A 1:1. Epistolary. Introduction.
B A 1:2-3:10. Thanksgiving. Narration. Appeal.
B 3:11-13. Prayer.
B A 4:1-5:22. Exhortation. Instruction.
B 5:23-25. Prayer.
A 5:26-28. Epistolary. Conclusion.
1. The church of the Thessalonians was planted by Paul, in association with Silas and Timothy [Acts 17:1-9]. Although some of the Israelis believed, it was composed mainly of Gentiles, and their joyful reception of the message as the word of God was the prelude to active missionary operations in all Achaia and Macedonia [1:8], a territory about as large as Great Britain. In this aspect especially they were a modern church. From them sounded forth "the word of the Lord", and they became examples to believers, showing the power of that word in their lives. The apostle writes in a joyful spirit, for he had just received from Timothy glad tidings of their faith and love [3:6].
2. A large part of the Epistle is occupied with the doctrine of the Lord's coming, that coming which He Himself announced, Matt. 24:36; 25:31; 26:64; et al., the same coming of which He spoke in Acts 1:7, "it is not for you to know the times and seasons, which the Father has put in His own power". The similarity of Paul's language, concerning "the times and seasons" [5:1], bears instruction for us. Indeed throughout the Epistle the nearness of that coming is emphasized [1:10; 2:12,19; 3:13;4:13-18; 5:1-11,23]. But, as has been well observed, that which draws near may withdraw also, and such we know to be the case, for owing to his people's rejection of the King and kingdom, the latter is in abeyance till the "times of the Gentiles" are ended. 1 and 2 Thessalonians are unique in many respects; e.g. chronologically, as well as canonically; the use of special terms in relation to the coming of our Lord. And they are the only Epistles addressed to a church specifically.
3. This Epistle is the earliest writings of Paul, having been sent out from Corinth about the end of 52 or the beginning of 53 A.D. Some hold that, of all the books of the New Testament, it was the 1st written.
4. Thessalonica, now Salonica, on the bay of the same name, has always been one of the busiest ports of the Aegean. It was the chief city of a division of Macedonia, and is said to have had a population of 200,000 at the beginning of our era. Much smaller now, the city has always had a large proportion of Judeans among its inhabitants.
See Act 9. Paul taught on 3 levels - 1. Gentiles; 2. Leaders; 3. Israel [i.e. God's elect].
1 Thessalonians 1)
1 Paul (He was held in terms of tender regard and affection by the converts at Phlippi and Thessalonica, and there was no need to assert his authority), and Silvanus (same as Silas. A leader of the church at Jerusalem [Acts 15:22], and a prophet [v.32], he accompanied Paul on his 2nd missionary journey, and took part in the founding of the churches of Macedonia), and Timothy (see 2 Cor. 1:1), to the church of the Thessalonians (this and the 2nd Epistle are the only ones addressed in this form. Romans, Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians are addressed to "saints". The 2 Epistles to the Corinthians to "the church of God at Corinth", and Galatians to "the churches of Galatia".) which is in God (Gr. Theos, Heb. equivalent to Elohim) the Father (Gr. Pater, it denotes His relationship to His "beloved Son") and in the Lord (Gr. Kurios, Heb. equivalent to Yahaveh) Jesus (Gr. Iesous, Heb. Yahshua = Yahaveh's Savior) Christ (Gr. Christos = the Anointed One, i.e. the Messiah): Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
B A C a 1;2-4. Thanksgiving.
b 1:5. Reason. The Gospel [Good News] received not in word but power.
c 1:6-9. Its effect.
d 1:10-. Believers wait for God's son.
e 1:-10. Deliverance from the wrath to come.
D 2:1-12. Paul and the brethren. Their teaching while present.
C a 2:13-. Reason.
b 2:-13. The Good News received as the word of God.
c 2:14. Its effect.
d 2:15,16-. Kenites killed God's Son.
e 2:-16. Delivered to the wrath to come.
D 2:17-3:10. Paul and the brethren. Their feelings while absent.
2 We give thanks (see Acts 27:35) to God always for you all, making mention (see Rom. 1:9) of you in our prayers;
3 Remembering without ceasing your faithful work (believing Jesus is the Son of God), loving labor, and hopeful patience of our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God even our Father;
4 Knowing, brethren beloved, your election (see Acts 9:15. Eph. 1:4) of God.
5 For our good news came not to you in word only, but in power also, and in the Holy Spirit (Divine power), and in much assurance (see Col. 2:2); as you know what manner of men we became among you on account of you.
6 And you became imitators (see 1 Cor. 4:16) of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction (see Acts 7:10), with joy of the Holy Spirit.
7 So that you were examples (see Phil. 3:17, and cp. 1 Tim. 4:12. Tit. 2:7. 1 Pet. 5:3) to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.
8 For from you sounded out (cp. Luke 4:37, and 1 Cor. 13:1) the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God has gone forth; so that we need not to speak any thing.
9 For they themselves report of us what manner of entering in we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols (this shows that these converts were mainly Gentiles. Judeans were bitterly hostile. Act 17:4-6,13) to serve a living and true God; (They turned from the traditions of men.)
10 And to wait for His Son (this is the subject of this book. 2nd Advent. See Luke 21) from the heavens (see Matt. 6:9,10), whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus,
Which rescued us from the coming wrath. (God is mad at His enemies only. God id able to direct the flow.)