1 Thessalonians

The closing of this letter is no more a light desert than the opening is simply an appetizer; it ties together the theme of the letter and would have been written with Paul's own hand.

Paul knows that he is leaving the Thessalonians in a situation where there is conflict and persecution and he wants to show them how to have peace amidst such stormy circumstances.

Here the apostle Paul reminds the Thessalonians of the return of Christ and the coming judgment; giving them a word of warning, of comfort, and command.

Paul speaks to the Thessalonians about death so that rather than grieving about it they will be encouraged about their future and encourage others with what he tells them.

Paul commends the Thessalonians for their great brotherly love which was becoming well known even beyond their own city; and yet he still exhorts them to love each other more and more.

Paul addresses the issue of sexual immorality in the Thessalonian church, calling them out of impurity and into holiness.

Paul's worries about the difficulties the young church in Thessalonica faced are relieved by Timothy's report of their great faith and love which gives Paul himself great encouragement amidst his own difficulties.