Daily Devotion: September 27th 2021

Monday September 27th

Read: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8

Learn: 1 Thessalonians is a letter from the Apostle Paul to the Christians in Thessalonica. Paul, Timothy and Silas had preached in the Synagogues of Thessalonica and won many people to Christ. This resulted in the birth of the Thessalonian church. Paul spent some time with the Thessalonians but then had to leave. He sent his protégé, Timothy, to them later to teach them and guide them. Unfortunately, false accusations arose against Paul in Thessalonica. Paul had been imprisoned for his beliefs and imprisonment carried a social stigma in this culture. He was also accused of being only in the ministry for himself. He spends the first part of this passage dispelling all those rumors. Paul had many troubles at this time, including recently being flogged by the Romans. This flogging would have meant Paul had been tied to a column by his hands and whipped repeatedly with a 2 or 3 tailed whip, that had lead balls or mutton bones to weight them down. These would have left severe lacerations or deep contusions on Paul. In verse 2 he alludes to this suffering but then says “we had boldness in our God to declare to you the Gospel of God in much conflict.” He goes on to say that he speaks not to please man but to please God.

Reflect: Are you bold in your faith even when it means you may be persecuted? If you were in Paul’s position, would you be stand firm in your beliefs and share the Gospel even if it meant imprisonment or flogging?

Pray: God, please continue to strengthen my faith. Show me how I can stand firm and be bold in sharing you with other people. Give me the opportunity this week to share Jesus with someone and to invite people to church with me. In Jesus name, Amen.