6 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.” (1 Thessalonians 1:6–7 (ESV)
“If Jesus was not God in human flesh, Christianity is exploded,” writes John Stott. “We are left with just another religion with some beautiful ideas and noble ethics; its unique distinction has gone.” Stott wrote this in his classic book Basic Christianity. I’ve given today’s blog the same title because I Thessalonians 1:6-7 contains the biblical basics for life and living for the glory of God.
“The first-century church in Thessalonica stands out as one of the healthiest churches in the New Testament. As evidence, we need only look to today’s passage, wherein Paul says the Thessalonian Christians were “an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia” (1 Thess. 1:6–7). (The Roman provinces of Macedonia and Achaia covered territory that makes up most of modern Greece.) Paul does not describe any of the other churches he addresses in his epistles as examples or models for others, so the Thessalonians evidenced Christian virtues in a special way,” explains Dr. R.C. Sproul.
The Apostle Paul wrote, “You became imitators of us and of the Lord.” To be imitators (μιμηταὶ; mimetai) means to mimic, simulate or copy the original. In the entertainment industry, there are comedians who impersonate, or do impressions, of famous people and celebrities. They do so to entertain.
The Thessalonians mimicked Paul, Silas, Timothy and the Lord in order to become godly. Their godly, Christlike behavior was a natural result of what previously occurred in their lives. First, they received the Word of God. To receive (δεξάμενοι; dexamenoi) means to personally and completely grasp, welcome and accept. In the context, the Thessalonians welcomed the Word of God into their souls.
Within the historical context of Acts 17:1-9, the Thessalonians received God’s Word, the Gospel, in much affliction (θλίψει; thlipsei) meaning stress and oppression. The unbelieving Jews did not respond well when the Holy Spirit regenerated their fellow citizens unto repentance and new life in Christ. The anger of the unbelievers was in stark contrast to the joy of these new believers.
“The evidence of Divine election shewed itself not only in Paul’s ministry, in so far as it was furnished with the power of the Holy Spirit, but also in the faith of the Thessalonians, so that this conformity is a powerful attestation of it. He says, however, “Ye were imitators of God and of us,” in the same sense in which it is said, that the people believed God and his servant Moses, (Exodus 14:13 not as though Paul and Moses had anything different from God, but because he wrought powerfully by them, as his ministers and instruments. Their readiness in receiving the gospel is called an imitation of God, for this reason, that as God had presented himself to the Thessalonians in a liberal spirit, so they had, on their part, voluntarily come forward to meet him.,” states John Calvin.
Additionally, the Thessalonian coverts were well known examples following their conversion. Their impact spread throughout all Macedonia and Achaia. Their influence was profound because the church was located in one of the most important cities of the Roman Empire; the provincial capital of Macedonia. Thessalonica was located near the conjunction of several imperial crossroads and was an important seaport. News of their salvation would naturally spread to churches in other parts of the empire. Other believers could not miss the example the Thessalonians set.
The Thessalonians believed the Gospel message even though they knew it would bring suffering, and they continued to suffer for the kingdom of God well after their conversions (2 Thess. 1:5). The Thessalonians, knowing that living as Christians would mean their suffering just as it meant suffering for Jesus and His Apostles, did not turn away from the faith preached to them (see Matt. 16:21; 2 Cor. 1:5–7). They were truly a godly congregation.
“The Thessalonians were examples not merely because they suffered but because they suffered “with the joy of the Holy Spirit” (1 Thess. 1:6). They did not reject the vocation of suffering for the sake of the kingdom of God, to which all believers are called; rather, they rejoiced that they could suffer for the sake of the Lord (see Matt. 16:24; Acts 5:41). They were not sadists who enjoyed suffering for suffering’s sake. Instead, they had the Spirit-wrought joy in suffering that makes believers willing to endure the harshest opposition if that is what it means to be faithful to the Savior,” states Dr. Sproul.
“Disciples are not above their master, so we cannot think that we are above suffering for the sake of God’s kingdom (Matt. 10:24). Jesus and His Apostles suffered, and we must be willing to do the same. As we trust the Lord, we will even find ourselves rejoicing in our sufferings for the gospel, as the Holy Spirit works joy and endurance in the hearts of His people to make them persevere through the pain, looking to the coming glory (Rom. 8:18),” concludes Dr. Sproul.
The gospel cannot be properly, or sincerely received, unless it be with a joyful heart. Nothing, however, is more at variance with our natural disposition, than to rejoice in afflictions,” comments Calvin.
May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a blessed day in the Lord.
Soli deo Gloria!
His Word Today 