RSV ~ 1 Thessalonians 1 Notes

1 Thess 1:1 | ISB Notes

Paul: The author of the letter (2:18) as well as the founding apostle of the Thessalonian Church (Acts 17:1-9).

Silvanus: A Latin transcription of the name “Silas”, a Christian prophet from Jerusalem (Acts 15:32) who accompanied Paul on his second missionary journey (Acts 15:40). He was a co-founder with Paul of the church in Thessalonica.

Timothy: A young man selected by Paul to minister with him and Silas on their missionary adventures (Acts 16:1-4). Without stating it explicitly, Acts implies that Timothy played a secondary role with Paul and Silas in evangelizing Thessalonica (Acts 17:1, 14). He was later sent to encourage the community and report back to Paul on their situation (1 Thess 3:1-6). See note on 1 Tim 1:2. in …

the Father and the Lord: The Church family in Thessalonica is united “in” the divine family of the Trinity. The heavenly Father has made this possible by choosing believers for adoption (1:4), giving them the Holy Spirit (4:8), and promising to raise even their bodies from the dead (4:14) when his Son returns in glory (1:10; 4:15-17) (CCC 2014).

Grace to you and peace: A standard Christian greeting used by Paul and other writers in the NT (1 Pet 1:2; 2 Jn 3; Rev 1:4).

1 Thess 1:2 | ISB Notes

We give thanks: Nearly every Pauline epistle opens with expressions of gratitude (Rom 1:8; 1 Cor 1:4; etc.). Paul is particularly thankful for the Thessalonians, who have admirably committed themselves to living out the gospel (1 Thess 1:8; 3:6; 4:1, 10).

1 Thess 1:3 | ISB Notes

remembering: Paul recalls the time he first spent with his readers.

What stands out in his mind are the theological virtues that changed their lives: in faith they abandoned their idols and embraced the living God (1:9); in hope they endured suffering and expressed longing for the final salvation that Jesus will bring when he returns (1:10; 5:9); and in love they served one another in generous and sacrificial ways (4:9-10). These virtues will protect them like armor in the challenging days ahead (5:8). Paul often reflects on this triad of Christian virtues in his writings (Rom 5:1-5; 1 Cor 13:8-13; Gal 5:5-6; Col 1:4-5) (CCC 1812-29). See note on 1 Cor 13:13.

1 Thess 1:4 | ISB Notes

he has chosen you: Before the founding of the world, the Father chose believers for salvation (5:9) and divine sonship (Eph 1:4-5) (CCC 759). See note on Rom 8:29.

1 Thess 1:5 | ISB Notes

also in power: The power of God bursts forth through the gospel to save sinners who accept it with faith (Rom 1:16). It is also possible that Paul is referring to the powerful signs and miracles that accompanied his preaching and gave incentive for faith (2 Cor 12:12; Gal 3:5).

1 Thess 1:6 | ISB Notes

affliction, with joy: Suffering for the gospel is a sign of blessedness and divine approval (Mt 5:10; 1 Pet 3:14). It makes the believer more like Christ (1 Pet 2:21) and his apostles (1 Thess 3:3-4).

1 Thess 1:7 | ISB Notes

Macedonia … Achaia: Two Roman provinces that correspond to northern and southern Greece. Paul is writing from the Achaian city of Corinth in the south, while his readers are residents of the Macedonian city of Thessalonica in the north.

1 Thess 1:9 | ISB Notes

turned to God from idols: Suggests most of the Thessalonians were Gentile converts, although some Jewish converts were made in the local synagogue (Acts 17:4).

• Paul is voicing a traditional Jewish critique of idolatry. In the Scriptures, Yahweh is acknowledged and praised as the only living God in contrast to the lifeless idols of the pagans (Tob 14:6; Ps 135:13-18; Jer 10:6-10; Hab 2:18-20). Regarding belief in the one true God, the faith of Israel (Deut 6:4) remains the faith of the Church (1 Cor 8:6). This was the cutting edge of Paul’s preaching among Gentile audiences immersed in polytheistic cultures (Acts 14:15; 17:22-31) (CCC 212).

1 Thess 1:10 | ISB Notes

his Son from heaven: The first of several references in the letter to the return of Jesus (2:19; 3:13; 4:16; 5:23). . the wrath to come: The final unleashing of God’s power against evil on Judgment Day (Rom 2:8). The faithful in Christ will be spared the condemnation and everlasting destruction in store for the wicked (2 Thess 1:710) (CCC 681).