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Paul’s Reception In Thessalonica
Paul’s Reception In Thessalonica
In writing to the church in Thessalonica, Paul repeatedly talks about the message that he preached as an apostle. Paul uses many different expressions in referring to this message:
- Our gospel (1:4)
- The word of the LORD (1:8; 4:15)
- The gospel of God (2:2, 8)
- The word of God (2:13)
- The gospel of Christ (3:2)
- The commandments we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus (4:2)
- This is the will of God (4:3; 5:18)
When they heard this message Paul said “For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe” (1 Thessalonians 2:13).
HOW did they conclude that this preaching WAS from God? Because it came not in ‘word only’ but in POWER. Paul could remind them: “… our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake” (1 Thessalonians 1:5).
They didn’t need to wait hundreds of years for some men far removed from them in both time and circumstance, to vote on the canonicity of this message before they knew it was the word of God. They received it as the word of God because they recognized it as the word of God confirmed by the very power of God.
YET, not EVERYONE was convinced even with such signs and wonders. The hearts of some are hardened even against plain evidence. Even when Jesus Himself did miracles, some continued in their unbelief and denial (see this even with the resurrection of Lazarus in John 11-12). To those who received Him, he gave them the power to become children of God (John 1:12).
Through the Apostles the will of God was revealed unto man. What they taught, both in personal teaching and by letter, is the word of God. Therefore: he who rejects this is not rejecting man but the God who gives His Holy Spirit to you. (1 Thessalonians 4:8)
What do you make of this message? Opinions of men or revelation from God? If you were in Thessalonica, would you side with the Apostles or the unbelieving Jews?
Hugh DeLong
