Good news travels fast! But did you know that this was the case long before the information age consisting of computers, telephones, and the mailman? When Jesus began His ministry, it was not long before multitudes heard about Him. In just the first chapter of Mark, the Bible says, And immediately His fame spread throughout all the region around Galilee... so that Jesus could no longer openly enter the city, but was outside in deserted places; and they came to Him from every direction (Mark 1:28,45 NKJV).
Such rapid spread of good news also originated with the church in Thessalonica. It is believed that the first epistle to the Thessalonians was written only about six months after Paul taught them the gospel. After such a short time, the apostle stated, 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 (1 Thessalonians 1:8). Macedonia is the region of northern Greece and Achaia is the southern portion of Greece. How did the word of the Lord run so swiftly through the land (cf. 2 Thessalonians 3:1)?
Thessalonica was a seaport, and it also sat on a major road that led to Rome. Perhaps these Christians were eager to share the gospel to any and all who passed through their city. Maybe some in the congregation went out themselves, by land and sea, and committed these things to faithful men who would be able to teach others also (2 Timothy 2:2). But what motivated this congregation to be evangelistic and eager to tell their story? The answer is found in the succeeding verses: For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10).
First, these people had turned from something lifeless to the Giver of life, thus putting their faith in the living God instead of uncertain pursuits. Then, they found purpose in their lives which was serving God. Many people aspire to be served by others, but it is the one who serves God and others with love who find meaning in their lives (cf. Mark 8:34-37; 10:45). Finally, there was the certain expectation that all were headed toward the day of judgment, but there was good news of a Savior, Jesus. So, the apostle commended them for their work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 1:3).
What would keep us from sounding forth the word of the Lord and telling our story? Perhaps the answer is found in the opposite of the three reasons for the Thessalonians: by pursuing earthly things instead of heavenly things; by finding fulfillment in being served rather than serving; by not thinking about the judgment to come. This could happen just like it did to the churches in Ephesus (Revelation 2:4), Sardis (Revelation 3:1), and Laodicea (Revelation 3:16-17). Rather, let us zealously imitate the congregation that was in Thessalonica. For Paul said to them, For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming (1 Thessalonians 2:19)?
Brotherly, Jamie
