1 Thessalonians
Paul encourages a young church in Thessalonica, the capital of Macedonia.
What the sources say, and how sure we are
- The text says
Paul writes soon after leaving the city with Silas and Timothy, and sends the letter from Corinth after Timothy brings news. He comforts the church about believers who have died.1 Thess 3:1–6; 1 Thess 4:13–18; Acts 17:1–9
- Outside evidence
Thessalonica was a capital of Macedonia. An inscription from the city, once on the Vardar Gate, uses the term “politarchs” for its magistrates, the term Acts uses. This letter is likely among the earliest surviving Christian writings, along with Galatians on its early dating.Politarch Inscription, Thessalonica; Acts 17:6
- Debated
A few scholars see 2:13–16 as a later addition because of its harsh words about “the Jews.” Most accept it as Paul’s own, and read it as aimed at those who opposed the gospel in Judea.1 Thess 2:13–16
- Christian conclusion
Christians read the letter as teaching that Christ will return and that believers who have died will rise.1 Thess 4:16–17