This first week, we are going to start with a bit of context and look first at Acts 17:1-9 when the apostle Paul plants the church in Thessalonica. It will help us understand how the church got started (and the make-up of the believers there) as we study through the letters. We’ll also spend some time looking at the Greeting (1 Thessalonians 1:1). 

Read Acts 17:2-3

What was Paul’s focus? What does it mean that he “reasoned with them from the Scriptures?”

Acts 17:5 tells us that the Jews were jealous that Paul was having success persuading many to the gospel. What could be some reasons for their jealousy?

Read 1 Thessalonians 1:1

How do you think it encouraged the church to be described as, “the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ”? What does it mean to bless someone with “grace and peace”?