Back to Today
Thessalonians 1:16-18
Always rejoice. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you.
Permalink Verse page
Interpretation

Scripture invites a gratitude that is worked out in concrete decisions in Thessalonians 1:16-18—look for "always" and "rejoice". Align gratitude in how we make amends—let wisdom become a road.

Context

Thessalonians speaks here as biblical literature writing, developing gratitude. Read in Thessalonians 1, its force becomes clearer. Listen for “always” alongside “rejoice”.

Authorship & Historical Background

Early sources associate 1 Thessalonians with Paul. In current research on 1 Thessalonians, generally accepted as Pauline.. Date: AD 50–51. Apostolic Community is especially relevant in this line.

More details
Traditional:Paul
Modern scholarship:Authentic Pauline.
Date:AD 50–51
Manuscripts & Textual Witnesses
Preserved in Papyrus 46 (c. 200 CE) and all major codices without variation. These three short commands represent one of the most textually stable passages in Paul's letters. The brevity and memorable structure (shortest verses in Greek New Testament) prevented corruption. Some manuscripts vary the word order slightly in Greek, but this doesn't affect meaning. Early church fathers quote these verses extensively, confirming the text from the 2nd century onward.