Includes bibliographical references (pages 215-227) and index

Listening to Paul's conversation (Introduction to 1 Thessalonians) -- Christianity at Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 1:1 and Acts 17:1-10) -- What is in a greeting? (1 Thessalonians 1:1) -- The importance of thankfulness (1 Thessalonians 1:2-5) -- The Christian doctrine of imitation (1 Thessalonians 1:6-8) -- All of life is repentance (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10) -- Union with Christ and the Christian life (1 Thessalonians 2:1-12) -- Preaching the word of Christ (1 Thessalonians 2:13) -- The gospel and your suffering (1 Thessalonians 2:14-16) -- Living in light of the gospel (1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13) -- Become what you already are in Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:1-8) -- The fruit of the gospel : love (1 Thessalonians 4:9-12) -- The second advent of Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11) -- Resurrection hope in the face of death (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) -- What about the rapture? (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18) -- The day of the Lord (1 Thessalonians 5:1-2) -- Concerning times and seasons (1 Thessalonians 5:1-11) -- A gospel community (1 Thessalonians 5:12-28) -- The right perspective on suffering (2 Thessalonians 1:1-5) -- Eternal destinies (2 Thessalonians 1:6-12) -- Jesus will not come until-- (2 Thessalonians 2:1) -- Rebellion and hope (2 Thessalonians 2:1-12) -- The steadfastness of Christ (2 Thessalonians 2:13-3:5) -- The gospel and vocation (2 Thessalonians 3:6-18) -- The gospel takes root and bears fruit in Thessalonica (1 & 2 Thessalonians)