1 Thessalonians

The Thessalonian church is commended for their faith, labor, and endurance, as they received the gospel with power and conviction, becoming imitators of Paul and the Lord despite severe suffering. They turned from idols to serve the living God and await the return of Jesus, who will rescue them from coming wrath. The apostles' visit to the Thessalonians was not in vain, as they preached the gospel despite strong opposition and encouraged them to live lives worthy of God. The Thessalonians accepted the word of God and became imitators of God's churches in Judea, suffering persecution from their own countrymen. The writer expresses gratitude for the recipients' faith and prays for their love to increase and for them to be blameless and holy when the Lord Jesus comes.