Introduction

Thessalonica was the capital city of the Roman province of Macedonia (and is now the large, modern city of Thessaloniki in Greece). Paul taught God’s message there in Thessalonica after he left Philippi (Acts 17:1-4). Before long, there was disagreement from Jews upset about Paul’s preaching to non-Jews (Acts 17:5-9). So Paul was forced to leave Thessalonica and he went on to Berea (Acts 17:10-13). Then after a while he went on to Athens (Acts 17:14-15). Finally, he continued on to Corinth (Acts 18:1-17). On his arrival there, he heard Timothy’s account of his other work. He had been told by Timothy about the what the group of believers there in Thessalonica had been facing.

Paul wrote this First letter of Paul to the believers in Thessalonica in order to encourage and strengthen the believers there. He gave thanks for the account about their faith and their love. He also reminded them about the lifestyle that he demonstrated to them while he was still there with them. He answered questions again from the believers concerning the return of the messiah, and if the deceased believers would come back to life before the messiah returns. Paul used this letter to tell them it’s necessary that they continue to work in their day-to-day jobs while they wait for the return of the messiah.

This is still a very early look into the unfinished text of the Open English Translation of the Bible. Please double-check the text in advance before using in public.