Paul was thankful that the Thessalonians accepted the gospel as the word of God, not a human idea. When they believed in Jesus, God worked in them, and they were changed. They imitated the church in Judea as their model. Their changed beliefs and lifestyle created suspicion among polytheists. But the real persecution came when Jewish believers stood firm on the gospel that Jesus is the Messiah. Then, the Jews, who crucified Jesus, intensely persecuted them. By faith, the believers endured.

The devil doesn't want anyone to believe in Jesus as the Messiah or live a gospel lifestyle. He tempts us not to receive the word: You can believe in God -- but not Jesus as God. You can read the Bible -- but don't repent and trust Jesus as your Savior. You can go to church -- but don't surrender your life to Jesus to obey his world mission command. Persecution is the evidence that we received the word, believed in Jesus as our Lord and Savior, and he is working in us.

Paul expected that they were being persecuted, and twice he tried to visit them, but was blocked. Paul loves them so much because of their simple faith to receive the word, that he views them highly as his crown and joy when Christ will appear! Who is your crown and joy when Jesus comes?


Application: Father, thank you for your life-saving work through the Word to lead others to Christ.
One Word: Lead others to receive the Word