Who is the Author?

Most scholars believe 1 Thessalonians was written by Paul the Apostle.1 Some scholars, however, have suggested that Paul either did not write 1 Thessalonians or that 1 Thessalonians is a composite letter of some of Paul’s earlier, shorter letters that were pieced together posthumously.2 These arguments are typically based on the rhetoric of 1 Thessalonians or some of the themes found in this book. But despite the contentions, most scholars determine that Paul wrote this letter because it aligns with the greater body of Pauline theology, and the rhetoric of Paul in 1 Thessalonians is fitting with his role of pastor rather than that of a professional rhetorician.3