Bible Commentaries
1 Thessalonians

The letters to the Thessalonians give us a unique peek not only into the initial spread of the gospel into Europe, but also into the founding and functioning of Christian churches in their earliest period. We remember how Paul on his Second Missionary Journey (AD 49-52) received a vision at Troas in Asia Minor. He saw a man from Macedonia who was begging him to cross over into his country and give help (Acts 16:9-10). After receiving the vision, Paul and his companions immediately crossed over into Macedonia and initially began their ministry at the Roman colony of Philippi.

With much suffering, including beating and imprisonment, Paul and his team established the first church in what was to be Europe at Philippi. Paul and Silas were miraculously delivered from prison there. Yet, their stay was short as they were soon escorted out of the city. They then made their way to Thessalonica, which was about 100 miles (160 km.) to the west. Thessalonica was a great port city in ancient times. With its natural harbor, it was a haven for shipping and for merchants of all types. The city had another blessing, being situated on the famous east-west Roman highway called the Egnatian Way. The Scottish great, William Barclay, says, "The coming of Christianity to Thessalonica was crucial in the making of it into a world religion." He adds, "Thessalonica was a test case; and Paul was torn with anxiety to know how it would turn out."^(F1)

After a favorable ministry in the city for a period of weeks, opposition arose from among the Jews. A near riot ensued causing some of the new Christians to be hauled before the rulers of the city. Paul and Silas were sent from the city in the night and began another ministry at Berea, a city about 50 miles to the southwest. After once again being persecuted by the Jews, Paul left Silas and Timothy there and he journeyed on to Athens. Arthur Wallis says of Paul, "Such preaching, by making indifference impossible, sets the hearers in one of two camps. It is calculated to produce a revival or a riot." Paul's anxiety about the new churches is the background of the Thessalonian epistles, with Paul sending messengers and letters in order to determine the welfare of the churches.

According to the Acts account, Paul then sent for Silas and Timothy to join him at Athens (Acts 17:15) and they did so (1 Thessalonians 3:1-2). Later he sent the two back to Macedonia. It is probable that Silas was sent on a mission to Philippi. Paul himself then journeyed on to Corinth, where he was eventually to conduct a long and fruitful ministry. However, web commentator David Guzik says of Paul, "By the time he came to Corinth, he was in weakness, in fear and in much trembling (1 Corinthians 2:3). At this point of the second missionary journey, it seemed that Paul was a very discouraged missionary."^{https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/1-thessalonians-1/">(F2)} His overriding concern was the newly established churches, as to their welfare.

Over the centuries there has been little doubt that Paul was the author of this letter. It was probably written from the city of Corinth, where the apostle spent a year and a half in ministry. His arrival there was likely in the earlier part of AD 50, and thus the letter would have been written soon after that. It is probable that Timothy arrived at Corinth and made his report to Paul sometime in the spring of 50 (Acts 18:5; 1 Thessalonians 3:6-7). From that report Paul wrote First Thessalonians.^(F3)