INTRODUCTION - 1 THESSALONIANS

"Paul's two letters to the church at Thessalonica are, in the opinion of most scholars, among the earliest he wrote. Although the letters themselves afford no conclusive evidence as to place and time of writing, it would appear from Acts that they were written during the latter part of Paul's stay in Corinth (A.D 49-51) on his second missionary tour. Paul arrived in Corinth alone ... after his ministry in Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens (Acts 17:1 - 18:1 ). It seems that Timothy, at least, had joined Paul earlier in Athens and had been sent to Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 3:1-2 ), although he does not mention this. In Corinth then, Timothy and Silas joined Paul (Acts 18:5, 2 Thessalonians 1:1 ) upon receipt of news from Thessalonica, Paul wrote the church there, associating both Silas and Timothy with himself in writing the letters (1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:1 )." Harper Study Bible

"Thessalonica was a bustling seaport city at the head of the Thermaic gulf. It was an important communication and trade centre located at the junction of the great Egnatan Way and the road leading north to the Danube. Its population numbered about 200 000 making it the largest city in Macedonia. It was the capital of its province." N.I.V. Study Bible

"The book of 1 Thessalonians teaches many things which are as true today as they were in the first century. Among them are:-

1. People are saved by obeying the Spirit-empowered gospel, and are debtors to share it with all people everywhere.
2. We should not be deterred by opposition, but should see it as evidence of the great need for the gospel.
3. Christians should be concerned about the problems faced by others in the fellowship of believers.
4. Our lives bear testimony to the power of God to meet human need; failure to live for Him becomes a stumbling block to those who would seek Him.
5. The fact of the Lord's return is certain. The time for it is indefinite but will be sudden. Christians should live every moment so as to be pleasing to Him when He comes." Disciples Study Bible

Greetings are from the apostolic team that founded the Church at Thessalonica "Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy" (1 Thessalonians 1:1 ). Silas had replaced Barnabas on the second missionary tour. Each had his special function so that the work was pioneered - prophetically built up - and properly shepherded. Paul was all-round gifted, and would be engaged in every aspect of the work. But the chosen companions would find great opportunities to flow in their gifting. Being a good leader Paul would make sure each would effectively play his role.

1. THEIR FAMED CHURCH (1 Thessalonians 1:1-10)

Chapter one gives a wonderful insight into the Thessalonica famed church, marked by their upward looking for their returning Lord.

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. Who made up the apostolic team that founded the Church at Thessalonica?
   • Who took the place of Barnabas on this second missionary tour?
   • In which way are the ministries of Silas and Barnabas of the same kind?
   • Can you describe the usefulness of the prophet ministry in founding a new Church?

2. Did Paul have a gift ministry that included a measure of all those that Christ is said to have given in Ephesians 4:11?
   • Did Paul need a team of other gift ministries?
   • Do you believe that Paul's method of working strongly argues against a one man ministry?