The Message of 1 & 2 Thessalonians

by John R.W. Stott

The gospel shapes the church and the church spreads the gospel. In his heartfelt letters to the Thessalonians, the apostle Paul calls believers again and again to these essential truths. To encourage and correct the young church in Thessalonica, Paul addresses many issues that are still of vital importance today, such as Christian community, church leadership, moral living, evangelism, and what we need to know about the end times.

With scholarly rigor and pastoral care, John Stott opens up the rich truths found in 1 and 2 Thessalonians. He guides readers through each passage, exploring historical background, key themes, and applications for today. In 1 Thessalonians Stott highlights the themes of the relationship between the gospel and the church, and in 2 Thessalonians he identifies a Christian perspective on history. Both letters provide valuable insights into Paul's model of ministry and the life of a congregation in a highly challenging context.

This revised edition of a classic Bible Speaks Today volume includes updated language and Scripture quotations and a new interior design. A study guide for individuals or groups is included to help readers engage more deeply with the text.

201 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 18, 2021

About the author

John R. W. Stott is known worldwide as a preacher, evangelist, and communicator of Scripture. For many years he served as rector of All Souls Church in London, where he carried out an effective urban pastoral ministry. A leader among evangelicals in Britain, the United States and around the world, Stott was a principal framer of the landmark Lausanne Covenant (1974). His many books, including Why I Am a Christian and The Cross of Christ, have sold millions of copies around the world and in dozens of languages. Whether in the West or in the Two-Thirds World, a hallmark of Stott's ministry has been expository preaching that addresses the hearts and minds of contemporary men and women. Stott was honored by Time magazine in 2005 as one of the "100 Most Influential People in the World."