Thessalonica was the capital city of Macedonia (now part of Greece). We read of Paul’s first visit to the city in Acts 17:1-10. Initially many people were converted but after opposition arose from the Jews Paul and his companions had to leave at night. Later Timothy was sent to help the Thessalonians in their faith (see 3v2). Paul wrote this letter after receiving an encouraging report from Timothy when he re-joined Paul in Corinth.

After an initial greeting (v1), Paul speaks of how encouraged he has been by their conversion and progress in the faith (v2-10), so much so that they have become an example to other churches (v7-10). They are a people of faith, love, patience, joy, hope and service.

There were three reasons for their progress. a. Prayer (v2-3) – Paul and his companions were praying constantly for them. b. The Word (v5) – they were grounded securely on the apostles’ teaching of the gospel. c. The Holy Spirit (v5-6) – It was the Spirit breathing on the Word as it was taught that changes lives. Prayer, the word and the moving of the Holy Spirit are what we need as individuals and as a congregation to become an example of faith, love, patience, joy, hope and service to others.