1 Thessalonians 3:1-4 Comfort

Therefore when we could endure it no longer, we thought it best to be left behind at Athens alone, and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you as to your faith, so that no one would be disturbed by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we have been destined for this. For indeed when we were with you, we kept telling you in advance that we were going to suffer affliction; and so it came to pass, as you know. [1 Thessalonians 3:1-4 NASB]

After Paul left Thessalonica, he went to Berea. From there, the Bible gives this account;

But when the Jews of Thessalonica found out that the word of God had been proclaimed by Paul in Berea also, they came there as well, agitating and stirring up the crowds. Then immediately the brethren sent Paul out to go as far as the sea; and Silas and Timothy remained there. Now those who escorted Paul brought him as far as Athens; and receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, they left. [Acts 17:13-15 NASB]

Paul had been driven out of Thessalonica by an angry mob. No doubt, the word came back to them that the same thing had happened to Paul in nearby Berea. 

Paul sent for Timothy and Silas while he was in Athens, but first, he had Timothy go back to Thessalonica to provide comfort to the believers there, who were concerned for him.

It seems that Paul was destined to suffer persecution throughout his ministry. He told this to the Thessalonians in advance. Apparently it was his practice to tell this to all the churches he visited. We read;

After they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” [Acts 14:21-22 NASB]

Paul's concern was not for himself, but for others.

This is often the way for us. Have you ever been around a loved one who was sick or suffering? It seems it is often harder on us than on them. We feel helpless in those situations. 

Consider this from the opposite perspective. Whenever you are sick or suffering, it is often harder on those who love us than it is for ourselves. 

When we are suffering, it is natural for us to moan about our circumstances; to say "Why me?" It's the subject of comedy that when a big tough man gets sick, he reverts to a little boy, wanting to be taken care of. It's funny because it hits so close to home.

The next time you are going through a hard time, whether it be a sickness, or financial hardship, or anything else, consider Paul's example. You may be suffering, but those who love you are suffering with you. Try comforting others, while you are in the midst of your suffering. You may find that in providing comfort to others, you will receive the comfort you need.

Lord, You have told me  ahead of time that I would go through trials and tribulations. I know that it won't always be easy. Please give me the grace to endure, and to comfort those who are anxious on my behalf. 

1 Thessalonians 2:17-20 Obstacles

But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short while—in person, not in spirit—were all the more eager with great desire to see your face. For we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, more than once—and yet Satan hindered us. For who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation? Is it not even you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? For you are our glory and joy. [1 Thessalonians 2:17-20 NASB]

Paul had to leave Thessalonica because he was driven out by the Jews. Even though he had to leave, he told them that he is still with them in spirit - that is, he is thinking about them and praying for them.

Paul wanted to reassure them that he didn't want to leave, but was taken away, and that he still has a great affection for them. He said he wanted to return to them, but was hindered by Satan. 

This was probably a reference to the opposition he faced in Berea, where he was initially well received. We read this account in Acts;

Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so. Therefore many of them believed, along with a number of prominent Greek women and men. But when the Jews of Thessalonica found out that the word of God had been proclaimed by Paul in Berea also, they came there as well, agitating and stirring up the crowds. Then immediately the brethren sent Paul out to go as far as the sea; and Silas and Timothy remained there. [Acts 17:11-14 NASB]

You need to be careful whenever you try to apply this scripture to your own situation. I have known many people who, whenever they face an obstacle, they are convinced they are "under attack" by Satan. But not every hindrance is Satanic in nature. We read again in Acts;

They passed through the Phrygian and Galatian region, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia; and after they came to Mysia, they were trying to go into Bithynia, and the Spirit of Jesus did not permit them; [Acts 16:6-7 NASB]

They tried to go to Asia, but the Spirit of God prevented them, and they ended up going to Galatia. They tried to go to Bithynia, but Spirit of God prevented them, and they ended up in Philippi and Thessalonica.

Sometimes the obstacles we face are God telling us to go in a different direction. How do you know if your obstacle is God or Satan? You can pray and ask for discernment. You may not know until long after the obstacle is gone. If that's the case, then how should you react?

American culture tells us that if you are facing an obstacle, then kick it down. No matter how great the obstacle, persist until it is overcome. But, what does the Bible say?

