Thessalonica was the capital of the Roman province of Macedonia. Paul founded the church in Thessalonica. In writing to his Christian friends there, we see evidence of a group of followers who were living out their faith while being aware of their newfound separation from many in their culture. Paul encourages steadfastness. He also addresses their concerns about the eternal life to come, as some of their fellow believers had died waiting for the return of Jesus, which they all believed was coming very soon.
I Thessalonians 1:2-10
2 We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly 3 remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 4 For we know, brothers and sisters beloved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our message of the gospel came to you not in word only but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of persons we proved to be among you for your sake. 6 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for in spite of persecution you received the word with joy from the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. 8 For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia but in every place your faith in God has become known, so that we have no need to speak about it. 9 For they report about us what kind of welcome we had among you and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.
Prayer
As we live in the time between the earthly life of our Lord and the coming complete reign of Lord Jesus, help us to be steadfast. Comfort us with the good news, and confront us with the challenge to live as faithful followers today and forever. Amen.
