Introduction
Northwest Bible Church – Mar. 12, 2023 – 1 Thessalonians – Alan Conner
1 Thessalonians
Introduction
Intro
A. THE CITY OF THESSALONICA
1. Founded in 315 BC
2. In 42 BC, it becomes a FREE CITY.
3. Religions.
B. THE FOUNDING OF THE CHURCH.
1. Paul’s second missionary journey. Acts 16:36-18:22.
2. The missionary team in Philippi. Acts 16:11-40.
3. The missionary team in Thessalonica (Acts 17:1-10).
a- They begin in the synagogue (Acts 17:1-4).
b- Converts (Acts 17:4; 1 Thess. 1:9).
c- Paul worked with his hands for his daily bread (1 Thess. 2:9).
d- Violent mob (Acts 17:5-8).
e- Jason’s pledge (Acts 17:9).
f- Paul and Silas sent away by night to Berea (Acts 17:10).
C. THE FIRST LETTER TO THE THESSALONIANS
1. Paul was deeply concerned about their faith.
2. Timothy arrives in Corinth with a positive report.
3. Date of 1 Thess. 51-52 AD.
4. Themes in 1 Thess.
a- to express his joy and thankfulness to God for their thriving faith
b- to address misunderstanding about the second coming.
c- to give directions on practical sanctification.
d- address head on some of the criticism of his ministry.
Conclusion
Discussion Questions:
1. Why is the study of 1 & 2 Thessalonians important for us today?
2. How did the Jews respond to the gospel? What caused them to persecute Paul and the believers? Does this happen today?
3. What can we learn from Paul’s missionary zeal?
4. What can we learn from the way God guided Paul?