1 Thessalonians 2:9-16
Q.1. What features of Paul’s life demonstrated how to live a life worthy of God? – (1 Thes.2:9-12)
Paul served among the Thessalonians with – labour and hardship, working night and day so as not to be a burden to any of you, as we proclaimed to you the gospel of God (1 Thes.2:9). He kept the highest standards, and was devout, upright, and blameless among them (1 Thes.2:10). He was like a father – 11 … exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children, 12 so that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory (1 Thes.2:11). Paul did all in his power to bridge the gap between what he proclaimed, and what they saw in his lifestyle.
Q.2. How did the Thessalonians follow the example of Jesus and Paul himself? From where did their opposition come? – (1 Thes.2:13-16)
The Thessalonian believers discerned where Paul’s message came from and – accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe (1 Thes.2:13). They persevered and became imitators of their brethren in Judea, as they – 14 … endured the same sufferings at the hands of their own countrymen, even as they did from the Jews, 15 who both killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets and drove us out … (1 Thes.2:14-15). This Jewish persecution brought pain to Paul because – 15 …They are not pleasing to God, but hostile to all men, 16 hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved (1 Thes.2:15-16).
Q.3. Why would Paul risk persecution from the Jews, in order to share the Gospel with the Gentiles? – (1 Thes.2:15-16)
Just like the Jews, Paul had once opposed the Gospel, but was shown mercy (c.f. 1 Tim.1:12-17). The blindness of these Jews confirmed that – wrath had come upon them to the utmost who would come under God’s wrath (1 Thes.2:16 c.f. 2 Thes.1:8-10). However, Paul had a call from the risen Christ – a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; for I will show him how much he must suffer for My name’s sake (Acts 9:15-16). For him to press on amid suffering, was consistent with his call – speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved … (1 Thes.2:16).