*1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
Paul commends the Thessalonians for their faith, love, and perseverance in the face of persecution, and expresses his thanksgiving for their positive example.
- Salutation:
- Thanksgiving for the Thessalonians’ Faith:
- Paul gives thanks for the Thessalonians continually, mentioning them in his prayers.
- He recalls their work produced by faith, labor prompted by love, and endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ before God.
- God’s Choice Evident:
- The Thessalonians are reminded that they are chosen by God, evidenced by the powerful way the gospel came to them—not simply with words but also with power, the Holy Spirit, and deep conviction.
- Paul highlights how they know what kind of men Paul and his companions were for their sake while with them.
- Model Believers:
- The Thessalonians became imitators of Paul and the Lord, despite severe suffering; they received the word with joy given by the Holy Spirit.
- As a result, they became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.
- The Word’s Spread:
- The word of the Lord rang out from them not only in Macedonia and Achaia but everywhere their faith in God has become known.
- Paul notes that they need not say anything about it because the reports of the Thessalonians’ faith are widespread.
- Conversion and Service:
- People speak about how the Thessalonians turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.
- They also tell of how the Thessalonians are waiting for Jesus to return from heaven, whom God raised from the dead—Jesus who rescues us from the coming wrath.