When people take a new course of action in their life, and then start to receive a lot of negative feedback from others, those people will often turn back and stop what they had started doing. They especially do if violence or persecution results. We don’t find too many who rejoice in that persecution, and jump wholeheartedly into this new course in their life. As we take a look today into the first chapter of Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians, we will see how these new believers proclaimed their faith in Jesus, despite persecution, and were telling the whole world about Him.
The Apostle Paul, along with his companions Silas, Timothy, and others had come to the city of Thessalonica from the city of Philippi. In Philippi they had been beaten and imprisoned for preaching the Gospel, and then told quite plainly to leave town (Acts 16:11-40). The missionary team headed down the road and came to Thessalonica, where they began again to tell people the Good News about Jesus. Paul and Silas established a vibrant church in this city. They stayed for only a few short weeks, at most a month or two, before they had to leave again because of strong persecution against them, fleeing for their lives (Acts 17:1-10). It was not that long after this, in approximately 50 AD, that Paul wrote this Epistle to the believers there, to bring them encouragement.
These new Thessalonian believers who remained living in the city faced their share of persecution, both from the Jews and the Gentiles. Paul encouraged them by reminding them of their faith, love, and their hope (vs. 3). Despite persecution, the Thessalonians continued to serve God with gladness, their testimony spreading all over the Mediterranean world (vs. 6). A life of faith in the Lord Jesus may bring adversity, but through it we gain a deeper relationship with Him. If we, like them, remain firm in our faith, we can become a powerful witness to others, just as they did (vs. 7). Everyone who heard of their testimony despite being persecuted were inspired, and they became an example to imitate.
These new believers had joy in the midst of suffering. That is one evidence of the reality of their salvation. Like seed sown into good ground, their faith grew and blossomed. They were not like seed sown in the thorns, or seed sown in shallow soil, where their cares, worries, or troubles would choke them out, or they would wilt and die. Instead, they were passionate about their love for Jesus, and told everyone about Him, regardless of the consequences (vs. 8).
Some of the Thessalonian believers came from a Jewish background. Others came from a Gentile background, where they had previously worshipped many false gods and goddesses. Only the work of the Holy Spirit could show the people that the Lord Jesus is not one deity among many in a pantheon, but that Jesus alone is the Savior of the world, and the only true God (vs. 9).
There are still some people around the world who bow to actual idols and worship them. There are many more who have “modern idols” in their life, which can also be worshipped. These can be hobbies, food, family, work, fitness, and sports. Are we very passionate about any of these, but silent about Jesus? Do we get anxious about these, but indifferent about lost souls? Do we always make time for these interests, but not for Jesus? The Thessalonians turned from their idols, whether literal or any other, and turned to serve God with enthusiasm.
As Paul closed this first chapter in his letter to these very passionate and enthusiastic group of new Christians, he reminded them of the imminent return of the Lord Jesus (vs. 10). He told them, and us as well, to wait with expectation, looking ahead in faith to the fulfillment of His promise to return. How faithful are we in eagerly waiting for Christ’s return? Does the thought of its approaching ever cross our mind? Let’s be like the Thessalonians, enthusiastic about our faith, and also eagerly awaiting the Savior’s return.
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