1 & 2 Thessalonians

1 & 2 Thessalonians were written by Paul, Silas, & Timothy to a new church whose members were still learning what it means to live out their newfound faith.  While working in Thessalonica, the missionaries had spent much time encouraging and instructing the recent converts in the basics of the faith (1 Thessalonians 2:8-12).  Since both epistles appear to have been penned within the 2-year span immediately after leaving Thessalonica, it is not surprising to find the three writers continuing their efforts to strengthen the beliefs and practices of the new Christians.  In the face of criticism from enemies of the gospel, the letters staunchly defend the gospel message and messengers, and encourage the believers to remain faithful in the face of the warned-about opposition.  For those Christians who had developed mistaken ideas about what happens to those who die prior to Christ’s second coming, the letters paint a vivid picture of the events preceding Jesus’ return, and of the e