1 Thessalonians 1

1 Thessalonians 1 … After Paul and Silas were released from their unjust imprisonment in Philippi, they traveled westward to Thessalonika (pronounced Tess-a-lo-nee’-ka, by the Greeks), which was large enough to have a synagogue and Paul went there to preach. As a result of Paul’s ministry, Acts 17 tells us that a church was formed with some believing Jews, a large number of God-fearing Greeks and many women as members. Athens is in a region called Achaia, which is the name for southern Greece. Here Paul is writing with teaching for the church he established and opens his letter by recognizing them for their faithfulness and noting his own prayers in their behalf. Paul’s testimony about the church is a great picture of what a church should aspire to become … trained in the Word (1:6), an example to the whole country (1:7) and even beyond (1:8). The faithfulness of this congregation “sounded forth” locally, nationally, and internationally, which is quite a testimony to their trust in Jesus Christ, and a great example for churches today.