The Apostle Paul wrote the letter of 1 Thessalonians shortly after arriving in Corinth. The letter is one of immense relief that the brand-new Christians in Thessalonica are doing ok and standing firm in their faith.
For Paul, the brand-new Christians in Thessalonica were like little newborn baby deer … wobbly and very vulnerable! With a hungry coyote hot on their trail!
Paul had to flee town due to riots … and it felt like his vulnerable, wobbly newborn baby deer were left without anyone to protect them. No one to keep them safe from the coyote. No one to “lead them through the forest” of life and help them grow in their faith.
The letter of 1 Thessalonians was a “huge sigh of relief” from Paul letting the people know how proud he was of them! … and how earnestly he was praying for them! 1 Thessalonians is a letter of comfort and encouragement for the people.
A few months after having written 1 Thessalonians, Paul wrote a second letter to the brand-new Christians of Thessalonica. Evidently, upon receiving his first letter they had had some follow-up questions. So, Paul wrote a second letter (2 Thessalonians) to clarify and expound on some of the things he shared in the first letter.
It is interesting to note that both the first letter and second letter were not written solely by Paul … but rather they were a combined effort of Paul, Silas, and Timothy.
“Paul, Silas, and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians …” – 1 Thessalonians 1:1
“Paul, Silas, and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians …” – 2 Thessalonians 1:1
It makes sense that Paul, Silas, and Timothy all contributed to the writing of the letters since all three of them worked together as a ministry team to start the church. In fact, it was Silas and Timothy who stayed behind when Paul had to flee town. It was Silas and Timothy who discipled the brand-new Christians when Paul was not able to be there.
So of course, Silas and Timothy would naturally have insight and input as to the words of encouragement the new church might need.
Right from the start of the second letter, we see that the Christians in Thessalonica are enduring persecutions. They are going through trials. They are persevering with faith.
I’m so glad God chose to include this letter as part of our Bible, because the words of 2 Thessalonians are so relevant for today!
I was scrolling through the graphics program I use for the blog and I came across this image. It was a gift from God to me, because this is how life feels right now for hubby and me.
It takes faith to trust that Jesus has got us and is going to take care of us and protect us.
This is what the brand-new Christians in Thessalonica were feeling.
God also gave me this image, as I was scrolling through the graphics program. It likewise was a huge blessing to me!
Here are Paul and Silas and Timothy’s words to their little wobbly, vulnerable baby deer who were enduring trials and “wolves” in their day … and likewise God’s words to us today as we too endure trials and “wolves”!
“God’s judgment is right. … God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled.
“This will happen when the Lord Jesus Christ is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.” – 2 Thessalonians 1:5-9
Lawlessness will be overthrown by the Lord Jesus with the breath of his mouth and destroyed with the splendor of his coming. – 2 Thessalonians 2:8
“So then, brothers, stand firm.” – 2 Thessalonians 2:15
“The Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:3
“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:16
Here’s one more image from the graphics program. I love this! Jesus – the Lion – protecting and leading his flock (the church).
“The Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:3
This is hope for when life is discouraging!
