s city. Twice he endeavored to return,
but was prevented from doing so (2:17, 18). When
he reached Athens (Acts 17:15) he grew so anxious about
the church at Thessalonica that he sent Timothy back to
see how it prospered (3:1, 2). While Timothy was
gone on his mission Paul went on to Corinth (Acts
18:1). Here Timothy found him when he returned with
his report of the church (Acts 18:5; 1 Thess. 3:6).
Paul was greatly pleased with what Timothy had to say
about the converts. While enduring persecution they
were standing fast in the Lord and devoted to their faith
in Christ (3:7-13). The report which Timothy brought
was the occasion of the first letter to this church.

The time was, in all probability, in the winter of 52-53
A.D., and the place of writing was at Corinth, where
Paul remained for over a year and a half (Acts 18:1, 11, 18).

+Contents.+--The first three chapters are of a personal
character and show how dear to Paul's heart were these
converts of Thessalonica. They also show the good
record made for the short time since they had embraced
Christianity. But nothing could be more revolutionary
in those days than to become a Christian; therefore Paul
takes occasion to correct social, moral, and doctrinal
faults and to instruct them more fully in the faith, in
Christ, which they professed. In the matter of doctrine
Paul mentions Christ as "the Lord," "our Lord" about
twenty-five times, showing his belief in and teaching of
the Deity of Christ. In regard to Christ's speedy second
coming, of which many seem to have had a lively
expectation so that they were troubled when some died lest
these had lost their opportunity to see this glorious event,
Paul writes to reassure them that all believers, those who
have died and those who are alive at that time, "will enter
together and share equally in the blessings of Christ's
heavenly kingdom" (4:13-18). The Epistle closes with
exhortations to be joyful, thankful, and prayerful.

+Principal Divisions and Chief Points.+

1. Introduction (1:1-10). Personal address and
salutation. Thanksgiving for their faith, love and hope in
Jesus Christ and for their conversion.

2. Narrative (2:1-4:12). How the gospel was given
and how it was received at Thessalonica. An account of
Paul's care and anxiety for the church. Paul's prayer for
their establishment in the faith of Jesus Christ. Exhortation
to abstain as followers of Christ from impurity and
fraud; to