Version: King James Version (public domain)
1 Thessalonians
The oldest Christian writing
Paul encourages a young, persecuted church in Thessalonica and answers questions about those who died before Christ’s return.
Historical context
It is probably the oldest text in the New Testament, written about twenty years after Jesus’ death.
Explanation
Best-known passages
- Hope for those who have died (ch. 4)
- “Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks” (ch. 5)