The Church at Thessalonica : Congregational Profile

CHURCH ARTICLE | Osamagbe Lesley Egharevba | Lagos, Nigeria

Background

The establishment of the Lord’s church in the city of Thessalonica is found in Acts 17:1-10. During Paul’s second missionary journey, which begins in Acts 16, Paul heard the “Macedonia call” to send out the light (God’s Word). Specifically, he saw in a vision a man of Macedonia pleading with him and saying, “come over to Macedonia and help us” (Acts 16:9). After seeing the vision, Paul and the men with him concluded that the Lord had called them to preach the gospel in that region. They traveled to Philippi (a Roman colony and the foremost city of that part of Macedonia). After they had preached and converted souls in Philippi, they moved to Thessalonica (another prominent city in Macedonia). They continued their preaching (Acts 17:1-10). Paul stayed a few weeks, preaching the Gospel in Thessalonica. He preached three Sabbaths consecutively in the synagogue and converted several people. However, the unbelieving Jews in Thessalonica became envious (Acts 17:5) and caused so much trouble that the brethren had to send Paul and Silas away to Berea by night lest they be seriously harmed (Acts 17:10). This is the beginning of the church at Thessalonica. Even after Paul left the city of Thessalonica, he was still concerned about the new Christians at Thessalonica. He sent Timothy back to Thessalonica, and Timothy brought the good news of their faith and love (I Thessalonians 3:6).

This writing aims to identify some unique features of this congregation and see how we can learn from them today and apply them to our congregations and personal lives. Not long after establishing the church at Thessalonica, Paul wrote the first letter to the congregation. From this letter, we can tell the kind of church it was. What kind of church was the congregation at Thessalonica? Let us consider some of the attributes:

1. The church at Thessalonica was evangelistic: — In I Thessalonians 1:8, Paul said: “For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything.” Evangelism is a major work of the church. Each congregation must carry out this duty to the best of their ability. We see how New Testament churches engaged in this work in several instances. For example, the church at Antioch sent out men (Acts 13:1-3), the Jerusalem church sent out men (8:14; 11:22), the Philippian church supported a gospel preacher (Philippians 1:5; 4:15-18), etc. Here, we see that the church at Thessalonica sounded forth the word of God even beyond their region. The Thessalonians become a great example. Sadly, many congregations are lagging in this very work. How much time do we invest in evangelism? If we want to be faithful to God, we must imitate this good example of the Thessalonians by preaching the gospel.
2. The church at Thessalonica was receptive: 1 Thessalonians 1:6: “And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit,” The brethren in Thessalonica received the word, even though they had to face “much affliction.” Here, Paul is saying that despite the opposition they faced and the affliction that came their way, it did not stop them from receiving the word of God. With many tribulations, we will enter the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22). However, it takes faith, courage, and conviction to stand. The church in Thessalonica received the word, despite the great affliction that came their way. How many congregations would stand in the face of persecution today?
3. Another point to note was that they received the word of God with joy. Just as the 3,000 Jews on the day of Pentecost who “gladly received His word” (Acts 2:41) and were baptized, the brethren in Thessalonica did the same. Indeed, it is a happy day when a soul is added to the Lord’s church; hence we sing, “O happy day that fixed my choice.” Are you happy to be a Christian?
4. The church at Thessalonica was a working church: — 1 Thessalonians 1:3: “remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father,” Paul in this verse speaks of their works of faith, their labors of love and their patience of hope. These are great attributes of a church. Unfortunately, many churches are not known for their good works. What is your local church known for?
5. The church at Thessalonica was exemplary— Indeed, the excellent attributes, transformation, and new life seen in the church at Thessalonica is an example worth imitating. Paul said to the Thessalonian Christians, “Ye were examples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia” (verse 7). Churches are supposed to be good examples to others. When a church does well and obeys God’s instructions, people will be encouraged to follow such an example. Without a doubt, the Thessalonian brethren were the good kind of example, leaving us “a pattern of good works” (Titus 2:7). Also, all believers should live in such a way that these same words can be spoken about the local church where they worship and serve.
6. The church at Thessalonica became followers of the Lord as well as Paul and his companions (I Thessalonians 1:6): Paul often encourages brethren to be imitators (or followers) of him: “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1). The Thessalonian brethren believed and obeyed the same saving gospel Paul did, and in the process became servants of the Lord Jesus, just like Paul had. The Bible speaks of “the way of truth” (2 Peter 2:2), also known as “the way of salvation” (Acts 16:17). Paul submitted to that “way” in his life, and then later, the Thessalonians followed suit. There is no better choice than choosing to imitate the Son of God!

Conclusion

The church in Thessalonica is an excellent example for churches to follow today. Faithful churches striving to be pleasing to God should try and emulate the good examples of the church in Thessalonica. In doing this, we would successfully spread the word around, and the world would feel our impact. Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16). Christians should endeavor to shine as a light to the world that they would bring glory to God when our goods works are seen.

January 2023 | GROW magazine