The Thessalonians’ Place Within the Unfolding Story of God’s Church

• The Apostle Paul, Silas, and Timothy plant a church in Thessalonica during Paul’s second missionary journey
  • Acts 15:39–41
  • Acts 16:1-5
  • Acts 16:9-10
  • Acts 17:1–10a
  • 1 Thessalonians 3:1, 2
  • Acts 18:5, 11
• The Apostle Paul, Silas, and Timothy write back-to-back letters to the fledgling church
  • 1 Thessalonians 3:6
  • 1 Thessalonians 1:1a
  • 2 Thessalonians 3:11
  • 2 Thessalonians 1:1

Grace and Peace Are Keys to Understanding Our Saving Faith, Present Responsibilities, and Future Reality.

• 1 Thess. 1:1b Grace to you and peace.
  • 1 Thessalonians 2:1–4, 13
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:1–8
  • 2 Thessalonians 3:6–10
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18
  • 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2

The Source of Our Grace and Peace

• 2 Thess. 1:2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
  • 2 Thessalonians 3:16

So What?

• Have I, by the grace offered through Jesus Christ, found peace with God in all things?
• Romans 5:1
• John 14:27

Further Discussion

• Why is it important for us to be regularly reminded that it is by grace alone that we are saved?
• How does having peace with God give us strength for today?
• How does having peace with God give us hope for the future?