Proper 24: Epistle, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10                          

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

Many readers of the Bible recognize that the Apostle Paul had a special place of fellowship with the Thessalonians. His language and his subject matter suggest an intimacy and trust with and toward this young Christian congregation. Our epistle reading this week points to a missionary heartily cheering on this body of believers. He makes it clear that they are not necessarily living in friendly territory when it comes to the gospel of Christ. Rampant paganism marks their culture and to name the name of Christ in their city was costly.

Paul says the gospel flowed into Thessalonica in full conviction. I take it to mean their preaching and the reception of it, were marked with the gravity rightly accorded the message. I worry about that issue in the church of our day. The gospel is sublime news. Not just the good news brought by current-day headlines. So the message brought with it the work of the Holy Spirit in exalting the Savior and bringing release to captives. Sublime indeed.

A few verses later the Apostle highlights their conversion in Thessalonica. “How you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God” (1:9). I do not think we hear the word conversion nearly enough. In fact, I think it a better word than evangelism. The church is sent to bring about conversion with the evangel, not to make the methods of evangelism the highlight. Again, something the church today needs to take note of. But notice the language, “turned to … from”. That is conversion. And if there were no statues or shrines from which you turned, be assured that in 21st-century America the idols are just as powerful and just as demanding. Oh turn the lost, dear Lord. And turn us again today to the living and true God.

Paul closes the chapter commending the Thessalonians for their hunger to see the return of the Lord from heaven. The risen Jesus, raised as their (and our) protector from God’s wrath. Look up brothers and sisters. Are you awaiting the return of our Savior God with great anticipation? The Thessalonians did. These marks are all found in this young church whom Paul loves. Are they marks of the congregation to which you belong? God grant us such hearts.