An Introduction to 1 Thessalonians: Hope in the Lord's Return
The Apostle Paul’s first epistle to the Thessalonians stands as a beacon of comfort and instruction, particularly concerning the glorious return of our Lord Jesus Christ. Written to a young church established amidst fervent opposition, this letter reveals the heart of a pastor deeply concerned for his spiritual children, yet overflowing with joy at their steadfast faith. 1 Thessalonians is not merely a historical document; it is a timeless message of hope, calling believers to live holy lives in eager anticipation of their Saviour's coming.
A Church Born in Tribulation
To truly grasp the significance of 1 Thessalonians, one must understand the circumstances surrounding its inception. Paul, accompanied by Silas and Timothy, arrived in Thessalonica, the capital of Macedonia, during his second missionary journey. As recorded in Acts 17:1-9, Paul faithfully preached in the synagogue for three Sabbath days, reasoning with the Jews out of the scriptures, opening and alleging that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ. A considerable number, including devout Greeks and leading women, believed. However, this success provoked the jealousy of unbelieving Jews, who stirred up a mob, forcing Paul and his companions to flee to Berea.
Despite the brevity of Paul's stay, a vibrant church was born, characterized by genuine conversion and fervent faith. Yet, Paul's abrupt departure left him deeply concerned for their spiritual welfare amidst ongoing persecution. Timothy was sent back to Thessalonica to strengthen and comfort them concerning their faith (1 Thessalonians 3:2). Upon Timothy's return with a positive report, Paul penned this epistle from Corinth, likely around 50-51 AD, making it one of his earliest, if not the earliest, extant letters. Its primary purposes were to commend their faith, encourage them in sanctification, and clarify misunderstandings about the Lord's return, particularly regarding those who had died.
The Thessalonians' Exemplary Faith and Love
Paul opens his letter with profound thanksgiving for the Thessalonians, highlighting their exemplary walk with God. He writes:
We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;
Their conversion was not merely intellectual assent but a transformative encounter with the Holy Spirit, leading them to turn from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10). Their faith became a resounding testimony throughout Macedonia and Achaia, demonstrating the power of the Gospel.
Paul recounts his ministry among them, emphasizing his gentle yet firm approach, like a nursing mother cherishing her children (1 Thessalonians 2:7) and a father exhorting, comforting, and charging his children to walk worthy of God (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12). This genuine affection and pastoral care underscores the deep spiritual bond Paul shared with this young church. Despite their afflictions, their faith remained strong, bringing Paul immense comfort:
Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith: For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.
Living Holy in Light of the Lord's Coming
Having affirmed their strong spiritual foundation, Paul transitions to practical exhortations, urging them to continue to walk and to please God, as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more (1 Thessalonians 4:1). The central theme here is sanctification, the process of being set apart for God's purposes and growing in holiness.
Paul specifically addresses sexual purity, emphasizing that it is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5). He warns against defrauding one another in this matter, for God is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness (1 Thessalonians 4:6-7).
Beyond personal purity, Paul encourages abounding in brotherly love, which they were already practicing (1 Thessalonians 4:9-10). He also exhorts them to lead a quiet life, to mind their own business, and to work with their own hands, that ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12). These practical instructions demonstrate that the hope of Christ's return is not an excuse for idleness or spiritual escapism, but a powerful motivation for diligent, righteous living in the present.
Comfort and Clarity Regarding the Lord's Return
Perhaps the most distinctive contribution of 1 Thessalonians to Christian doctrine lies in its teaching on the Lord's return. The Thessalonians were evidently distressed about the fate of fellow believers who had died before Christ's return, fearing they would miss out on the glorious event. Paul addresses this concern directly, offering profound comfort and clarity:
But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
This passage is foundational to understanding the "rapture" of the church. Paul assures them that deceased believers are not at a disadvantage. In fact, they will rise first, their resurrected bodies reuniting with their spirits. Then, living believers will be "caught up" (the Greek word is harpazō, meaning to seize, snatch away) together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. The glorious promise is that believers, both living and dead, will "ever be with the Lord." This truth provides immense comfort to those grieving and instills a living hope in all who await His appearing.
Watchfulness and Readiness for the Day of the Lord
Building upon the certainty of Christ's return, Paul shifts his focus to the "Day of the Lord" in 1 Thessalonians 5. While the previous section focused on the return of Christ for His saints (the rapture), this section addresses the subsequent period of God's judgment upon the earth, which will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night, or as travail upon a woman with child (1 Thessalonians 5:2-3). This Day of the Lord will bring sudden destruction upon those who are in darkness.
However, Paul assures believers that they are not appointed unto wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:9). Since believers are children of light, and not of darkness, they are to live in a state of constant watchfulness and readiness:
Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
This readiness involves practical Christian living: encouraging one another, admonishing the unruly, comforting the fainthearted, supporting the weak, and being patient toward all men (1 Thessalonians 5:14). It also includes rejoicing evermore, praying without ceasing, and in every thing giving thanks (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). The expectation of Christ's return should motivate believers to live in holiness, love, and spiritual vigilance.
Concluding Exhortations and Benediction
The final verses of 1 Thessalonians provide a concise summary of practical Christian duties and a beautiful benediction. Paul urges the believers to:
- Know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13).
- See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men (1 Thessalonians 5:15).
- Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:19-22).
Paul concludes with a powerful prayer for their complete sanctification and preservation:
And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
This benediction underscores the faithfulness of God to complete the work He has begun in them, culminating in their blamelessness at the Lord's coming. The letter closes with a final grace, The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen (1 Thessalonians 5:28).
Enduring Hope: The Enduring Message of 1 Thessalonians
1 Thessalonians is a profoundly practical and encouraging letter. It demonstrates Paul's deep love for the churches he founded and his commitment to their spiritual growth. Its enduring message centers on three interconnected truths: a steadfast faith that endures persecution, a call to holy living that honors God, and a confident, unwavering hope in the Lord's return. For believers today, 1 Thessalonians reminds us that our faith is not in vain, our struggles are temporary, and our ultimate blessed hope is the glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13). This hope should comfort our hearts, motivate our sanctification, and inspire our continued witness until He comes.