An Introduction to Thessalonians

An Introduction to Thessalonians
I Thessalonians 1:1-3  |  Pastor Terry Wilcox

The first of Paul’s 13 letters, written in 50 A.D.

Thessalonica was Therma due to hot springs.
In 315 B.C. Alexander the Great renamed it.
It was referred to as the bridge between the East and the West.

1. I Thessalonians 1:1 – His greeting is different than his other letters.
   a. It’s personal.
   b. “Grace and peace” are used together 17 times in the New Testament.
   c. I Thessalonians 1:2 – They give thanks for all of you.
   Zephaniah 3:17 NKJV
   Galatians 5:26-29 NKJV
2. Paul’s first use of Greek, “ekklesia” –
   “A gathering of citizens called by a herald from their homes to a public gathering.”
   The translation of Hebrew to Greek about 250 B.C. is called the “septuagint” because it was the work of 70 scholars. It was “ekklesia” to denote an assembly of the people of Israel.
   a. Paul appropriates the term by referring specifically to these “In the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
   b. The picture of God as Father is central to Christianity.
3. They are noted for:
   a. Faith-producing deeds.  James 2:14-20
   b. Love that changes behavior.
   c. Hope that inspires perseverance.  Romans 5:3-5

The Thessalonian Christ-followers were persecuted. 
Christ-followers today are persecuted.
God the Father is also the same.
Hebrews 13:8

Personal Notes