1 Thessalonians A Short Study

Jul 15, 2026

A short English study of 1 Thessalonians focused on encouraging persecuted believers and emphasizing the return of Jesus Christ. It outlines context about Thessalonica as a key seaport supporting the spread of the Gospel, explains themes from Paul’s letters, and highlights practical guidance for holy living. Through a sequence of guided questions across chapters 1 to 5, it addresses prayer for fellow workers, acceptance of God’s Word, holiness in relationships, diligence in work, and hope in the resurrection and reunion with the Lord.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryReligion & Spirituality

FormatPDF

Pages14

Reading Time35 min

1 Thessalonians Overview

Purpose and Key Themes

Historical Context and Authorship

Chapter Studies (Guided Questions)

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

1 Thessalonians 2:1-20

1 Thessalonians 3:1-13

1 Thessalonians 4:1-18

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

1 Thessalonians A Short Study English Spiritual 1 Thessalonians A Short Study By: Marlene Custer Illustrations: International Art of Reading 3.0 English USA Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House . All rights reserved. [www.biblehub.com/commentaries](www.biblehub.com/commentaries)[ ](www.biblehub.com/commentaries)[Art of Reading illustrations are cc by-nd.](Art of Reading illustrations are cc by-nd.) Copyright © 2017, Marlene Custer [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/](http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) You are free to make commercial use of this work. You may adapt and add to this work. You must keep the copyright and credits for authors, illustrators, etc. Read or listen to 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 Thessalonica was a major seaport in northern Greece. It was located on the Aegean Sea, and was important both commercially and politically. Its location was valuable for the spread of the Gospel. The main purpose of 1 Thessalonians is to encourage the Believers who were being persecuted for their faith. Another important theme is the return of Jesus Christ. This book may have been Paul's first letter to the early churches. Silas and Timothy were also with Paul, and he uses the pronouns 'we'and 'us' throughout the letter. 1. Who was with Paul when he wrote this letter? 2. What did Paul continually remember? Are you continually remembering fellow workers in prayer? 3. What did the Thessalonians welcome with joy? 4. What had become known everywhere? 5. What had the believers turned away from? Read or listen to 1 Thessalonians 2:1-20 1. What did Paul dare to do in spite of strong opposition? 2. Who is Paul trying to please? 3. What two things did Paul share with the Thessalonians? 4. What did Paul say the Thessalonians were witnesses of? 5. How are you accepting God's Word? 6. Who kept Paul from coming to the Thessalonians earlier? Why do you think Paul was hindered? 7. Who did Paul say would come? Read or listen to 1 Thessalonians 3:1-13 1. Who did Paul send to encourage the Thessalonians? Why? Who can you encourage? 2. In verse 5, what was Paul afraid of? 3. What did Timothy report to Paul and Silas? 4. Why can Paul 'really live'? What does he pray for most earnestly? 5. Who must clear the way for Paul to come to the Thessalonians? 6. What does Paul want to increase and overflow? 7. Who is coming at the end of the chapter? Most Bible teachers believe 'saints' or 'holy ones' in verse 13 refers to Believers that are already with Christ, and may possibly include angels, as well. Read or listen to 1 Thessalonians 4:1-18 1. How did Paul instruct us to live? What is God's will according to verses 3-6? 2. Why will God punish such sins as listed in the above verses? God has called us to holiness. Christians must be different from non-believers. Another reason God demands purity in our marriages is because adultery hurts many people, not just the guilty man and woman. Jesus said, "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:35) If we love some one, we will not do anything that hurts them. 3. Why does Paul not need to talk to the Thessalonians (or us) about brotherly love? 4. What three things should we 'make it our ambition' to do? Why? Each person must work. It seems that some of the Thessalonians thought manual labor was only for slaves, or they thought Jesus was coming back soon, so they did not need to work. But Scripture teaches us to work and not be idle. We must not depend on others to support us without doing any work. 5. In verse 13, what did Paul not want the Thessalonians to be ignorant of? 6. Why do 'we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him'? It is normal to be sad when someone we love dies, but we should not g

FAQs

What is the main purpose of 1 Thessalonians for the believers?

It encourages believers who are being persecuted for their faith. It also highlights the return of Jesus Christ as an important theme.

What guidance does the study give for holy living and relationships?

God has called believers to holiness and purity, including in marriage. The study stresses that love shows discipleship and that adultery harms others.

How does the study explain hope for believers who have died?

It teaches that believers grieve appropriately because God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him. It also describes Jesus’ return, the resurrection, and meeting the Lord.

Jul 15, 2026

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