The genre of 1 Thessalonians is primarily epistolary, meaning it is a letter or epistle. This genre is common in the New Testament, as many of the books are letters written by apostles to various early Christian communities.
Specifically, 1 Thessalonians is a Pauline epistle—a letter attributed to the Apostle Paul, written to the Christian church in Thessalonica. The letter is a pastoral and exhortational document, with elements of encouragement, instruction, and doctrinal clarification.
Key Characteristics of the Genre in 1 Thessalonians:
- Personal Greeting: The letter opens with a greeting typical of ancient letters, where Paul identifies himself and his companions (Silas and Timothy) and offers a warm greeting to the recipients.
- Thanksgiving: Paul expresses gratitude for the Thessalonians’ faith, love, and perseverance, which he views as signs of their genuine commitment to the gospel (1 Thess. 1:2-10).
- Exhortation and Encouragement: Much of the letter is spent encouraging the Thessalonians to remain steadfast in their faith, to live holy lives, and to continue to grow in love and faith (e.g., 1 Thess. 4:1-12).
- Doctrinal Instruction: Paul clarifies key theological concepts, particularly regarding the return of Christ and the resurrection of the dead (1 Thess. 4:13-18).
- Practical Advice: The letter also offers practical guidance on how to live in light of the gospel, with instructions on relationships, work, and moral behavior.
- Eschatological Focus: One of the defining features of this letter is its eschatological (end-times) themes, especially concerning the second coming of Christ and the resurrection of believers. This is seen as a source of hope for the Thessalonian believers who were facing persecution (1 Thess. 4:13-18; 5:1-11).
Structure of 1 Thessalonians:
- Opening Greeting (1 Thess. 1:1)
- Thanksgiving for the Thessalonians’ Faith (1 Thess. 1:2-10)
- Paul’s Ministry in Thessalonica (1 Thess. 2:1-12)
- Encouragement and Instruction in Christian Living (1 Thess. 4:1-12)
- Teachings on the Second Coming of Christ (1 Thess. 4:13-18; 5:1-11)
- Final Exhortations and Benediction (1 Thess. 5:12-28)
In sum, 1 Thessalonians combines elements of personal correspondence, doctrinal teaching, ethical exhortation, and eschatological hope, making it a foundational text for understanding early Christian teachings about faith, morality, and the second coming of Christ.