“Our gospel came to you … you welcomed the message … the Lord’s message rang out from you.” – 1 Thessalonians 1:5-6, 8.
We learn from Acts 17 that Paul had visited Thessalonica (Greece) on his second missionary journey with Silas. The apostles’ stay was brief (“three Sabbaths”) due to mounting hostility from some Jews. Despite strong opposition they did have success with the Gospel amongst the Thessalonians. Paul begins his first letter to the Thessalonians by reminding them of this visit.
Verse five states the Gospel that came to the Thessalonians through Paul was not in word only, but also in power, in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance. Power refers to the outward delivery of the apostle; assurance refers to his inward conviction; and the Holy Spirit establishes the truth of the Word.
Verse six says the believers in Thessalonica “received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost” (KJV). It is for sure that God’s Word will always create some hostility from those who oppose the truth. Yet, to those who welcome the divine Word into their hearts, much joy will follow the reception. Some Jews were stirring up trouble and creating dissension amongst believers in Thessalonica. Yet the Holy Spirit ensured that the Word was received, and received with joy.
Notice how the Holy Spirit was working on both ends of the evangelism thrust. He was empowering the proclamation of the Word from the apostles, as well as the reception of it by the Thessalonians. Without the Holy Spirit’s involvement, the Word is neither preached nor received.
Verse eight goes on to state that the Word of the Lord “rang out” (boomed) across the hills and valleys of Greece. The faith of these believers spread abroad because they openly shared what they had received.
The evangelistic behavior of the Thessalonian believers should be imitated. Two points must be made. First, the church that receives the Word of God has an obligation to pass it on. The message of God received and welcomed needs to ring out. As believers we’re obligated to let it “boom” in our homes, in our neighborhoods, in our streets, wherever believers are found.
Second, the people that receive the message must embody the message. Our lives must exhibit the imitation Paul speaks of concerning the Thessalonians. When others look at you, do they see the Word of God alive and active? Is there a “ring” going out about the faith being exhibited by the people in your church? The church of Jesus Christ has been given the responsibility to spread abroad the message given unto it.
“The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience and genuine faith. But some people have missed this whole point. They have turned away from these things and spend their time in meaningless discussions.” – I Timothy 1:5-6 (NLT)
Dr. Melvin Woodard III is pastor of New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church.
