1 Thessalonians - Books of the Bible Laminated Outlines

The Outline of 1 Thessalonians

This chart outlines the main characteristics of the
Apostle Paul’s Letter to the church of Thessolinica.

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is
profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction,for
instruction in righteousness: That the man of
God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all
good works. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Formal opening, 1:1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and
the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I.        A historical review: Paul and the Thessalonians from the beginning until now, 1:2—3:13
A.                Paul’s appreciation for the church, 1:2–10
           1.        Prayerful thanksgiving on the Thessalonians’ behalf (vv. 2-5)
           2.        Commendation of the Thessalonians (vv. 6–10)
B.                Paul’s ministry at Thessalonica, 2:1–6
           1.        A fruitful ministry: Paul’s preaching (vv. 1–12)
           2.        A fruitful ministry: the Thessalonians’ response (vv. 13–16)
C.        Paul’s continued efforts for them, 2:17–3:13
           1.        Paul’s attempt to return to Thessalonica (2:17–20)
           2.        The sending of Timothy (3: 1–5)
           3.        Timothy’s return and report (3:6–10)
           4.        Paul’s continuing prayer for the Thessalonians (3:11–13)

II.        Practical exhortation and teaching for the Thessalonians, 4:1—5:22
A.                Exhortation about the Christians’ walk, 4:1–12
           1.        The nature of Paul’s instruction (vv. 1–2)
           2.        Exhortation to sexual purity (vv. 3–8)
           3.        Exhortation to brotherly love (vv. 9–10)
           4.        Exhortation to honest labor (vv. 11–12)
B.                The second coming and the Christian dead, 4:13–18
           1.        The hope that reassures (vv. 13–14)
           2.        The manner of the saints’ resurrection (vv. 15–17)
           3.        The use of these words for encouragement (v. 18)
C.        Watchfulness for the Lord’s return 5:1–11
           1.        The uncertainty of the time (vv. 1–3)
           2.        The possibility of readiness (vv. 4–8)
           3.        The assurance that sustains (vv. 9–11)
D.        General instructions for the life of the church, 5:12–22
           1.        Respect for church leaders (vv.12–13)
           2.        Obligations within the fellowship (vv. 14–15)
           3.        Constant Christian attitudes (vv. 16–18)
           4.        Response to spiritual manifestations (vv. 19–22)

Conclusion, 5:23–28

Sometimes it is helpful to state a theme for a book of the Bible; sometimes it is not. One of the dangers is that
emphasizing a single theme may blind us to other
subjects that do not fit. Because of the variety of subjects treated in this short letter and because of its very
personal and practical nature, no single theme relates to all of it. Still, one of the important themes in 1
Thessalonians is the practical effects of the impending return of Jesus Christ in the lives of the believers.

The letters have been often characterized as Paul’s most eschatological ones
(from the Greek eschatos, “last,” and so the doctrine of last things, of the future). Both of them have important
sections on things that relate to Christ’s return. It is worth remembering, then, that this is one of the key
themes of 1 Thessalonians. An though 4:13–5:11 is the major section, every chapter makes some reference to
the second coming (1:10; 2:19; 3:13; 4:13-18; 5:1-11,23).

The Events that led to the writing of 1 Thessalonians

The Church at Thessalonica was a fruit of Paul’s second missionary journey. Paul’s visited Thessalonica
with Silas and Timothy. That visit was relatively brief and they were forced to leave before they had time to
establish fully the new converts. Paul felt strongly about being taken from them (2:17) and desired to finish in
them the
spiritual work only begun (3:7-10).

Leaving Thessalonica. Paul and his co-workers moved on to Berea and Athens
(Acts 17:10-16). During this time, Paul sought opportunity to return to Thessalonica (2:17-18), but the plans
were hindered by what Paul understood to be satanic in nature.

Paul sent Timothy to the Thessalonians from Athens. Timothy would therefore learn how the young Christians
were fairing and also to minister to them.

Timothy returned with his report to Paul, who had moved on from Athens to
nearby Corinth (Acts 18:1-5). The report greatly encouraged Paul (3:6-7), and he
proceeded to write of his joy and to instruct on matters Timothy mentioned.

Paul’s purposes in writing 1 Thessalonians

The letter is very personal and practical. In the first three chapters Paul reviews the history of the church and
his dealings with them in a personal way. In the last two chapters Paul turns to practical instruction an
exhortation. Even the doctrine of the second coming, as important as it is in the letter, is dealt with for
practical reasons.

These two major sections suggest two major purposes. First, Paul wrote to express his personal concern and
feelings for the Thessalonian Christians. Secondly, Paul also wrote to give instruction needed for the further
perfection (3:10) of their faith.

Other subject are treated in the letter, but these are the ones that are dealt with in such a way as to suggest
problems. Of these, instruction on the practical of the
second coming gets the most attention. It was the most pressing problem.