Unit 2 LESSON 8

July 20, 2025

Study Text: Acts 17:1-15; 1 Thessalonians 1:1 through 2:12

Central Truth. The Holy Spirit empowers Jesus' followers to proclaim the gospel.

KEY VERSE: 1 Thessalonians 1:5  Our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance: as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake (KJV).

When we brought you the Good News, it was not only with words but also with power, for the Holy Spirit gave you full assurance that what we said was true. and you know of our concern for you the way we lived when we were with you (NLT).

LET'S GET STARTED

Paul's second missionary journey had taken an unexpected turn. He didn't planned to travel to Macedonia, but after weeks of searching for God's direction, a vision guided the apostle and his traveling party in that direction (Acts 16:9). Before coming to Thessalonica, Paul and Silas were mistreated and unjustly imprisoned in Philippi (Acts 16). When the city officials learned Paul and Silas wee Roman citizens, they were released and told to leave the city. Luke stayed in Philippi to continue teaching and encouraging the new believers, while the others traveling with Paul continued west on the Ignatian way to Thessalonica.

PART 1- Ministry Begins in Thessalonica

Some Believed, More Were Jealous        Acts 17:1-9

When Paul arrived in Thessalonica, he began his ministry among the Jews in the synagogue (Acts 17:1-2). There he encountered Jews along with God-fearing Greek men and prominent women (verse 4). It appears they had chosen to worship the one true God alongside the Jews rather than continue in their pagan religions. Paul told them Jesus was the Messiah they were looking for (verse3). Many believed his message, but some of the Jews were so enraged they started a riot (verse 5). They raided the home of Jason, searching for Paul and Silas When they didn't find them, they dragged Jason and the other believers to post bond before. Releasing them (verses 8-9). We should note the hardship faced by Jason and other believers for standing with Paul and receiving the message he brought. Though we may not experience such opposition. we shouldn't forget that many of our brothers and sisters around the globe face severe persecution when they choose to follow Jesus. 

Discuss? How has your acceptance of the gospel impacted your relationships?

Openness at Berea                     Acts 17:10-15

The people in Berea wanted to know the truth and willingly engaged Paul and Silas, searching the Scriptures daily to confirm the message they were hearing (Acts 17:10-11). Their response shows that their standard of truth was the Word of God. That commitment opened the way for them to believe the gospel. Sadly, Paul's time in Berea wouldn't last long. Jews in Thessalonica learned that Paul had gone to Berea and they came there to oppose him (verse 13). They were motivated by Jealousy as people accepted the gospel. They traveled with him all the way to Athens, where Silas and Timothy would later rejoin him (verse15). Paul's would later write to the Thessalonian church that he had wanted to return to them, but Satan had blocked his way (1 Thessalonians 2:18-19). Paul's desire makes sense, given the concern he had for the believers in Thessalonica and the short time he'd among them.

 Discuss?  How do we demonstrate our commitment to the Word of God?

Part 2-- Powerful and Affirming Ministry

Gratitude for Your Faith           1 Thessalonians 1:1-5

After departing from Berea, Paul ministered in Athens and Corinth. It was likely Corinth where Timothy brought a progress report about the church in Thessalonica, leading Paul to write his first letter to the church there (1 Thessalonians 1:1). As Paul and his traveling team prayed for the believers in Thessalonica, three things filled their thoughts: the Thessalonians' faithful work, their loving deeds, and the enduring hope they had through Jesus *verses 2-3). These things were not the source of their salvation, but the evidence of their faith. The Thessalonians were loved by God and part of His chosen people (verse 4). Paul used forms of the same Greek word to describe their loving deeds and the love God had for them: agape. This kind of love conveys the idea of self-sacrifice. In verse 5, Paul mentioned both the power and pastoral concern that accompanied his gospel message to the Thessalonians. It seems that some among Paul's opposition were accusing the apostle of only wanting support from the Thessalonians believers. But Paul had been genuinely concerned for them ever since he left Thessalonica. His actions while he was among them proved his care for them.

DISCUSS? In what ways do our faithful work, loving deeds, and enduring hope prove our faith in Jesus?

                The Impact of Your Testimony          1 Thessalonians 1:6-10                    

The Thessalonian believers were being praised for their faithfulness (1Thessalonians 1:8-9). in verse 6, Paul explained that their endurance showed they were imitating and his companions--and Jesus himself. The Thessalonians faithfulness made them an example to other believers (verse 7). They had turned away from idols to serve the living and true God and were eagerly looking forward to Jesus' return (verses9-10). as Paul traveled throughout Macedonia and Achaia, people would tell him about the Thessalonians. What an encouragement it must have been to know that their faith was making a difference and causing the gospel to spread.

DISCUSS? How can we set an example for other believers to follow?

      Part 3- God Pleasing Ministry

For You, Not From You      1 Thessalonians 2:1-6

Paul defended his ministry in Thessalonica by pointing to the strong evidence of the believers themselves (1 Thessalonians 2:5). Their witness was spreading throughout the region (1:8). Their faithfulness was proof that the visit to Thessalonica had not been a failure (2:1). Paul's own suffering and mistreatment hadn't stooped the gospel (verse 2). In fact, Paul's reaction to opposition had proved his dedication to the Thessalonians' salvation. If  he had impure motives, he would not have proclaimed the gospel so boldly at such great personal cost (verse 3). Paul emphasized he was seeking to please God, not people (verse 4-6).

Discuss?  Why is it often more difficult to have your motives questioned than to have your actions questioned?

God Sacrifice Reveals Authenticity                  1 Thessalonians 2:7-12

As apostles, Paul and his companions could have demanded that the Thessalonians take care of them. Instead, Paul reminded them that he had wanted to take care of them. The words Paul used in this passage to describe his care for the Thessalonian believers demonstrate deep commitment, much like a mother's care for her children (1 Thessalonians 2:7). paul and his team had risked their very lives to bring the message of the gospel to Thessalonica (verse 8). Not only did they work hard to share the good news of Jesus, but they also worked to earn a living so they wouldn't be a burden to the believers there (verse 9). Paul's final words of defense centered on three claims: He and his friends had been devout, honest, and faultless (verse 10). Like fathers, Paul's team pleaded with, encouraged, and urged the believers to live "in a way that God would consider worthy" (verse 12). Those who share in God's kingdom and glory should live by the standard He has set.

Discuss? What does living "in a way God would consider worthy" mean to you?

WHAT IS GOD SAYING TO US?

God changed Paul's travel plans to bring him to Macedonia. His stay in Thessalonica was cut short by persecution. But through these uncertain circumstances, a remarkable group of new believers became the "Thessalonian church. When our own plans change because of situations beyond our control, we should remember they are never beyond God's control. His plan moves forward in miraculous ways. Our true assignment is to be faithful to Him and follow His leading at all times. 

LIVING IT OUT

Look for an unexpected opportunity to share the gospel with someone this week and step into that moment with both courage and love.

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               DAILY BIBLE READING

                Monday: Obey God's Word. Deuteronomy 4:1-10

                                       Tuesday: Blessings of Meditating on God's Word. Psalm 1:1-6

                     Wednesday:  Love God's Word. Psalm 119:150-168

                Thursday: Jesus Is the Word. John 1:1-4, 10-14

      Friday. The Message Opposed. Acts 5:17-29

                                 Saturday: Enlightened by the Gospel. 2 Corinthians 4:1-7

Gospel Publishing House. 1445 N. Boonville Ave. Springfield, Missouri 65802 Volume 106 Number 4. Jun. Jul. Aug 2025