Period of Writing

Books Description Date Theme

Second Missionary Journey

1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians

The First Epistles

51-52 A.D. Eschatology:Last Things

Third Missionary Journey

Galatians1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansRomans

The Impregnable Quartet

53-57 A.D. Soteriology:Salvation

First Roman Imprisonment

ColossiansPhilemonEphesiansPhilippians

The Prison Epistles

60-62 A.D. Christology:Christ

Release & Second Roman Imprisonment

1 TimothyTitus2 Timothy

The Evangelist Epistles

62-68 A.D. Ecclesiology:The Church

• Author: Paul • Recipients: Church in Thessalonica• Date: 50-51 A.D.• Theme: Comfort and hope for faithful Christians at the

second coming of Christ • Key Words: “hope,” “sanctification,” “comfort,” “gospel”• Key Verses: 1:9-10; 2:13; 4:13-18; 5:21-22

Characteristics & Features of the Book:1. “Second Missionary Journey” epistles2. Early epistles3. Positive tone4. Divided “in half”

Main Emphasis of the Book:The primary theme of the book of First Thessalonians is that there is comfort and hope for faithful Christians at the second coming of Christ. While the second coming is heavily addressed near the end of the letter, the subject is leaned upon throughout the letter as the ultimate hope for the faithful.

I. The Conversion of the Thessalonians Pointed Toward the Coming of Christ (1:2-10).

II. The Close Relationship of Paul and the Thessalonians Longed for the Coming of Christ (2:1-20).

III. Thanksgiving for Faithfulness in Persecution Gave Confidence for the Coming of Christ (3:1-13).

IV. Living a Sanctified Life Is Necessary to Be Prepared for the Coming of Christ (4:1-12).

V. The Second Coming of Christ Affords Great Comfort and Hope for All Faithful Christians (4:13-18).

VI.The Second Coming of Christ Requires Constant Preparedness of All Faithful Christians (5:1-11).

VII.Full Preparations Must Be Made in All Parts of the Christian Life for the Coming of Christ (5:12-28).

• Author: Paul • Recipients: Church in Thessalonica• Date: 51-52 A.D.• Theme: Proper preparations for the second coming of

Christ • Key Words: “day,” “come/coming”• Key Verses: 1:7-10; 2:3; 2:14-15; 3:3-5

Characteristics & Features of the Book:1. “Second Missionary Journey” epistles2. Early epistles3. Severe tone4. Short epistle

Main Emphasis of the Book:The primary theme of the book of Second Thessalonians is that Christians must make proper preparations for the second coming of Christ. Having dealt with the second coming of Christ in his first epistle to the Thessalonians, Paul now addresses some misunderstandings on their part and instructs them to stand firm in the teachings of God.

I. Christians Are Given Encouragement and Comfort to Prepare for the Coming of Christ (1:3-12).

II. Christians Are Given Instruction and Caution to Prepare for the Coming of Christ (2:1-17).

III. Christians Are Given Exhortation and Commands to Prepare for the Coming of Christ (3:1-18).