|
|
|
We call to mind in the sight of our God and Father your faithful work1 and loving labor and steady expectation regarding our Master Jesus Christ.
| 1 | Faithful work: Literally “work of the faith” [ERGOU TES PISTEOS]. Paul agrees with James that faith and work are related. Faith, love, and hope are related as something that characterized the Thessalonians. |
Dear Friends of the Nazarene,
Today we begin to explore Paul’s first epistle to the Thessalonians. We choose 1 Thessalonians 1:3 as the theme verse of chapter one – Test Examples. Paul praises the congregation in Thessalonica because it has become “an example to all believers.” [2-7] The congregation is urged to continue to imitate Paul, Timothy and Silvanus. Reports about the Christian faith spreading among them have spread everywhere. [8-10] Here Paul introduces a subject he will repeat in every chapter of this epistle – “waiting in expectation for His Son from out of the skies.”
Abba our Father bless those who lives are examples to others.
[15 July 2002]
Patient endurance of toil, hardship and persecution through a hope in Christ. Probably a hope that soon these would cease with the coming of Christ. The Thessalonians, as we learn, expected his speedy coming.
