FocusThe gospel received in power
Connection to the wholePaul's opening gratitude identifies the church's active faith, love, and hope and recalls the character of the gospel's arrival.
interpretation 1 Thessalonians 1:5
KJVFor our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.
Read it in context
Thanksgiving for faith's work
Start reading at 1 Thessalonians 1:1 (1 Thessalonians 1:1 to 1 Thessalonians 1:5).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Paul's opening gratitude identifies the church's active faith, love, and hope and recalls the character of the gospel's arrival.
- 1:1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
- 1:2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;
- 1:3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;
- 1:4 Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.
- 1:5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul is the principal author, with Silvanus and Timothy named as co-senders. Biblical references: 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 2:18. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 Thessalonians 1:1–3:13): Paul, with Silvanus and Timothy named as co-senders, addresses the Thessalonian church about its reception of the gospel, afflictions, and Timothy's report. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, including converts who had turned from idols. Biblical references: 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 1:9. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Thanksgiving for faith's work. Read 1 Thessalonians 1:1 through 1 Thessalonians 1:5 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Paul's opening gratitude identifies the church's active faith, love, and hope and recalls the character of the gospel's arrival. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The letter recalls the founding ministry and Timothy's report and addresses the church's present questions. It does not provide a calendar date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The church at Thessalonica is addressed; Athens and Macedonia appear in the account of separation and ministry. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Thanksgiving for faith's work (1 Thessalonians 1:1 to 1 Thessalonians 1:5). Start reading at 1 Thessalonians 1:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The readers have turned to serve the living and true God and await His Son. The coming of the Lord grounds comfort concerning believers who have died and exhortations to holy living. See 1 Thessalonians 1:9, 1 Thessalonians 1:10, 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 1 Thessalonians 4:18. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Encourage one another, work responsibly, and pursue holiness. Use the coming of the Lord for the comfort and watchfulness the letter calls for rather than speculative date-setting. interpretation
Cited: 1 Thessalonians 1:1, 1 Thessalonians 1:5, 1 Thessalonians 1:9, 1 Thessalonians 1:10, 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 1 Thessalonians 4:18
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse.
1 Thessalonians 1:1
Early traditionUniform tradition names Paul.
Related passages
- our Isa 55:11 Rom 2:16 2 Cor 4:3 Gal 1:8-12 Gal 2:2 2 Thess 2:14 2 Tim 2:8
- in word 1 Thess 2:13 1 Cor 4:20 2 Cor 3:6
- but Ps 10:2-3 Mark 16:20 Acts 11:21 Acts 16:14 Rom 1:16 Rom 15:18-19 1 Cor 1:24 1 Cor 2:4-5
- in the John 16:7-15 Acts 2:33 Acts 10:44-46 Acts 11:15-18 1 Cor 3:16 1 Cor 12:7-11 2 Cor 6:6 Gal 3:2-5
- in much Col 2:2 Heb 2:3 Heb 6:11,18-19 Heb 10:22 2 Pet 1:10,19
- what 1 Thess 2:1-11 Acts 20:18-19,33-35 1 Cor 2:2-5 1 Cor 4:9-13 1 Cor 10:33 2 Cor 4:1-2 2 Cor 6:3-10 Phil 4:9
- for 1 Cor 9:19-23 2 Tim 2:10
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
1 Thessalonians 1
Paul, Silvanus, and Timotheus address the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Their conversion, affliction, and expectation of the Lord's coming frame instruction in holiness, love, and hope.
1 Thessalonians 1:1 1 Thessalonians 1:9 1 Thessalonians 1:10
A pattern to other believers
1 Thessalonians 1:6–10FocusTurning to God and waiting for His Son
Connection to the wholeThe church's response amid affliction becomes a witness beyond Thessalonica, joining service to the living God with expectation of Jesus.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
1 Thessalonians
Paul, Silvanus, and Timotheus address the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Their conversion, affliction, and expectation of the Lord's coming frame instruction in holiness, love, and hope.
1 Thessalonians 1:1 1 Thessalonians 1:9 1 Thessalonians 1:10
FocusFaith, love, and hope
Connection to the wholeThe readers' response to the gospel and their witness to others introduce the letter's recurring themes of service, endurance, and expectation.
interpretation The missionaries and the church
1 Thessalonians 2:1–3:13FocusSincere service and continuing concern
Connection to the wholePaul recalls the mission and separation, explains Timothy's visit, and prays for the church's growth and establishment in holiness.
interpretation A walk pleasing to God
1 Thessalonians 4:1–12FocusSanctification, love, and work
Connection to the wholePractical instruction defines the holy and responsible life expected of the believers who received the gospel.
interpretation Hope and readiness
1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:11FocusThe dead in Christ and the day of the Lord
Connection to the wholePaul addresses grief and timing, joining the resurrection hope with sober, wakeful conduct rather than speculation.
interpretation Life together and final prayer
1 Thessalonians 5:12–28FocusOrder, discernment, and sanctification
Connection to the wholeThe closing instructions describe mutual care and spiritual discernment, ending with prayer for the church's preservation.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.