1. Introduction, 1-7.
2. Polemic against the general false teachings, 8-15.
3. Polemic against the particular claims of the false teachers, 16 end.
III. Hortatory Section, 3:1-4:6.
1. To a lofty Christian life, 3:1-4.
2. To exchange the old vices for the Christian graces, 3:5-14.
3. To make Christ sovereign over the whole of life, 3:15-17.
4. To the Christian discharge of relative duties, 3:18-4:1.
3. To a proper prayer life, 4:2-6.
IV. Personal Section, 4:7 end.
For Study and Discussion. (1) Paul's prayer for them, 1:9-14. (2) The preeminence of the Savior,1:5-20. (3) The false and true philosophy of religion, 2:8-15. (4) The worldly vices, 3:5-8. (5) The Christian graces, 3:9-14. (6) The lofty Christian life, 3:15-17. (7) All references to the false teachings as in the words mystery, head, body, Lord, fullness, etc. Note 2:3, 8, 11, 16, 18, and many others. (8) Paul's view of Jesus. Study every reference to him.
CHAPTER XXXIII.
The City of Thessalonica. It was founded by Cassander, King of Macedon 315 B. C., and was about a hundred miles west of Philippi. It was a great commercial center of Paul's time, the inhabitants being Greeks, Romans and Jews. It still exists under the name of Saloniki, and has a population of from 75,000 to 85,000 about half of whom are Jews.
The Church of Thessalonica. Upon being delivered from prison at Philippi. Paul continued his second missionary journey to Thessalonica, having also Silas and Timothy with him (Acts 17:1-5). He spent three Sabbaths there, but on account of the persecution of the Jews, went from there to Berea, then to Athens, and then to Corinth where he spent 18 months. The first letter bears testimony to the splendid Christian character of these new converts from heathenism.
First Thessalonians.