1 Thessalonians 1:1; Acts 16:6-15.
During the night Paul had a vision of a man of  Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us” (Acts 16:9).

According to the book of Acts, Paul’s missionary work in

Thessalonica was part of the vision he received to come to Macedonia. The Bible says, “After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them” (Acts 16:10).

However, due to the incessant attacks from the Jews on his ministry, he moved from city to city until he could no longer move freely. Later on he was arrested and began the journey to Rome. But God kept the churches he founded and they continued to grow. The foundation was good. See 1

Corinthians 3.

His work in the Roman Empire led to his being called the Apostle to the Gentiles. The two letters to the Thessalonians are considered to be Paul’s earliest letters. Both letters were written around A.D 50&51. The concern that Paul and his friends had for them, led to the desire to know how they are doing in the faith. They sent Timothy to visit them. The letters were their response to Timothy’s report about the state of the church.

First Thessalonians follows Paul’s usual pattern of greetings, his prayers and response to issues that may have been raised. As we read through this letter, may the Lord help us to live godly lives and have godly conduct in Jesus’ Name. Shalom.

Your Turn

• What is your response in the time of persecution?
• Do you give up on faith or you hold on to God?

Song:  Father, we adore You.

Further Reading: Acts 16.