Friday | 27 February 2026
The apostle Paul noted that the Thessalonians received the word in much affliction. 1Th 1:6. In this regard, we are reminded of the teaching of Jesus in the parable of the sower and the seed. In relation to the issue of stony ground, Jesus explained, ‘But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.’ Mat 13:20-21.
Paul proclaimed the gospel of God to the Thessalonians in the midst of much conflict. 1Th 2:2. He explained that he, with his apostolic team, had been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. 1Th 2:4. Having this mandate, Paul, and his fellow presbyters, ministered among them as like a nursing mother. 1Th 2:5-9. Their ministry established the Thessalonians in sanctification, in their personal life and families, so that they became part of the community of the body of Christ.
The word of God often comes giving direction to us in what is, or will become, a difficult or confused situation. It comes calling us to believe God in the midst of the conflict and affliction that will arise between flesh and Spirit within our life, and in our family and social relationships. The word of the Lord becomes a trial in our life. This was the experience of all the heroes of faith. For example, the psalmist said of Joseph, ‘Until the time that his word came to pass, the word of the LORD tested him’. Psa 105:19. Likewise, the word of the Lord became a trial of faith for Job through which he learnt how to overcome the devil. The word, through our circumstances, polarises us toward our sanctification, or it hardens us against its call for obedience so that we adapt the word to suit our own fleshly purpose or agenda.
Further Study:
1 Thessalonians 2
References:
1Th 1:6
And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit.
Mat 13:20-21
But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.
1Th 2:2
But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict.
1Th 2:4-9
But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts. For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness — God is witness. Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. For you remember, brethren, our labour and toil; for labouring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God.
Psa 105:19
Until the time that his word came to pass, the word of the LORD tested him.