Reading With the People of God #15 PurposeSample

A Purpose That Endures

The final verses of Ecclesiastes bring a clarifying conclusion after so much wrestling and reflection. The voice of the author steps in, summarizing the wisdom passed down from “the Preacher.” After exploring every path under the sun, we’re left with a simple yet profound truth:

“Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13 KJV)

In the end, a purposeful life isn’t found in chasing self-made meaning, but in living with reverent trust and an obedient relationship with our Creator.

As we complete Ecclesiastes today, we also begin reading Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians, a community of new believers learning to live out their faith with courage and clarity. This short but powerful letter is full of encouragement, instruction, and hope as it points us to Christ’s return. The overview that follows will help you understand the background of this letter, why Paul wrote it, and how it connects to the larger biblical story of God’s kingdom coming through Jesus.

As we move from the searching questions of Ecclesiastes to the confident encouragement of 1 Thessalonians, let your heart be open to how both wisdom and hope shape your purpose today.

1 Thessalonians Introduction

On his second missionary journey, after leaving Philippi with Silas and Timothy, he went to Thessalonica by way of Via Egnatia. Thessalonica was a prominent city in the state of Macedonia in Greece. Thessalonica was named after Alexander the Great’s step sister, Thessalonike, wife of Macedonian king Cassander, centuries before. Acts 17 gives the account of Paul’s visit to this important city, now a part of the Roman Empire.

In Thessalonica, Paul found a strong population of Jews and preached in their synagogue. Some of the Jews became converts, and soon many Greeks joined them in their faith. There were Jews who did not agree with the news that Jesus was their Messiah, and they gathered a large number of rabble-rousers and stirred up the authorities in the city against Paul. Under the cover of darkness, Paul and his companions left Thessalonica for Berea to keep the new Christians from being persecuted with them. Because the trouble continued in Berea, Paul left for Athens, then on to Corinth, where it is believed he wrote the two letters to the Thessalonians about six months apart, among the first letters he wrote.

The Christian congregation in Thessalonica was predominantly Greek and remained steadfast in their faith after Paul’s departure, which gave him great comfort and assurance. They were, however, concerned about the teaching that Jesus would return for His own with judgment following. Some were hearing that Jesus had already returned and they had missed it, others were concerned about what happened to those Christians who died before Jesus came back. I Thessalonians was written to explain “the day of the Lord” more clearly, with assurances that Jesus had not returned yet. Every chapter in 1 Thessalonians ends with a reference to the second coming of Christ.

In this letter, Paul also encourages them in godly living, high standards, a good work ethic, and perseverance in persecution. He affirms that their salvation in Christ can never be severed, even in death, that they have a sure hope that when Christ returns, they will be with Him forever.

*Introduction provided by Jinet Troost

Reflection Question:
What does it look like for you to live with reverence for God and hope in Christ, right now, where you are?

Prayer of Illumination:
Lord, as I turn the page from Ecclesiastes to Thessalonians, give me eyes to see your truth clearly. Help me to receive your Word with reverence, joy, and expectation. Shape my purpose today by your Spirit and in light of your coming kingdom. Amen.