Chronological Reading Plan for Dec 13, 1 Ths 1-5

Today's reading is 1 Ths.

Even as Acts 17 describes Paul's peril in Thessalonica and Berea, we see in 1 Ths (50-51 AD) that Paul leaves a relatively healthy but very young church behind in Thessalonica. He instructs Timothy to teach and lead the group of new believers. Since Paul had to leave quickly, he provides an enduring foundation in four key areas; godly living & sanctification (1 Ths 4:1-12), the eternal security of believers who had died (1 Ths 5:8-11), the sure return of the Lord (1 Ths 4:13-18) and his own ministry as an apostle (1 Ths 2:1-11).

Notice that Paul’s teaching is beginning to broaden and deepen, even at this early stage of his ministry, as the gospel spreads and the church grows throughout the Western world. Each epistle, if read chronologically, takes his overall teaching deeper into doctrine, providing a better, richer understanding of salvation, the nature & character of God and what godly living in an increasingly hostile world looks like.

As followers of Christ, we should do likewise. As we mature in our walk, we should strive for a better understanding of doctrine and theology, a deeper, more intimate knowledge of the character and nature of God. Paul sets the template in his writings. Rather than seeing this pattern as an interesting history of the early church, we should look at it as a pathway to follow.