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Introduction to the Epistle of 1 Thessalonians
(Overcomer Wu)

“Knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God. For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake. And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out...” --1 Thessalonians 1:4-8

The first epistle to the Thessalonians by the apostle Paul is known to be the oldest book in the New Testament. Written from Corinth, possibly as early as A.D. 43, the letter is believed to be Paul's response to the good report brought to him by Timothy (3:6). Thessalonica, where Paul and Silas had established a church (Acts 17:1-9), was the capital of the Roman province of Macedonia in northern Greece and a prominent center of commerce. Structurally, the letter reflects a Greco-Roman pattern that is common to many of Paul's writings; e.g., introduction (salutation, prayer of thanksgiving), central section (exhortations, instructions), conclusion (benediction, greetings). Chapters 1-3 recount Paul's work in establishing the church in Thessalonica, and chapters 4 and 5 address issues facing this newly-formed community of believers.

The letter contains a sobering eschatological (concerning the end times and the Lord's second advent) section (1 Thes 4:13—5:11) where Paul encourages the believers to "keep awake" and remain alert because "the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night" (1 Thes 5:2, 6) – a recurring theme throughout this season of Advent (2 Peter 3:10). Paul reminds the Thessalonians that they are now "children of light and children of the day" (1 Thes 5:5), having accepted the gospel of Christ.

Exhortations concerning life in the Christian community and relationships with others (1 Thes 5:12-21) immediately follow the eschatological section – a reminder that a community of faith is called to live a new way while awaiting the parousia, or Christ's Second Coming. And this week's reading (5:16-24) reminds us that living "according to the will of God in Christ Jesus" (5:18, NRSV) is cause for rejoicing always (5:16) and that the God of peace will sanctify us (5:23).

The Gospel reading lifts up John, the messianic forerunner, who came "to testify to the light ... which enlightens everyone" (John 1:8,9). Like John, we are called to witness to the One who is the "true light" (John 1:9); and like the Thessalonians, we, too, are "children of the light and children of the day." While watchfulness is our vanguard as we await Christ's second advent, we live in the community of the faithful and continue to rejoice, pray, give thanks, and hold fast to what is good, so that in spirit, soul, and body we may "be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Thes 5:23). Amen! Come Lord Jesus!