Paul recalls his suffering and shameful treatment at Philippi before coming to Thessalonica, where he spoke God's gospel with boldness amid much conflict, not from error or uncleanness or guile but as approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. He reminds them of his gentle, nursing manner among them, working night and day not to burden them, and thanks God that they received his message not as man's word but God's word; he laments being hindered by Satan from returning and identifies them as his hope, joy, and crown of boasting at Christ's coming.
Read 1 Thessalonians Chapter 2 Summary
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Philippi
View on MapPhilippi was a Roman colony in Macedonia where Paul established the first church in Europe. Lydia, a seller of purple, was his first convert there. Paul and Silas were imprisoned here but miraculously freed by an earthquake, leading to the jailer's conversion. Paul later wrote his joyful letter to the Philippians from prison.
Position in Book
ThanksgivingChapters 1
Paul's MinistryChapters 2-3
Recollection of founding visit, concern for them.
Holy LivingChapters 4:1-12
Christ's ReturnChapters 4:13-5:28
Bible Bites
Paul's first letter
1 Thessalonians is likely Paul's earliest surviving letter, written around AD 50-51, just months after founding the church there. Every chapter ends with a reference to Christ's return, showing it was a central concern for this young congregation.
1 Thessalonians