Like a tender shepherd, Paul wrote the letters of 1 & 2 Thessalonians to the church he founded in Thessalonica, a huge city in Macedonia. These were friends he knew, loved, and missed. His purpose in writing was to thank them for their work of faith, their labor of love, and their continued hope in the Lord Jesus Christ . . . and His coming again. Paul was also eager to remind them of the example their faithfulness had been to those around them.

Similarly, Paul's letter to Titus-a young pastor in Crete-is filled with personal affirmation, counsel, and guidance on how to prepare church leaders for effective evangelism. Paul wrote this letter so Titus could "set in order the things that are lacking" and "speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine" (Titus 1:5; 2:1). These letters of instruction are as inspirational for us today as they were for these first-century Christ followers.

The MacArthur Bible Studies provide intriguing examinations of the whole of Scripture. Each guide incorporates extensive commentary, detailed observations on overriding themes, and probing questions to help you study the Word of God with guidance from John MacArthur.