Untitled Sermon (3)

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The context of the region/city was one of turmoil, pluralism and uncertainty for a group of Greeks who had become followers of Jesus Christ in a free Roman city.

It is a blend of a powerful empire, a compromising populace, religious pluralism, economic value. With a group of converted Christians!

Add to the incredible uncertainty of the present, the Thessalonians had confusion and uncertainty about the ultimate future.

Th problems in the world were not the only problem for the church. It was the problem of the world battling for loyalty of the followers.

The Pillar New Testament Commentary: The Letters to the Thessalonians VI. The Gospel and the Thessalonians

When we take into account the special relationship that existed between the free city of Thessalonica and Rome, it becomes easy to understand the strong impact of this calculated accusation. The politarchs were responsible to maintain local loyalty to the emperor. The charge threw them and the wider populace into disorder (Acts 17:8). But it was not the apostles but rather the populace and even the officials who caused the unrest, according to Luke’s reading of the situation! Since Paul and his associates were not found (were they hiding?), the politarchs made Jason and the other Christians with him “post bond,” which was most likely a guarantee that they would not allow the Christian messengers to cause any more trouble in the city nor would they be a party to any trouble (17:9). The only option left for Paul, Silas and Timothy was to leave the city. The brothers and sisters of the church sent them away by cover of night down the Via Egnatia toward Pella, then south to Berea (17:10). This new Thessalonian church was left without leadership and without having received all the instruction they needed (cf. 1 Thess. 4:13). Moreover, the persecution that was directed primarily at the apostles overflowed to the church. These new believers suffered much at the hands of their contemporaries (1 Thess. 1:6; 2:14; 3:3–4).

The Pillar New Testament Commentary: The Letters to the Thessalonians VI. The Gospel and the Thessalonians

He brought with him the “good news” of the faith, love, and steadfastness of this congregation despite all their hardships (1 Thess. 3:6–8). 1 Thessalonians is a letter of thanksgiving to God for them (3:6–10; 1:3; 2:13) as well as a letter of encouragement for this church in the midst of all their sufferings (1:6; 2:14–16; 3:3–4).