14 For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea. For you suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they did from the Jews, 15 who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out, and displease God and oppose all mankind 16 by hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles that they might be saved—so as always to fill up the measure of their sins. But wrath has come upon them at last!
17 But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, 18 because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us. 19 For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? 20 For you are our glory and joy.
(ESV)
STOP! Think a little 🤔 What is God saying to you?
- What is the writer saying?
- How do I apply this to my life?
The believers in Thessalonica became imitators of the churches in Judea because the Jewish Christians were being persecuted by the Jews and the Gentile believers in Thessalonica were being persecuted by their own countrymen, the Gentiles. Paul points out that the Jews (primarily the Jewish leaders) were the ones who killed Jesus and the prophets and then drove Paul and his fellow believers out attempting to prevent the gospel from being spread to the Gentiles. Their opposition was to all mankind because they tried to prevent the gospel from reaching all those who don’t believe. Their sins were filling up like a cup that when full would bring about God’s wrath on them. This happened in the Jewish wars which happened shortly after the writing of this letter. The world’s sins are again stacking up until they reach a point when God will finally bring his wrath on the whole world in the time of tribulation.
Paul and Silas were taken away from the Thessalonians believers (Acts 17:10) and longed to return. While they were apart physically, they continued to remember them in love and prayer. While they wanted to return, Satan somehow hindered their return. Paul sees Satan as the power behind all persecution of believers.
When Jesus returns, Paul knew that the only thing of value he would have at that time was the believers he had the privilege of introduction to Jesus. When you die, or Jesus returns, what will you have of lasting value? Nothing you accumulate here on earth will continue to have any value. The only things we can take with us are fellow believers we have introduced, or helped to introduce, to Jesus. Where is your glory and joy?