Introduction
Paul is pleased by the response of the believers in Thessalonica.
Verses
1Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the assembly of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2We always give thanks to God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers,
3remembering without ceasing your work of faith and labour of love and perseverance of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, before our God and Father.
4We know, brothers loved by God, that you are chosen,
5and that our Good News came to you not in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and with much assurance. You know what kind of men we showed ourselves to be amongst you for your sake.
6You became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit,
7so that you became an example to all who believe in Macedonia and in Achaia.
8For from you the word of the Lord has been declared, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith towards God has gone out, so that we need not to say anything.
9For they themselves report concerning us what kind of a reception we had from you, and how you turned to God from idols, to serve a living and true God,
10and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead: Jesus, who delivers us from the wrath to come.
Questions
1. What does Paul remember about the Thessalonian believers?
v 3 remembering without ceasing your work of faith and labour of love and perseverance of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, before our God and Father.
2. What was the big change in the lives of the Thessalonians?
v 9 ... how you turned to God from idols, to serve a living and true God,
3. What are the Thessalonians waiting for?
v 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead: Jesus ...
Summary Points
- v 1 to 5 Paul, Silvanus and Timothy give thanks to God for the Thessalonian believers, always remembering their loving and faithful way of life. The Thessalonian believers are reminded that they are chosen by God and that their reception of the Good News is backed up by the power of the Holy Spirit
- v 6 to 10 The believers in Thessalonica followed the example of Paul, his companions and the Lord. So they became an example to the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. They had turned from idols to serve God and were waiting for the return of Jesus
Audio