Charles Spurgeon Commentary 1 Thessalonians 1

Paul is very full of Christ. His heart is full of love to God our Father, and so it is that he mentions both names twice in as many lines. He uses no vain repetitions, as the heathen do; but his inmost soul is taken up with communion with the Father and with the Son, and so in one single verse he twice gives us their names.

Paul had a very high opinion of the Church in Thessalonica, and no doubt it deserved it. See how he speaks of it — with such confidence. Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. (1 Thessalonians 1:4)

Their character was such that he felt sure that he saw the mark of God's elect about them, and he speaks most positively of them — perhaps more positively than he does of any other church. Well, there were three grand signs. There was the work of faith, the labour of love, and the patience of hope; and where we see these three works of the Spirit, we may be fully persuaded that electing love is there.

Paul never had a happier time in preaching, it would seem, than when he preached to these Thessalonians. He felt a power resting upon him. He spoke the gospel with great positiveness and assurance, and consequently the people received it in power, and the assurance of the hearer made the assurance of the speaker. It is a great mercy when it is so.

Ah! dear friends, we read of one who was more honourable than his brothers because his mother bore him with sorrow. And so when faith is born in the heart in the midst of affliction, it is a very precious faith. It is faith indeed. Having received the Word in much affliction with joy. I seem to see that joy of theirs floating, like Noah's ark, above the floods of their affliction. It seems to be a contradiction that we can be in affliction and yet be full of joy. But many a believer will tell you that there is no contradiction in it. He knows what it is to be sorrowful, and yet to be always rejoicing.

My brothers and sisters, let us not only be Christians, but let us be samples of Christians. They are sure to pick out the best for a sample. Oh! that we might be such that, if God Himself were to select Christians to show what they are like, He might select us to be samples.