The Trio

The Trio

Q: Paul wrote 2 Thessalonians to the church at Thessalonica on behalf of himself and what two other men?

• a. Silas and Timothy
• b. Barnabas and John Mark
• c. Luke and James

On Paul’s second missionary journey, he visited Thessalonica, the capital city of Macedonia, with two other men—Silas and Timothy. They started a church there, but Paul had to leave suddenly because of persecution. That’s why he wrote the first letter to the Thessalonian church. There were lots of things he wanted to tell them, but he hadn’t had time during his visit. The letter was full of comfort and encouragement.

Paul wrote a second letter to the Thessalonian church to clear up a misunderstanding. In the first letter, he’d told them that Jesus would come again. Some people thought he was coming right away, so they quit their jobs to wait around for him. They were using Christ’s return as an excuse for laziness. Paul wrote the second letter to clear up the misunderstanding and tell them to be busy doing the Lord’s work. Paul wrote both letters to the church on behalf of himself, Silas, and Timothy, since they had all started the church together.

Paul wrote to many churches, and he almost always began his letters with words of encouragement and support even when there were problems to address. He was careful to tell each church that he thanked God for them and prayed for them continuously. He reminded them that they were fellow believers and encouraged them to stand strong.

For You

Read the first few verses of the letters Paul wrote to the early churches (Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon) and notice how he encouraged them before he gave them instructions or correction. Try to follow Paul’s example when you have to confront someone about a problem. Always include encouragement and support.

Answer: a

This letter is from Paul, Silas, and Timothy. We are writing to the church in Thessalonica, to you who belong to God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.   2 Thessalonians 1:1

(The Whole Story: 2 Thessalonians 1)