Paul and Silas had preached in Thessalonica on three sabbath days, and a substantial gathering of believers had emerged, before a violent riot erupted that required Paul and Silas to leave for Berea (Acts 17:1-10). Three weeks, with a combination of public preaching and private conversation: that’s all the Thessalonian church had before they were left on their own in the midst of an angry city, without a New Testament, without any study guides or Sunday School materials. How would they do?

This was a matter of great anxiety for Paul (I Thessalonians 2:17-18), which led him to send Timothy to Thessalonica from Athens, to help strengthen the Thessalonian church and to bring Paul a report (3:1-5). Paul found Timothy’s report quite encouraging (3:6). During the three weeks when he had been present there Paul had seen their response: “in spite of the persecution you received the word with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit” (1:6). And after Paul and Silas had left, “you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia” (1:7).

We can see three ways that the Thessalonian church had followed the example of Paul and Silas (1:6): in their boldness in the face of persecution (2:2), in their hard work and upright conduct (2:9-10), and in their desire to please God (2:4). And by doing that they had become an example to others (1:8-9). This notion of following the example of those who taught you, and in turn becoming an example that others can follow, is what enabled the Thessalonian church to thrive in the midst of antagonism: even though they had had very little in terms of what we would consider Christian training or resources.

Who are the people, exemplars of Christian discipleship, who have influenced your life? What deliberate steps could you take to follow their example? Who are the people whom you could influence, by your steadfast hope and labor of love (1:3)? How will you be diligent in setting that example?

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We feel so unprepared, Lord; there’s so much we don’t know, so much we have never understood. Yet we are living right now: the example of our lives is right there in front of everybody – for better or worse! – in the present moment. Teach us to stand firm in the faith, Lord: showing you, and all the world, that our hearts are committed to you, forever.