Free Bible Commentary
“1 Thessalonians 1:8-10”
Categories: 1 Thessalonians“For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God has gone forth, so that we have no need to say anything. For they themselves report about us what kind of a reception we had with you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come.”
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Paul wrote in verse 7 that the brethren in Thessalonica had become a great “example” for “all the believers” in the surrounding region because they had “received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit” (verse 6). Their conviction for the truth in the face of persecution was such a strong testimony to the power of the Gospel and the genuineness of their faith that “the word of the Lord sounded forth” like a trumpet blast along with their good reputation.
Notice the pattern that they left for all of us to follow after:
They received (verse 9). They embraced the messengers with open arms because it was evident to them that God Almighty was the true source of and authority behind the message that Paul and his companions spoke. Hearing and believing the Gospel are important parts of God’s plan of salvation, but we must receive it as well as believe it. If we do not eagerly welcome the living word of God, we will be hearers only and not doers who only delude ourselves (James 1:22).
They turned (verse 9). When they “turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God,” they exemplified the heart of true repentance. Repentance is a change of heart that leads to a change in the direction of life. When they learned the will of God they turned from their wicked ways and pursued a course of life that was pleasing to Him. Unless we repent we will all perish in our sins (Luke 13:3).
They waited (verse 10). Paul is not praising them for just sitting around and waiting for Christ to return, which is unfortunately what some of them were actually guilty of doing. To wait on the Lord means to make the strong determination to stand fast and remain faithful and loyal to Him until we die or He returns, whichever comes first, no matter how long it might take. To wait also implies the full expectation that the Lord will indeed return, and that He will do so according to His own perfect timing, when He finalizes our rescue from the wrath to come.
Receive the word of God. Turn from the ways of the world. Faithfully serve the Lord in full expectation of one day seeing Him face-to-face.
Please read 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 for tomorrow.
Have a blessed day!
- Louie Taylor
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