For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything (1 Thess 1:8).
Paul established the church in Thessalonica on his second missionary journey (Acts 17:1-4). The church in Philippi supported Paul when he preached in Thessalonica (Phil 4:16). Now Thessalonica is sounding forth the word of the Lord. Paul wrote two letters to the Thessalonians. They had turned from idols to serve the true and living God (1 Thess 1:9). Some thought the coming of the Lord was imminent and had stopped working. Paul explains the coming of the Lord (1 Thess 4:13-18). He says the coming of the Lord will not come unless the falling away comes first (2 Thess 2:3). He commands those not working to go back to work (2 Thess 3:10-12).
The Lord’s church is to sound forth the word of the Lord. It is to be the pillar and ground of the truth (1 Tim 3:15). Preach the word for the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine but will turn their ears away from the truth (2 Tim 4:2-4).
Keith
Hoboken church of Christ 