The Other Side

I Thessalonians 2:13-20

There is an old saying that there are two sides to everything. Sombody said that in marriage counseling, there are his side, her side and the truth. Unfortunately, I have found that in many cases, while both sides contain truths, you may be unable to determine the whole truth by hearing both of them. All that you can do is show each one how to correct their own actions, and allow correct actions to produce correct results. You probably be able to determine if his drinking caused her nagging, or if her nagging caused his drinking, but if they both stop their doing wrong, the problem will be resolved. If only one stops, there is still a problem.

Two factors were at work making the Thessalonian church a tremendous witness to the unsaved world. Paul and his companions had set an exceptional example in theor behavior, and had been very careful in their presenting the word of God so that there was no misunderstanding of what God wanted. At the same time the Thessalonians had received the Word of God as it was intended, and allowed it to work in them.

“For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews: Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men: Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.” (I Thessalonions 2:13-16)

They had chosen to follow the example of the Jewish churches, following Christ even though it led to persecution by their own countrymen. They were aware of the Jews attempts to prevent the spread of the gospel to the Gentiles, and it encouraged them to act with similar boldness in their own situation, even though it resulted in similar persecution. The unbelieving Jews only drew the wrath of God on themselves as a result of their rejection of God’s plan. The same will be true of the Gentiles who reject his plan.

To top it all off, the Thessalonians had chosen to continue, even though Paul and his companions had been forced to leave before being satisfied that everything was as it should be. They had attempted to return but were prevented repeatedly. While Satan was hindering, God had allowed him to do so. The Thessalonians continuation was a source of thanksgiving, because it authenticated Paul’s and his companions’ ministry, especially as they had not been dependent on their presence and support to continue.

“But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire. Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us. For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? 1th 2:20 For ye are our glory and joy.” (I Thessalonians 2:17-19)

The old saying, “The proof of the pudding is in the eating,” emphasizes that the test of whether the actions were right is seen in the results. By their testimony, the Thessalonians demonstrated the correctness of Paul’s approach, and their reception. They could now do the same things, confidently expecting similar results.