A MODEL OF AN EXEMPLARY CHURCH I THESSALONIANS 1:1-10 PART I
Paul, the established writer of I Thessalonians, wrote this first letter to believers at Thessalonica after founding the church there and moving on to Berea, Athens, and Corinth (Acts 17:1-18:1). This first epistle was written by Paul from Corinth about A.D. 51. This epistle was written during Paul’s second missionary journey. Paul’s aim in writing this letter was to confirm the converts he had made during his second missionary journey. There were no obvious fractions among the Thessalonian believers, thus this church served as a model of an exemplary church. I Thessalonians 1:1-10 may be outlined as follows: I. An Exemplary Church Commended – I Thessalonians 1:1-4; II. An Exemplary Church Committed – I Thessalonians 1:5-10.
- An Exemplary Church Commended – I Thessalonians 1:1-4
In verse 1, Paul begins this epistle by mentioning the names of two of his associates, Silvanus and Timotheus. These two men were in his thoughts whenever he used “we” or “our” in this letter. Silvanus was the Roman form of the Jewish name “Silas.” He accompanied Paul on his second missionary journey (Acts 15:40). Timotheus (Timothy) was Paul’s son in the faith (I Timothy 1:2), for Paul had led Timothy to faith in Christ. Timothy joined Paul and Silas at Lystra (Acts 16:1-3) on the second missionary journey. Although the Thessalonian church had a geographical location, it also had a spiritual location “in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ” (I Thessalonians 1:1).
This church had embraced Jesus Christ as Saviour by faith. Paul greeted the Thessalonian believers by wishing them grace and peace. God’s grace is the source of our salvation (Ephesians 2:8) as well as all spiritual blessings God bestows upon us (Romans 5:2). The peace spoken by Paul is spiritual well-being, and it flows from God’s grace to us.
In verse 2, these believers were a constant source of joy to Paul and his associates as they offered prayers of thanksgiving to God for the outgrowth of God’s salvific work in the believers. The testimony of their salvation redounded to God’s glory. They were truly a work of God’s tremendous grace (Ephesians 2:10).
Paul had fond memories of this exemplary church because of their spiritual successes in verse 3. First, he remembered their work of faith. They exhibited a vibrant trust in God. Second, he remembered their labor of love. They actively served others. Third, he remembered their patience of hope. They remained steadfast as they anticipated the Second Coming of our blessed Lord. Certainly, this church should be commended for exhibiting these worthy virtues. So, according to verse 3, this church was to be commended because it was a worthy church. Because of their spiritual successes, in verse 3, Paul was assured that the believers were among the electors of God in verse 4.
May God Bless!
