Remember that 2 Thessalonians is a response to some remaining questions the believers in Thessalonica had. Paul had sent them a previous letter, and this second letter addresses other questions bothering the church.

This whole first chapter of the book amounts to an extended greeting. He begins and ends the chapter like a normal greeting, but in the middle, he covers some significant theological matters.

The main theme in this first chapter is steadfast, patient faith in the midst of persecution. The Thessalonian believers were enduring hostility and opposition against them, yet they retained their faith and even grew in their love for one another during these difficult times. They displayed Christian virtues even when under distress. So this first chapter is Paul’s expression of appreciation for their steadfast faith and endurance.

We don’t face the same kind of persecution, but we should display the same kind of persevering faith, patient endurance, and love for the brethren. In fact, it ought to be easier and more common for us to demonstrate these virtues. We are not under persecution.

Paul packs a lot of theology into this short passage. We’ll take two Sundays to work our way through the first chapter.