the biblical teaching concerning the coming day of the Lord as well as promoting a balance between waiting and working.
From Handbook to Scripture
Chapter 1
This letter begins with a salutation (1:1–2) and a word of thanksgiving for the growing faith and perseverance of the believers in Thessalonica in the face of mounting opposition (1:3–4). Paul encourages them to endure, knowing that their sufferings will be repaid and that God will deal in righteousness with those who have been oppressing them (1:5–10). The first chapter ends with a prayer that God will fulfill His good purposes in their lives (1:11–13)
From Handbook to Scripture