Author: Will

1 Thessalonians 2:4 – Be a God Pleaser

Posted on by Will

But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts.

Truth to Learn

Proclaim the simple truth and seek God’s approval alone.

 

Behind the Words

“Approved” is translated from the Greek word dokimadzō, which means “to test something to determine its value.” It is not a testing to find flaws or fault, but a testing to determine worth. It is expressed here in the perfect tense indicating past completed action with an ongoing effect. Hence, Paul is saying “we have been tested and found worthy; therefore, we now have God’s approval.”

The word translated “entrusted” is pisteuō, which means “to believe, to have faith in, or to trust.” It is expressed here in the passive voice (action done to the subject). Thus, it means “to be believed in” or “to be entrusted.”

“Pleasing” is from the Greek verb areskō which means “to be content with, or to be pleased with.” In the New Testament this word has evolved in emphasis from the end result (others being pleased with us) to the active pursuit (working to please others). Thus, instead of expressing a relationship, it expresses a behavior as an attempt to influence a relationship.

The word translated “tests” is another form of the verb dokimadzō, as we just saw means “to test something to determine its value.”

 

Meaning Explained

In yesterday’s verse we noted that from verse three on, Paul is talking about the pastoral/teaching phase of his ministry among the Thessalonians. Previously, he had been talking about his evangelistic ministry there. And, as was pointed out in verse one of this chapter, it appears that Paul is now defending himself against some accusations that have been made. In yesterday’s verse it appears that he was defending himself against a claim that he was teaching false doctrine or that he was using deceptive means to convince his listeners to accept the truth he was proclaiming. These claims possibly came from those Jews who first heard his messages regarding Jesus but did not believe (Acts 17:2-5).

In preaching the gospel message and teaching the truths of God’s word, we are handling messages of extreme importance and of inestimable worth. How we deliver these messages indicates how much respect we have for them. When we declare these messages, we are not trying to endear ourselves to others; we are not trying to win others over to “our side.” We are proclaiming truths that God has given to us, and we are relying on the Spirit of God to carry these truths and to open up the hearts of men to receive them. Our job is not to make converts nor is it to convince people with fancy words or clever communication techniques. Our job is simply to proclaim the truth and to let God take care of the rest. Paul was not trying to make his listeners like him; he was trying to please God who called him to his ministry.

The great preacher Dwight Moody is said to have been approached by a man who said, “I saw one of your converts in a bar getting drunk last night” to which Moody is said to have replied, “Yes it may have been one of my converts. If he was one of God’s converts he wouldn’t have been there.”

 

Application

Whatever your spiritual gifts and whatever ministry God has placed you in, don’t seek the approval of men. Instead, seek God’s approval by being diligent and faithful to Him.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 2:3 – Minister Righteously

Posted on by Will

For our exhortation does not come from error or impurity, nor was it in deceit.

Truth to Learn

All ministries should be performed honestly and for God.

 

Behind the Words

“Exhortation” is translated from paraklēsis, which is derived from parakaleō, meaning “to call near” or “to call alongside.” It is a picture of someone who has come alongside to coach, encourage, or comfort. Paraklēsis refers to comfort, encouragement or to urgent instruction, challenging someone to make a change.

The Greek word translated “error” is planē, which refers to “a wandering away from the proper path.” Figuratively, it refers to doctrinal error. It expresses the notion of passive error rather than intentional deception.

The word “impurity” is translated from akatharsia, which is made up of the privative a, meaning “not” or “without” and a form of kathairō, meaning “to cleanse.” Thus, akatharsia refers to “doing something in an unclean or immoral manner.” In the New Testament it generally refers to sensual impurity.

“Deceit” is from the Greek noun dolos, which is derived from the verb delō, meaning “to bait.” It is often used metaphorically, as it is here, meaning “fraud” or “deceit.”

 

Meaning Explained

In the latter half of the first chapter of this letter, Paul spoke of the evangelistic nature of his ministry to the Thessalonians. Now, through verse twelve, he gives a defense of the type of pastoral, teaching ministry he and his companions performed. He refers to this phase of his ministry as “exhortation.” Preaching the gospel and evangelizing the lost is only a portion of a pastor’s ministry. In Ephesians we learn that the purpose of the specially gifted spiritual leaders, including pastors/teachers, is to equip those under their care so that the church members can perform the work of the ministry.

