1 Thessalonians 3 Commentary
Trials or suffering or persecution. We are destined for them. Don’t be unsettled by them. Heavy statements indeed!
From the Book of Acts, we know Paul and the team narrowly escaped with their lives from Thessalonica. In fact, the apostles are away from Thessalonica because of persecution. But guess what, their presence in other places brings the gospel to the people everywhere else. Who wins against God!
It is an easy guess; the LORD allowed the ‘scattering’ from Thessalonica so that Athens and other cities could hear the Gospel! But there is much more behind suffering that we simply cannot understand. Why would the LORD make it part of the spec for the believer? What purpose is achieved through our exposure to suffering? The LORD may allow you a measure of insight here and there but it remains a mystery in many cases.
It is destiny! Or, it is the will of the LORD! It becomes a question of when and not if!
Yes, it is for Paul; but also for the believers on the ground. Jason is in big trouble for welcoming the apostles. Acts 17. There is a false accusation. The believers, Jason and the team, are detained. The story is the same today. Others are never promoted on account of Jesus. Others are demoted because of the name of Jesus. Yet others are “excommunicated” from the “club” for belonging to Jesus. They are foreign objects in an evil setup.
Don’t be unsettled by trials. Thessalonians are a good example of believers who stood their faith in the face of great opposition. It feels heavenly to know you have faced persecution because of the name of Jesus. Instead of pain, worship flows.
Paul is a loving apostle. He glued himself to the people that he interacted with. It was Christ’s love in him – the fruit of the Spirit. Love breeds holy concern for the church of Jesus. Members become special friends. We pray for them but also we long to be with them.
If you claim to love a brother or a sister, ask yourself this question: How often have I prayed for them?
The goal is blamelessness when the LORD Jesus appears. Verse 13. If you feel condemned by Heaven, know the journey has just started. The Spirit is speaking to you about an advocate who can argue your case. You too can be blameless when Jesus appears. Pray about it.
More resources visit http://www.lovingscripture.com
LOVING SCRIPTURE 