A Costly Investment. 1 Thessalonians 2:1-2.
Dear Pilgrims and Sojourners,
We continue with the thought that started in chapter one (1:5) in which Paul and his companions have demonstrated their sincerity and selflessness. Now he returns to the theme and brings in the angle of hardship.
Success (v. 1). Paul declares that his visit to Thessalonica was not a failure. Because of all the adversity, one could easily have concluded that the whole exercise was a pathetic failure. But Paul is not looking at the drama by the opposition. His concern is the believers. That there were any at all is a demonstration of the power of God. Paul wants the believers to see things from his perspective so that they will not measure their faith on the basis of those who oppose them.
Shame (v. 2a). Paul refers to the shameful treatment they had suffered at Philippi before coming to Thessalonica (Acts 16:19-39). They did not come to Thessalonica unaware of the potential for opposition and persecution, so it was with some trepidation that they approached the evangelization of Thessalonica.
Security (v. 2b).In spite of the experience they had in Philippi and the opposition they were facing in Thessalonica, Paul and his companions were bold in their preaching of the gospel. This boldness is not false bravado but confidence that God is in charge and will take care of them. There are times when God will allow his servants to suffer in the hands of evil people. This is not because they have sinned or because he has abandoned them or is unable to help them, but because in his wisdom he knows what will bring the most glory to him. Sometimes that may mean suffering or even death for his servants.
Would you trust God to guide you into persecution and suffering? Sometimes that is the scale on which our faith may have to be measured.
Your Loving Pastor Chris.