Have you ever heard someone say, “Let’s get back to basics,” or some variation of this? People often talk of getting back to the basics, but have you ever stopped to ask yourself why? Why do we so often crave a return to these “basics?”

In general, the use of this expression implies that things have become convoluted and difficult to manage. This is usually caused by us trying to improve upon something, which leads to an over-complication of something that should be simple. Thus, to get back to basics is to simplify and return to a process or way of living that stresses the fundamentals and foundational elements.

Sometimes in life, work, school, raising kids, and even things like grocery shopping can become unsolvable equations. And the same can be said of the Christian life. Since the days of the apostles, people have been overcomplicating what it means to live as a Christ follower, adding laws, restrictions, and barriers that were never there to begin with.

So how do we combat these issues? How do we simplify our lives? We get back to the basics, and Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonian church can help us with that. You see, this letter—believed by many to be the earliest of Paul’s writings in the New Testament—was written to a young church. And so Paul, who was only with them for a short time before being forced to leave the area, wrote to these newbies in the faith to, in part, lay out the foundational elements of the Christian life. For them, it was like being a kindergarten student learning to read, write, add, and subtract. For us, this book can serve as a way to get back to the basics and return to the fundamentals of our faith.

So, before we examine the elements of Christianity through this series, let’s get a little context and background for this epistle.

AUTHOR

The apostle Paul’s authorship of 1 Thessalonians is universally accepted by New Testament scholars. Its inclusion in almost every major early church canon suggests its full acceptance from very early on. In addition, the language and style used in this letter is consistent with Paul’s way of writing.

DATE

Most believe that the first letter to the church at Thessalonica was written shortly after Paul arrived in the city of Corinth. The reason for this is because, after the events that took place during his time there and the manner in which he was forced to leave, Paul likely would have been eager to communicate with this new church as soon as he could. The majority of scholars date the writing of this letter to sometime between 48 and 50 A.D.

AUDIENCE

This epistle was written to the church at Thessalonica, a church that contained both Jewish believers and Gentiles within its body, though it seems the leadership was primarily Jewish. Regarding the city, Paul Hiebert once wrote, “The city of Thessalonica enjoyed the advantages of a strategic location. The famous Via Egnatia (Egnatian Way), spanning Macedonia from east to west, passed through the walls of the city. This important Roman highway facilitated brisk travel and commerce and put Thessalonica into ready contact with the important inland districts on either side of it. It was the principal artery of communication between Rome and her eastern provinces.”

Essentially, the city of Thessalonica has been called “the key to the whole of Macedonia” because of its location. It was a central hub and the largest city in Macedonia, with an estimated population of 200,000 during Paul’s day.

KEY THEMES
Persecution is the first major theme of this letter. As a major commercial hub, Thessalonica was a melting pot of different people and beliefs. In order to solidify their relationship with Rome, the city leaders developed strong relationships and devotion to the imperial cult. So, to preach and live out the gospel, which meant following Christ as Lord and King, was a dangerous thing to do as it could be seen as treason.

One of the main things Paul does in this letter is encourage the Thessalonians for their progress in the faith. He also inspires them to keep pressing forward, explaining how the trials believers endure for the faith are not just pointless suffering. Instead, he explains that suffering for the faith should be expected and welcomed because fulfilling our calling and encountering opposition go hand-in-hand. We should consider opposition as confirmation and authentication of the mission; that we’re doing what God wants us to do.

Christ’s return is another major theme. Paul assures the Thessalonians that believers who died will be resurrected first when Christ returns. And he addresses the time and date of the return of Christ, comparing it to a thief coming in the night, or a sudden arrival of a baby.

Christian living is the final major theme. While believers await the Lord’s coming, Paul instructs us on how we should be living. He encourages living a quiet, respectful, holy, and productive life. This means being encouraging and helpful to one another and showing patience and kindness to EVERYONE.

He stresses that even though a moral life is not a requirement for becoming a Christian, an immoral life is irreconcilable with faith in Jesus. True believers in Jesus should align their lives with Him and His Word.

OF NOTE

This letter consistently references God’s faithfulness. In addition, it’s chalk full of practical advice on living the Christian life within the context of an immoral culture that is hostile to Christian values.

REFLECTION

As you take part in this study with us, and read 1 Thessalonians on your own, consider the issues Paul addresses. Are there modern parallels for our life today? Do you see similarity between life in Thessalonica and the modern American cultural landscape? In your notes, try to connect some of the issues we’re currently facing and identify Paul’s advice for dealing with them.