“The Lord is faithful and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one” Paul is the writer of Thessalonians. His letters were written around A.D. 52, with the purpose being to encourage recent gentile, Christian converts about the life and purpose of Christ bestowing hope upon them and rekindling their faith. In Paul’s first letter ( 1Thessalonians ) he had highlighted the ‘Second Coming” of Christ, emphasizing the fact that Israel was going to be saved. The Thessalonians, after hearing this seemed to be confused – many had quit their jobs and were awaiting Christ’s soon triumphant return. They were also experiencing other problems such as: persecution, living a Christian lifestyle, overcoming trials, gossiping, not working, i.e. – possessing idle hands, and generally not knowing what to expect. (Just about all Christians at this time, as did subsequent generations, believe that Jesus would soon be returning earth, to establish His kingdom and relieve all Christians from the suppressive role of the Roman rule).
In addition, the Thessalonians also believed that they needed Christ to return to free mankind from the devil’s bond of sin. They were really wrestling with the problem of’ ‘faith’, believing wholeheartedly that they would fall into temptation before Christ’s return and their souls would be lost to the evil one. They did not believe that they could maintain a Christian way of living all on their own; they felt helpless. Additionally, they were under constant pressure and threat of persecution from the Jews ( their neighbors) and the Romans ( who were the police and government). Paul reiterated to the Thessalonians that God’s faith was paramount and exceedingly strong and that it would allow them to succeed under any situation.
Paul also pointed out to them that God would would always, at every place and time, protect, shield, and enable them to withstand the attacks from the evil one. The Thessalonians after hearing God’s Word grew stronger in Faith and Hope and eventually went on to be a role model for Christians everywhere in the region at that time and throughout the ages. We can use their plight as an example for us today. To a degree, somewhere in the world, Christians are facing the exact same trials and persecution as they did hundreds of years ago. Satin’s tempting of God’s children has not changed! We can take solace in the fact that God is the same – yesterday, today, and forever, Heb 13:8. God is still helping us today just as he did the Thessalonians in A.D. 52. Sometimes we need to be reminded the evil one is relentless with temptations, but God is constantly consistent with his support and protection. Increase your faith, have hope, for the Kingdom of God will soon be.
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