Day 343 Reading Schedule: 1 Thessalonians 1-3

1 Thessalonians 1: The Thessalonians' Faith 

[Overview]

This chapter is very short, but for a simple and personal greeting, its content is very comprehensive and deep. In fact, this chapter not only mentions grace, peace, and the Holy Spirit, but also clearly states what kind of work evangelism is, and it includes the contents of conversion, faith, hope, and love, and even mentions the resurrection and second coming of Christ. This chapter, which contains such comprehensive content, is completely suitable as an introduction to this book. Through this chapter, Paul shows that the Thessalonian church, which had only recently encountered the gospel and was in the beginning stages of faith, was never discouraged in the midst of tribulation, but rather joyfully devoted to their faith life, becoming an example to neighboring churches. Paul's intention is to reveal that the Thessalonian church, which was in a state of rudimentary faith, was able to share joy with one another and keep the gospel even in the midst of difficulties because of the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The content of this chapter is Paul greeting the church in Thessalonica and offering a prayer of thanks to God (verses 1-3), and recalling what happened when the church in Thessalonica was first established (verses 4-10).

1 Thessalonians 2: The Apostle’s Faithful Ministry and Reward 

[Overview]

Paul greeted the Thessalonians in the previous chapter, and in this chapter he goes into the main topic and recalls his zeal for the Thessalonians. In other words, Paul recalls the persecution he faced in the early days of his missionary work in Thessalonica and says that despite such persecution, he testified to the gospel in Thessalonica because he wanted to please God. In addition, Paul conveys through this chapter that his affection and love for the Thessalonians remains unchanged even though he is separated from them. It also clearly proves that Paul's missionary work in Thessalonica was not in vain, even though it may have seemed like a failure and fruitless effort to his enemies. The content of this chapter consists of the first half (verses 1-12) that mentions Paul's missionary work in Thessalonica, the middle half (verses 13-16) that clearly shows the power of the Word, and the second half (verses 17-20) that shows Paul's passion for Thessalonica. 

 1 Thessalonians 3: Faith that triumphs in tribulation 

[Summary]

Since Paul could not personally return to Thessalonica due to unfavorable circumstances, he decided to send Timothy to encourage the believers. This chapter records the sending of Timothy against this backdrop. However, Timothy’s sending was not because the apostle Paul was indifferent to the Thessalonian believers as his enemies had accused him, but rather because it showed his determination to make any sacrifice for their benefit. Here, we can once again confirm Paul’s loving consideration and continuous concern for the Thessalonian church. Furthermore, this consideration and concern of Paul exemplifies Christ’s comfort and protection for the church that is being persecuted and tribulated in various ways all over the world today. The structure of this chapter is composed of the first half (verses 1-5) where Timothy is sent out, the middle part (verses 6-10) where Timothy's report and Paul's joy are shown, and the second half (verses 11-13) where prayers for the preservation of the church are recorded.