Observing The First Century Church In Action

By reading 1 Thessalonians 1-5, we can observe the first century church in action. Let us notice the following characteristics of this spiritually productive congregation:

1) They steadfastly did the Lord's work, setting the example and standard for all other congregations to follow (1 Thessalonians 1:1-8; cf. 1 Corinthians 15:58).

2) They were zealous to evangelize (1 Thessalonians 1:8; cf. Romans 1:8).

3) They were a people of great faith and love (1 Thessalonians 1:8; 1 Thessalonians 3:6).

4) They were a penitent people (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10).

5) They openly received the apostolic teaching of Paul as "the word of God" (1 Thessalonians 2:1-13).

6) They suffered and endured similar persecution as Paul and Silas suffered in Philippi (1 Thessalonians 2:14-16; cf. Acts 16:16-24).

7) They displayed genuine love for the brethren in Macedonia (1 Thessalonians 4:9-10; cf. 1 Thessalonians 1:7-8).

8) They were a praying congregation (1 Thessalonians 5:25; cf. Colossians 4:2-3).

This first century congregation was Paul's "glory and joy" (1 Thessalonians 2:20).

Could Paul say the same of our congregation in the twenty-first century?

Dear reader, may all congregations of the Lord's people be willing to acquire the above characteristics of the Lord's church found in Thessalonica.

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets