The letter to the Thessalonians – 52to 53AD – is thought to be the first letter Paul wrote to the disciples of Jesus Christ at Thessalonica. We see how it all began, and we learn something of how great his love was for the people of God.
In Acts 15 verses 36 to 41 we get a glimpse of his concern for new believers in Jesus. Paul sought to ensure these fresh believers were confirmed – rooted – grounded – taught – strengthened.
In Acts Chapter 17 we read of Silas and Paul arriving in Thessalonica - and they looked for the synagogue. They looked for the place of prayer. They looked for that setting where people at least had a belief in God. "As his custom was, Paul went into the synagogue."
This man has had bad experiences among the Jews - and with the Jews - but still he realises that this is where he is to begin. And the past does not colour his present - and, like His Saviour, Jesus Christ, Paul goes back to the synagogue. On the Sabbath day it was the custom of Jesus to go and worship in the synagogue at Nazareth.
When we belong to Jesus - when we are born again - converted - anointed with the Holy Spirit - there is that desire - that longing - to worship the Living God - to praise and pray and hear His Holy Word - and to meet together in fellowship with the people who belong to Jesus.
This is one of the signs to the world that we are disciples of Jesus Christ - when we are found faithful in fellowship - among the people of God.
They were certainly a sign of the presence of God in Acts Chapter 16 - Lydia – and the girl with the python spirit - the jailer – the marks on their backs - the baptisms which take place - and the pimps who had their income curtailed.
We are dealing with facts in these Chapters - these are actual events and incidents and happenings. These are real people - and all of this is so vivid. What we have been reading of is almost in Technicolor.
To consider and meditate upon the lessons and implications of Acts Chapter 16 will always be immensely valuable.
“Gracious God – thank You for these passages which teach us so much about the early Church of Jesus Christ. We give thanks for the writers of Scripture – we give thanks for its accuracy and authority and authenticity. In these dangerous days help us to rely upon the Scriptures. Help us to make time to read and study and understand Your Holy Word. Come, Holy Spirit, help us.” Amen.
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.