Unpacking 1 Thessalonians: Chapter 1

 

Brief Background History to Thessalonica
Thessalonica was an ancient city of Macedon in northern Greece which today is the city of Thessaloniki. Made capital of the Roman province of Macedon, the city flourished due to its location on the major trade route to the east and continued to thrive as one of the most important cities in the Byzantine Empire. In Biblical times it was a prosperous city and a centre of Roman and other pagan cultures that attracted people from all over the Roman Empire. A very cosmopolitan city.

The people of Thessalonia at the time of Paul’s visit were steeped in idol worship from many different countries and cultures. Some of the foreign Gods and idols that were worshipped by the Thessalonians at the time of Paul’s visit were: several Roman gods besides the emperor: Zeus, Heracles, the Dioscuri, Apollo, and Aphrodite. The Egyptian gods Isis, Serapis, and Osiris were also worshipped; a temple to Serapis was discovered in 1917 after a fire in the ancient temple sector of the city. Serapis was a Greco-Egyptian god of the sun. 

Historical Overview
Traditionally Thessalonica was founded in circa 316 BCE by the Macedonian general Cassander who named it after his wife Thessalonike, a daughter of Philip II of Macedon. However, there is archaeological evidence of a settlement dating back to the 5th century BCE. The city was well-positioned on the Thermaic Gulf of the Aegean Sea at the point where lucrative trade routes from Byzantium and the Danube basin met. It quickly replaced Pella as the most important Macedonian port, and extensive fortifications were built to protect the city. It was used effectively as a military base from which attacks were launched on Pyrrhus, King of Epirus, circa 273 BCE.

Made a free city (civitas liberas) by Rome with certain tax exemptions, the prosperity of Thessalonica in this period is attested by a prolific production of coinage.

Thessalonica was the capital and most populous city in Macedonia in Paul’s time. Paul and Silas, in AD58, came to Thessalonica from Philippi, which was 100 miles northeast of Thessalonica during Paul’s second missionary journey.

When the Greek Empire was later replaced by the Roman, Macedonia was made a Roman province, with Thessalonica as its political centre. The city was on the main route from Rome to Asia Minor and is still an important city today being Greece’s second largest city.

Paul’s Visit
Paul visited the town, together with Silas and Timothy, on his 2nd missionary journey. He had been at Philippi, and traveled to Thessalonica by the Egnatian Road, passing through Amphipolis and Apollonia on the way (Acts 17:1).

The Via Egnatia was a road constructed by the Romans in the 2nd century BC. It crossed Illyricum, Macedonia, and Thracia, running through territory that is now part of modern Albania, North Macedonia, Greece, and European Turkey as a continuation of the Via Appia.
(Wikepedia)

Starting at Dyrrachium (now Durrës) on the Adriatic Sea, the road followed a difficult route along the river Genusus (Shkumbin), over the Candaviae (Jablanica) mountains and thence to the highlands around Lake Ohrid. It then turned by parts south, following several high mountain passes to reach the northern coastline of the Aegean Sea at Thessalonica. From there it ran through Thrace to the city of Byzantium (later Constantinople, now Istanbul). It covered a total distance of about 1,120 km (696 miles/746 Roman miles). Like other major Roman roads, it was about six metres (19.6 ft) wide, paved with large polygonal stone slabs or covered with a hard layer of sand.
(Wikepedia)

Acts 17:1 (NKJV)

Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews.

The Thessalonian Church Itself
The Thessalonian church was a strong and flourishing one, composed mostly of Gentiles with a smattering of Jews. This Church demographic can be assumed from the tone of the two Epistles addressed to the Church and the absence of quotations from and references to the Old Testament, and the phrase “You turned to God from idols” (1 Thessalonians 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 2:14).

The two letters to the Thessalonians are considered by most commentators to be the earliest of Paul’s Epistles.

Paul was eager to revisit the Thessalonians very soon after the enforced departure of his first visit: “once and again” the desire to return was strong in him, but “Satan hindered” him (1 Thessalonians 2:18).

1 Thessalonians 2:18 (NKJV)

Therefore we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan hindered us.

But though Paul himself was prevented from returning to Thessalonica, he sent Timothy from Athens to visit the church and confirm the faith of the Christians amid their daily hardships and persecutions (1 Thessalonians 3:2-10). The favorable report brought back by Timothy was a great comfort to Paul, and at the same time intensified his longing to see his converts again (1 Thessalonians 3:10-11).

Note: in the body on this article the verses from 1 Thessalonians 1 are in italics, the explanation of the verse/s follows in straight text with additional scriptures shown in bold italics.

1 Thessalonians Chapter 1 - NKJV

Greeting the Thessalonian Church
1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,
To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

As in all Paul’s letters to the Church he starts off with greetings and then identifying who the letter was coming from. In this case it was Paul, Silvanus and Timothy. He then goes on to pronounce a blessing over them in the names of God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

My dear Readers, pronouncing a blessing on each other in the name of Jesus is something I believe that we should all be doing whenever we get together! Don’t you?

Paul as we all know, was the former persecutor of the Church then named Saul until his radical encounter and salvation with Jesus on the Damascus Road after which he became known as Saul.

Silvanus is a variant of the name Silas, and he became a missionary companion of Paul after his (Paul’s) separation from Barnabus in Acts 15:40. He had also been imprisoned with Paul in Phillipi - Acts 16:19-40. It was here in prison when Paul and Silas were praying when an earthquake struck, and their chains were miraculously loosed, and the Jailer and his family got saved. This was the very first Jailhouse Rock, long before Elvis Presley!

