◄ 1 Thessalonians 1 Devotional Commentary ►

1 Thessalonians 1:1

Both Silas and Timothy were at Thessalonica with Paul on his 2nd missionary journey when he wrote this letter to the Thessalonian Church, and despite differences in ages and backgrounds, they worked closely together in sharing the gospel of grace for the glory of God, and to exalt the person, work, and deity of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

It is lovely that these two fellow-labourers in the gospel were included in Paul's opening read more...

1 Thessalonians 1:2

It was in the city of Berea and in the company of Silas and Timothy, that Paul wrote this letter to the Thessalonians. He had founded the church at Thessalonica during his second missionary journey, and was greatly encouraged by their positive response to the good news of the gospel of grace.

He began his letter with a long, personal paragraph giving thanks for their witness and work. He told them of the joy he felt when he read more...

1 Thessalonians 1:3

Paul prayed often for the saints in Thessalonica and gave joyful thanks as he recalled, unceasingly, the godly characteristics they displayed that so honoured the Lord. He thanked God for their work which was energised by faith, their service which was motivated by love, and their unwavering hope in the return of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul constantly kept this little community of maturing Christians in his heart, and it was with read more...

1 Thessalonians 1:4

Following his initial greeting, Paul plunges into praise and thanksgiving to God for the faithful works and loving deeds of the dear believers in Thessalonica, and for their continual anticipation of Christ's return for His people: "We know that God loves you, dear brothers," he continues, "and that He chose you to be His own people."

I am sure that Paul had a special place in his heart for these brothers and read more...

1 Thessalonians 1:5

Paul began his epistle to the Thessalonians with much rejoicing and thanksgiving. He gave thanks for the good news of their eternal salvation and rejoiced over their work of faith, their labour of love, and the steadfast hope they had in Christ.

He also expressed joy that they were beloved by God and chosen in Christ Jesus. But he also showed his delight that the gospel he taught didn't simply come by word-of-mouth, but also came read more...

1 Thessalonians 1:6

Everyone has to make a decision - to believe the gospel of Christ or to reject it. Those in the church at Thessalonica heard the gospel, were ready and willing to turn from their former ways, and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. They responded to the good news Paul taught, by placing their faith in the Lord Jesus. The apostle brought them the gospel of grace, and they received his teaching with the joy of the Holy Spirit - despite the difficulties they faced, and read more...

1 Thessalonians 1:10

What a joy it was for the apostle Paul to see that the Christians at Thessalonica had turned away from their worldly ways and worship of idols, and were looking to Christ. What a thrill to see them growing in grace, maturing in the faith, and serving the true and living God in spirit and in truth.

Like us, these believers had come to faith in the Person and Work of the Lord Jesus Christ. They knew He was the eternal Son of God read more...