The Book of 1 Thessalonians
Living in hope — encouragement for a young church awaiting the return of Christ.
Overview
First Thessalonians is a warm, encouraging letter to a young church, full of affection and hope. Paul commends their faith and urges them to keep growing in love and holiness as they wait for the return of the Lord.
Its teaching on Christ's return has comforted grieving believers for centuries: those who die in Christ are not lost, and we will be with the Lord forever.
Key themes
Hope in Christ's return
The coming of the Lord is a comfort and a motivation for holy, hopeful living.
Growing in love
Paul urges the church to abound more and more in love for one another.
Everyday holiness
Faith works itself out in quiet, ordinary godliness and hard work.
Key verses from 1 Thessalonians
Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Three short commands that shape a whole life.
Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
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:
How to read 1 Thessalonians
Read it as a letter of encouragement — feel Paul's warmth for this church.
Let chapter 4 comfort you if you grieve someone who died in Christ.
Take the short commands of chapter 5 as a simple daily rhythm.