The Thessalonians received the gospel in tribulation but remained faithful while anticipating the arrival of Jesus – 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10. In his opening paragraph, Paul anticipates the subjects he will discuss in the letter. This includes the tribulations of believers, the basis for Christian hope, the “coming” of Jesus, the resurrection of the dead, and the impending “wrath” on unbelievers.
Thessalonica
was a leading city in Macedonia. Due to its location, travelers and trade goods
moving overland between Rome and the eastern provinces passed through it,
contributing to its prosperity.
Paul and
his two coworkers, Silas and Timothy, introduced the faith to the city. Silas was a Jew, a prophet, a Roman
citizen, and Paul’s constant companion during his second missionary journey. Timothy
joined them during that missionary
endeavor - (Acts 15:32, 16:1-4, 16:20-37, 17:1-9).
- (1 Thessalonians 1:1) - “Paul and Silvanus and Timothy to the assembly of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ; Grace to you and peace.”
THE ASSEMBLY
Paul addresses
the “assembly in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” The Greek
noun ekklésia is commonly translated as “church” in English translations.
The word means “assembly, congregation,” essentially, individuals assembled for
a particular purpose.
Paul’s application
of the term is derived from the Hebrew Bible, especially its references to the
“congregation” of Israel gathered before the Tabernacle in worship - the
qahal Yahweh or “assembly of Yahweh” – (Deuteronomy 23:1).
With the death
and resurrection of Jesus, the saints gather for worship as the “assembly in
God and the Lord Jesus.” And the image is fitting.
Believers in Thessalonica constitute a people distinct from the surrounding pagan society, converts who endure “tribulation” because of their allegiance to Jesus.
And like ancient
Israel, the saints are sojourning in the “wilderness” on their way to the
“promised land.”
ENDURANCE
- (1 Thessalonians 1:2-4) - “We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; remembering without ceasing your work of faith and labor of love and endurance of hope of our Lord Jesus Christ before our God and Father; knowing, brethren beloved of God, your election.”
The “endurance of hope” of this church
is forward-looking. Believers are looking to the day when Jesus will “arrive”
and gather his saints to himself. At that time, they will be Paul’s “hope
and joy and crown of boasting.”
“Your
election.” The Greek term eklektos or “elect” simply means “chosen.”
The
Thessalonians have been “chosen” by God to become his “assembly”
in the city, and their receipt of the gospel despite opposition more than
justifies His choice. They are “chosen” because they are “beloved by
God.”
- (1 Thessalonians 1:5-7) - “How that our gospel came not 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 showed ourselves toward you for your sake. And you became imitators of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation, with joy of the Holy Spirit, and you became examples to all that believe in Macedonia and in Achaia.”
The Thessalonians had been impressed by Paul’s message that was accompanied
by “power in the Holy Spirit.” Nevertheless, the most striking is the
description of their acceptance of the gospel “in much tribulation.”
The Greek term thlipsis or “tribulation” originally meant
a “pressing together,” hence the idea of “pressure.” From this developed the
sense of “affliction, tribulation.” Paul and his coworkers faced opposition,
especially from the leaders of the local synagogue. Tensions became so high that
Paul left the city before his work was finished, hence his anxiety over the
state of the church.
Paul is doing more than recalling the past. The term “tribulation”
anticipates his later statements made for the benefit of the Thessalonians. For
example, his declaration that God has “appointed us for tribulation” –
(Acts 17:1-9, 1 Thessalonians 3:3).
SERVING GOD
- (1 Thessalonians 1:8-10) - “But in every place, your faith which is toward God has gone forth so that no need have we to be saying anything; for they themselves concerning us do tell what manner of entrance we had to you, and how you turned to God from the idols to be serving a living and true God, and awaiting his Son out of the heavens, whom he raised from among the dead, Jesus, who is rescuing us out of the coming wrath.”
The
Thessalonians turned from “idols to serve the true God.” This suggests a
church composed primarily of Gentile converts, and this assumption is borne out
by the account in Acts – (Acts 17:4).
Paul describes
how their life orientation changed. Instead of serving dead idols, they began
to serve the “true and living God.” Rather than a comfortable life in Thessalonica,
they chose a path that guaranteed opposition.
Paul uses
two infinitive clauses to express how disciples must live. First, turn
from idols “to serve a living and true God”; and second, “to
await his Son from heaven.” And the Son of God will "arrive from
heaven.” He is the same man that “God raised from the dead.” Thus, Paul
anchors their future hope in the past resurrection of Jesus – (1
Thessalonians 4:13-17).
This same Jesus
is the “one who is rescuing” his disciples. The verb translates a Greek
present tense participle that means “rescue, deliver, save” (rhuomai), and the present tense signifies an action in progress.
While Paul has a future event in view, the present tense stresses that, even now, Jesus is in the process of rescuing his people.
And he is rescuing
them from the “wrath” which also is “coming.” The two participles
contrast two processes - rescue for some, and wrath for
others. Both will be consummated at his "arrival.”
Disciples
of Jesus must not be dismayed by tribulation and persecution. While the “arrival”
of Jesus will bring wrath upon their opponents, it also will
mean rescue for the righteous who wait patiently and eagerly for that
day. His return will result in the vindication of some, but the condemnation of
others, especially those who persecute his church.