Just as Paul knew by observation something about the Thessalonians, so also the
Thessalonians knew by observation something about Paul and his companions.
They had proved themselves to be unselfish and faithful ministers devoted to the new believers
The Thessalonians imitated Paul, just as Paul sought to imitate Jesus (1 Thess. 1:6)
Tribulation = they were under pressure, but they maintained joy in the midst of trials and persecutions.
The result of their righteous reaction (1 Thess. 1:7)
They became an example to all the believers in the entire region.
Example (tupos) = something that is reproduced by means of striking a blow or by extreme
pressure.
Their joyful reaction in the midst of pressure sent a shock wave across the entire region (1 Thess. 1:8)
Every place that was connected to Thessalonica (by sea and by land) heard the echo of their
faithfulness.
Paul and his companions were not the ones who spread the news -- they heard it wherever they
went.
Two aspects of the Thessalonians "turning to God" (1 Thess. 1:9-10a)
First, they did an "about face" -- they turned away from their dead and false pagan idols,
and they turned to the living and true God.
Second, they were continually awaiting the return of God's Son from heaven.
The doctrine of the rapture of the Church mentioned (1 Thess. 1:10b)
Rescue = "draw to oneself, drag out of harm's way"
From = "out from." Not in or through, but outside of the wrath.
The wrath = a specific future time of God's wrath poured out on mankind during the
Great Tribulation (see also 1 Thess. 5:9).