Source edition
The New Testament in the original Greek. Westcott, Brooke Foss; Hort, Fenton John Anthony, editors. New York: Harper and Brothers, 1882-1892.
Source data
Perseus Digital Library · CC BY-SA 4.0
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This letter is addressed to the Christian community in Thessalonica, written by the Apostle Paul along with Silvanus and Timothy. Its primary purpose is to encourage and strengthen the faith of the newly established believers who are enduring persecution. In the first half, the authors recall their initial ministry in Thessalonica and express deep joy and comfort upon receiving a favorable report from Timothy about the community's steadfast faith and love. The second half of the epistle shifts toward practical exhortations, urging the believers to maintain moral purity, brotherly love, and an orderly daily life. Paul also addresses concerns regarding the Second Coming (Parousia) of Christ, offering comfort about the resurrection of the dead and the rapture of the living. Finally, the letter exhorts the community to remain alert as "children of light" in preparation for the unexpected coming of the Day of the Lord, concluding with final blessings.