This was probably Paul’s earliest of letters, 1 Thessalonians, with estimates of it being written in AD50. Here’s how the letter commences:
“Paul, Silas and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you.” (1 Thessalonians 1 v 1)
This powerful letter came about because Paul and Silas would not let themselves be distracted from what God was wanting of them.
In probably AD 49 Paul and Silas having left Luke and probably Timothy in Philippi (where there was considerable gospel success) travelled to Thessalonica. Luke writes how they ‘passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia’, (Acts 17:1) on their way into Thessalonica.
These 2 cities were apparently beautiful and significant. But nothing of the gospel happens in these 2 cities. They seem uninterested to do any gospel work there. Why? All we know is that Thessalonica was their focus. Thessalonica was the capital of Macedonia, a major seaport and trade route. It was here where the gospel could be taken to the whole province.
The point is this:
- Sometimes you have to walk past what is beautiful and significant in order to be in the best place that God wants you to be.
God had called them to Thessalonica.
Don’t be distracted with what appears on your journey no matter what the need might be.
We are people who have this driving force, this momentous call to go forward, to move ahead, to the next level. The purposes of God and the ability to overcome disappointment are born in such attitude. Many focus on the circumstances of life. The call is more important than the circumstance. The circumstance may want you to pause or slow down but the call to keep the faith, fight the good fight and to finish the race is still there.
Missions Paul 