The two letters to the Thessalonians are amongst the earliest New Testament letters. Although they are not written as doctrinal treatises, they contain most of the major doctrines of the faith.
There is but one living God (1 Th 1.9), our Father (2 Th 1.2). We are chosen by God for salvation (1 Th 1.4; 2 Th 2.13). We are delivered from wrath through God’s Son, Jesus (1 Th 1.10). The gospel is the message of deliverance and salvation (1 Th 1.5; 2.9; 2 Th 2.14).
The gospel is about Jesus Christ, who was killed under the Jews (1 Th 2.15), and who rose from the dead (1 Th 1.10; 4.14; 5.10), and has ascended into Heaven (1 Th 1.10), and He will return (1 Th 2.19; 4.15; 5.23; 2 Th 2.1). The message is confirmed by the Holy Spirit (1 Th 1.5; 4.8).
To Jesus Christ is ascribed deity, for He is Lord (1 Th 1.6), and God’s Son (1 Th 1.10), He is the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Th 1.1,3; 5.28; 2 Th 1.1).
True believers have received God’s word (1 Th 1.6), they have turned from idols, to serve God, and to wait for Christ’s return (1 Th 1.9-10). They grow in sanctification (1 Th 4.3,7; 2 Th 2.13). They should be holy (1 Th 4.4-6), industrious (1 Th 4.11-12), prayerful (1 Th 5.17), and cheerful (1 Th 5.16).
v1-2 Paul’s greeting follows that of the first letter (1 Thess 1.1).
v3 Paul commends them for real spiritual growth. Love was abounding, and faith was growing; Col 1.4; 1 Thess 1.3; 3.12; 4.10. Paul feels compelled to give God thinks for this growth.
v4 Following Paul’s teaching about afflictions, he notes that their patience and faith were being maintained through persecutions and tribulations.
v5 Persecutions are a manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God; not necessarily something to be avoided. In Phil 1.28, persecutions are clearly set forth as a proof of salvation, and that from God. It is through such experiences that our faith is strengthened, and we are counted worthy of the kingdom of God.
v6 “Those who trouble you”; in Gal 1.7, this refers to those who bring in false doctrine. This is described in the same way as the bringing in of persecution.
Suffering tribulation is a symptom of on going spiritual conflict; we need to look behind the symptoms and circumstances.
v7 We experience trouble today; but our hope is in Christ’s revelation. Our relief may not be in this life.
v8 The revelation of Christ, to bring judgment upon unbelievers; they do not know God, and they do not obey the gospel of Christ.
v9 There is everlasting destruction, that is, on-going suffering. Such people are put away from the presence of the Lord, and the glory of His power, away from all that is good.
v10 1 Thess 4.16-17 refers to the in-gathering of believers; at this time, unbelievers are separated for the judgment due to them. At the centre of all things is Jesus Christ; He is admired by all who are gathered to Him.
v11-12 In the delay before Christ’s return, God is at work in His people, Phil 1.6; 2.13. The aim is that Christ is glorified in and through us.