WEBVTT

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Introduction to the First Epistle of Paul
the Apostle to the Thessalonians Composed

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early in Paul's ministry, in about AD 51,
1 Thessalonians was the first of two

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letters written to the church at
Thessalonica, which was located in Greece.

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Following his visit to Philippi,
Thessalonica was the second city in Europe

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where the Apostle Paul preached the
Gospel.

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Paul was forced to leave town because of
opposition from some of the Jewish people

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living there.

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The recent converts were left with little
support and growing persecution.

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So Paul wrote to encourage the new
converts in their trials.

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They had come out of pagan religions,
and so he gave them instructions in godly

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living.

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He also wanted to assure them about the
future of believers who die before Jesus

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returns, as he promised he would.

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Notice how much of Paul's encouragement
for them comes from the hope of Christ's

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return.

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It's mentioned in each chapter.

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Knowing that Christ is coming helps all
believers who are burdened by grief and

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overwhelmed by sorrow.