New Testament · Letters of Paul · World English Bible
1 Thessalonians
"Admonish the disorderly; encourage the faint-hearted; support the weak; be patient toward all."
— 1 Thessalonians 5:14 
The Reading LensEvery verse pulled to the top of a book is chosen by three questions: Where is God’s heart here? Who is He protecting? Who is being saved by the action? It marks the place where those answers come into clearest focus — a “look at this, in this book.”
About the Letter
Probably the earliest of his surviving letters, and possibly the earliest document in the New Testament — written within about twenty years of the crucifixion.
He had been run out of Thessalonica after a short stay and could not get back. He sent Timothy instead, and this is what he wrote once Timothy returned with good news.
The pastoral problem behind it is grief. Members of the congregation had died, and those left were not sure what that meant for people who had expected to still be alive at the end. Chapter 4 is his answer, written so they would not grieve like those with no hope.
5 Chapters
Their Reputation
Thanksgiving for work produced by faith, labour prompted by love, and endurance inspired by hope — and the note that the report had already travelled ahead of him.
How He Came to Them
A defence of his conduct: no flattery, no greed, no seeking praise from anyone. Gentle as a nursing mother; working night and day so as not to burden them.
Timothy’s Report
He could bear it no longer and sent Timothy to find out whether their faith had held under pressure. Timothy came back with good news, and Paul says that now he can live again.
Those Who Have Fallen Asleep
Live quietly, mind your own business, work with your hands. Then the answer to their grief — the dead in Christ are at no disadvantage — and the instruction to comfort one another with these words.
The Day
Like a thief in the night; children of light, not of darkness. Then a rapid sequence of short commands — help the weak, be patient with everyone, rejoice always, test all things, hold fast what is good.