How Did That Happen?

The city of Thessalonica had a long history of being dominated by Rome for 200 years. When Paul came to Thessalonica (Acts 17:1–9), the religious culture was complex. There were worship centers for Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Political ideologies. The Jews also had a presence in this city (Acts 17:1–2). After leaving Philippi (Acts 16), Paul came to Thessalonica and taught at the local synagogue for three Sabbaths. This means that Paul was in Thessalonica for three to four weeks. With such a complex religious and political situation, a Christian revival might seem unlikely to predict. But that is exactly what happened. 

Paul taught in the synagogue from the Old Testament, arguing that Jesus Christ was the Messiah (Acts 17:2–3). His arguments were so persuasive, that many of the Jews, God-fearing Greeks, and women believed in Jesus as the Messiah (Acts 17:3–4). The pride of the Jewish leaders would not have any of that teaching. They caused an uprising which led to immediate persecution for those who had believed Paul’s teaching about the Messiah, Jesus (Acts 17:5-9). We read in this passage that the Jewish leaders went looking for Paul but, “…When they did not find them, they began dragging Jason and some brethren before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have upset the world have come here also, and Jason has welcomed them, and they all act contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus” (Acts 17:6–7). Paul was encouraged to leave Thessalonica by the new believers and he and Silas made their way to the town of Berea (Acts 17:8ff). The truth of Jesus being the Christ (Messiah) was not hampered by persecution, but instead, was spread widely throughout the region (1 Thessalonians 1:5–10). How did that happen?

We can read of this region being powerfully affected.

“… you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God has gone forth, so that we have no need to say anything. For they themselves report about us what kind of a reception we had with you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come (1 Thessalonians 1:7–10). 

How did these brand–new believers become so powerful in their witness of Jesus that Paul had “…no need to say anything”? There are at least three principles that we can imitate from Paul’s work with the Thessalonians to create an atmosphere where similar results are possible.

Engagement

The first thing Paul did was to engage those who were spiritually motivated to discuss the truth of Jesus. Paul did this after being persecuted himself in Philippi (Acts 16). Paul knew his message was unstoppable. The principle of engagement begins with a deep dependency of prayer for the people we are impacting (1 Thessalonians 1:2–4). As Paul prayed for these new believers, he trusted that God would take His Word and cause it to affect those who heard. Prayer, expectation, and trust in God’s message to people are vital as we look for Him to impact the areas we live in.

Equipping

Paul equipped the new believers in Thessalonica with truth from the Word and by setting an example for them to follow. Paul most assuredly told them stories of His time in Philippi and the effect, the message of Jesus had upon them. They saw his example of perseverance during persecution which inspired them to do the same. As they followed Paul’s teaching and example of living for Jesus, they believed God could do for them what he had done through Paul.

Empowering

Part of the gospel of Jesus is that He gives His followers everything they need to be successful…from the moment of salvation (Acts 1:8; Ephesians 1:3, 6:18–20). These new believers not only trusted in Jesus, but they also trusted that Jesus would use them in similar ways as they obeyed what they had been taught both in word and by Paul and Silas’ example.

Engagement, equipping and empowerment are three principles the Thessalonians followed as taught them by Paul. That is how this explosion of expansion took place in Thessalonica and beyond. I believe this is possible for you and me today. I pray that you as you engage the people God places around you, that you will realize that God has equipped and empowered you to follow Him so His kingdom is expanded through you…beginning today (Philippians 2:13). 

You can find more equipping information about making the impossible become reality at wildfiregospel.com.