Despite difficulties and persecutions, Paul was a bold witness to the people for the Lord. However, he was never so full of himself as to fail to acknowledge the disciples working with him.
Some people will never ask for acknowledgement, but they appreciate it when a leader recognizes the team's importance as Paul does, saying: "Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy: To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace to you and peace" (1 Thess. 1:1). Paul’s witness for Christ is bold as he humbles himself under grace and preaches peace as a way of life in Christ.
By God’s grace, people embraced Paul and his ministry, even though they were aware of his life and deeds as Saul before his encounter with the Lord on the Damascus Road. They recognized the Lord’s forgiveness for past indiscretions and embraced His Way as an extension of God’s grace. Paul talks about his encounter with the Lord, witnessing that the Lord called out to him in Aramaic, saying thus: “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads” (Acts 26:14).
The question forces Paul to rethink his mission of killing Christians. As he pondered the question, his actions disturbed his peace of mind, even though he was a highly respected Pharisee.
However, many of us learned that education and social or professional status cannot bring peace. We have seen that some of the most famous and richest men and women on earth are restless and miserable, and that some of the most powerful humans are not respected. Once he chose the Lord’s Way, Paul's commitment to the Good News shows that he found peace in serving the Lord, testifying to it, and maintaining his connection with the Christians at Thessalonica. Paul established the church at Thessalonica around 51 A.D. but left abruptly because his life was threatened. Even in peril, Paul’s commitment to the Lord’s Way never wavered, and though he could not go, he sent Timothy to check on the church. Timothy reported that the people were standing firm as one body in Christ. As it does today, the pastor-student model works. A competent pastor-leader like Paul trains others to continue the mission when one person is incapacitated for whatever reason. Ministers like Timothy were trained and ordained to assist the leader. In this, Paul was an excellent witness for the Lord.
Paul reminded the people of his love and commitment, saying, “We always thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly" (1 Thess. 1:2).
As in the United States today, Thessalonica’s freedom to choose Christ was unimpeded, and the residents were thriving.
However, as God-fearing people enjoyed freedom, so did Satan's followers. Remember, when it rains on the righteous, it also rains on the unrighteous. Everyone who understands this mystery gives God the glory and is a witness for the Lord.
Nettie Pennington, is Associate Minister, at Springfield MB Church in Tate County.
