1 & 2 Thessalonians: an Overview

When: 51-52 AD (Acts 18:12, Gallio proconsul of Achaia)
Where: Written from Corinth

I. Paul's FIRST LETTER TO THE THESSALONIANS

A. Personal Greetings & Expressions, chs. 1-3
- 1. concerning his gratitude for their faithfulness, 1:2-10
- 2. concerning his ministry & example to them, 2:1-16
- 3. concerning his great desire to see them again, 2:17-20
- 4. concerning Timothy being left in Thessalonica, 3:1-5
- 5. concerning Timothy's encouraging report, 3:6-13
B. Practical Instruction & Encouragement, chs. 4-5a
- 1. concerning holiness, 4:1-8
- 2. concerning brotherly love, 4:9-12
- 3. concerning the Lord's coming, 4:13-5:11
C. Parting Exhortations & Benediction, ch. 5b (vv12-28)

II. Paul's SECOND LETTER TO THE THESSALONIANS

A. Personal Greeting & Thanksgiving, ch. 1a (vv1-3)
B. Proper Perspectives thru Tribulation, ch. 1b (vv4-12)
C. Providing Correction & Comfort, ch. 2
- 1. an error in prophetic doctrine, 2:1-12
- 2. an exhortation to stand firm, 2:13-17
D. Prayer Request & Closing Exhortations, ch. 3
- 1. be involved in kingdom work (pray for us), 3:1-5
- 2. beware of idleness & disorderly behavior, 3:6-15
- 3. benediction & signature, 3:16-1- 8