Friday, June 13 – 1 Thessalonians 1, 2 – Additional Reading: The Acts of the Apostles, chapter 25

1. What can we learn from the generous and selfless spirits of Paul, Silas, and Timothy? (1 Thessalonians 2:6–9)

2. How did Paul and his companions respond to their opposition?

3. Should we express more gratitude in our prayers for God’s many blessings?

4. What did the Thessalonians learn from the examples of Paul, Silas, and Timothy? (1 Thessalonians 1:6–7)

5. How can we apply the principles from today’s reading to our church?

Today, we begin our study of Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians, one of the earliest epistles in the New Testament. Written during Paul’s second missionary journey, probably from Corinth around AD 49–51, it expresses the apostle’s deep affection and gratitude for a church that remained faithful amid trials, demonstrating faith, love, and hope.

The letter is written in the name of Paul, Silvanus (Silas), and Timothy, who actively helped establish the church in Thessalonica, an influential city in Macedonia. The writing reveals Paul’s pastoral heart and appreciation for Timothy’s positive report on the believers’ witness.

From the very beginning (1 Thess. 1:1–5), Paul acknowledges the presence of all three Persons of the Godhead: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Thessalonian believers, who were once idolaters (1:9), have become a living example of the gospel. Paul commends their faithful testimony throughout Macedonia and Achaia, despite facing persecution.

Verse 10 highlights their active expectation for the return of Jesus. The Greek verb used for “wait” implies continuous action. This is a recurring theme in the epistle. Ellen G. White comments: “The Thessalonian believers were true missionaries… the word of the Lord, spoken by them, was accompanied with power… and souls were added to the number of believers.” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 255)

Paul recalls coming to Thessalonica after suffering abuse in Philippi (2:2). Yet, he preached the gospel boldly. The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary notes: “After such a terrible punishment as that endured by the evangelists, impostors would not have had the courage to continue immediately in a nearby city.” (SDABC, vol. 6, p. 240)

Paul emphasizes that his preaching was not motivated by greed or flattery. He and his companions worked day and night to avoid being a burden and conducted themselves with gentleness and humility, “just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children” (2:7–9, NKJV). Their dedication was genuine and selfless.

He also comforts the believers who their fellow citizens persecuted (2:14), comparing their trials to those of the Judean Christians. Paul reminds them that Jesus Himself was rejected and that the Jews, in their zeal to prevent the gospel from reaching the Gentiles, had brought judgment upon themselves: “…they always fill up the measure of their sins; but wrath has come upon them to the uttermost.” (1 Thessalonians 2:16, NKJV)

Yet, Paul reaffirms his deep love for them. Although he had tried to return, he writes, “Satan hindered us” (2:18). The Greek word translated “separation” conveys an emotional pain akin to that of a parent separated from their child.

The Thessalonian church, though young, was exemplary. What made it special were its active faith, sacrificial love, patient hope, and missionary spirit. They also had the living examples of Paul, Silas, and Timothy, who taught the gospel and embodied it.

This message remains relevant today. Are we expressing more gratitude in our prayers? Are we living and sharing the gospel with joy, even in hardship? Is our church actively sowing hope as we wait for Christ’s return?

The testimony of the Thessalonians and the apostles’ model of service continue to serve as our guide. May we, like them, remain faithful and work diligently in the Lord’s vineyard.

“Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.” (1 Thessalonians 5:28, NKJV)

May you have a blessed day.