And He gave some to be apostles, and some prophets, and some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ, (Ephesians 4:11-12)

Unfortunately, many pastors today focus almost exclusively on evangelism, producing a flock that is saved but spiritually immature and ill equipped to evangelize and minister to others.

The Apostle tells his readers that his preaching and teaching were not based on erroneous doctrine. Even though this letter was written very early in the life of Christianity, there were already others whose teaching was based on man’s ideas rather than on God’s word. And, he says that his ministry was not based on impurity and immorality. Pagan religions of the time incorporated immoral sexual practices which enticed many to join.

Finally, Paul tells us that he did not use deceptive practices or trickery to perform the tasks that God had given him to do. His teaching was straight-up and straightforward, the truth and nothing but the truth.

 

Application

Whatever ministry you have within your local church, take a lesson from Paul. Perform it as plainly, forthrightly, and honestly as you possibly can. Don’t seek attention or glory for yourself; give all the glory and praise to God.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 2:2 – God-Given Courage

Posted on by Will

But also, we had suffered previously and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much opposition.

Truth to Learn

Serving God faithfully means you will encounter opposition.

 

Behind the Words

The words “we had suffered previously” are translated from the Greek verb propaschō, which is made up of pro, meaning “before, in time or position” and paschō, meaning “to suffer.” So, we can see that propaschō means “to have suffered previously.” It is expressed as an aorist participle, so it could be translated as “having suffered previously.”

“Were spitefully treated” is from the verb hubridzō, based on the noun hubris, meaning “an insult” or “arrogance.” Hubridzō means “to act with great violence” or “to treat with contempt, causing injury.” This is also expressed as an aorist participle, so it could be translated as “having been treated injuriously.”

The words “we were bold … to speak” are translated from the Greek verb parrēsiadzomai. This word means “to speak openly, boldly, and without restraint.”

“Opposition” is from agon, which refers to “contention,” “opposition,” or “striving for victory or mastery.” It is a picture of a contestant trying hard to win a victory in an athletic event in spite of strong opposition.

 

Meaning Explained

As we discussed in the previous verse, Paul and his companions faced a lot of opposition to their ministry in Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea. He tells us now that they suffered as a result of their work and they were treated with acts of violence by those who opposed them in Philippi.

In spite of the fierce opposition they faced, however, Paul and his helpers spoke openly and boldly when they presented the gospel message to the people in Thessalonica. They didn’t suspend their ministry in the face of opposition and they didn’t fall back to take a defensive position. Instead, they presented the message of salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ openly and with conviction.

Our enemy doesn’t want others to hear about the good news. He wants to silence us and intimidate us so that we will be afraid to speak the truth. Also, notice that the courage and conviction with which they performed their ministry didn’t come from internal fortitude or gritty determination on their own part. They knew that the message they proclaimed came from God, and they relied on the Holy Spirit to give them the message to deliver and the boldness to deliver it.

Too often today, Christians lose heart when they face opposition to their ministries. Sometimes it appears as if they are looking for an excuse to back down and take the easy road of appeasement. Instead, we all need to bathe our efforts in prayer, asking God to give us boldness in proclaiming the gospel message to a lost world.

 

Application

Have you suffered as a result of proclaiming the gospel message or teaching the truth as given to us in the pages of the Bible? Don’t lose heart, my friend! Seek God’s face and step out with spiritual courage, serving God faithfully. That doesn’t mean that the opposition will stop, it just means you’re being faithful to God’s calling on your life. Go forth boldly!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 2:1 – Opposition Will Come

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For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain.

Truth to Learn

An effective Christian ministry will encounter opposition.

 

Behind the Words

“Know” is translated from the Greek verb eidō, which literally means “to see,” but as in English, it carries the meaning of “to see with perception.” Hence, it means “to know.” It is expressed in the perfect tense (past completed action with an ongoing effect, where the emphasis is on the effect) as a second person plural (you) verb. Since the verb already expresses the idea of “you (plural) know”, it is not necessary to include the pronoun autoi (you, plural) in order to convey that meaning. However, the fact that Paul used the personal pronoun indicates emphasis on it and it is here translated as “yourselves.”

The word “coming” is from the Greek noun eisodon, which we saw in verse nine of chapter one. It is made up of eis, meaning “in” or “into” and hodos, meaning “a road” or “a way.” Thus, eisodon literally means “a way in.” So, we could have translated this as “… that our way in to you …”

“In vain” is the translation of kenos, which literally means “empty,” “hollow,” or “fruitless.” In this case it could be a reference to Paul’s preaching being without merit or deceitful, or it could be a reference to a lack of success. Based on the subject matter of the latter half of the previous chapter it probably refers to “a lack of success.”

