January 29, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – 1 Thessalonians Chapter 1

¹ Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

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, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;

⁴ Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.

⁵ For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

⁶ And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost.

⁷ So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.

⁸ For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.

⁹ For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye 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, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

King James Version. Public Domain

Commentary

Introduction

The first chapter of the First Epistle to the Thessalonians is a heartfelt and encouraging thanksgiving from Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy to the Thessalonian church. The letter begins with an expression of praise and gratitude for the exemplary faith of the Thessalonians and highlights how this faith remained alive in difficult times and became a witness to Christ’s love and power even amidst persecution. Paul acknowledges the impact of their faith not only on their local community but also on the entire region and beyond. This chapter provides valuable insight into early Christianity and the essential characteristics of a vibrant faith based on hope, love, and patience.

Commentary

In 1 Thessalonians 1:1–10, Paul presents the Thessalonians as an outstanding example of Christian faith. The letter begins with a blessing that requests grace and peace from God the Father and Jesus Christ for the congregation. In verses 2 to 3, Paul expresses his gratitude for the Thessalonians and specifically highlights their “work of faith,” their “labor of love,” and their “steadfastness of hope.” These three virtues form the backbone of Christian life and are also the foundation for their joy and perseverance in faith.

The Thessalonians were a church that not only heard the Gospel but actively implemented it in their lives. In verse 5, Paul describes how the Gospel worked not only through their words but also through the “power of the Spirit and the love of Christ.” This means that the faith of the Thessalonians was not based on human persuasion but on the supernatural power of God, which transformed their hearts and lives.

Verses 6 and 7 describe how the Thessalonians themselves became “followers of the Lord” and, through their steadfast stance amidst “afflictions,” became a model for believers throughout Macedonia and Achaia. Their faith spread rapidly and became well known far beyond their own region, as emphasized in verse 8. This far-reaching impact of their faith speaks of a lively and dynamic community that spread the Gospel with joy and determination.

In verse 9, their faith journey is summarized: they had turned away from idols and turned to the living God, waiting for the Son of God who would rescue them from the “coming wrath.” This not only shows their repentance and conversion but also their clear expectation of Christ’s return and the hope of redemption and salvation.

Summary

1 Thessalonians 1 is a letter of thanksgiving in which Paul praises the Thessalonians for their exemplary faith and endurance in difficult times. Their “labor of love” and “steadfastness of hope” have made them an example to other believers in the region. Their faith was not just lip service but became visible in their lives through the power of the Holy Spirit. They turned away from idols and turned to the living God, with a clear expectation of the return of Jesus, who will rescue them from the future wrath. The letter demonstrates how a vibrant and authentic Christian community, living in faith, love, and hope, can spread the Gospel far beyond their own boundaries.

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | Steps to Christ
Chapter 2—The Sinner’s Need of Christ
Read online here

Commentary

Introduction

Chapter 2 vividly describes the state of humanity after the fall of man. It shows how humanity was separated from God and, in its weakness, incapable of freeing itself from the bondage of sin. Through disobedience, the originally noble capabilities of humans were corrupted, and selfishness replaced love. In this state, the dependence of humans on God’s grace and the necessity of redemption through Christ are emphasized. The chapter makes it clear that only through Christ is the restoration of the connection with God possible, as He is the sole mediator between heaven and earth.

Commentary

This chapter presents the profound truth that humanity is lost without divine intervention. The original state of man, characterized by holiness, love, and fellowship with God, was radically altered by the fall of man. Humanity lost its spiritual strength and became a prisoner of sin and Satan. This estrangement from God not only led to a lack of joy in holiness but also to a departure from fellowship with God. The idea that a sinner could not experience joy even in heaven, as their inclinations and motives are entirely opposed to heavenly ones, is particularly striking. This illustrates that redemption is not merely a legal act but an inner transformation of the heart.

A central element of the chapter is the recognition that humans, by their own power, are unable to escape sin. Education, moral efforts, or external rituals cannot change the heart. This highlights the absolute necessity of God’s intervention through Christ. The description of Christ serving as the mediator between heaven and earth, bridging the gap caused by sin, is a powerful metaphorical depiction of the work of redemption. This connection is restored through Christ, who links fallen humanity with the source of divine power.

Another significant point is the notion that all human efforts toward progress or moral refinement are futile without Christ. Humans can only achieve true holiness and fellowship with God through His grace. The section also demonstrates God’s love, manifested in the sacrifice of His Son. This love is stronger than death and reveals the highest price that God was willing to pay to redeem humanity.

Finally, the chapter earnestly appeals to the reader not to disregard God’s redemptive grace. It calls for the recognition of God’s patience and efforts to restore fallen humanity. The idea that stronger measures than the sacrifice of Jesus could not have been employed underscores the urgency and depth of divine love. The chapter urges believers to reciprocate this love, surrender their lives to Christ, and accept the offered fellowship with God.

Summary

Chapter 2 describes the lost state of humanity after the fall of man and its complete dependence on God’s grace for redemption. Humanity, which originally lived in holiness and fellowship with God, became estranged through sin and unable to free itself. The gap between God and man could only be bridged by Christ, the mediator, who restores the connection between heaven and earth and offers new life to humanity. The chapter emphasizes the necessity of an inner transformation through Christ’s grace and showcases the infinite love of God, revealed in the sacrifice of His Son. It calls the reader to accept this grace and fully surrender to God in order to receive the gift of redemption and return to fellowship with Him.

0

0