New Testament · Letter · book 52 of 66 · 1 min read
The book of 1 Thessalonians
Probably the oldest surviving Christian document, written to a congregation a few months old that was worried its dead had missed out.
“Always rejoice. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you.”
At a glance
- Chapters
- 5
- Author
- Paul
- Written
- Around 50 AD — probably the earliest book in the New Testament
- Written for
- A very young church he had to leave in a hurry
- Themes
- encouragement, hope, work, the return
What it is about
Paul was run out of Thessalonica after a short stay, and this letter follows soon after — most scholars date it around 50 AD, which makes it likely the earliest text in the New Testament, written before any of the gospels.
It is mostly encouragement and relief: Timothy has brought back a good report. The one problem it answers is grief. Members of the congregation had died, and the survivors feared they would miss the return of Christ.
The answer given is not a timetable but a reassurance, and it closes with a run of short instructions including the three-part line about rejoicing, praying and giving thanks.
Where to start
Chapter 4, from verse 13, which is the pastoral heart of the letter.
The chapters worth knowing
- 1 Thessalonians 4 — The answer about those who have died, given to a congregation that had just buried people.
- 1 Thessalonians 5 — Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in everything — and a run of short instructions.
What people get wrong about it
That give thanks in everything means give thanks for everything. The preposition is in, and it is written to people who had just buried members of their congregation.
Questions
Is 1 Thessalonians the oldest book in the New Testament?
Most scholars think so, dating it around 50 AD — roughly twenty years before the earliest gospel.
What question does 1 Thessalonians answer?
Whether Christians who had already died would miss out on Christ's return. Paul's answer is reassurance about the dead rather than a timetable for the living.