The verb “was” is translated from ginomai, which means “to begin to be” or “to come into existence.” It is expressed here in the perfect tense which indicates past completed action with an ongoing effect, the emphasis being on the effect. We could, therefore, interpret the ending of this verse as “that our coming to you has shown itself to be fruitful.

 

Meaning Explained

Having spent most of the first part of this letter praising the Thessalonian Christians for their testimony, Paul now turns to a more serious topic. Based on the subject matter of this second chapter we can surmise that there were some people who had made charges against the way that Paul and his associates behaved. From verse three we can conclude that their accusers had claimed that Paul used deceitful means or false, flattering words in his preaching. From verses five and six it also appears that Paul was accused of trying to take advantage of the Thessalonians for his own selfish benefit. Also, from verses seventeen through twenty, it appears that Paul and his companions were accused of hastily abandoning the Church in Thessalonica after they got what they wanted from them.

So, to get a better understanding of the background of Paul’s ministry to these dear saints, read Acts 16:9-17:10. There you will see that Paul and Silas (Silvanus) were persecuted and thrown in jail while ministering in Philippi. The reason they had been imprisoned was not because they preached the Gospel, but because they cast out a demon from a young girl who was being selfishly used by others to make money from her demon possession and resulting fortune telling. After leaving Philippi and coming to Thessalonica, Paul preached in the synagogue and a large number of people believed. But, because of the jealousy of the Jews there, he was forced to leave and go to Berea. The Jews in Thessalonica then pursued Paul and his companions, again stirring up the crowds against them, causing Paul and Silvanus to flee from Berea as well.

In today’s verse Paul is pointing out to the Thessalonian Christians that his ministry there was not without merit or fruit. In fact, in Acts 17:4 we see that some of the Jews and a large number of Greeks got saved as a result of Paul’s ministry.

 

Application

Paul and Silvanus didn’t let opposition and persecution stop them from serving God in the ministry He had called them to. Likewise, don’t let opposition to your ministry cause you to get discouraged or to give up. Remember, greater is He who is in us than he who is against us!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 1:10 – He’s Coming!

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and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus the one delivering us from the coming wrath.

Truth to Learn

Jesus Christ is coming back very soon.

 

Behind the Words

“Wait” is translated from the Greek verb anamenō, which is made up of ana, used as an emphatic and menō, meaning “to remain.” Thus, anamenō means “to wait for expectantly with patience and confidence.” It is expressed as a present tense infinitive, indicating continuous action. We could translate this as “keep on waiting.”

The verb ”raised” is egeirō, which means “to awaken from sleep” or “to raise up from a bed.” It is used metaphorically to mean “to raise up from the dead.”

The words “the dead” are translated from ek nekrōn. The word ek means “out” or “out of” and nekrōn means “of the dead ones” or “from the dead ones.” Hence, this says that Jesus was not simply brought back to life, but that He was raised up from among the dead ones.

“Delivering” is translated from rhuomai which literally means “to draw to one’s self;” that is, to rescue. The picture is that of drawing someone out of a rushing river. It is expressed as a participle so it could be translated as “rescuing us” or “delivering us.”

The second occurrence of the word “from” is translated from the Greek preposition ek, meaning “from” or “out of.” It is significant that he will deliver us “out of” the wrath, not simply protecting us in the midst of the wrath. This implies that we will not be present when the wrath occurs. This is evidence that the rapture will occur before God pours out His wrath.

The words “coming” are from erchomai, which means “to come” or “to go.” As used here it refers to “the wrath that is currently coming” or “the wrath that is on its way.”

Orgē is the Greek word translated “wrath.” It is a reference to the outpouring of action as a result of violent passion or of a vengeful mind.

 

Meaning Explained

In yesterday’s verse we learned that Paul refers to the Thessalonian Christians as having turned to God from idols. As we mentioned, the church there was probably made up principally of converted Greek pagans rather than converted Jews. Not only did they turn away from their idols, they turned toward God and actively served Him with devotion.

In today’s verse we learn something else about these converted pagans: they were awaiting the return of our Lord. The implication is that they were expecting Him to return at any moment. Obviously, Paul had preached to them that not only had Jesus Christ been resurrected from the dead, but he was going to return to our physical world in physical form. In fact, the return of the Lord is a major theme that runs throughout this entire letter.

