AUTHOR: In the preface and salutation [ 1Th 1:1 ] the authorship of Paul is affirmed, having as his companions Silvanus and Timothy. The unanimous opinion of Bible commentators is that the Apostle Paul is the author of the Epistles to the Thessalonians.

THEMATIC: This letter was occasioned with the purpose of emphasizing the need to encourage believers in the face of persecution [ 1Th 3:1-5 ], in addition to eliminating doubts raised mainly regarding the second coming from the Lord. After receiving information from Timothy in Thessalonica concerning the persecution they were suffering, Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, clarifying the various matters on which they desired further guidance, especially regarding the teaching of Christ's return. Some members of the congregation had died since Paul left town, and the faithful were anxious to know whether they would suffer any disadvantage as a result of Jesus' return compared to those who were still alive. We understand that the following passage is the central portion of this epistle: “Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord” [1 Thess 4:17 ].

COMPILATION: The letter was written in Corinth, shortly after Paul left Thessalonica on his second missionary journey in A.D. 51. It consists of 5 chapters and 89 verses.