Medium
The book of I Thessalonians is presented as a letter. It is addressed to the church in Thessalonica, and housed in the structure of Acts, represented as a church with mailboxes.
Images/Stories Depicted:
The image depicted is outstretched hands, symbolizing both thanks and praise to God for the faithfulness of this young church, in the face of persecution.
It includes three specific encouragements from Paul to the Thessalonians: Pray without Ceasing, Give Thanks in Everything, and Rejoyce Always!
I Thessalonians
Author(s): The Apostle Paul
Genre: Paul’s Letters
Audience: The church in Thessalonica
Written: ~50 or 51 AD
Chapters: 5
Words: 1,837
Period Covered: Paul’s second Journey
Number in Cannon: 41
Most Popular Verse
I Thessalonians 5:16-18.
I Thessalonians
Paul is writing to the church in Thessalonica on behalf of himself, Silas and Timothy. Be begins the letter with a prayer, praising God for the steadfastness and perseverance of the church. Timothy has delivered a good report on their faith in the face of persecution, and how they are a good example to all the churches in Macedonia and Achaia (modern day Greece).
Paul spends the first half of the letter encouraging the church that their suffering is a way of sharing with Christ in his suffering, and that they should always pray without ceasing, give thanks to God in all things, and always rejoice! In chapter 3 he offers another prayer that the church would endure.
The second half of the letter is a challenge from Paul for the church to strive for holiness, like Christ, and to avoid the temptations of the culture around them. He encourages them to love and serve those in need. He also addresses some of their questions regarding Jesus second coming and how to deal with the death of their loved ones in the meantime. He encourages them to hope for the day of Jesus return, saying that we will meet him in the air, and that in the meantime we should live as though that day is eminent or already here. He concludes with a prayer that God will keep them holy as they wait in hope of Christs return.