The Outline and the Eschatological Outlook of 1 and 2 Thess

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1. The outline of 1 Thessalonians can be classified under three main divisions: Opening formula which includes thanksgiving and congratulatory words, the body of the letter and then the conclusion.

I: Opening formula (1 Thess 1:1)
A) Address and Greeting

B) Thanksgiving and Congratulations for Faithfulness (1 Thess 1:2-10)
1. Thanksgiving for the faith, love and hope of the Thessalonians (1:2-3)
2. Acknowledgment of what the Word has done in the lives of the Thessalonians and how the fame of their faith has spread to the extent that they became models to believers in Macedonia and Achaia (1:4-8)
3. The Thessalonians are well spoken of and they are now waiting in hope for the second coming of Jesus, the Son of God, who saves from the judgment to come (1:9-10)

II: The Body of the Letter (1 Thess 2:1-5:22)
A. Paul, his colleagues and the Thessalonians (1 Thess 2)
1. The presence of Paul and his colleagues among the Thessalonians was not in vain, rather it was full of good example and effective. They did not only preach, but showed also example of how to live a worthy and hardworking life (2:1-12)
2. Thanksgiving for the promptness with which the Thessalonians accepted the Gospel presented by Paul as God's word. They remained true to the teachings notwithstanding sufferings (2:13-16)
3. The anxiety of Paul to see the Thessalonians once more (though they were prevented by Satan) and share their joy with them. He considers them his pride and honour (2:17-20)

B) Timothy's mission to Thessalonica (1 Thess 3)
1. Paul's anxiety led him to send Timothy to Thessalonica so that he could keep them firm and encourage them in their faith. Consequently, they will be stable when tried (3:1-5)
2. Paul thanks God for the good news brought back by Timothy about the faith and love of the Thessalonians

C) Ethical Admonition and exhortation (1 Thess 4:1-12)
1. Living a life that is pleasing to God and abstinence from sexual immorality. God has called them to be holy (4:1-8)
2. He encouraged them to stand out in their love for one another and to earn their living and not be dependent on anyone (4:9-12)

D) Instructions on the parousia (1 Thess 4:13-5:11)
1. Not to grieve over fellow believers who died in the faith. Just as Jesus died and rose up from the dead, will God raise those who died (4:13-14)
2. On the last day, those who are still alive will have no advantage over those asleep. Rather, they will be the first to rise and then will the living follow (4:15-17)
3. No one knows the times and dates because the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. ...