1 Thessalonians
Encouragement to a young church, and hope in the return of Christ.
Overview
1 Thessalonians is one of Paul's earliest letters, written to a young church he had been forced to leave after only a short time. He is relieved by Timothy's good report of them, encourages them to keep growing in holiness and love, and comforts them about believers who have died — with a clear hope in the return of Christ.
Book facts
- Author
- PaulWritten by Paul, with Silas and Timothy, to a new church.
- Date written
- c. AD 51One of Paul's earliest surviving letters.
- Original language
- GreekWarm and encouraging.
- Setting
- To the church in ThessalonicaA young church Paul had been forced to leave quickly.
How it came to be
1 Thessalonians was written by Paul, together with Silas and Timothy. It is one of the earliest surviving Christian documents.
Paul writes with relief after Timothy brought back a good report of the church.
The whole book, chapter by chapter
| Chapter | What this chapter covers |
|---|---|
Encouragement and hope — thanksgiving, holiness, and Christ's return, chapters 1–5 | |
| Chapter 1The example to believers | Paul gives thanks; the Thessalonians have become an example to others. |
| Chapter 2The gentle labourers | Paul recalls his gentle, honest work among them. |
| Chapter 3The report of Timothy | Timothy's good report brings Paul comfort and joy. |
| Chapter 4The trumpet call | Live to please God, and hope: the dead in Christ will rise at his coming. |
| Chapter 5The day of the Lord | The day of the Lord comes as a thief; live ready, and "rejoice evermore." |
All 5 chapters. Start reading →
Worth knowing
The apostle who wrote the letter, with his companion Timothy.
Written to the church in Thessalonica.
Some of the best-known verses in 1 Thessalonians — tap the verse to read it.
- The dead in Christ shall rise1 Thessalonians 4:16
- "Caught up... to meet the Lord"1 Thessalonians 4:17
- "Rejoice evermore"1 Thessalonians 5:16
- "Pray without ceasing"1 Thessalonians 5:17