Brief Introduction

Thought I would add a introduction for the book:

Author: Paul
Audience: The church at Thessalonica. Wrote as a response to Timothy's good report of the church.
Purpose:
- To encourage the church
- To answer false allegations
- Comforting the persecuted
- Expressing his joy in their faith
- Reminding them of the importance of moral purity
- Condemning the sluggard
- Correction a wrong understanding of prophetic events.
- Defusing tensions within the flock
- Exhorting flock on the basics of Christian living.

Themes:
- Apologetic (defense) theme with historical correlation between Acts and I Thes.
- Ecclesiastical (church related) Theme with the portrayal of a healthy growing church.
- Pastoral Theme with the example of shepherding the flock
- Eschatological (end times) theme with the focus on end time events
- Missionary theme with the emphasis on gospel proclamation and church planting

7 signs of Paul's genuine ministry:
1. Self- sacrifice
2. Motherly love
3. Fatherly integrity and encouragement
4. Desire for fellowship
5. Joy
6. Prayer
7. Hope

8 Signs of a Christian life:
1. Live in order to please God
2. Live a sexually holy life
3. Live a life of brotherly love
4. Live a respectable life
5. Live a life awake to God
6. Live an encouraging life
7. Life a God-Centered life
8. Live a discerning life

Hope this helps!! I will add my thoughts later!