1 Thes 1.1; Introduction; Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy greet the church with grace and peace.

1 Thes 1.2-10; Commendation; Paul gives thanks to God in his prayers for them because of their faith, love and hope in Jesus Christ. He remembers how they believed the gospel in the power of the Spirit and imitated the apostles and the Lord Jesus. Others have heard about their faith and how they abandoned idols to turn to God now waiting for Jesus to return.

1 Thes 2.1-16; History; Paul recalls the circumstances in which he preached the gospel to them. He spoke to please God who tests their hearts. They worked to provide for themselves so as not to be a burden to them while they preached the gospel and they charged them to walk in a manner worthy of it. Some people hindered their ministry and God’s wrath is on them.

1 Thes 2.17-3.5; History; Paul longs to see them again. He sent Timothy to build them up fearing the affliction they would endure would cause them to fall away.

1 Thes 3.6-13; History-Prayer; Timothy returned and gave Paul an encouraging report of their faith and love. Paul prays that Lord Jesus will establish their hearts blameless in holiness before God at Jesus coming.

1 Thes 4.1-12; Instruction; Paul instructs them to live as they previously taught them to please God. He warns them to abstain from sexual immorality so that they don’t wrong their brothers in this way.They are urged to love one another more and more. They should aspire to live quietly and walk properly before outsiders.

1 Thes 4.13-18; Teaching-Assurance; Paul assures them that those who have died will be raised and come with Jesus when he returns. In light of this they grieve with hope and should encourage one another.

1 Thes 5.1-11; Instruction; In light of Jesus’ return Paul says they are children of light, not of the darkness. Since they belong to the day they need to be self-controlled. Having faith, hope and love they know God has not destined them for wrath, but to obtain salvation through Jesus who died for them. They should encourage one another.

1 Thes 5.12-28; Instructions-Close; Paul gives some final instructions. To esteem their leaders, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak and be patient. Seek always to do good and abstain from every form of evil. Paul prays they may be kept blameless at Jesus’ coming and ends with grace.