1 Thess. 2:17-20 Paul expresses a desire to visit the Thessalonians again – a wish that he probably fulfilled on his third missionary journey in 52 – 56AD (see Acts 20:1-3).
1 Thess. 3:1-5 Paul reminds the new believers that, because they were being persecuted, he sent Timothy to them while he was in Athens (see Acts 17:16).
Temple of Athena, Athens
1 Thess. 3:6-13 Timothy has now returned to Paul in Corinth (see Acts 18:5 and Map 24) and has told Paul how the believers are living out their new faith despite the persecution. Paul prays that the Lord Jesus will prepare the way for Paul to visit them again.
1 Thess. 4:1-12 Paul encourages the new believers to live in the power of the Holy Spirit in a way that pleases God. They should be completely free from sexual immorality, living a quiet life and earning a decent living so they are not dependent on other believers.