Evidence of Acceptance – 1 Thessalonians 2:13-14

Paul had opened his letter to the Thessalonians by saying how grateful he was for their faith. Here, he returned to the theme of thankfulness as he outlined the evidence that indicated they had accepted the gospel.

The Thessalonians accepted the gospel of Christ with open arms and hearts. God revealed to them that the message was not one created by man, but it was truly the word of God. Their acceptance led to God’s word working effectively in them. Their acceptance of Christ was evident because they became imitators of others who had accepted Christ, even to the point of handling suffering in the way other believers had.

Their acceptance of the gospel demonstrated that the gospel was true, and their faith was genuine. Sadly, there were also those who had rejected Christ. Paul describes their rejection in verses 15-16.

Evidence of Rejection – 1 Thessalonians 2:15-16

This is the evidence that revealed their rejection of Christ:

• V. 15 – They killed Christ and the prophets and persecuted believers. How is this type of rejection demonstrated today?

• V. 15 – They displeased God. Why does rejection displease God? Do you think people who reject Christ consider that their rejection displeases God? How can we help them understand God’s displeasure?

• V. 15 – They are hostile to everyone. Have you noticed the anger that people have when they consciously reject Christ and His followers? In what ways is this anger expressed?

• V. 16 – They are determined to keep people from sharing the gospel.  In what ways do people who reject Christ try to prevent believers from sharing the gospel? Why do they do this? How should we respond?

One should note that verse 15 is a continuance of the subject in verse 14 that focuses on the rejection of Christ demonstrated by the Jews in Judea. “Paul wasn’t labeling every Jew as an enemy of the church. Instead, he was focusing on particular groups of Jews who were actively opposing the gospel and the work of God’s missionaries. Those who interpret this passage through an anti-Semitic lens misunderstand Paul’s message. Paul longed for the Jews to accept Jesus as their true Messiah, and he was living proof that no Jew was beyond God’s reach.” (ETB Leader Guide)

Just as some Jews rejected Christ and demonstrated their rejection in the ways described, the Thessalonian believers experienced similar responses from the citizens in Thessalonica who rejected the gospel. The wrath these individuals experienced was a natural outcome of God’s holy righteousness and justice.

Finally, we need encouragement when we observe others rejecting Christ. This is the encouragement Paul expresses in verses 17-20.

Encourage Those Who Have Accepted Christ – 1 Thessalonians 2:17-20.

Paul’s reference to them as brothers and sisters reminded his readers that they shared a special bond in Christ.  This bond served as an encouragement to both Paul and the Thessalonian believers.

Earlier, Paul and his companions had related to the Thessalonians as loving parents who cared for their children well, but they had been forced to leave them. The Greek wording indicates something being violently torn away, abandoned, or even orphaned. This separation, even for a short time, was painful for the missionaries and for the Thessalonian congregation. As evidence of their passion, Paul said the missionaries greatly desired to return to Thessalonica. They had done everything within their power to see them face to face. 

The memory of these believers’ acceptance of the gospel was bringing encouragement to Paul, even as he wrote them. His memories prompted him to tell them that they were his glory and joy! Equally, Paul desired to express his love for them and the joy he had because they accepted Christ so that they could be encouraged by his words.

Paul and his companions longed to rejoin their friends—both to encourage them and to receive encouragement from them.  Those who accepted Christ kept Paul going. His words to them kept them moving forward with the gospel.