Another thing we learn here is that the Thessalonian Christians had been taught that God is going to pour out His wrath on sinful mankind. They also knew that God’s wrath would not be poured out on them because of their faith in the Savior. Salvation through Jesus Christ means more than simply a free ticket into heaven, it also means that we will avoid the vengeful judgment that God has reserved for those who reject Him.

 

Application

Are you living your life for God? Are you looking forward with eager expectation to the return of Jesus Christ? That eager expectation should be one of the things driving us to serve Him with complete devotion. Remember, He’s coming soon. It could even be today!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 1:9 – Turn From Idols

Posted on by Will

For they themselves declare about us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God,

Truth to Learn

We need to turn from idols and give all our devotion to God.

 

Behind the Words

“Declare” is from the Greek verb apangellō, which is made up of apo, meaning “from” and angellō, meaning “to announce” or “to declare.” This word literally means “to bring a message from any person or place.”

The word “entry” is from the Greek noun eisodon, which is made up of eis, meaning “in” or “into” and hodos, meaning “a road” or “a way.” Thus, eisodon literally means “a way in.”

Epistrephō is the verb translated “turned.” It is composed of epi, meaning “above, over, on, or motion toward something” and strephō, meaning “to turn.” Thus, epistrephō means “to turn on something” or “to turn toward something.”

The word translated “idols” is eidōlon, which refers to “an image or representation of some other thing.”

“God” is translated from theos, which was originally used by the heathen to refer to their gods (idols). It is based on the noun theteres, meaning “placers.” The heathen Greeks thought their gods were the makers and disposers (placers) of all things. For instance, the god of money was referred to as mammon, which Jesus referred to in Matthew 6:24 and Luke 16:13. In the New Testament, when you see word “god” it refers to a false god (see 1Corinthians 1:20) but when spelled “God” it refers to the one true God.

 

Meaning Explained

In this letter to the church in Thessalonica, the Apostle Paul has been praising the members of the church there for the manner in which they have been living their lives and proclaiming the gospel message. In yesterday’s verse he told them that the witness of their faith living has gone out into the entire world; so much so, in fact, that Paul says he and his associated don’t have to tell anyone about it.

Now he adds to that praise by saying the reason the Apostles don’t have to tell anyone about the Christian character of the Thessalonians is because people everywhere are talking about it. He tells us that these people are talking about the way that Paul and his companions initially came to the people of Thessalonica. He also says that people are talking about how the Christians in Thessalonica turned from idol worship to become dedicated followers of Jesus Christ.

This makes this church somewhat unique among the churches that Paul planted. Most of them were primarily converts from Judaism, but it appears that the Thessalonian Christians were pagans before hearing and believing the gospel message.

 

Application

Do you have idols in your life that are more important than Jesus Christ? What’s more important to you, money, clothes or other possessions, family, success at work, sports, your reputation …? Whatever it is, if it demands more of your time and devotion than serving God, it’s an idol and you need to turn from it to serve the living and true God.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 1:8 – Demonstrating Our Faith

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For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God has gone out, so that we have no need to say anything.

Truth to Learn

Demonstrating our faith in everyday words and actions is the responsibility of every Christian.

 

Behind the Words

“Word” is from the Greek noun logos, which is based on the verb legō, meaning “to lay forth,” that is, “to express a thought in words.” Hence, logos refers to something said. However, it means more than just the word as spoken or written down; it includes the thought behind the word.

Kurios is the Greek word translated “Lord.” It is derived from kuros, meaning “might” or “power.” Thus, kurios refers to “someone who has legal power or supreme authority over you.” When accompanied by the definite article as it is here, it is a reference to “the Lord,” that is to God, who is our Lord and our Master.

The words “has sounded forth” are translated from the Greek verb exēcheomai. This word is made up of ex, meaning “out” or “out of” and ēcheō (from which we get our English word echo), which means “to make a loud noise.” Thus, exēcheomai means “to send out a loud sound.”

“We have no need” is the translation of the word chreia, which is derived from the verb chraomai, meaning “to furnish what is needed.” Chreia refers specifically to employment; however, it is often used as a metaphor for “that which is needed” or “that which is necessary.”

 

Meaning Explained

Back in verse three the Apostle Paul praised the members of the church in Thessalonica for their deeds of faith, their labor of love, and their patience. In verse six he said that they joyfully received the Word of God even in the midst of much affliction. He then said that they were examples to Christians all over the areas of Macedonia and Achaia. The reason they were such great examples to others included more than their labor of love and patience.

