THESSALONIANS 1, BOOK OF

The church in Thessalonica was established on Paul's second missionary journey (Acts 17:1ff). After he left the region, he received a report regarding the congregation in Thessalonica, containing both positive and negative news. This letter, written from Corinth (Acts 18:1, 5), is a response to that report. The epistle commends the brethren for their faith and love (3:6). However, Paul is also forced to defend himself against the accusations of certain critics (2:3-6, 17-18). Too, there was confusion regarding the matter of Christ's second coming (1:10; 2:12, 19; 3:13; 4:11-18; 5:1-11, 23). There are also exhortations regarding moral living (4:3-8).