I. Prescript (1:1)

II. Remembrance and Encouragement with Respect to the Past (1:2–3:13)

A. Opening Thanksgiving (1:2–10) [focus on the Thessalonians]

1. Thanksgiving for the Thessalonians (1:2–3)

2. The Thessalonians and the Gospel (1:4–10)

B. Apostolic Attitudes Toward the Thessalonians While Present (2:1–12) [focus on the missionaries]

1. Apostolic Responsibility to God (2:1–4)

2. Apostolic Ministry, Care, and Nurture (2:5–12)

C. Second Thanksgiving (2:13–16) [focus on the Thessalonians]

1. Thanksgiving for the Thessalonians (2:13)

2. The Thessalonians and Persecution (2:14–16)

D. Apostolic Attitudes Toward the Thessalonians While Absent (2:17–3:8) [focus on the missionaries]

1. Apostolic Concern (2:17–20)

2. Apostolic Action (3:1–5)

3. Apostolic Relief and Joy (3:6–8)

E. Third Thanksgiving (3:9–13) [focus on the Thessalonians]

1. Thanksgiving for the Thessalonians (3:9)

2. Prayer for the Thessalonians (3:10–13)

III. Exhortation and Encouragement with Respect to the Future (4:1–5:22)

A. General Introduction (4:1–2)

B. Holiness and Sexual Ethics (4:3–8)

C. Mutual Love (philadelphia) (4:9–12)

D. Questions Concerning the Parousia of Jesus (4:13–5:11)

1. Questions About the Fate of Deceased Believers (4:13–18)

2. Questions About “Times and Dates” (5:1–11)

E. Congregational Conduct (5:12–22)

1. Congregational Responsibilities Toward Leaders (5:12–13)

2. Congregational Responsibilities Toward Individuals (5:14–15)

3. Congregational Responsibilities Toward God (5:16–18)

4. Congregational Responsibilities Toward the Holy Spirit (5:19–22)

IV. Letter Closing (5:23–28)

A. Closing Prayer (5:23–24)

B. Closing Requests and Benediction (5:25–28)

I. Prescript (1:1–2)

II. Thanksgiving and Encouragement in the Face of Persecution (1:3–12)

A. Thanksgiving Proper (1:3–4)

B. Instruction and Encouragement (1:5–10)

C. Prayer Report (1:11–12)

III. The Parousia of Jesus and the Man of Lawlessness (2:1–12)

A. Introduction to Topic and to Paul’s Concern (2:1–2)

B. Instruction and Encouragement (2:3–12)

IV. Transition (2:13–3:5)

A. Thanksgiving (2:13–14)

B. Exhortation (2:15)

C. Prayer (2:16–17)

D. Request for Prayer (3:1–2)

E. Expressions of Confidence (3:3–4)

F. Further Prayer (3:5)

V. The Problem of the Disorderly (3:6–15)

A. The Apostolic Command and Example (3:6–10)

B. Orders for the Disorderly (3:11–12)

C. Instructions for the Congregation (3:13–15)

VI. Letter Closing (3:16–18)

A. Benediction (3:16)

B. Personal Greeting (3:17)

C. Second Benediction (3:18)