In verse 6, Paul spoke about how the Thessalonian believers believed the gospel message and quickly became imitators and followers of the example that Paul and his missionary team were setting. They soaked up the teaching that was given to them and applied it to their lives, allowing the joy of the Holy Spirit to guide and motivate. The best part about all of this is that they were doing this in the midst of opposition from unbelievers. As we move on to verse 7, we see that these believers were indeed doing something right because word about the Thessalonians was spreading, and doing so rapidly. So, let's take a look at this passage and the truth to be had from it.
1 Thessalonians 1:7 (NASB) - so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.
The text of this verse is simple and straightforward, so we won't have to spend a lot of time here; but, there are some important points that we do not want to overlook. The first thing we note is that as a result of the Thessalonians' fearless acceptance of the gospel they became a resounding example of what Christianity is supposed to look like. It was this fearlessness imitation of the Lord that caused word of their faithfulness to spread throughout the entire Roman province of Macedonia[1], the area where they were located. This was a rather large region, and given that the mode of transportation was by land (foot or horseback) or by sea, it's a testimony to how quickly word spread for it to reach an entire region. Not only did it reach the entirety of Macedonia, but word also spread to the southern province of Achaia, which included cities like Corinth and Athens. Taking into account that Paul wrote this epistle probably less than a year after he was forced to leave Thessalonica, it's remarkable to think that word of these believers was able to reach so great an area at such a rapid speed.
Putting the rate of expanse aside, let's take a look at the Thessalonians' example. In verse 6, remember that Paul said they had become imitators of he & his missionary team, as well as the Lord Jesus Christ. In their learning the truths of the gospel, Paul, Silvanus & Timothy had become the example and standard by which the Thessalonians were to live. They had no idea what a Christian was supposed to look like other than what they had seen in these faithful servants of God. Ultimately, as they learned more about the gospel, they learned that it wasn't these men that they needed to be imitating, but it was Jesus Christ, the Chief Cornerstone, that they needed to be mimicking. In much the same way, as word spread about the Thessalonians' faithfulness in adhering to the gospel, they were the ones that became the standard that new believers were imitating and following. It wasn't the example of Paul and his team, but it was the example of the Thessalonians that the Macedonians & Achaians were hearing about & following.
The thing that really set the Thessalonians apart was their willingness to stand firm in their faith, even in the midst of persecution and duress. But, not only had they accepted the gospel, but, let's remember, that many of them were also turning from their prior way of life, which likely involved idol worship. When taken together, this was a very powerful message that was being spread throughout the land. This must have been some powerful message in order for these Thessalonians to turn away from their idols and serve another deity (the true and living God).
Let's shift gears as we close and shine the spotlight on ourselves. What kind of example are we setting as believers? Is a positive word about our faithfulness being spread throughout our communities? If not, what can you do to make sure that your life is one worth imitating? I'll let that be the closing word for today. Let's live lives that resemble the Thessalonians and their faithfulness to the gospel. Next time we'll see that not only did Macedonia & Achaia hear about these believers, but it reached much further than that. Until then, live out the gospel!
[1] For a map of Macedonia & Achaia, please refer to "1 Thessalonians Introduction: Part 2"