Using Paul as an example, let's see how he handled each situation, and what the results were. 

Had Paul persisted in going to Asia, in spite of the obstacles that God placed in his way, his ministry would likely have suffered, and we would not have the book of Galatians. Had he persisted in going to Bithynia, we would not have the books of Philippians or 1st and 2nd Thessalonians.

Had Paul persisted in going back to Thessalonica as he intended, in spite of the obstacles that Satan put in his way, he would have faced a still enraged crowd, and may or may not have been martyred early. Instead, he allowed the obstacle to change, and to a degree, direct his course, and ended up in Corinth.

Since Paul was not able to go back to Thessalonica, he decided to write a letter instead. This was the first of his letters to the churches. In the mean time, he stayed and ministered in Corinth for a year and a half.

So, no matter the source of the obstacle, Paul did not resist. Satan, no doubt, meant to hinder Paul's ministry, but what he meant for evil, God turned to good. By the way, Paul was able to visit the cities of Macedonia (which includes Thessalonica) on his return trip to Jerusalem.

Don't feel like you have push through every obstacle. You may be fighting against God. And even if you are not, God will still work it all out for the best if you trust Him.

Lord, I trust You to lead and guide me in all things. I thank you that You are in me, and that You are greater than he who is in the world. 

1 Thessalonians 2:14-16 The Jews

For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea, for you also endured the same sufferings at the hands of your own countrymen, even as they did from the Jews, who both killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out. They are not pleasing to God, but hostile to all men, hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved; with the result that they always fill up the measure of their sins. But wrath has come upon them to the utmost. [1 Thessalonians 2:14-16 NASB]

The church in Thessalonica endured persecution at the hands of their own countrymen, just as the Jewish believers in Judea suffered at the hands of their own countrymen.

If read out of context, this passage would suggest that all the Jews are cursed. But he is only speaking of those Jews who oppose the gospel. Jesus said;

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the monuments of the righteous, and say, ‘If we had been living in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partners with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.’ “So you testify against yourselves, that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. “Fill up, then, the measure of the guilt of your fathers. [Matthew 23:29-32 NASB]

It wasn't that Jesus held them guilty for their ancestors' crimes. It was the hypocrisy of their denial, when Jesus knew that they would soon crucify Him and persecute His followers. He went on to say;

“Therefore, behold, I am sending you prophets and wise men and scribes; some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city, so that upon you may fall the guilt of all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. [Matthew 23:34-35 NASB]

Although they brought condemnation on themselves by their actions, Jesus continued to love them, and mourned for them. He said;

“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling. [Matthew 23:37 NASB]

Paul also had a heart for Israel, in spite of the persecution he suffered at their hands. He said;

I am telling the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience testifies with me in the Holy Spirit, that I have great sorrow and unceasing grief in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh, who are Israelites, to whom belongs the adoption as sons, and the glory and the covenants and the giving of the Law and the temple service and the promises, [Romans 9:1-4 NASB]

He says concerning them, "God has not rejected His people whom He foreknew. [Romans 11:2 NASB] God still loves Israel and the Jews, even when they are condemned for their sins. Paul says;

From the standpoint of the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but from the standpoint of God’s choice they are beloved for the sake of the fathers; [Romans 11:28 NASB]

Some people, in their ignorance have used selected passages from the Bible to justify their antisemitism. They are not following the heart of God, and in their zeal to condemn Jews, they themselves will be condemned.

Pray for Israel. Pray for their salvation. As Paul says in Romans 11:26 "All Israel will be saved."

Father, I thank You that You have never taken back Your gifts or calling. Thank You that Israel is still Your beloved. I pray for the peace of Jerusalem, and for all Israel. I pray that you will bring salvation to Your people. 

1 Thessalonians 2:13 The Word of God

For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe. [1 Thessalonians 2:13 NASB]

The Bible is the word of God. What Paul preached and taught came to him by way of revelation from God Himself. When he taught, he repeated what God had told him; his words were the word of God. 

We can accept that the New Testament Bible is the word of God because we have 2000 years of history to back it up. But imagine what it was like for those early believers. They had people coming through and telling them about every religion that came along - the Roman and Greek pantheons, local religions Eastern religion, secular philosophy, Judaism - each claiming to be the one true religion.

