You became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, 1 Thessalonians 1:6 WEB
It is nearly certain that Paul wrote this first letter to the church in Thessalonica. The city of the Thessalonians in modern Greece was a thriving metropolis in the Macedonian area of the Roman Empire. Most scholars believe this is one of Paul’s earliest letters. It begins with greetings from Paul, Silas, and Timothy.
Paul continues with words of thanksgiving for the church and its members. He writes in 1Tthessalonians 1:2-3, “We always give thanks to God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith and labor of love and perseverance of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, before our God and Father. WEB”
Imitators of the Lord
After receiving the gospel message, the faithful in Thessalonica lived their lives by the example set by the apostle Paul and his fellow missionaries. As Paul wrote, “you became imitators of us.” In addition, they became imitators of the Lord. Not only did they pattern themselves after his example of love and service, they also knew the suffering of Christ due to the persecution they faced from unbelievers.
The Lord prepared his disciples for the difficulty they would endure because of their faith. Jesus says in John 15:18, “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated me before it hated you. WEB” When Paul writes, “You became imitators of us and of the Lord,” he means in daily life of service and love as well as endurance of difficulty.
Joy of the Holy Spirit
Paul’s letter indicates that the Holy Spirit of God enabled the church to experience joy although they received the gospel message with “much affliction.” Although the Thessalonians experienced persecution, they persevered in faith and love with the joy of the Holy Spirit.
As imitators of the Lord and his faithful followers, the Thessalonians became a great example for their community. Beyond that, their faithful example of love, service, and endurance inspired other church communities. It continues to do so today.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the example of the early church. Thank you for the model of faith set by my brothers and sisters of faith today. Fill me with your Holy Spirit. Help me to endure difficulties with the joy and hope that only comes from faith in you. In Jesus’ name – Amen “
Yesterday’s Devotional: You Need Endurance
