1436. How Paul Entered Thessalonica

How Paul Entered Thessalonica

"For they themselves relate, with regard to us, what manner of entering in we had unto yon" (1Th_1:9, \1911 Bible).

Paul came into the city of Thessalonica, and "as his manner was, went in unto them, and three Sabbath Days reasoned with them out of the Scriptures" (Act_17:2).

Paul, then, approached the city of Thessalonica with the open Bible. He preached the Word.

There are a few tilings said about his preaching which will give us an idea of how he entered Thessalonica.

1. He Preached in Power

"For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit (A. S. V.), and in much assurance" (1Th_1:5).

This is the only kind of Gospel preaching that can bring results. It is not merely preaching a true Word, but preaching a true Word in the Holy Ghost.

Paul preached with power because he was Spir-it-filled. He preached with much assurance because he believed what he spoke.

This is the great need to-day–a message with no uncertain sound, a message delivered with unction.

2. He Preached in Sincerity

"For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile" (1Th_2:3).

When Paul was commissioned to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, he felt that a great trust had been committed unto him. God had put into his care, the Gospel. This Gospel Paul preached just as he received it. He never sought to please men with His statements; he never used flattering words; he never wore a cloak of covetousness. He preached the Word of God without guile, and without hypocrisy.

We also need men who speak in the fear of God, and not in the fear of men. We need men who are ambassadors sent with a message, and who exalt their ambassadorship. We need men who never seek glory for themselves and never use flattering words to obtain it. We need men who are not swept along by the love of money, but who preach the Gospel without money and without price.

Paul said definitely: "For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail. Labouring night and day, not to be chargeable to any of you, we preached unto you the Gospel of God" (1Th_2:9, \1911 Bible).

There are some to-day who will preach at so much "per;" they place dollar marks before their sermons, and unless their price is promised, their message is not delivered.

3. He Preached with Clean, Impassioned Heart

"So, being affectionately desirous of you, it was our joy to impart unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us" (1Th_2:8, \1911 Bible).

The Apostle Paul had the people to whom he preached, in his heart. He was gentle among them, even as a nurse, cherishing her own children. He was affectionately desirous of them, even unto pouring out his own soul. He exhorted and comforted them, and charged everyone of them, even as a father his own children.

We need not wonder that such a minister was blessed.

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR