Ensamples 1 Thessalonians 1:7

As Paul the apostle continued his letter to the Thessalonians, he mentioned how they “became followers” of him and his brethren “and of the Lord”. Even though they “received the word in much affliction”, they received it “with joy of the Holy Ghost”. In chapter one and verse seven of his letter, Paul shares how the Thessalonians were “ensamples” to those who became believers in “Macedonia and Achaia” where we read:

So that you were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.

The verse begins, “So that you were ensamples...” Paul began with the word, “So” which means “insomuch that, then, therefore and wherefore” “that you were” or “arose to be, appeared to be, came upon the stage and were made public” “ensamples” which is the Greek word “typos” which literally means “the mark of a stroke, blow or print and a figure which is like a form or pattern”. In other words, the church members in Thessalonica became a pattern of the way a believer in Jesus Christ should live.

The verse goes on to say, “...to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.” Paul went on to add specific places where the Thessalonians pattern was effective as he wrote, “to all” which means “each, every, any, all, the whole, everyone and some of all types” “that believe” or “think to be true, are persuaded and put confidence in” “in Macedonia” which means “extended land” and was “a country bounded on the south by Thessaly and Epirus, on the east by Thrace and the Aegean Sea, on the west by Illyria, and on the North by Dardania and Moesia” “and Achaia” which means “trouble” and was “the maritime region of northern Peloponnesus and a Roman province embracing all Greece except Thessaly”. The believers in “Macedonia and Achaia” were affected by the witness and testimony which was displayed by the church in Thessalonica.

As we meditate upon Paul's words we may wonder, “How far does the “ensample” of our faith and trust in Jesus Christ spread? Are there people in the world who have been affected by the way we live, and if we were examined for our influence in the things of Christ would there be anything to tract? No doubt the Thessalonian church had a reputation for living according to the scriptures, and when we think this through, they were a very new fellowship of believers. Paul was only with them a short time and yet their influence crossed into other areas. Perhaps our prayer should be to ask the Lord to make us “typos” or “types” of Him, so others in the world will live according to His ways. May the Lord bless us to be His “ensamples” while we walk before Him and others in this world.

Next time Paul shares how the church members in Thessalonica became “examples not only to Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place” their faith toward God was spread, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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