Eighteen years had passed since Paul encountered Christ on the Damascus road. They had been years of fruitful ministry, and some of Paul's most exciting days were spent in Thessalonica. This seaport city was originally called "Therme." Rebuilt by Cassander, he renamed it in honor of his wife, Thessalonica, the half-sister of Alexander the Great. With Silas and Timothy, Paul started the Thessalonian church, only to be forced out of town a few weeks later. While in Corinth, Paul eagerly awaited news of the new church. When he heard, he wrote this epistle to commend and correct these new Christians.
First Thessalonians was the first of all the New Testament books to be written. Significantly, the theme is the second coming of Christ. It is interesting to note that both the first New Testament book to be written and the last one deal with the same subject. When Paul preached about Christ's return, some people of Thessalonica misunderstood his meaning. They were confused as to whether those who had already died would have part in the resurrection. Paul assured them they would and admonished believers to be ready to meet Christ.
In the light of Christ's coming, Paul encouraged believers to be sober and vigilant. He also noted that the true believer is not afraid of Christ's coming but receives great comfort from that promise. Then, he gave a very practical list of 'do's' and 'don'ts' for the Christian. Two thousand years have not dulled the impact of this book. We are still expecting the Lord momentarily. We should heed Paul's words and live in the light of Christ's return.
“But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.”
1 Thessalonians 5:8 KJV
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