According to today’s verse, the Christians in Thessalonica proclaimed the word of the Lord far and wide. God has gifted each and every Christian with spiritual gifts, God given abilities, to be used within the church. He lists a number of these gifts in Ephesians 4:11 and 1Corinthians 12:8-10. But Jesus gave us all a commission to preach the gospel, baptize believers, and teach those who have been saved (Mark 28:19, 20). Just because you don’t have the gift of evangelism doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be proclaiming the gospel. And just because you don’t have the gift of helps doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be helping others within the church.

The members of the church in Thessalonica were so bold in proclaiming the gospel and they were so willing to put their faith into practice that they had a reputation throughout the Roman world of their day. In fact, their reputation was so great that Paul didn’t have to tell anyone, they already knew.

 

Application

As we asked yesterday, are you a “supposed Christian” or a “committed Christian?” Do your words and actions announce to everyone around you that you are a disciple of Christ? If not, why not?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 1:7 – Christian Models

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so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe.

Truth to Learn

Every Christian should be an example of Christ Himself.

 

Behind the Words

“So that” is translated from the Greek word hōste, which is made up of hōs, meaning “as” and te, which is a particle of connection, usually meaning “in addition.” Hōste, therefore, could be translated as “so that, in addition” or “so as, also.” It serves as a strong connector between what was just said and what is about to be said.

“You became” is from the verb ginomai, meaning “to begin to be.” It is expressed as an infinitive here, so the first part of this verse could be translated as “so as, also, to become …”

The word “examples” is translated from the Greek word tupos, from which we get our English word “type.” It is based on the verb tuptō, meaning “to strike so as to leave an impression.” Tupos refers to a die or a model (that is, any pattern) used to replicate a sign or symbol.

 

Meaning Explained

Based on what we learned about the meaning of the words in the opening part of this verse, if we combine this with the previous verse (taking out the parenthetical thought) we get: “And you became imitators of us and of the Lord … so as, you also, to become models [of Christian living] to all who believe in Macedonia and Achaia.”

The word “Christian” literally means “little Christ”; therefore, a Christian is supposed to be someone who is a disciple of Christ, modeling his or her life after Jesus. That’s exactly what the Apostle Paul did after his conversion on the road to Damascus. Before that life changing event, Paul (then called Saul) was attacking Christians and having them arrested. After he became a Christian, he so completely committed himself to his new way of life that he, himself, became the target for persecution and attack. As a result, he became an example to the people he preached to.

Now we learn that the Christians in Thessalonica so completely committed themselves to our Lord and to the Apostle Paul’s teaching that they became examples to all those around them. From the northern most regions of Greece (Macedonia) to the southern most regions (Achaia), believers in Christ knew the reputation of the Thessalonians as committed Christians. They had a reputation of being Christians, not in name only, but in the way they lived their lives. They did this in a place, and at a time when it was not the popular thing to do. Within ten years of the writing of this letter, the persecution of Christians had so pervaded Roman culture that the persecutors even included the Emperor Nero. In A.D. 64 after the great fire that destroyed much of the city of Rome, many believe that Nero was directly responsible for starting the fire. In order to counter such beliefs, Nero put the blame directly on the Christians, persecuting and torturing them for their supposed act of arson.

 

Application

How about you? Do you have a reputation as a Christian among those with whom you work and with those who live in your neighborhood? If so, is your reputation that of being a “supposed Christian” or a “committed Christian”? How about in your church? Do others look at your life and faith walk and want to be like you? Do people both inside and outside your church see Christ in you?

I ask you, therefore, “If you were accused of being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?” That’s something to think about!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 1:6 – Affliction and Joy

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And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit,

Truth to Learn

Committed Christian living will result in affliction – and joy.

 

Behind the Words

 “Imitators” is translated from mimētēs, from which we get our English word “mimic.” It means “someone who mimics, imitates, or follows the example of someone else.”

The words “having received” are from dechomai, meaning “to receive.” It is very similar in meaning to the verb lambanō except that lambanō implies more of an active participation (to take to oneself) while dechomai implies more of a subjective or passive participation (to receive for oneself).

Thlipsis is the Greek word translated “affliction.” It is derived from the verb thlibō, meaning “to crush” or “to squeeze.” Thlipsis refers to “pressure, trouble, affliction, tribulation, or distress.”

“Joy” is translated from chara, which is derived from the verb chairō, meaning “to rejoice.” Therefore, chara refers to “joy, rejoicing, or gladness.”