Acts 15:39-40 (NKJV)

39 Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus; 40 but Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God.

Timothy was a young follower of Christ from Lystra whose mother was a staunch believer – Acts 16:1-5. Paul took the young Timothy under his wing and mentored him. He also became Paul’s missionary companion along with Silas (Silvanus). It was this Timothy that Paul wrote two letters to, 1 and 2 Timothy, whilst Timothy was Pastoring the Church in Ephesus.

The Thessalonian Church's Good Example
2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, 3 remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, 4 knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God

In verse 2, Paul tells the Thessalonians of how much he, Silvanus and Timothy give thanks to God for them and how much they pray for them.

It is always good for church leaders to pray for their flocks and give thanks to the Lord for them and vice versa!

In verses 3 and 4, Paul encourages and edifies the Thessalonian Church by telling them what a great example they have been as a Church in faith, labour of love, and in the patience of the hope they have in Christ Jesus in the eyes of God the Father.

This is the kind of good, Christian example that every Christian and every local Christian congregation should be to the world around them. This is being the salt of the earth and the light in the darkness.

Matthew 5:13-16 (NKJV)

13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.

14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

The way in which Paul encourages the Thessalonians here is the way in which all Christian leaders should encourage their congregations and the way in which the body of Christ should encourage one another, including their leaders, always!

Hebrews 10:24-25 (NKJV)

24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

Ephesians 4:29 (AMP)

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

The Power of the Gospel
5 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.

In verse 5, Paul emphasises and reassures the Thessalonian Church that when he, Silvanus and Timothy preached the word to them it was not only in word, but it was also with great power as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. They also preached the gospel, in the power of the Holy Spirit, with full assurance, boldness, self-confidence and great conviction. But not only this they showed it in their exemplary lifestyles, willingness to serve and in the love of God. All of this in the power of the Holy Spirit brought glory to Jesus!

Acts 1:8 (NKJV)

But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Acts 2:14 (NKJV)

But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words.

We also see here that Paul and his companions were emulating Christ in word, deed and lifestyle. Isn’t that what we, the Church, should be doing today as well. Preaching the Word in the power of the Holy Spirit. Being conformed to Christ’s image and doing the things He did? Living life in the Spirit and being led by Him is Spirit and in Truth to the glory of Jesus.

1 Corinthians 11:1 (NKJV)

Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.

John 14:12-14 (NKJV)

12 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. 13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.

Paul, Silvanus and Timothy were being Jesus to the Thessalonian Church by way of their active and Word obedient lifestyles!

Today, if we call ourselves Christians, let’s do the same!

Responding to the Gospel

6 And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe.

In verses 6 and 7 we see Paul further encouraging the Thessalonians by telling them how well they have done since they came to know Jesus as Lord and Saviour even though they had received much opposition and persecution form unbelievers (Satan’s attack through people). They were able to resist these attacks through the power and joy of the Holy Spirit.

This reminds me of a chorus we used to sing back in the day that contained the words, “righteousness, peace, joy in the Holy Ghost!”

Romans 14:17 (NKJV)

17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men.

Let the verses in this section encourage us to encourage each other just as the Thessalonians did where Paul says in verse 7 that they became good examples to all the other churches in the surrounding areas. It doesn’t cost anything for us to encourage each other to the glory of Jesus! Amen!

Hebrews 10:24-25 (NKJV)

24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

Let’s be imitators of Christ and encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ no matter what congregation they belong to! Let’s all “do good” to each other especially to our brothers and sister in Christ!

One Church, one Lord, one Saviour – Jesus Christ!

Galatians 6:9-10 (NKJV)

9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Sending out the Word
8 For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything.

In verse 8 Paul further encourages the Thessalonian Church by “bragging” about how they have faithfully spread the good news not only where they are in the region of Macedonia but also in Achaia and many other places that he doesn’t mention by name. They are fulfilling the great commission.

This is a practical lesson for the Church today and especially to the local congregations. How well are we doing in encouraging our brothers and sisters in our local communities. Are we fulfilling the great commission in the towns and cities and surrounding areas in the places we live?

Let’s do it, let’s be good examples of living good Christian lives where we are now!

Let the evidence of our salvation be seen in our lifestyles
9 For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

In verses 9 and 10 Paul tells the Thessalonians that the evidence of their conversion from idols to Christ and how well they had received the gospel with eagerness from Paul, Silvanus and Timothy was plain to see throughout the region, and other Churches in the surrounding areas were talking about them. The Thessalonians had set a good example to their brothers and sisters in Christ in Godly faithfulness and in their future hope of eternity in Christ Jesus.

What kind of example are we setting to our brothers and sisters in Christ in today’s world? Do our lifestyles, actions and speech reflect Jesus? Can others see Jesus in me?

Today, Church, we need to answer these questions to ourselves. What kind of Church do we reflect to others, to those inside and outside the Church? What kind of Church/Christian do you want to be?

Prayer
Dear Father
In the name of Jesus, I pray that you would continually fill me with your Holy Spirit and help me to ever keep my eyes on Jesus and to be a good example in Christian lifestyle to my brothers and sisters in Christ and help me to be a good and faithful servant within my local congregation and to spread the gospel to others. Amen!

To Jesus belongs all glory, honour and praise!

Jesus the Name above all names!

Remember: Reading this article is no substitute for reading and studying the Bible for yourself. My word is flawed the Bible is not!