Grateful for Change | 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 | Part 2 Today we focus in on chapter 1 of First Thessalonians. You should be aware that this letter from Paul is quite likely the earliest book of the New Testament, probably written about 52 A.D. And so as we hear this message, two things should become crystal clear. Because they had only the Old Testament scriptures, the Thessalonians did not know everything that Paul knew about the Messiah. When Paul told them, they were compelled by the spirit of God to share the news with others. Their lives would be in great danger—and yet Paul shared with gratitude to God his thankfulness for their changed hearts and works of faith. Now the question for us is: do we who have received Jesus as Savior and understand his death and resurrection have the same kind of faith?