 

Meaning Explained

As we mentioned yesterday, belief in the good news about Jesus Christ is the substance of our salvation. The whole discussion of election versus “free will” becomes a moot point at the moment of conversion. It doesn’t matter whether you believe that God chose or man chooses; what matters is that a lost sinner becomes a child of God and is credited with the righteousness of Christ at the moment of belief in the gospel message.

Then, at the end of yesterday’s verse Paul said, “as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.” Paul did not expect the people to whom he preached to pay him for what he did. Instead, he worked as a tent maker to pay for his own expenses. He, along with Silvanus and Timothy, lived exemplary lives in spite of the persecution they faced from the local Jews, who even traveled to Berea to harass Paul after he began preaching there. It is important to note that Paul’s ministry didn’t stop when people got saved. He simply switched from evangelist mode to teacher mode. He taught them the fundamental truths of how to live a life committed to God, and as an example to be followed he lived the kind of life that he taught about.

As a result, we learn in today’s verse that the Thessalonians became imitators of Paul and his companions. They didn’t just listen to their teaching, smile politely, say a few amens, and then continue living as they always had. They changed. They put into practice what they were taught, using as their living examples Paul and his companions. And what did they get for it? They received the same persecution that Paul continually endured. We are told here that it wasn’t just a little teasing that they received, they suffered “much affliction.”

Those who afflicted them did so intentionally to make them suffer, but they didn’t complain; instead, they endured it with joy in their hearts. That’s committed Christian living.

 

Application

Christ told His disciples, “In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer …” (John 16:33b) Rather than causing us sadness, persecution and hardship should cause us to be as joyous as the Thessalonians, particularly if it has come upon us as a result of our living our Christian faith. Are you willing to suffer for Christ? Think about how much He gave for you!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 1:5 – Holy Spirit Enlightenment

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For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, even as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.

Truth to Learn

The Holy Spirit enables us to understand the gospel message.

 

Behind the Words

The word “gospel” is translated from euangellion, which is made up of eu, meaning “good” or “well” and angellō, meaning “a message.” Thus, quite literally, the word euangellion means “a good message” or “good news.”

“Power” is the translation of dunamis, from which we get our English word dynamite. It refers to “power” or “a great force.” This is probably a reference to the power of the gospel message rather than the power of any miracles that Paul may have performed because Paul never uses this particular word to refer to miracles. He used dunamis in a similar manner in reference to the kingdom of God in 1Corinthians 4:20.

The word “assurance” is translated from plērophoria, which is made up of plerēs, meaning “completely full” and a form of phoreō, which means “to repeatedly bring.” Initially this word meant “an act which is fully completed over and over again.” Later it came to mean “a proof or assurance that something would happen just as it has in the past.”

“Know” is from the Greek word eidō, meaning “to see with perception.” As in English, the idea of seeing carries the notion of understanding with the mind. This particular form of the verb means “to have seen and perceived,” thus it takes the meaning of “to know.”

 

Meaning Explained

Paul has told the members of the church in Thessalonica that he prays for them and praises God for them on a regular basis. His praise was for their deeds of faith, their labor of love, and their patience, based on their hope of spending eternity with God. His reason for praise is based on the fact that he has seen (evidenced by their works and patience) that they are certainly among God’s elect.

We talked in the previous verse about the fact of God’s choosing those who will be saved. The other side of that coin, however, is the responsibility of man. Only those who believe the gospel message, confessing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, will be saved. How these two doctrines can both be true is nearly impossible for us to understand. However, both are clearly taught in the Bible, and it is the gospel message, through which salvation comes, that Paul talks about in today’s verse.

The gospel, or good news, that Jesus Christ died to pay for the sins of the whole world and rose from the grave to prove that He is the Son of God, is not just a bunch of words. There is power in the gospel, the power to save souls from Hell, the power to change a sinner into a saint, the power to reconcile filthy sinners with a holy God.

Paul also tells us that the gospel is somehow energized by the Holy Spirit. We know from Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians that Satan blinds the minds of people so that they cannot believe the gospel (2Corinthians 4:4). We also know from the same letter that the veil of blindness is removed when one believes the gospel (2Corinthians 3:14-16). Paul implies here that it is the Holy Spirit who opens the minds of those who believe.

 

Application

If you are a born-again Christian, can you remember the day that you accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior? If so, can you identify what it was that finally allowed you to understand the gospel and believe it in your heart? It was the Holy Spirit!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved