There is a section of Paul’s first letter to Thessalonica where he praises their faith and example to others. It is found in the latter part of the first chapter, and is an interesting read. “For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake. And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe” (1 Thessalonians 1:5-7). Consider some truths found in the text.
First, the reason the Thessalonians became Christians was because of the confirmed word. It is important to know that the gospel of Jesus Christ has been confirmed as true by the power of God. Once confirmed, the work is done. People today ask how we know the gospel of Christ is from God? God showed it was from Him over 2,000 years ago! The New Testament writers evidenced this through their ability to perform miracles (Mark 16:20), and the Lord Himself was validated in His claims by His resurrection from the dead (Acts 2:36).
Because it has been confirmed we can believe just as surely as those who directly evidenced the proof with their own eyes. We have their testimony, and we can be confident in it. The Thessalonians certainly accepted it. “For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe” (1 Thessalonians 2:13).
Because the Thessalonians accepted it completely, they embraced it in the same way, despite the cost. They embraced the gospel, but did so “in the midst of affliction” (1:6). While Paul does not explicitly state the nature of the affliction, it is not hard to imagine. Paul himself had been chased away from the city (Acts 17:5-9). It is not surprising that the Jews in Thessalonica did not treat the new converts well. (In fact, it Paul’s second letter, he assured these Christians they would receive rest from their temporal suffering at Christ’s coming, 2 Thessalonians 1:7).
Such sacrificial discipleship was notable, and served to make them “examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe” (1:7). Their example was noted not only in their own area of northern Greece (Macedonia) but also the rest of Greece (Achaia) as well. This an important part of the Christian’s purpose. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). We can be examples too, if we accept the Bible to be God’s inspired, confirmed word, and live our lives in the way it prescribes.
