In 1 Thessalonians, Paul and his colleagues wanted to embolden the new Thessalonian believers in their faith, and strengthen them to stand amid persecution, the sexual promiscuity of the Roman world, and debates over what happens to believers after death. Paul tells the church that as God’s redeemed people, Christians ought to live lives of holiness and love, anticipating the day of the Lord. Christ’s return will bring all God’s promises to completion, including judgment for his enemies and final salvation for his people. Whether already deceased (1 Thess. 4:13–18) or still living (1 Thess. 5:1–11), Paul is confident that the destiny of anyone who has embraced King Jesus by faith is secure.
In his follow-up letter, 2 Thessalonians, the apostle responds to an update he received about the church. Three issues demanded further instruction: (1) ongoing persecution (1 Thess. 1:6; 2:14; 3:1–5); (2) an unsettling rumor about the day of the Lord (1 Thess. 5:1–11); and (3) the presence of idlers in the congregation (1 Thess. 4:11–12; 5:14).
Here are our top picks for commentaries on 1 and 2 Thessalonians.
Introductory Commentaries
For Sunday school teachers and small group leaders without advanced training
1 Thessalonians and 2 Thessalonians
David W. Chapman
TGC Bible Commentary
The Gospel Coalition, 2023
Chapman’s reliable and accessible commentaries both inform and provide beginning readers with helpful application.
1 and 2 Thessalonians: An Introduction and Commentary
Leon L. Morris
Tyndale New Testament Commentaries
IVP Academic, 2009
A strong introductory commentary from a renowned exegete. Morris examines the two epistles in their historical context. He competently marks points of special significance from his analysis of the original language without delving into minutiae.
The Message of 1 & 2 Thessalonians
John Stott
Bible Speaks Today
IVP Academic, 2021
Stott opens up 1 and 2 Thessalonians with scholarly rigor and pastoral care, guiding readers through each passage’s historical background, key themes, and contemporary applications.
1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus
Jeffrey A. D. Weima and Steven M. Baugh
Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary
Zondervan Academic, 2011
Weima is a recognized expert on the Thessalonian letters. He explains these early Pauline letters with clarity in a way that’s accessible for beginners. This volume’s usefulness is enhanced by multiple color images, sidebars, and boxes that highlight key points.
Preaching Commentaries
For pastors and Bible teachers preparing to proclaim the Word
1–2 Thessalonians
G. K. Beale
IVP New Testament Commentary Series
IVP Academic, 2010
Beale’s commentary devotes special attention to the Thessalonian letters’ Old Testament background. Beale also carefully traces the apostle’s argument, and he includes thoughtful applications for contemporary readers. This commentary serves as an excellent complement to his fuller exegetical commentary on the Greek (see below).
The First and Second Letters to the Thessalonians
Gordon D. Fee
New International Commentary on the New Testament
Eerdmans, 2009
Fee brings a seasoned understanding of Paul’s letters and his theology generally to the study of these two letters. Following a brief introduction, the author provides careful interaction with each verse, relating each section to the letter’s message as a whole. His exegesis is generally thorough and includes some theological reflection.
The Letters to the Thessalonians
Gene L. Green
Pillar New Testament Commentary
Eerdmans, 2002
Green’s commentary contains helpful background information. It’s particularly valuable in the depth of insight it provides into the Graeco-Roman context of these letters. Green provides a reliable exposition of even the most difficult portions of the text.
Scholarly Commentaries
For scholars and pastor-theologians proficient in biblical Greek
1 & 2 Thessalonians
Seyoon Kim and F. F. Bruce
Word Biblical Commentary
Zondervan Academic, 2023
Kim enhances Bruce’s first edition, providing us with a comprehensive commentary that pays careful attention to the text. Readers will find this volume well-informed and helpful.
1 & 2 Thessalonians
Gary Shogren
Zondervan Exegetical Commentary
Zondervan Academic, 2012
A top-notch scholarly commentary that discusses the technicalities of the Greek of the Thessalonian epistles. Within each of the fourteen units, Shogren places the text within its appropriate historical context, identifies the main point and the movement of the text, interprets the Greek, and provides theological application. This is a technical yet welcome work. Readers will learn from Shogren’s pastoral sensibilities even if one does not agree with his understanding of the end times.
1–2 Thessalonians
Jeffrey A. D. Weima
Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament
Baker Academic, 2014
Writing from an evangelical perspective, Weima has invested many years of work into his research and writing, and it shows. His very detailed commentary includes 577 pages of exegetical material. His explanation and analysis of the text is profoundly insightful. He provides careful interaction with the Greek, precise exegesis of the text, clear exposition, and detailed interaction with other commentaries. The vast majority of his conclusions are conservative. The commentary is academically rigorous but it’s written in a clear, user-friendly manner that highlights the application of the text for Christ-followers today.