1 Thessalonians
Chapter 1
1. First Thessalonians was written around 51 A.D. from the city of Corinth during Paul’s second
missionary journey. Acts chapter 17:1-9, provides the historical background of Paul’s missionary trip to
Thessalonica. Read this passage (Acts 17:1-9), and write a brief summary of Paul’s activities there,
including what he taught in the local synagogue.
2. While First and Second Thessalonians have been referred to as the “eschatological (end times)
epistles,” these two letters are actually much broader than just a discussion of future events. The
primary emphasis is directed more toward the functioning of a healthy church and the character of
believers. On three occasions in 1 Thessalonians (1:2, 2:13, and 3:9) Paul expressed how thankful he was
for the church in Thessalonica. Read 1:1-3, and list those things for which Paul was thankful and then
record some of the things you are thankful for about your church.
3. Paul used the term brothers 17 times in First Thessalonians, indicating his close relationship with the
believers there. He also stated in verse 4 that God had “chosen,” these brothers. Explain what Paul
meant by this term “chosen,” using other biblical references to help in your explanation (e.g., 2
Thessalonians 2:13, John 15:16, and Ephesians 1:4).
1 Thessalonians Chapter 1
4. Read 1:5-7, and list those things that demonstrated how the Thessalonians were examples of
authentic believers. Which of these would you want to be said of your life?
5. The believers in Thessalonica were enthusiastic Christians (1:8). The gospel found a home in their
hearts and “sounded forth” from their lives. In what ways is the gospel sounding forth from your life
today?
6. From 1:9-10, explain what Paul means by the following statements:
a. You turned from idols:
b. Serve the true God:
c. Wait for his Son from heaven:
d. Delivers us from the wrath to come:
1 Thessalonians Chapter 1
1 Thessalonians
Chapter 2 & 3
1. The focus in chapter 2 suggests that people outside of the church were questioning Paul’s motives
and conduct. He responded by defending his character and his conduct as a true pastor. From 2:1-6
what are the key points Paul makes to explain his faithfulness as a steward of the gospel?
2. Paul uses an interesting metaphor in 2:7-8 to describe his deep concern for the family of God in
Thessalonica. Explain this metaphor and how Paul’s character is upheld in these verses.
3. Another metaphor comes into play in 2:9-12, that of a concerned father. Next to each phrase below,
explain Paul’s meaning as he describes himself as a spiritual father.
a. His Work (2:9):
b. His Walk (2:10):
c. His Words (2:11-12):
d.
4. Paul commended the Thessalonian church for its faithfulness to the Word in the midst of suffering in
2:13-16. Paraphrase Paul’s sentiments in 2:17-20.
1 Thessalonians Chapter 2 & 3
5. In the first two chapters of 1 Thessalonians, Paul explained how the church was born and nurtured. In
chapter 3, he deals with the next stage of maturity–how the church was to stand firm. The key idea in
this chapter is the establishment of purity and holiness. In 3:1-5, what did Paul do to help the believers
in Thessalonica become established?
6. Paul expressed his fear in 3:1-5 that the faith of the Christians in Thessalonica was being shaken by
trials and persecutions. Read James 1:2-12, and identify those principles from this passage which
describe God’s purposes and the believer’s response to trials.
7. In 3:6, Paul shifted the focus of his writing into the present. For what was Paul encouraged by in this
passage (3:6-8)?
8. Paul sent an encourager (3:1-5), and was encouraged himself (3:6-9), but in the third section of this
chapter (3:9-13), Paul described how he prayed for the Christians in Thessalonica. Using this prayer as a
guide, write out the different ways you can pray for the people in your growth group and then make a
commitment to pray for them this week.
1 Thessalonians Chapter 2 & 3
1 Thessalonians
Chapter 4
1. In chapter 4:1, Paul states that he was writing to instruct men and women how to live their lives to
be pleasing to God. What specific issue does Paul deal with in 4:1-8 and what are some of the reasons
purity in this area is so important in the church?
2. Paul exhorts the believers to walk in holiness in 4:1-8; what is the focus of his instruction in 4:9-10?
3. “Aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed
you,” (4:11). How does this verse relate to the context of what Paul wrote in the previous section and
in the next verse?
4. The classic passage on the "rapture" of the church is featured in 4:13-18. The believers in
Thessalonica were living expectantly for the imminent return of their Lord (1:10, 2:19, 3:13), but they
raised an obvious question, "What happens to Christians who die before Jesus returns?" How does Paul
answer this concern in 4:13-14?
1 Thessalonians Chapter 4
5. Read 4:15-17, and write a brief paraphrase of each of these verses, summarizing the meaning in
your own words.
6. From John 14:1-3 and 1 Corinthians 15:51-52, what additional information does the New
Testament provide about the return of Jesus Christ to planet earth?
7. The primary purpose of this passage (4:15-17) was not to teach a detailed scheme of the end times,
but rather to provide encouragement to the believers in the church of Thessalonica, 4:18. How are you
encouraged today from reading Paul’s words?
1 Thessalonians Chapter 4
1 Thessalonians
Chapter 5
1. In 1 Thessalonians chapter 5, Paul concluded his letter with a series of admonitions, exhortations,
and cautions. Each dealt with specific problems in the church in Thessalonica, but which are relevant
and timely instructions for the unity and purity of the church today. Read 5:1-11, and list as many of
these commands, or imperatives, as you can find which describe a lifestyle of preparedness.
2. Paul also used a series of contrasts between believers and nonbelievers in chapter 5. The first of
these (5:1-2) is the contrast between knowledge and ignorance. From these verses (5:1-2) describe
what Paul meant by:
a. Times and seasons (or dates):
b. The Day of the Lord:
c. A thief in the night:
3. What additional information about the day of the Lord does Paul provide in 5:3-5 and how does he
contrast the behavior between believers and non-believers to this terrible event?
4. What personal applications can you make from the contrast between soberness and drunkenness
portrayed in 5:6-8?
1 Thessalonians Chapter 5
5. Paraphrase 5:9-11, which presents another distinction Paul wants watchful believers to see.
6. Several times in chapter 5 Paul used the terms brothers or brethren (and a total of 27 times in his
two letters to Thessalonica). This indicated that Paul viewed the church as family. Read this paragraph
(5:12-15) and list those specific actions, or attitudes, you should demonstrate within the "family" of
Christ.
7. Paul concluded his letter in 5:16-22 with a series of short statements which get to the very heart of
the Christian life. This passage has been called the “Christian’s Code of Conduct,” with each statement
expressed as a command with the expected response of obedience. Read this carefully and try to
summarize this passage in your own words.
8. Which part of Paul’s concluding statement (5:23-28) was of most interest to you, and why?
1 Thessalonians Chapter 5