“5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.
6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost.
7 So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.”
I love these verses. So many things about them make me smile and my heart rejoice.
Paul shows that they brought the gospel to Thessalonica in the power of the Holy Spirit. Paul and Silvanus had built a relationship with the people and built a reputation among them. The Thessalonians were in great affliction, but began to follow Paul and Silvanus and the Lord. Even in the midst of affliction, they had the joy of the Holy Ghost. It wasn’t an easy decision to follow God because of the trials, but they had joy!
Then, these people who had followed Paul and Silvanus’ example, became an example to others in both Macedonia and Achaia.
It encourages my heart that God could use me as an example to help others learn of our precious Savior. They can then have joy in the midst of hardship through the Holy Ghost as God gives to us. God is able to use our faith to bring others to Him.
Leave a Reply