1 Thessalonians - Chapter 1

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In the simplist terms, Paul’s letter in 1 Thessalonians is about pleasing God. Although the Thessalonians were already doing so, Paul wanted to encourage them to do so even more. Paul seems to have a loving and gentle manner in his writing. You can tell he truly cares for his fellow Christians.


1 Paul, Silas, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you. 2 We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. 3 We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul remembers the Thessalonians as very faithful and loving, with a strong hope in the Lord Jesus Christ. The faith Paul is talking about here produces action. Many Christians use faith as an excuse to do nothing because “God will take care of everything.” Faith should prompt us into action, not make us complacent. The hope Paul speaks of here is not unfounded wishful thinking, but a firm confidence in Jesus Christ and His return.

4 For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you,

The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family.


The first thing Paul wants these young Christians to know about is not the mechanics of the Christian life, but the fact God is at work in their lives now since they have come to believe. He lets them know God loves them and has chosen them.

5 because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake.

Paul refers to the ‘good news’ as “our gospel”. Although this ‘gospel’ he has taught is not clearly spelled out in the letter, we can figure it out from what he does say. The ‘power’ he speaks of here could mean a couple of things; (1) the power of the Holy Spirit which leads them, or (2) the power of the Gospel itself which brings salvation, freeing them from the bondage of sin.

6 You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.


Paul commends them for ‘imitating’ him, and in doing so they are imitating Christ. He once again is letting them know God is at work in their lives through His word. Paul says in spite of their suffering, they stood firm in the Lord and were joyful in their faith. This gives us some insight about how they must have been rebuked for their beliefs.

7 And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.

Macedonia and Achaia were the 2 provinces into which Greece was divided. Thessalonica was on the important Egnatian Way, and was a busy seaport and the capital city of Macedonia.

8 The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, 9 for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God,

These people had joyfully told everyone of their ‘good news’ about Christ. Because of how they had changed, their story had spread throughout all the land. Everywhere Paul went, he heard the great stories of the Thessalonian church and its faith and works. Paul is letting them know how proud he is of them for their faithfulness and the example they have become to those around them. The Gospel has spread because of their exemplary representation of Christ. This is a suberb statement of how everyone should respond to the Gospel.

10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.

Paul also wants them to know Christ is coming back, and Jesus’ return is an inspiration for young Christians. This hope and promise should keep them strong in their faith and keep them looking forward to that day and living their lives for that event. This same hope and promise is ours today, and should keep us strong in our faith and looking forward to that event, and living our lives in preparation for that day.