I Thessalonians- Introduction

I Thessalonians

Who:  The Thessalonians, Christian residents of the city of Thessalonica (also spelled Thessalonike).  The reference in the letter to having given up idols suggests that the church in Thessalonica was probably made up predominantly (though not exclusively) of Gentiles.  Paul probably founded the church there sometime in 49-50 AD, his stay there being recounted in Acts 17.   

What: A letter written from Paul, Silvanus (also known as Silas), and Timothy, though it is acknowledged that Paul’s is the dominant voice in the letter.  Paul and Silvanus were probably co-workers, with Timothy being a junior partner at this time. 

When: I Thessalonians was probably written around 49-51 AD, and depending on when you date Galatians, is possibly the earliest New Testament writing.  We know that Timothy had returned to Thessalonica following Paul’s stay there, and his encouraging report is what gives rise to this letter.  This means it was probably written during Paul’s stay in Corinth (cf. Acts 18:1-18) 

Where: Thessalonica has a continuous history from its founding in the Greco-Roman period, till the present, because of its strategic location on at the northernmost point of the Thermaic Gulf (Gulf of Salonica), while also sitting along the Egnatian Way, the main road from Byzantium to the Adriatic ports of the west.  It was founded in 315 BC by Cassander, the king of Macedon.  Thessalonica had been under Roman rule for over two centuries, but it remained a Greek city culturally, and was religiously diverse, participating in a number of pagan religions as well as the cult of the emperor.  It also, enjoyed status as a “free city” thanks to its siding with the Second Triumvirate and then Octavian (eventually known as Augustus),  which granted it certain privileges including tax breaks.  It was the capital of the province of Macedonia. Around 65,000 to 80,000 lived inside the walls, with the population outside bringing the total number up to around 100,000.

Why: The letter is not a problem-addressing letter like I Corinthians, or even II Thessalonians.  On the contrary, the Thessalonian church seems to be doing well, and Paul is writing to encourage them to continue in their positive growth, while also addressing some questions that have arisen regarding the parousia, the benefit of work, and Christians who have already died.  Rather than making a sustained theological argument like we see in a letter like Galatians, this letter is more pastoral in nature and tone, addressing concerns and giving encouragement.