The Argument of the First Epistle of S. Paul to the Thessalonians

How S. Paul with Silas (or Silvanus) and Timothee according to a vision calling him out of Asia into Macedonia, came to Philippi being the first city thereof, we read Act. 16. And how again from Philippi, after scourging and imprisoning there, he came to Thessalonica being the head city of that country, we read Act. 17. where after 3 weeks preaching, the Jews stirred the city against them, and pursued them also to Berea: so that Paul was conveyed from thence to Athens, where he expected the coming of Silas and Timothee from the foresaid Berea in Macedonia, but received them (as we have Act. 18.) at Corinth in Achaia.

Having therefore left the Thessalonians in such persecution, and being careful to know how they did in it, he was desirous to return unto them, as he signifieth in the 2 chapter of this Epistle v. 17. But (as he there addeth) Satan hindered us, therefore tarrying himself at Athens, he sendeth Timothee unto them. at whose return understanding their constancy, he is much comforted, as he declareth c. 3. So then they are all three together at the writing of this Epistle, as also we have in the title of it: Paul and Silvanus and Timothee to the Church of the Thessalonians. And therefore it seemeth to have been written at Corinth, not at Athens: because after the sending of Timothee to Thessalonica, they met not at Athens again, but at Corinth.

The first three chapters of it are, to confirm and comfort them against the temptations of those persecutions. The other two are of exhortation, to live according to his precepts, namely in sanctification of their bodies, and not in fornication: to love one another: to comfort one another about their friends departed, with the doctrine of the Resurrection, and with continual preparation to die: the laity to obey, and the Clergy to be diligent in every point of their office.