March 13, 2022 - I Thessalonians 1.1-2.12
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March 13, 2022
Introduction to 1 Thessalonicans
by Wayne Gaeddert
1. The population of Thessalonica was 100,000 – 200,000.
2. Acts 17:1-9 records Paul’s visit to Thessalonica.
3. There was a sizable population of Jews in Thessalonica according to Acts 17:5.
4. The church in Thessalonica was born when Paul visited Thessalonica on his 2nd missionary journey.
5. Paul and Silas were forced to leave Thessalonica at night to escape the mob.
6. Paul and Silas were accused of acting against Caesar because they said there was another king, Jesus.
7. Most scholars believe 1 Thessalonians was written by Paul about A.D. 49-51.
8. The 2nd coming of Jesus is mentioned in every chapter of the book. 1:10, 2:19-20, 3:13, 4:13-18, 5:1-11, 23-24.
9. Paul wrote 1 Thessalonians while in Corinth while on his 2nd missionary journey.
10. Paul had sent Timothy to check on the fledgling church. Paul refers to the report he received from Timothy in 1 Thessalonians 3:6.
11. Chapters 1-3 are a celebration of the faithfulness of the Thessalonian church.
12. In chapters 4 and 5 Paul challenges them to grow.
13. Paul has 3 prayers in the letter:
Prayer of thanksgiving. 1:2-3
Prayer for endurance. 3:11-13
Prayer of hope as they wait for the return of Jesus. 5:23-24
14. Thessalonica was the capital of Macedonia.
15. Thessalonica was located on the busy east-west trade route called the Via Egnatia which connected it with Rome. (See attached map).
16. See above or click the link below to watch an overview of 1 Thessalonians by Tim Mackie:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=No7Nq6IX23c
March 13, 2022
Lessons Learned
1 Thessalonians 1:1-2:12
by Wayne Gaeddert
1. Pray for fellow believers to remain strong in their relationship with the Lord.
2. Affirm fellow believers in the use of their spiritual gifts.
3. Conduct your life in such a manner that no one can point a finger to accuse you of wrong.
4. Someone is watching your life, live so that you are a godly example to them.
5. “These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
6. If you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough witnesses to testify that, yes indeed, you are a Christian?
7. Christians will not endure God’s wrath, Jesus did that for believers on the cross.
8. Are you bold with the gospel?
9. The goal of every believer is to seek the approval of God—not the approval of men.
10. We may fool men, but God knows the intent of our hearts.
11. Paul’s method of leadership with fellow Christians was to be tender like a nursing mother is with her child.
12. Our lives should reflect that we are living to please God.
13. Contemplate the return of Jesus every day.
14. Application:
The gospel produces evidence of its power which is revealed by the lives it transforms.
Gentleness and compassion open the door for sharing the gospel.
Demonstrating Christ-like character allows believers to be an influence in the lives of others.
The resurrection of Jesus gives believers hope and the anticipation of future joy.