I Thessalonians 1 Commentary: A Model Church
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.
We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;
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;
Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.
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.
And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:
So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.
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.
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;
And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
I Thessalonians 1 offers a powerful introduction to Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians, a vibrant church in a bustling Greek city. This chapter isn't just a greeting; it's a heartfelt expression of gratitude and admiration for a community that embraced the gospel with remarkable zeal. Understanding the context and key themes of this chapter provides a solid foundation for grasping the entire letter.
Context: Thessalonica and Paul's Ministry
Thessalonica was a major port city in Greece, a melting pot of cultures and commerce. During his second missionary journey, Paul established a church there (Acts 17:1–4). However, his ministry was met with fierce opposition, particularly from Jewish critics (Acts 17:5–9), forcing him to move on to Berea. Despite these challenges, the Thessalonian church not only survived but thrived. This letter reveals Paul's delight in hearing of their spiritual growth and active propagation of the gospel.
This opening chapter, though concise, sets the tone for what follows. It establishes Paul's deep affection for the Thessalonians, highlighting their positive response to the gospel, a stark contrast to the apathy or even hostility he encountered elsewhere. This positive backdrop allows Paul to address their concerns and offer gentle corrections later in the letter. These concerns included unfair attacks from outsiders, rumors about Paul, questions about the return of Christ, and other spiritual matters.
Thanksgiving and Remembrance (I Thessalonians 1:1-3)
Paul, along with Silas and Timothy, addresses this letter "To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" (I Thessalonians 1:1). The very word "church" (Greek: ekklēsia) is significant. Ekklēsia means a "called-out group." It was a common term used for gatherings, especially for legal matters. Paul elevates this everyday word, giving it new meaning: believers are "called out ones"—called out from the world's agenda to God's kingdom agenda.
From the outset, Paul expresses unwavering gratitude: "We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you constantly in our prayers" (I Thessalonians 1:2). He specifically remembers "your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ" (I Thessalonians 1:3). These three virtues – faith, love, and hope – are the hallmarks of a transformed life, radiating outward from those who have genuinely received the grace and peace of Jesus (I Thessalonians 1:1).
These are not mere feelings; they are manifested in tangible actions. Paul emphasizes a working faith, a laboring love, and an enduring hope. In a world often characterized by indifference, it's not the number of Bible verses we quote, but how we tangibly serve others with faith, hope, and love that truly distinguishes us.
Chosen by God (I Thessalonians 1:4-5)
Paul continues by acknowledging the Thessalonians' election: "For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you" (I Thessalonians 1:4). Salvation is a gift of grace; we are saved because God chose us, a truth that inspires profound gratitude. We are saved to serve God by choice, not by chance. God found us before we found Him, choosing us for a divinely ordained purpose on earth.
However, while salvation is rooted in God's choice, it is also mediated through people. Someone had the courage to share the gospel with the Thessalonians. Paul emphasizes that the gospel came to them "not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction" (I Thessalonians 1:5). The gospel message was accompanied by the manifest presence and power of the Holy Spirit, leading to genuine transformation.
Paul also highlights the importance of a consistent Christian life: "You know how we lived among you for your sake" (I Thessalonians 1:5). His life was an open book, demonstrating the truth of the gospel. Our lives must align with our words, providing a visible representation of the good news. The world needs to see the gospel in our lives, not just hear it from our mouths.
Imitators of Christ (I Thessalonians 1:6-8)
The Thessalonians' faith was contagious. They "became imitators of us and of the Lord" (I Thessalonians 1:6). This is not a problem-free or fairy-tale gospel. Authentic Christianity may be accompanied by severe persecution (2 Timothy 3:12). Yet, even in tribulation, an authentic Christian community experiences joy from the Holy Spirit. This internal stability, born of the Spirit, remains untouched by external troubles.
Their faith became a model for others: "And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia" (I Thessalonians 1:7). The Greek word tupos, translated "model," means "type" or "pattern." The Thessalonians allowed others to see Jesus by looking at them. Their godly attitudes and actions made Jesus look good. The language they used, and the way they conducted themselves, reflected the character of Christ.
Turning from Idols (I Thessalonians 1:9-10)
Paul reminds them of their conversion: "how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God" (I Thessalonians 1:9). While we might not have literal idols of stone or wood, idols still exist today. An idol is anything—person, place, thing, or thought—that we look to as our primary source of security, identity, or fulfillment apart from God. It is anyone or anything, other than God, that holds our confidence, trust, and allegiance.
The alternative to serving idols is serving the living and true God. Our actions, as much as our words, reveal what we truly believe. Paul concludes by highlighting their hope: "and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath" (I Thessalonians 1:10). An authentic Christian community is an expectant community, eagerly awaiting Christ's return. If we are truly waiting for Him, we will be actively engaged in His kingdom work.
