1:1,2
This is a fairly typical introduction to a letter from Paul. It starts out by saying who it is from, Paul, Silas and Timothy. Then who it is written to, namely the church at Thessalonica. God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ are placed on an equal footing. This also occurs in the next verse, where grace and peace (another common greeting from Paul) come from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
1:3,4
Again following a Pauline pattern, the letter starts with thanksgiving. It is good to note what Paul gives thanks for, indeed says they ought to give thanks for. First their faith is growing, and their love for one another is growing. And they thank God for this, for God is the one who makes our faith and love grow. When we look at each other, and pray for each other, we should above all else be looking for growth in faith and love. And this was not happening in an easy time, but in a time of persecution and trials. If we look at the Bible, most of the people in the Bible lived in difficult times, and grew in Christ in the midst of difficult times. So in these days we should seek and expect the Holy Spirit to enable us to mature in Christ in the midst of these circumstances.
No comments:
Post a Comment