• I Thessalonians 1:1-10
  • I Thessalonians 1:1 – The book was written by Paul about 51 A.D. Paul wrote II Thessalonians possibly weeks or months later.
  • I Thessalonians 1:1-3 – Paul had been run out of Thessalonica due to persecution on his second missionary journey, but now there was a strong, thriving church there.
    • I Thessalonians 1:1 – See I Peter 5:12; Acts 15:40.
  • I Thessalonians 1:4-5 – See II Thessalonians 2:13-14. Regarding being “chosen” by God, consider Acts 16:9-10; 17:2-5; I Thessalonians 2:13; 3:5, 8; II Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15; I Timothy 2:4. Men are chosen by the gospel. Upon hearing the gospel, some will believe, and some will not. God is not choosing individual people; He is choosing those who will have faith.
  • I Thessalonians 1:6-8 – When Paul brought the gospel to Thessalonica, it was not a popular time to be a Christian (Acts 17:1-10).
  • I Thessalonians 1:9-10 – The Thessalonians were doing such a good job that other people were bringing news of their good deeds back to Paul!