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What are the Books of Thessalonians?
        EPIS'TLES TO THE THESSALO'NIANS
        They were written by the apostle Paul to the church of the Thessalonians, and are the earliest of his writings and the oldest portions of the N.T. They were probably written, near the close of a.d. 52 or the beginning of 53, from Corinth, not from Athens, as the subscription states. The first was composed in consequence of the reception of Timothy's on the whole cheering intelligence about the Thessalonian church. But Paul learned that his favorite theme of the speedy coming of Christ had given rise among some of them to the erroneous impression that their dead were separated from Christ so much that they could not join in the triumphs of his return. Others of them had grown careless, paralyzed by the hope. Accordingly, he devotes his Epistle to the removal of these troubles, the more particularly since unauthorized prophets had fanned their enthusiasm and occasioned, on the part of the sober-minded, contempt for the prophetic gift. "The apostle therefore wrote to confirm them in the faith, to strengthen them against persecution, to rectify mistakes, and to inculcate purity of life." But, this Epistle not fully answering its purpose, Paul wrote a second shortly after. Some one had forged a letter in his name, advocating the very delusion he deprecated. 2 Thess 2:2. He therefore corrected the mistake and tried to put a stop to the ensuing evils. We thus analyze the Epistles: First Thessalonians. - I. After a salutation, 1 Thess 1:1, Paul gives thanks to God for their conversion and advancement in the faith, 1 Thess 1:2-2:16, and then expresses his desire to see them and his loving care over them. 1 Thess 2:17-3:13. II. In the didactic and hortatory part he exhorts them to holiness and brotherly love, 1 Thess 4:1-12; he speaks of Christ's advent, 1 Thess 4:13-5:11; and adds various admonitions. 1 Thess 5:12-24. He then concludes with a charge that the Epistle be generally read, with greetings and a benediction. 1 Thess 5:25-28. Second Thessalonians. - Besides the salutation, there are three sections, answering to the three chapters: I. A thanksgiving and prayer for the Thessalonians. 2 Thess 1:3-12. II. Instruction and exhortation in regard to the "man of sin." 2. III. Sundry admonitions: (1) To prayer, with a confident expression of his hope respecting them. 2 Thess 3:1-5; (2) To correct the disorderlv. 2 Thess 3:6-15. He then concludes with a special remark, showing how his letters were thereafter to be identified, and the usual salutation and apostolic benediction. 2 Thess 3:16-18.


Bibliography Information
Schaff, Philip, Dr. "Biblical Definition for 'thessalonians' in Schaffs Bible Dictionary".
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