1 Thessalonians Chapter 1
1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the assembly of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 We always give thanks to God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers,
3 remembering without ceasing your work of faith and labour of love and perseverance of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, before our God and Father.
4 We know, brothers loved by God, that you are chosen,
5 and that our Good News came to you not in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and with much assurance. You know what kind of men we showed ourselves to be amongst you for your sake.
6 You became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit,
7 so that you became an example to all who believe in Macedonia and in Achaia.
8 For from you the word of the Lord has been declared, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith towards God has gone out, so that we need not to say anything.
9 For they themselves report concerning us what kind of a reception we had from you, and how you turned to God from idols, to serve a living and true God,
10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead: Jesus, who delivers us from the wrath to come.
Footnotes
- Verse 4 (Brothers)
- The word for "brothers" here and where context allows may also be correctly translated "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."
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1 Thessalonians Chapter 1 Guide
This letter was intended as a message of comfort and instruction to those who were in the midst of persecution. In writing, the apostle associated himself with Silas and Timothy. He commenced by referring to the great truth of the Church's safe position as being "in God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ"; and then declared the foundation facts of Christian character. They are, first, the "work of faith," by which the apostle referred to the belief through which believers entered into relationship with Jesus Christ; second, the "labour of love," referring to the whole activity of life after belief; and, third, "the patience of hope," referring to the strength issuing from the expectation of the return of the Lord.
The Gospel had come to them "in power and in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance." The result was that they "became imitators," and "an example." As a result, the Word of the Lord had sounded forth far and near. This result followed from the fact that the Gospel was, indeed, in power. There is a vital connection between the description of their discipleship and their activity. The "work of faith" consisted in turning "unto God from idols," the "patience of hope" in waiting "for His Son from heaven." Throughout the letter these great facts are recognized, and illustrated, and applied.
From "An Exposition of the Whole Bible" by G. Campbell Morgan.
1 Thessalonians Chapter 1 Commentary
Chapter Outline
- The faith, love, and patience of the Thessalonians, are evident tokens of their election which was manifested in the power with which the gospel came to them. -- (1-5)
- Its powerful and exemplary effects upon their hearts and lives. -- (6-10)
Verses 1-5
As all good comes from God, so no good can be hoped for by sinners, but from God in Christ. And the best good may be expected from God, as our Father, for the sake of Christ. We should pray, not only for ourselves, but for others also; remembering them without ceasing. Wherever there is a true faith, it will work; it will affect both the heart and life. Faith works by love; it shows itself in love to God, and love to our neighbour. And wherever there is a well-grounded hope of eternal life, this will appear by the exercise of patience; and it is a sign of sincerity, when in all we do, we seek to approve ourselves to God. By this we may know our election, if we not only speak of the things of God with out lips, but feel their power in our hearts, mortifying our lusts, weaning us from the world, and raising us up to heavenly things. Unless the Spirit of God comes with the word of God, it will be to us a dead letter. Thus they entertained it by the power of the Holy Ghost. They were fully convinced of the truth of it, so as not to be shaken in mind by objections and doubts; and they were willing to leave all for Christ, and to venture their souls and everlasting condition upon the truth of the gospel revelation.
Verses 6-10
When careless, ignorant, and immoral persons are turned from their carnal pursuits and connexions, to believe in and obey the Lord Jesus, to live soberly, righteously, and godly, the matter speaks for itself. The believers under the Old Testament waited for the coming of the Messiah, and believers now wait for his second coming. He is yet to come. And God had raised him from the dead, which is a full assurance unto all men that he will come to judgment. He came to purchase salvation, and will, when he comes again, bring salvation with him, full and final deliverance from that wrath which is yet to come. Let all, without delay, flee from the wrath to come, and seek refuge in Christ and his salvation.
From the "Concise Commentary on the Bible" by Matthew Henry.