Thessalonians 1-2: Verse by Verse With Bible Study FellowshipНамуна

Loving Relationships  – Chapter 1

Letters in the first century commonly included a greeting, a prayer or blessing, the main message, a final greeting and a farewell. How amazing to know God’s inspired Word was given through a letter sent and received in love! God spoke through the apostle Paul in this letter to the young Thessalonian church. As part of the New Testament, this letter is equally authoritative for faith and life of all believers today.

Greeting – 1:1

Paul made every word count for the Lord Jesus Christ. The opening line, “To the church in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,” includes several points to note: 

• the church in God - Christians not only know God; they live in Him wherever they are.1 
• the Lord - a common Greek translation of God’s most sacred name, Yahweh, in the Old Testament. 
• Jesus - the name that always calls attention to the humanity of our Lord. 
• Christ - from the Greek word for the Hebrew, Messiah, meaning the “anointed one” prophesied to come.

Paul modified the Greek greeting chairein (“rejoice” or “greetings”) to the Christian word charis, meaning “grace.” He then united this with the Hebrew greeting “peace be to you.” Paul’s “simple” hello preaches the truth that no Christian exists in any circumstance without the spiritual wealth of God’s grace and peace.

Paul’s Prayer of Thanks – 1:2-4

Paul’s words leave no doubt; he, their shepherd, possessed whole-hearted love, concern, appreciation and value for the Thessalonians. Paul models servant leadership under God’s sovereign plan. Paul filtered his prayers through God’s promises for believers in Christ. Paul was thankful to be part of God’s relationship with the Thessalonians. Is this your attitude as you pray for Christians in your care?

Paul commended this letter’s recipients for their: 

• “Work produced by faith.” This is to obey God’s Word in the power of the Spirit. These works remain eternally fruitful, no matter how they look to human eyes.2 
• “Labor prompted by love.” God’s love fuels faithful labor out of love for Him.3 
• “Endurance inspired by hope.” Christian hope is bound up in the “blessed hope,” a phrase referring to Jesus’ return. This certain hope assures reward, justice, fulfilled purpose and ultimate security.

Paul traced his thanksgiving back to God’s election of these believers (verse 4). God is every believer’s source of faith, hope and love. The gospel is not only that God saves us from sin, but also that He delivers us into Christ for new lives consumed by His righteousness.

The Thessalonians’ Response – 1:5-10

Paul says their external actions provided evidence of the internal reality of salvation through God’s election. The Spirit enabled them to imitate the missionaries’ way of life. The Thessalonians followed the Lord Jesus to become examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia. They were known to: 

• spread the gospel by word and deed throughout the area. 
• give up idols to joyfully serve the living God. 
• expect the resurrected Lord Jesus to physically return from heaven. 
• be assured Jesus had delivered them from God’s wrath to come.

The Thessalonians were only days into new life in Christ when they faced violent persecution for their faithful embrace of life in Christ. Love for God and their neighbors separated them from their former ungodly conduct and religion. They were judged by society for what they now chose to do and chose to no longer do. 

In verse 5, Paul commends their response, “You became imitators of us and of the Lord.” Christian suffering involves self-discipline and standing against external opposition. Is sudden hardship tempting you to hesitate in faith? Are you anxious? Do you feel guilty and think you need to try harder? Instead: 

• confess your weakness. 
• repent of any known sin. 
• surrender to the Spirit’s power. 
• ask God for desire and power to obey His will. 
• then, do the next right thing. 

This is the way to accept God’s promise of faith that stands firm.

In 2:10 Paul recalls the example he and his companions set for them, “You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed.” Blamelessness is not about doing the best you can to live a good life. Blamelessness is based on the finished work of Christ.4 Do you know Christ by faith, trusting Him for salvation? If not, what holds you back? If so, are you pressing in to holy living? 

Questions 

Q1. In what ways do both passages present Paul as a model for Christian life? In your life, whose example do you follow, and why?

INSIGHTS: Paul works with others (1:1; Acts 17:1); he prays thankfully and continually (1:2; Acts 17:4); he cares to continue shepherding those he has met through the gospel (1:5; Acts 17:2-3, 10); he calls for righteous living through joyful obedience (1:9); he keeps his eyes on Jesus and expects His return (1:10). Personal examples will vary. 

Q2. In 1 Thessalonians 1, Paul describes the Thessalonian believers as models for others. Which of their characteristics would you like to grow in?

INSIGHTS: Paul thanks God for the Thessalonians’ faith, love, hope, endurance, joy amidst suffering and labor for the Lord, among other qualities. Personal answers about growth in Christ’s likeness will vary. 

Q3. Which parts of Paul’s prayer apply to people in your life, and how will you thank God for them this week? 

Related Verses

1 Life in Christ: Ephesians 2:6

2 Living works: John 15:4-5; 1 Corinthians 3:10-15; Hebrews 9:14

3 God’s love: Romans 5:5; Philippians 2:13; James 2:14; 1 John 4:19

4 Cleansing from sin: 1 John 1:7