1 Thessalonians 1

1:1Paul and his companions probably arrived in Thessalonica in the early summer of A.D. 50. They planted the first Christian church in that city, but had to leave in a hurry because their lives were threatened (Acts 17:1-10). At the first opportunity, probably when he stopped at Corinth, Paul sent Timothy back to Thessalonica to see how the new believers were doing. Timothy returned to Pau! with good news: The Christians in Thessalonica were remaining firm in the faith and were unified. But the Thessalonians did have some questions about their new faith. Paul had not had time to answer all their questions during his brief visit, and in the meantime, other questions had arisen. So Paul wrote this letter to answer their questions and to commend them on their faithfulness to Christ.

1:1Thessalonica was the capital and largest city (about 200,000 population) of the Roman province of Macedonia. The most important Roman highway (the Egnatian Way}— extending from Rome all the way to the Orient—went through Thessalonica. This highway, along with the city's thriving Seaport, made Thessalonica one of the wealthiest and most flourishing trade centers in the Roman Empire. Recognized as a free city, Thessalonica was allowed self-rule and was exempt from most of the restrictions placed by Rome on other cities in the empire. With its international flavor, however, came many pagan religions and cultural influences that challenged the faith of the young Christians there.

1:3The Thessalonians had stood firm when they were perse- Cuted (1:6; 3:1-4, 7, 8). Paul commended these young Christians for their faithful work, loving deeds, and anticipation of the LORD's return. These characteristics are the marks of effective Christians in any age.

1:4Paul reminded the Thessalonians of their status as God's “chosen” ones. Very few issues cause more confusion and even arguments among Christians than the issue of election (being Chosen by God). It is difficult to simultaneously embrace God’s Sovereignty in choosing us and our human responsibility in Choosing to follow him. Even though we may not be able to com- Pletely comprehend how these two truths can coexist, we can say the following: Being chosen comes from the heart of God (not our minds), should be an incentive to please God (not ignore him), and should give birth to gratitude (not complacency). Human responsibility requires that we actively confess Christ as LORD, focus on living to please him, and share the gaspel with others. God’s choice of us energizes us to obey and to serve. Our choice of God challenges us to build lives worthy of him. As you consider God’s divine selection of you, how do you respond?

1:5The Good News came “with power”; it had a powerful effect on the Thessalonians. Whenever the Bible is heard and obeyed, tives are changed! Christianity is more than a collection of interesting facts; it is the power of God to everyone who believes. What has God's power done in your life since you first believed?

1:5The Holy Spirit changes people when they believe the Good News. When we tell others about Christ, we must depend on the Holy Spirit to open their eyes and convince them that they need salvation. God's power—not our cleverness or persuasion— changes people. Without the work of the Holy Spirit, our words are meaningless. The Holy Spirit not only convicts people of sin but also assures them of the truth of the Good News. (For more information on the Holy Spirit, see John 14:23-26; 15:26, 27; and the notes on John 3:6 and Acts 1:5.)

1:5Paul wrote, “And you know of our concern for you from the way we lived when we were with you.” The Thessalonians had seen that what Paul, Silas, and Timothy were preaching was true because these men had lived it. Does your life confirm or contradict what you say you believe?

1:6The message of salvation, though welcomed with great joy, brought the Thessalonians severe suffering because it led to persecution from both Jews and Gentiles (3:2-4; Acts 17:5). Many believers today think that pain is the exception in the Christian life. When suffering occurs, they say, “Why me?” They fee! as though God deserted them, or perhaps they accuse him of not being as dependable as they thought he should be. In reality, the world is sinful, so even believers suffer. God allows some Christians to become martyrs for the faith, and he allows others to survive persecution. Rather than asking, “Why me?” we should ask, “Why not me?” Our faith and the values of this world are on a collision course. If we expect pain and suffering to come, we will not be shocked when they occur. We can take comfort in knowing that Jesus also suffered. He understands our fears, our weaknesses, and our disappointments (Hebrews 2:16-18; 4:14-16). He promised never to leave us (Matthew 28:18-20), and he intercedes on our behalf (Hebrews 7:24, 25). In times of pain, persecution, or suffering, trust confidently in Christ.

1:10Paul emphasized Christ's second coming throughout this book. Because the Thessalonian church was being persecuted, Paul encouraged them to look forward to the deliverance that Christ would bring. A believer's hope is in the return of Jesus (Titus 2:13). Our perspective on life remains incomplete without this hope. Just as surely as Christ was raised from the dead and ascended into heaven, he wilt return (Acts 1:11).

1:19,2Thessalonians 1:1, and in 1 Peter 5:12. Silas’s Profile is fourid in Acts 16, p. 1859. Timothy's Profile is in 1 Timothy 2, p. 2059.