The apostle Paul wrote to the church in Thessalonica to encourage Christians to live in light of the gospel. In 1 and 2 Thessalonians, he addressed a number of topics, including the persecution they were enduring, the second coming of Christ, and how they were to live in difficult times. While the letters were written nearly two thousand years ago, pastor James H. Grant Jr. insists that Paul’s audience includes us as well as the Thessalonians. Grant applies Paul’s message to contemporary churches over the course of twenty-five chapters by leading readers systematically through the epistles–unpacking the gospel and its implications in light of Christ’s second coming. Part of the Preaching the Word commentary series.

Table of Contents:

1 Thessalonians

1. Listening to Pauls Conversation: Introduction to 1 Thessalonians
2. Christianity at Thessalonica (1:1 and Acts 17:110)
3. What Is in a Greeting? (1:1)
4. The Importance of Thankfulness (1:25)
5. The Christian Doctrine of Imitation (1:68)
6. All of Life Is Repentance (1:910)
7. Union with Christ and the Christian Life (2:112)
8. Preaching the Word of Christ (2:13)
9. The Gospel and Your Suffering (2:1416)
10. Living in Light of the Gospel (2:173:13)
11. Become What You Already Are in Christ (4:18)
12. The Fruit of the Gospel: Love (4:912)
13. The Second Advent of Christ (4:135:11)
14. Resurrection Hope in the Face of Death (4:1318)
15. What about the Rapture? (4:1618)
16. The Day of the Lord (5:12)
17. Concerning Times and Seasons (5:111)
18. A Gospel Community (5:1228) 145

2 Thessalonians

1. The Right Perspective on Suffering (1:15)
2. Eternal Destinies (1:612)
3. Jesus Will Not Come Until . . . (2:1)
4. Rebellion and Hope (2:112)
5. The Steadfastness of Christ (2:133:5)
6. The Gospel and Vocation (3:618)
7. The Gospel Takes Root and Bears Fruit in Thessalonica (12 Thessalonians)