At a glance
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Authorship | Paul and Silvanus and Timothy |
| Date | ~50-51 AD (one of Paul's earliest) |
| Audience | Thessalonian church (Macedonia) |
| Purpose | Encourage young church and answer questions about Christ's return |
| Chapters | 5 |
Main themes
| Theme | Description |
|---|---|
| Faith and love and hope | Pattern in young church |
| Christ's return | 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and 5:1-11 |
| Holy living | Sanctification |
| Comfort for grieving | Hope of resurrection |
Key passages
- 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, coming of Lord and dead in Christ and meeting Lord in air
- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Day of LORD and watchful
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, rejoice, pray, give thanks always
- 1 Thessalonians 5:23, sanctification entirely