January 29, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – 1 Thessalonians Chapter 1
1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;
3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;
4 Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.
5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.
6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost.
7 So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.
8 For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.
9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;
10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction
The first chapter of the First Epistle to the Thessalonians is a heartfelt and encouraging thanksgiving from Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy to the Thessalonian church. The letter begins with an expression of praise and gratitude for the exemplary faith of the Thessalonians and highlights how this faith remained alive in difficult times and became a witness to Christ’s love and power even amidst persecution. Paul acknowledges the impact of their faith not only on their local community but also on the entire region and beyond. This chapter provides valuable insight into early Christianity and the essential characteristics of a vibrant faith based on hope, love, and patience.
Commentary
In 1 Thessalonians 1:1–10, Paul presents the Thessalonians as an outstanding example of Christian faith. The letter begins with a blessing that requests grace and peace from God the Father and Jesus Christ for the congregation. In verses 2 to 3, Paul expresses his gratitude for the Thessalonians and specifically highlights their “work of faith,” their “labor of love,” and their “steadfastness of hope.” These three virtues form the backbone of Christian life and are also the foundation for their joy and perseverance in faith.
The Thessalonians were a church that not only heard the Gospel but actively implemented it in their lives. In verse 5, Paul describes how the Gospel worked not only through their words but also through the “power of the Spirit and the love of Christ.” This means that the faith of the Thessalonians was not based on human persuasion but on the supernatural power of God, which transformed their hearts and lives.
Verses 6 and 7 describe how the Thessalonians themselves became “followers of the Lord” and, through their steadfast stance amidst “afflictions,” became a model for believers throughout Macedonia and Achaia. Their faith spread rapidly and became well known far beyond their own region, as emphasized in verse 8. This far-reaching impact of their faith speaks of a lively and dynamic community that spread the Gospel with joy and determination.
In verse 9, their faith journey is summarized: they had turned away from idols and turned to the living God, waiting for the Son of God who would rescue them from the “coming wrath.” This not only shows their repentance and conversion but also their clear expectation of Christ’s return and the hope of redemption and salvation.
Summary
1 Thessalonians 1 is a letter of thanksgiving in which Paul praises the Thessalonians for their exemplary faith and endurance in difficult times. Their “labor of love” and “steadfastness of hope” have made them an example to other believers in the region. Their faith was not just lip service but became visible in their lives through the power of the Holy Spirit. They turned away from idols and turned to the living God, with a clear expectation of the return of Jesus, who will rescue them from the future wrath. The letter demonstrates how a vibrant and authentic Christian community, living in faith, love, and hope, can spread the Gospel far beyond their own boundaries.
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