Letters to the Church

Paul loue l'Église de Thessalonique pour sa persévérance fidèle à travers la persécution et diverses tribulations - 2 Thessaloniciens 1:1-4. La deuxième lettre de Paul aux Thessaloniciens a été écrite dans les mois qui ont suivi son départ. Dans sa première épître, il exprimait sa joie de la bonne nouvelle que la congrégation était restée fidèle malgré la pression et l'opposition extérieures. Dans sa deuxième lettre, il déclare qu'il se vante maintenant de la persévérance des Thessaloniciens à travers la tribulation.

The Thessalonians received the Gospel of Christ in tribulation but remained faithful while eagerly anticipating the return of Jesus  – 1 Thessalonians 1:1-7. In the first chapter of  First Thessalonians , Paul anticipates the Letter’s main subjects - the tribulation of believers, Christian hope, and the “ arrival ” of Jesus when he will rescue his people from “ wrath .” He will resurrect the righteous dead and “ meet ” all his assembled saints as he descends from Heaven. On that day, his disciples, both living and dead, will “ obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ .”

Paul praises the Church of Thessalonica for its faithful endurance through persecution and various tribulations - 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4. Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians was written in the months following his departure. In his first epistle, he expressed his joy at the good news that the congregation had remained faithful despite outside pressure and opposition. In his second letter, he declares that he now boasts of the perseverance of the Thessalonians through tribulation.

The terms “ tribulation ” and “ wrath ” are NOT synonymous in Paul’s letters or the Book of Revelation . “ Tribulation ” is what the disciples of Jesus endure for his sake. “ Wrath ” is the horrific fate that awaits the wicked at the final judgment. In his first letter to the Thessalonians, Paul writes that God did not appoint them to “ wrath .” Yet, in the same letter, he states that believers are destined for “ tribulation .”

The saints in Thessalonica responded to the preaching of the Gospel by turning from “ idols to serve the living and true God .” Their life orientation changed radically because of their new faith in and allegiance to Jesus Christ. Rather than a comfortable life in Macedonia, they chose a path that virtually guaranteed opposition and persecution.

Our natural tendency is to avoid conflict. Understandably, we prefer our daily lives to be characterized by peace, acceptance, and prosperity, a life devoid of difficulties and afflictions. Moreover, the New Testament does promise believers peace now and everlasting life later. Nevertheless, it also exhorts the Assembly of God to expect afflictions and even persecution in this life on account of its light and testimony in a sin-darkened world.