Outline.

• The Prescript and Thanksgiving ( 1:1–10 )

  • The Prescript ( 1:1 )
  • The Thanksgiving ( 1:2–10 )

• Paul's Ministry in Thessalonica ( 2:1–16 )

  • The Divine Basis for the Initial Visit ( 2:1–4 )
  • Their Behaviour and Example ( 2:5–12 )
  • The Response of the Thessalonians ( 2:13–16 )

• The Present Situation ( 2:17–3:13 )

  • Paul's Desire to Visit the Thessalonians ( 2:17–20 )
  • Timothy's Mission ( 3:1–5 )
  • Thankful Receipt of Timothy's Report ( 3:6–10 )
  • Prayer for the Thessalonians ( 3:11–13 )

• Living a Life Pleasing to God ( 4:1–12 )

  • Keeping the Traditions ( 4:1–2 )
  • Purity ( 4:3–8 )
  • Brotherly Love ( 4:9–12 )

• The Lord's Coming ( 4:13–5:11 )

  • The Circumstances of this Coming ( 4:13–18 )
  • The Need for Wakefulness ( 5:1–11 )

• Final Exhortations and Greetings ( 5:12–28 )

  • Honouring Leaders ( 5:12–13 )
  • Christian Identity-Indicators ( 5:14–22 )
  • Prayer for the Thessalonians ( 5:23–4 )
  • Closing Prayer and Instructions ( 5:25–8 )