First impressions stick with us. Paul's first impression of the Thessalonian Christians was an especially powerful one: The gospel message he preached grasped their hearts and minds, and transformed their lives. That memory moves Paul to write to the young church that's bubbling with a sense of the power of the living God. These studies seek to open our lives to that God who leaves a lasting impression also on us. This guide by Tom Wright can be used on its own or alongside his New Testament for Everyone commentary on 1 2 Thessalonians. It is designed to help you understand Scripture in fresh ways under the guidance of one of the world's leading New Testament scholars. Thoughtful questions, prayer suggestions, and useful background and cultural information all guide you or a group more deeply into God's Word. Discover how you can participate more fully in God's kingdom.

Pell, Patty

Patty Pell is a regional training specialist for Rocky Mountain InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. She is pursuing an M.A. in biblical studies at Denver Seminary. She is the author of Esther (LifeGuide Bible Study) and the Small Group Leaders' Handbook.

Wright, N. T.

N. T. Wright is research professor of New Testament and early Christianity at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. He taught New Testament studies for twenty years at Cambridge, McGill and Oxford Universities, and was formerly the bishop of Durham and canon theologian of Westminster Abbey. A prolific writer of both scholarly and popular books, N. T. Wright has written over thirty books, including What Saint Paul Really Said, The Challenge of Jesus, The Meaning of Jesus, Jesus and the Victory of God and Paul and the Faithfulness of God. His N. T. Wright For Everyone Series includes commentaries covering the entire New Testament.