So what made Paul's preaching so different? How is it that he "turned the world upside down?" God said;

“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven,And do not return there without watering the earthAnd making it bear and sprout,And furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth;It will not return to Me empty,Without accomplishing what I desire,And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it. [Isaiah 55:10-11 NASB]

The word of God is not just a collection of words. It is the nature of God's word be active, and to have power. When Paul spoke God's word, the power of that word penetrated to the spirit of the listeners. We read in Hebrews;

For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. [Hebrews 4:12 NASB]

The power of God's word produced faith in the believers. As it says in Romans;

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. [Romans 10:17 NASB]

When you are speaking to an unbeliever about Jesus, your words matter. There are people who make a career out of using logic and reason to defend the gospel. The problem is, logic and reason can be refuted by more logic and reason, or even by emotional arguments that defy logic and reason. Your words, that is the words that come from your natural mind, have no power. Jesus said,

“I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing." [John 15:5 NASB]

The same is true when speaking to fellow believers. Psychology has limited value to a hurting Christian. The love and care of fellow Christians, the prayers of the saints, and the word of God, spoken in love, have the power to heal.

Study the Bible so that you can have an answer. Don't be afraid to speak the God's word into the life of others as well as yourself. His word will perform its work in we who believe.

Father, I thank You for Your word; that is powerful and effective. I pray for the wisdom to apply Your word to my life, and to speak Your word into the lives of others. 

1 Thessalonians 2:9-12 Walking Worthy

For you recall, brethren, our labor and hardship, how working night and day so as not to be a burden to any of you, we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. You are witnesses, and so is God, how devoutly and uprightly and blamelessly we behaved toward you believers; just as you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children, so that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory. [1 Thessalonians 2:9-12 NASB]

Paul said that he worked "night and day". That doesn't mean that he worked 24 hours around the clock. According to customs in the first century, the day didn't start until the sun was up. As long as it was still dark, 5:00 a.m was still night. It was a common expression that referred to getting up before dawn to work. Most likely, Paul began work in the early morning before the sun was up, and worked part of the day. This would give him time to preach the gospel as well as work. Although it is not always mentioned, this was, apparently, his practice wherever he went. The book of Acts tell us;

After these things he left Athens and went to Corinth. And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, having recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. He came to them, and because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and they were working, for by trade they were tent-makers. [Acts 18:1-3 NASB]

Some churches cite Paul's example, making it a doctrine that preachers should not be paid. This does a disservice to the preacher, and is not scripturally sound. Paul had the right to be paid by those to whom he ministered, but chose to work instead. He says;

Do we not have a right to eat and drink? Do we not have a right to take along a believing wife, even as the rest of the apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas? Or do only Barnabas and I not have a right to refrain from working? Who at any time serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat the fruit of it? Or who tends a flock and does not use the milk of the flock? I am not speaking these things according to human judgment, am I? Or does not the Law also say these things? For it is written in the Law of Moses, “YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE HE IS THRESHING.” God is not concerned about oxen, is He? [1 Corinthians 9:4-9 NASB]

Paul chose to work because he knew his enemies would accuse him of taking advantage of the people. He could refute them by citing his own work record. Paul's behavior was above reproach.

Earlier, Paul compared himself to a nursing mother caring for her children. Now he compares himself to a loving father teaching his children. His goal was that they would walk worthy of God.

That should be our goal for ourselves as well - to walk worthy of God. We know that in ourselves we can never be worthy. But God has forgiven our sins, cleansed us from all unrighteousness, and made us worthy in His eyes. He also gave us His spirit to empower us so that we can walk in that worthiness. To be spiritual, you need to devote your mind to spiritual things; prayer, scripture, good deeds in His name.

If you want to be like Jesus, you need to know Him. Study the gospels. Last year I spent six months immersed in studying the gospel of Matthew. It changed my understanding of who Jesus is, and also of who I am. Also, quality time spent in prayer is essential. You can't know a person if you don't spend time with him.

Father, thank You for forgiving my sins, and for giving me your Spirit. I pray that You will give me the power and grace to live in a manner that is worthy of You. 

