Paul’s 1st and 2nd Letters to the Thessalonians

Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Matthew 6:9-10

(click here for another)

Key themes and motifs shared by the two letters include:

• Paul's thanks, praise and prayer for the Thessalonians.
• Encouragement in persecution.
• The importance of received teaching (the true gospel).
• Discharging one's worldly responsibilities (specifically, working for a living).
• The Second Coming of Christ (before, during, and after).

The Thessalonian letters probably say more about the before-and-after of the Second Coming of Christ back to the earth again than any other epistle, making a unique and essential contribution to the New Testament writings. There are various references in passing to the coming kingdom and judgment, but the real core of Paul's teaching on this topic is found in four extended passages which deal with various aspects of Christ's return and the events beforehand: 1 Thess 4:13-18; 5:1-11; 2 Thess 1:5-10; 2:1-12.

The church at Thessalonica was established by Paul during his Second Missionary Journey in A.D. 50 or so, but Paul's departure due to Jewish persecution was hasty and unplanned, necessitated by his desire not to bring more suffering than was necessary upon the new believers. Anxious about the welfare of his new brethren, Paul sends Timothy to investigate and encourage. Upon receiving a positive report he writes the first letter, which is shortly followed by the second, dealing with some developing concerns (see 'Key Facts').

In their warm and enthusiastic tone, the Thessalonian letters are most reminiscent of Philippians amongst the writings of Paul. But as Paul's earliest recorded letters in the New Testament (most likely), they introduce many important concepts which he will return to again and again throughout his later writings (deep thanks for the faith and example of believers, the divine origin of the gospel, the path of affliction and persecution which discipleship may involve, etc).

Though they are similar, 2 Thessalonians strikes a firmer and more authoritative tone - it appears that opposition to Paul from false teachers has grown stronger and more defined, and he has to press home more strongly some of the points he had already made in the first letter. The spirit of love and warmth is still there, however.

1 Thessalonians

• Follow-up to Paul's curtailed preaching mission (chps 1-3)
• Exhortations and practical issues (chps 4-5)

2 Thessalonians

• Prayer, thanks, encouragement (chp 1)
• The 'Man of Sin' to precede Christ's coming (chp 2)
• Exhortations & final prayers (chp 3)

Opposition to Paul had become stronger between the two letters (perhaps some of Paul's opponents had infiltrated the fledgling community). Counterfeit letters falsified in Paul's name had even been created which sought to preach another doctrine, and Paul is forced to become more assertive and even to provide proof of his own signature! (see 2 Thess 2:2; 3:2,14,15,17). Some were even teaching that Christ had come already, so Paul has to lay out again the teaching of the Second Coming.

The emphasis on the return of Christ to the earth in these letters is unmistakeable. Paul is adamant that Christ will return, and will return soon. What we must do is prepare ourselves. While some at Thessalonica had taken this to an extreme - thinking he was coming so soon that they should abandon their employment! - Paul points out that we still have to function and carry out our responsbilities in society. But as we do so, we should always remember that what really matters is to prepare ourselves for Christ's return.