FROM PAUL, SILAS, AND TIMOTHY. Paul took both Silas and Timothy with him on the second tour of missions (_Acts ch. 15, 16, 17, 18)._ TO THE PEOPLE OF THE CHURCH. The "messianic community," visibly separate from the synagogue of the Jews. WHO BELONG TO GOD THE FATHER AND THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. The Fa... [ Continue Reading ]
WE. This is Paul's letter, not the work of all three. But in "we" Paul is including all who are with him, and perhaps the Christian ministry as well. ALWAYS THANK GOD. Almost all of Paul's letters begin with "thanks." This teaches us that Christians should pray for each other and thank God for the f... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR WE REMEMBER. Remembering these good things was a habit. HOW YOU PUT YOUR FAITH INTO PRACTICE. Faith itself is a good work (John 6:29). HOW YOUR LOVE MADE YOU WORK SO HARD. This implies working hard at material things in order to be able to help others (compare Ephesians 4:28; Galatians 6:1-10).... [ Continue Reading ]
AND HAS CHOSEN YOU. This is another way of saying, "and you know that you have become Christians." It is a paradox that we hear: "The Spirit and the Bride say, Come!" and find out the _call_ is to ALL (John 6:44-45). But when we have come into union with him, we find that he has chosen us! Cod's cal... [ Continue Reading ]
NOT WITH WORDS ONLY. Note that the "power" refers to the ones who brought the Good News. The reasons why they are "chosen" are: (1) the power and conviction with which Paul, Silas, and Timothy brought this Good News to them; (2) the fact that they received the Good News with joy. YOU KNOW HOW WE LIV... [ Continue Reading ]
YOU IMITATED US. They imitated the Christian life they saw Paul and others living. EVEN THOUGH YOU SUFFERED MUCH. From the unbelieving Jews (Acts 17:1-9). FROM THE HOLY SPIRIT. Joy, from the moment they accepted the gospel (see note on Acts 2:38).... [ Continue Reading ]
SO YOU BECAME AN EXAMPLE. They honored Christ with their lives! This made them a good example to other believers. MACEDONIA. See map. This was "Northern Greece," and Thessalonica was its capital. GREECE. This was "Southern Greece" (Achaia), and Corinth was its capital. Both were Roman provinces.... [ Continue Reading ]
WENT OUT FROM YOU. Thessalonica became an important center for spreading the Good News. The effect of Christ on the Thessalonians created great interest among others. THAT WE NEED TO SAY. Wherever he went, he found the news of the church in Thessalonica was already well known! AND HOW YOU TURNED AWA... [ Continue Reading ]