INTRODUCTION TO 1 AND 2 THESSALONIANSIn Acts 17, Paul, Silas and Timothy visited Thessalonica. Paul went to the synagogue, reasoned from the Scriptures and proclaimed Jesus as the Messiah. Some Jews, many Greeks and some prominent women believed the message. But many other Jews rejected the message and started a riot. Paul and Silas were forced out of the city, leaving behind many new converts. Thus, the Thessalonian church was birthed in the midst of violent persecution. Paul and Silas went on to Berea, Athens and then Corinth. Paul wrote 1 and 2 Thessalonians from Corinth around 51/52 AD. He was deeply concerned about their new faith in a very hostile environment. In these two epistles, Paul praises God for helping the Thessalonians to overcome persecution. He also encourages them to put their hope in God. Jesus' second coming is a dominant theme in both epistles. The Thessalonians are exhorted to love others, to work hard to win the respect of others and to be ready for Jesus' return. May our study of 1 and 2 Thessalonians inspire us to overcome hardship and to be prepared for Jesus' second coming.
THE THESSALONIANS' FAITH
1. The gospel came with power (1-5a)
Paul, Silas and Timothy thanked God for his work among the Thessalonians. The Thessalonians worked by faith, were prompted by love and endured suffering because of their hope in Jesus Christ. God loved them and had chosen them. Not only did they hear the words of the gospel, but the Holy Spirit also powerfully and deeply convicted them.
2. Model believers (5b-10)
The Thessalonian Christians imitated the apostles and our Lord Jesus. By doing so and wholly embracing the gospel, they became model believers to all the other churches. Their faith and commitment to Christ were known everywhere. They had repented their idolatry to serve the living and true God. They also eagerly waited for Jesus, who rescues us from wrath, to return.
Application: Lord, thank you for saving us from sin in order to serve you. Help us to live as model believers as we wait for Jesus to return.
One Word: Rescued to serve Christ