for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit–1 Thessalonians 1:6
My Beloved Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,
When you compare Paul’s first letter to the Church at Thessalonica with his letter to the Galatians, the contrast is striking. The Galatian Epistle commences with a statement of exasperation on the part of the Apostle. He cannot believe the wretched condition into which the Galatian believers have so suddenly fallen:
I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel–Galatians 1:6.
However, also just six verses into the letter to Thessalonica, Paul’s tone is much different, as the quotation above demonstrates. In fact, just two verses into the Epistle, Paul declares his continuous gratitude to God for them as he prayerfully reflects upon their loyalty to Christ:
We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers.
As the first chapter of 1 Thessalonians develops, there are several specific things that prompt Paul’s gratitude for them (for example, see v. 3). But what seems to stand out most prominently is their joyous reception of the Word of God in the midst of their sufferings and sorrows.
In order to appreciate this statement, we need to recall the historical setting of this letter. In Acts 17:1-9, Luke provides us with the details. Most significantly, we read of the incredible opposition Paul and Silas faced there, and the subsequent suffering foisted upon those who constituted the first Christian Church in the city:
But the Jews were jealous, and taking some wicked men of the rabble, they formed a mob, set the city in an uproar, and attacked the house of Jason, seeking to bring them out to the crowd. And when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also” . . . . And the people and the city authorities were disturbed when they heard these things.
It’s a stunning picture. The Thessalonians heard the Gospel, responded in faith and repentance, and then immediately began to suffer for their new-found trust in their Savior and Lord. And not only did they faithfully endure this affliction without compromising their confession of Christ, they did so with the joy of the Holy Spirit (v. 6). How remarkable! How commendable! It’s no wonder that Paul was bursting at the seams with gratitude to God!
I mention this passage on this good Monday because it has been on my heart for the last few days as we have finished one year and started another. While the tribulations we first began to experience in March of last year are not exactly the same as those encountered by the ancient Thessalonians, they are nonetheless very real and painful afflictions. Our faith has been tested, our commitment to Christ and His Church severely challenged, and the sweetness and unity of Christ’s body has often been imperiled. Yet, as I think of our Church and reflect upon your lives, I too am filled with gratitude!!
You have received and welcomed God’s Word in a time of great affliction. And you have remained committed to our Savior and to His people, your fellow brothers and sisters in the Lord, who belong to this local body. And despite all of the difficulties that we have known, you have manifested a joy that can only be attributed to the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Hallelujah!!
I rejoice on this first Monday of the New Year that when I stand in the pulpit and look out across our congregation (and also think of those who are unable to be with us physically), I see that I am among those whose love for Christ and the Word of God has not only endured such times of distress, but has grown deeper and richer! You have, indeed, joyously welcomed God’s Holy Word in many afflictions!
A bit later in the first letter to the little Church in Thessalonica, Paul again addresses the issue of their sufferings. And this time, he makes a truly remarkable claim:
that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this–3:3
Paul makes such a statement in order to further encourage his brothers and sisters to remain receptive to the Word, while being filled with the Spirit’s radiant joy.
If we know (and believe) that all of our afflictions have been ordained by God for us, to promote our good and His glory, then we have every reason to rejoice in them! We have every reason to stay true to His Word! And we have all the justification we could possibly require for our continued service and witness!
I am so grateful to our God for each of you! And I look forward to all that our Father has for us in this New Year! Let us remain faithful, filled with joy, and confident that our Savior is Lord of all!
I love you so much,
Mike