1 Thessalonians 1
CHAPTER 1
Paul and Silvanus and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace to you and peace. 2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, 3 remembering without ceasing before our God and Father your work of faith, labour of love and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
The power of example
4 Knowing, brothers beloved of God, your first calling, 5 how that our preaching of the gospel came not to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance. Even as you know what manner of men we have shown ourselves toward you, for your sake.
6 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit. 7 In this way you became an example to all in Macedonia and in Achaia that believe. 8 For from you has sounded out the word of the Lord, not only in Macedonia and Achaia but in every place your faith toward God has gone forth; so that we do not need to say anything about you. 9 For others report about what kind of reception you gave us and how you turned to God from idols, to serve a living and true God, 10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, Jesus, who delivers us from the wrath to come.
Commentary
1:5,6 Converts tend to imitate the person who converted them. We therefore have to watch who we are, for the sake of others who will hear us preach. This isn’t a call to hypocrisy; rather to being aware that who we are really does affect who others become, and so we should watch who we are for others’ sakes.
1:10 The return of Christ to the earth is the basic Christian hope.
