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by Steve Lewis (Author)
The Thessalonian letters provide a rare personal glimpse into the life and ministry of the apostle Paul, as well as into the history of the early church during Paul's first missionary effort on the continent of Europe. These two short letters from the apostle Paul have been of tremendous value to the church since the time they were written, and they are especially relevant to Christians today.
Paul wrote to the Thessalonians as a father would to his own children, and his love and concern for them is clearly evident. He encouraged them to keep trusting their faithful Savior even while suffering persecution for their faith. They demonstrated remarkable joy and hope in the midst of affliction because they lived in anticipation of Christ's imminent return. Their hope was in the trustworthy promise of Jesus: "If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also" (John 14:3).
