“For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain. 2 But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict. “(1 Thessalonians 2:1–2 (ESV)
The preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ results in either acceptance, ambivalence, or resistance (Acts17:32-34). Some individuals mock the Gospel, while others casually dismiss discussing it for another day. Still others repent of their sin and receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. The believers’ responsibility is not to convince or convert the sinner of their need for Christ. Rather, God calls and commissions each believer to solely communicate the truth of the person and work of Jesus Christ (Matt. 28:19-20; Luke 24:44-49;). God alone is the One who convinces and converts (John 3:1-8; I Cor. 3:5-9; Titus 3:1-5).
The Apostle Paul acknowledged the Lord’s work was not in vain with the Thessalonians. The word vain (κενὴ; kene) means to be without result or without effect. It means to be lacking. The Lord’s ministry through Paul, Silas and Timothy was not lacking any effect. Many Thessalonians believed the Gospel (Acts 17:1-9). This was ultimately because of God’s sovereign election and the regenerating work by the Holy Spirit (I Thess. 1:4-5).
However, this did not mean Paul and his companions were devoid of any responsibility in spite of the difficulties they encountered in Philippi (Acts 16:16-40), the three missionaries preached the Gospel in Thessalonica. They did so with boldness (ἐπαρρησιασάμεθα; eparresiasmetha) and courage in the face of danger and opposition. Their boldness was in the LORD.
While in the midst of dejection, depression and desperation, the Prophet Jeremiah poured out his soul to God (Jer. 20:7-10, 14-18). He had come to hate his life and the day of his birth. He perceived his life to be one of toil, sorrow and shame (20:18). The LORD called Jeremiah to serve Him as a prophet (Jer. 1:4-10) and to speak the oracles of God.
“Jeremiah has been known as “the weeping prophet” (cf. 9:1; 13:17; 14:17), living a life of conflict because of his predictions of judgment by the invading Babylonians against the Nation of Judah in the 7th century B.C. He was threatened, tried for his life, put in stocks, forced to flee from the Jewish King Jehoiakim, publicly humiliated by a false prophet, and thrown into a pit.” – Dr. John MacArthur
Jeremiah’s initial refusal to speak God’s Word to a wicked nation resulted in a so-called burning fire within the prophet’s heart and soul. He became weary from holding it in and indeed could not (20:9). He had to proclaim God’s truth.
Jeremiah’s ultimate strength to serve the true and living LORD was not his own. Rather, it was the strength originating from the LORD God Himself as a “dread warrior’ (20:11). The LORD is an awe-inspiring fighter, a skilled warrior who is mighty in battle against His foes and the foes of His people.
The boldness Jeremiah the Prophet ultimately possessed, was the same strength Paul, Silas and Timothy had when they declared the gospel in much conflict (ἀγῶνι; agoni) or intense struggle. To declare (λαλῆσαι; lalesai) means to speak and to tell. In this context, Paul and his companions declared the gospel of God. This was the good news of salvation by grace alone, through faith alone in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone.
“Nevertheless (i.e., in spite of this suffering and shameful treatment), by virtue of their union with God (ἐν τῷ θεῷ), hence, by his help, they had summoned courage to continue the work. They had done what Jesus had enjoined, “When they persecute you in this city, flee into the next” (Matt. 10:23),” explains Dr. William Henriksen.
“Thus, a journey of a hundred miles had brought them to Thessalonica. Their interest in this city did not spring from any selfish motive. They desired most eagerly to tell, in plain language and in a forthright manner, the good news of God, uttering (note the verb λαλῆσαι) the message which God himself had given them, and doing this with profound solicitude (deep anxiety) for the people involved. The phrase ἐν πολλῷ ἀγῶνι has been interpreted variously, as follows:
a. “in spite of heavy opposition” (cf. A.V. “with much contention”; A.R.V. “in much conflict,” which may also be linked with b.)
b. “in great anguish”
c. “with strenuous exertion”
d. “with profound solicitude (deep concern or anxiety)”
“The term (ἀγών) refers first to a gathering, especially for games or contests; then the contest itself, and finally the agony (cf. the Greek word), anguish, or anxiety that is connected with it, or also any kind of agony, anguish, or anxiety, concern or solicitude. Hence, viewed by itself (apart from the context) it could have any of the four meanings listed above. The context, however, seems to favor c. and d. (there is not much difference between these two). The affectionate desire or yearning of the missionaries for the people of Thessalonica is mentioned also in verse 8 (and see verse 11). Paul and his companions had exerted themselves to the utmost, as an athlete who is aiming for the prize, in order that they might do the will of God (2:4) and might win these people for whom they yearned so earnestly,” concludes Dr. Hendriksen.
The LORD is our “dread warrior” who leads us into battle. The believer’s battle is ultimately against the world, the flesh and the devil (Eph. 2:1-3; 6:10-20; James 4:7; I Peter 5:8; I John 2:15-17). Let us take strength, comfort and courage for Jesus is our heavenly warrior.
1 Jesus our heavenly Warrior is, He fights our battles well; His wisdom, love, and power displays, And conquers death and hell.
2 When this almighty Warrior stood The church’s woes to bear, Sin, Satan, and the curse of God, In blazing wrath drew near.
3 He bore their every poisonous dart, Nor from God’s vengeance fled; Hell seized his agonized heart, And, lo! he bowed his head.
4 He stained his garments in their blood, And, O victorious King! In triumph rose the conquering God, Sweet victory to sing.
5 He satisfied the claims of law, In that tremendous day; Let saints from hence their comfort draw, And sing their cares away.
6 O for a living faith to view The victories of the Lamb; And sweetly lean upon him too, Nor fear to trust his name. — William Gadsby (1773-1844)
May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a blessed day in the Lord.
Soli deo Gloria!
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