This month we will study two of Paul’s earliest letters, 1 and 2 Thessalonians. Acts 17:1-15 tells us how the Thessalonian church was founded.

It all started one night, when Paul had a vision of a Macedonian man pleading for help (Acts 16:9-10). Without hesitation, Paul responded immediately! Together with Silas, Luke and Timothy, they hurried to Macedonia arriving first in the city of Philippi, followed by Thessalonica. There, Paul boldly preached the gospel to the Jews in synagogues. Over three weeks, many were converted but many unbelieving Jews also violently opposed them. It got so bad that they had to leave the city by night to Berea.

But the Jews from Thessalonica didn’t give up. They followed Paul and his friends to Berea and caused havoc. Paul then departed to Athens and later Corinth, while Timothy and Silas remained in Berea to carry on the gospel work.

So when did Paul write 1 Thessalonians?  After Timothy and Silas had reunited with Paul in Corinth, he sent Timothy back to Thessalonica to encourage the Christians there because he himself was hindered from going there. ( Read 1 Thess 2:17-18 ). Paul wrote 1 Thessalonians after he received Timothy’s report of the church and wrote 2 Thessalonians a short time later.

What have we learnt? God carries out His plans through people. He did not send angels to evangelise the Thessalonians. God sent Paul, a born again Jew, and his friends including Timothy, a young man. God still uses people today. If you are willing and obedient, God can use you for His divine purposes too.

Look around your social circle, God can use you to...

          ... be a friend to someone in need

          ... be a trustworthy help at home

           ... be serving in church

            ... be His missionary where He has placed you.

Thought: God can use me to be a channel of blessing.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, You use people to fulfill Your will and to do Your work. Please use me to be a blessing to other people. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.