First Epistle to the Thessalonians

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The first letter of Paul to the Thessalonians, is a book of the New Testament and one of the earliest preserved written documents of Christianity. Since medieval times, it is divided into 5 chapters.

Author and recipient

The author of 1 Thessalonians is the unanimous opinion of the research Paul.

Receiver is the church founded by Paul in Thessalonica, which is mainly focused on Acts 17,4 f EU from God-fearing Greeks and a few elegant women. The 1.Thessalonicherbrief itself puts a Gentile background close (1 Thess 1.9 EU). Since the devout Greeks were still regarded by the Jews as pagans, the reports do not contradict each other.

Place and time of writing

Paul has his letter probably written around 50 AD in Corinth. There he met, according to Acts 18.5 EU joint sender Silvanus, and Timothy, he mentions at the beginning of the letter.

The letter was probably written at the beginning of the 18- month stay of Paul at Corinth shortly after Timothy and Silvanus got there ( cf. Acts 18,5 and 2 Cor 1,19 EU with 1 Thess 3.6 EU). This is about 50 AD. have been, a few months after Paul's stay in Thessalonica (1 Thess 1:8; 4.10 EU, but see also 2.17 EU). Alternatively, it is also possible that Timothy Paul after 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5 met again in Athens. Paul could have written the letter so also from Athens, but as less likely applies.

Background

On his second missionary journey Paul first entered the European continent. After he had sat at Philippi, together with Silas briefly in jail, he went on to Thessalonica (Acts 16,40 f EU). Paul preached here for three Sabbaths in the synagogue (Acts 17:3). When some converts, including many Greek proselytes and some noble women, the Jews were jealous and caused a riot (Acts 17,4 f). Since they could not find Paul and Silas, they sued Jason, the Paul and Silas had housed, and some other Christians before the rulers of the city (Acts 17:6). So had the newly created community from the beginning with persecution living (1 Thess 3:4). In all of its members had but received the gospel with joy, and were an example to all Christians in the area have become (1 Thess 1:6-8 ).

Paul may have been more than three weeks in Thessalonica. In his letter to the Philippians, he seems to say that he has received financial support from the Philippians during his stay in Thessalonica several times ( Phil 4,16 EU). That would be very unusual for a period of three weeks. In addition, Paul and his companions had in addition to the proclamation of the Gospel in Thessalonica to take care of their living (1 Thess 2:9). If that had been necessary for only three weeks? Phil 4,16 can also be translated as, however, that Paul has only received the first donation in Thessalonica and the cost for a period of three weeks is not low, especially since Paul at the beginning did not know that he would leave as soon Thessalonica. The Bible text leaves it open whether between the three Sabbaths in the synagogue and the tumult, a longer period has been lying.

After the turmoil in Thessalonica, Paul and Silas quickly moved on to Bäröa (Acts 17:10). Then Paul went on to Athens, while Silas and Timothy remained in Macedonia (Acts 17:14 f). Timothy came to Paul, but soon after Athens. Out of concern for the community, Paul sent Timothy back from there to Thessalonica (1 Thess 3.1 f.5 ). Paul would be happy to come himself, but the circumstances did not allow him (1 Thess 2:17 f). For Paul, it was soon continued to Corinth (Acts 18:1). Here he stayed a year and six months and wrote at the beginning of this period ( cf. 1 Thess 2:17) probably also his letter to the Thessalonians ( cf. Acts 18,5 with 1 Thess 3:6).

Content

Though Paul had brought the gospel itself to Thessalonica, there were some things he could not give the young community in the short time. That's why he even wanted to come back to Thessalonica (1 Thess 3:10). First, however, he wrote his letter. In chapters 1-3, Paul writes of his own endure in recent months. In particular, it is about his relationship with the Thessalonians. He describes his worry about her, but also his joy after he got good news from Timothy about their steadfastness. In chapters 4-5, Paul has to say then some admonitory words. He shall pay special attention to the return of Jesus. The theme appears in each chapter to (1.10; 2.19; 3.13; 4.14 f; 5,2.4.23 ). The proximity of the return of Jesus to comfort the Thessalonians and align her gaze away from the afflictions, and to Jesus.

Structure

  • Welcome (1,1)
  • Personal words: Paul and the Thessalonians ( 1.2 to 3.13 ) Joy of living faith of the Thessalonians ( 1.2 to 10 )
  • The example of the Apostles ( 2.1 to 16 )
  • Good news from Thessalonica ( 2.17 to 3.13 )
  • Exhortation to holy living ( 4.1 to 12 )
  • Encouragement by the proximity of the return of Jesus ( 4.13 to 5.11 )
  • Concluding exhortations ( 5.12 to 24 )

Contents, background

  • Second Coming of Christ

People

  • Paul
  • Silvanus
  • Timothy

Comments

First Epistle to the Corinthians Second Epistle to the Corinthians Epistle to the Galatians Epistle to the Ephesians Epistle to the Philippians Second Epistle to the Thessalonians First Epistle to Timothy Epistle to Titus Epistle to Philemon General epistles First Epistle of Peter First Epistle of John Second Epistle of John Third Epistle of John Epistle of Jude Kunsthistorisches Museum Rainer Riesner Bibleserver.com
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