Overview of 1 Thessalonians

A. INTRODUCTION (1:1-10)

• Paul’s introductory greeting (1:1)

• Paul thanks God for the faith of the Thessalonian Christians (1:2-7)

• The Thessalonians turned to a living God from lifeless idols (1:8-10)

B. THE SUCCESSFUL MINISTRY OF PAUL AND HIS FELLOW WORKERS IN THESSALONICA (2:1–3:13)

• Paul’s courageous ministry despite opposition (2:1-4)

• Paul’s gentle way of treating his fellow believers (2:5-12)

• Thessalonian Christians accept God’s word and endure opposition from their “own countrymen” (2:13-16)

• Paul longs to see his brothers in Thessalonica (2:17-20)

• Paul waits anxiously in Athens; Timothy sent to Thessalonica (3:1-5)

• Timothy’s comforting report (3:6-10)

• Paul prays that the Thessalonian Christians may abound in love (3:11-13)

C. INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO WALK IN ORDER TO PLEASE GOD (4:1-12)

• How to walk in order to please God more fully (4:1, 2)

• Warning against sexual immorality (4:3-8)

• Love one another in fuller measure (4:9-12)

D. COMMENTS ABOUT THE RESURRECTION AND THE COMING OF JEHOVAH’S DAY (4:13–5:11)

• Those dead in union with Christ will rise first (4:13-18)

• “Jehovah’s day is coming exactly as a thief in the night” (5:1-5)

• Stay awake, and keep your senses; display faith, love, and hope (5:6-11)

E. INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO WORK TOGETHER IN THE CONGREGATION (5:12-22)

• Respect those taking the lead; support the weak and the depressed (5:12-15)

• Pray constantly, and do not put out the fire of the spirit (5:16-22)

F. CONCLUDING REMARKS (5:23-28)

• Paul prays that the whole congregation be preserved blameless (5:23, 24)

• Paul requests that brothers pray for him and his fellow workers and that his letter be read to all (5:25-28)