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Epistles to the Thessalonians

The first epistle to the Thessalonians was the first of all Paul's epistles. It was in all probability written from Corinth, where he abode a “long time” (Acts 18:11, 18), early his period of living there, about the end of 52 AD.

It was written on the occasion of the return of Timotheus from Macedonia bearing tidings from Thessalonica regarding the state of the church there (Acts 18:1-5; 1 Thess. 3:6).

While, on the whole, the report of Timothy was encouraging, it also showed that divers errors and misunderstandings regarding the tenor of Paul’s teaching had crept in amongst them. He addresses them in this letter in hope of correcting these errors, and especially for the purpose of exhorting them to live pure lives, reminding them that their sanctification was the great end desired by God for them.

The second epistle to the Thessalonians was probably also written from Corinth, and not many months after the first.

The occasion of the writing of this epistle was the arrival of tidings that the tenor of the first epistle had been misunderstood, especially with reference to the second advent of Christ.

The Thessalonians had embraced the idea that Paul had taught that “the day of Christ was at hand,” that Christ’s coming was just about to happen. This error is corrected (1 Thessalonians 2:1-12), and the apostle prophetically announces what first must take place. “The apostasy” was first to arise.

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Article Version: July 14, 2024