1 Thessalonians 2:5-8 Leadership

For we never came with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness— nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, even though as apostles of Christ we might have asserted our authority. But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children. Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us. [1 Thessalonians 2:5-8 NASB]

As Paul continues to defend his ministry, he addresses some of the accusations against him and his team.

He didn't try to influence them using flattery, and he wasn't after their money or their praise. In other words, he was neither trying to please the Thessalonians, nor was he trying to please himself.

As an apostle, Paul had the natural right to assert his authority. In the world, it was normal for a leader to display his authority for all to see. From Esther we read;

In those days as King Ahasuerus sat on his royal throne which was at the citadel in Susa, in the third year of his reign he gave a banquet for all his princes and attendants, the army officers of Persia and Media, the nobles and the princes of his provinces being in his presence. And he displayed the riches of his royal glory and the splendor of his great majesty for many days, 180 days. [Esther 1:2-4 NASB]

But, for the Christian, this is not the way. Jesus said;

“He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who is seeking the glory of the One who sent Him, He is true, and there is no unrighteousness in Him. [John 7:18 NASB]

True leadership isn't about asserting your authority. It is about becoming a servant. Jesus said;

“You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” [Matthew 20:25-28 NASB]

Jesus is the perfect example of this. He was God. Paul said;

For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, [Colossians 2:9 NASB]

As God, Jesus had ultimate authority over heaven and earth. But he chose to lead by example, and didn't assert His authority. Paul said;

Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. [Philippians 2:5-8 NASB]

Do you want to be a leader? Be a servant. Do you want to be a great leader? become as a slave.

Paul compared his ministry to the Thessalonians to a mother nursing her child. It is a tender and selfless act, motivated by pure love. When you lead, consider the attitude of the nursing mother, and act tenderly and selflessly toward those you lead. You are not their commander; you are their servant.

Father, I pray that you will give me a tender heart; the heart of a servant.

1 Thessalonians 2:3-5 Entrusted With the Gospel

For our exhortation does not come from error or impurity or by way of deceit; but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who examines our hearts. For we never came with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness— [1 Thessalonians 2:3-5 NASB]

The city of Thessalonica was a major port city, and sat on the Egnatian Way, a major East/West route through Macedonia. It was a major metropolis with residents from all over the world, each bringing their own culture. There were a great many religions, including the Olympian gods, especially Apollo, Athena and Hercules. There were the native Greek religions, worshiping Dionysus and the sex and drinking cults. There were shrines to the Egyptian gods such as Isis, Sarapis and Anubis. There were the Roman state cults, which deified the heroes of Rome. On top of that, there were intellectual and philosophical traditions.

Almost all of the religions were missionary minded, and sought to spread their religion by sending out missionaries. Almost all of the missionaries for these various religions were known for their greed and underhanded dealings. They took what they could from their listeners, and moved on.

Paul's accusers lumped him in with these missionaries. They spread rumors that Paul was preaching a false message for the sake of greed. Paul is distinguishing himself from these false preachers by reminding the Thessalonians of what they already know, and have witnessed for themselves when Paul was with them.

Paul made it clear that it was God who entrusted him with the gospel. As he told the Galatians;

For I would have you know, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. [Galatians 1:11-12 NASB]

His motive for preaching is not to please men, but to please God. He also told them;

For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ. [Galatians 1:10 NASB]

Being a God-pleaser instead of a man-pleaser doesn't mean that you should alienate people. On the contrary, Paul said;

For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more. To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might win Jews; to those who are under the Law, as under the Law though not being myself under the Law, so that I might win those who are under the Law; to those who are without law, as without law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, so that I might win those who are without law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some. I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it. [1 Corinthians 9:19-23 NASB]

The presentation of the Gospel may vary wildly. It may be as simple as talking one on one to neighbor. It may resemble a Billy Graham crusade, a preacher on a street corner, a concert with a Christian message. The variety of presentation is only limited by imagination.

But, the message never changes. The truth of the gospel must never be compromised for the sake of presentation. As Paul said;

For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. [1 Corinthians 2:2 NASB]

Lord, please give me the wisdom and grace to reach people with the gospel for Your sake. I pray that the gospel message will go forth and spread, free of compromise, to a lost and needy world.