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.
We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;
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;
Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.
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.
And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:
So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.
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.
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;
And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
I Thessalonians 1 offers a powerful introduction to Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians, a vibrant church in a bustling Greek city. This chapter isn't just a greeting; it's a heartfelt expression of gratitude and admiration for a community that embraced the gospel with remarkable zeal. Understanding the context and key themes of this chapter provides a solid foundation for grasping the entire letter.
Context: Thessalonica and Paul's Ministry
Thessalonica was a major port city in Greece, a melting pot of cultures and commerce. During his second missionary journey, Paul established a church there (Acts 17:1–4). However, his ministry was met with fierce opposition, particularly from Jewish critics (Acts 17:5–9), forcing him to move on to Berea. Despite these challenges, the Thessalonian church not only survived but thrived. This letter reveals Paul's delight in hearing of their spiritual growth and active propagation of the gospel.
This opening chapter, though concise, sets the tone for what follows. It establishes Paul's deep affection for the Thessalonians, highlighting their positive response to the gospel, a stark contrast to the apathy or even hostility he encountered elsewhere. This positive backdrop allows Paul to address their concerns and offer gentle corrections later in the letter. These concerns included unfair attacks from outsiders, rumors about Paul, questions about the return of Christ, and other spiritual matters.
Thanksgiving and Remembrance (I Thessalonians 1:1-3)
Paul, along with Silas and Timothy, addresses this letter "To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" (I Thessalonians 1:1). The very word "church" (Greek: ekklēsia) is significant. Ekklēsia means a "called-out group." It was a common term used for gatherings, especially for legal matters. Paul elevates this everyday word, giving it new meaning: believers are "called out ones"—called out from the world's agenda to God's kingdom agenda.
From the outset, Paul expresses unwavering gratitude: "We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you constantly in our prayers" (I Thessalonians 1:2). He specifically remembers "your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ" (I Thessalonians 1:3). These three virtues – faith, love, and hope – are the hallmarks of a transformed life, radiating outward from those who have genuinely received the grace and peace of Jesus (I Thessalonians 1:1).
These are not mere feelings; they are manifested in tangible actions. Paul emphasizes a working faith, a laboring love, and an enduring hope. In a world often characterized by indifference, it's not the number of Bible verses we quote, but how we tangibly serve others with faith, hope, and love that truly distinguishes us.
Chosen by God (I Thessalonians 1:4-5)
Paul continues by acknowledging the Thessalonians' election: "For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you" (I Thessalonians 1:4). Salvation is a gift of grace; we are saved because God chose us, a truth that inspires profound gratitude. We are saved to serve God by choice, not by chance. God found us before we found Him, choosing us for a divinely ordained purpose on earth.
However, while salvation is rooted in God's choice, it is also mediated through people. Someone had the courage to share the gospel with the Thessalonians. Paul emphasizes that the gospel came to them "not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction" (I Thessalonians 1:5). The gospel message was accompanied by the manifest presence and power of the Holy Spirit, leading to genuine transformation.
Paul also highlights the importance of a consistent Christian life: "You know how we lived among you for your sake" (I Thessalonians 1:5). His life was an open book, demonstrating the truth of the gospel. Our lives must align with our words, providing a visible representation of the good news. The world needs to see the gospel in our lives, not just hear it from our mouths.
Imitators of Christ (I Thessalonians 1:6-8)
The Thessalonians' faith was contagious. They "became imitators of us and of the Lord" (I Thessalonians 1:6). This is not a problem-free or fairy-tale gospel. Authentic Christianity may be accompanied by severe persecution (2 Timothy 3:12). Yet, even in tribulation, an authentic Christian community experiences joy from the Holy Spirit. This internal stability, born of the Spirit, remains untouched by external troubles.
Their faith became a model for others: "And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia" (I Thessalonians 1:7). The Greek word tupos, translated "model," means "type" or "pattern." The Thessalonians allowed others to see Jesus by looking at them. Their godly attitudes and actions made Jesus look good. The language they used, and the way they conducted themselves, reflected the character of Christ.
Turning from Idols (I Thessalonians 1:9-10)
Paul reminds them of their conversion: "how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God" (I Thessalonians 1:9). While we might not have literal idols of stone or wood, idols still exist today. An idol is anything—person, place, thing, or thought—that we look to as our primary source of security, identity, or fulfillment apart from God. It is anyone or anything, other than God, that holds our confidence, trust, and allegiance.
The alternative to serving idols is serving the living and true God. Our actions, as much as our words, reveal what we truly believe. Paul concludes by highlighting their hope: "and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath" (I Thessalonians 1:10). An authentic Christian community is an expectant community, eagerly awaiting Christ's return. If we are truly waiting for Him, we will be actively engaged in His kingdom work.