1 Thessalonians Chapter 1

From BibleWiki

Introduction

THE first chapter of this epistle embraces the following subjects : --

1. The inscription by Paul, Silas, and Timothy, to the Thessalonians, and the usual salutations, (1).

2. An expression of thanks for their fidelity in the gospel, (2ff). The apostle says that he made mention of them continually in his prayers; that he remembered their faith, and love, and patience, for by these things they had shown that they were among the elect of God.

3. He reminds them of the manner in which they received the gospel when it was first preached to them, (5f). The power of God had been manifested among them in a remarkable manner; they had embraced the gospel with strong assurance, and though in the midst of deep afflictions, they had received the word with joy.

4. The effect of the establishment of the church in Thessalonica had been felt far abroad, and had been of the most happy character, (7ff). They had become examples to all that believed in Macedonia and Achaia. From them the gospel had been sounded abroad throughout Greece, and indeed in all places with which they had connexion by their commercial relations. Those who dwelt in distant places bore witness to the influence of the gospel on them, and to the power of that religion which had turned them from idols to serve the living God. These verses contain a beautiful illustration of the effect of the gospel in a place favourably situated for commerce, and having extensive intercourse with other regions.

Text

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. edit

2: We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; edit

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; edit

4: Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. edit

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. edit

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

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

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. edit

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; edit

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. edit