Coast near the harbor of Thessalonica

1 Thessalonians was written by Paul for the church in Thessalonica. The first part of the letter gives thanks for the way the Thessalonians turned from idols to God when Paul had preached the gospel and recalls how Paul labored blamelessly among them (1-3). In the second part of the letter (4-5) Paul urges them to holy living and assures them that those who die in Christ have the hope of being raised again when Christ returns. Paul concludes by exhorting them to watch for the Day of the Lord, which will come like a thief in the night, and to abstain from evil.

1 Thess 1:1-10 - Joy in faith
1 Thess 4:13-18 - Resurrection hope