Today’s Reading: You’ll notice the Scripture reading for today is longer than the others. These chapters from the book of Acts provide context for our study of 1 & 2 Thessalonians.
My grandmother had five siblings, and by the time I came along, the six had married to become twelve. I grew up around their vegetable and flower gardens, in their kitchens that smelled of soup beans and cornbread. I listened to them tell stories late into the night, sat by as they played cards amid uproarious laughter, even stood outside in my pajamas after dark as they howled old songs by the light of the moon.
I rarely think of one of them without thinking of all of them. In my mind they were a set—always connected. That’s not to say they were always together over the years. They saw wars and endured moves and raised children in different states across the country. But when life separated them, they built bridges with letters. They wrote letters home from overseas, sent postcards when they traveled, mailed handwritten pages of updates from one address to the other. Even now that only two of the twelve remain, they write letters to us, their family. They keep us connected still.
Letters encourage in a way email never will. They speak to a part of the soul that social media comments can’t quite reach. When I read the letters from the apostle Paul to the church at Thessalonica, I hear the earnestness of words written by hand and carried on foot. I hear a weary pastor, a brother in the faith, longing to see his congregation—his family.
Today’s Scripture reading gives us context for our study of the letters of 1 and 2 Thessalonians. Acts 16 and 17 tell how Paul visited Thessalonica on his second missionary journey—a journey that included many other cities and countless trials along the way. The apostle faithfully preached the gospel to anyone in earshot, and they ran him out of nearly every town he dared enter. But Paul’s work was not in vain, because the Holy Spirit was at work. Families of faith formed along his route, one of them in Thessalonica.
Paul’s letters to the Thessalonian believers are like so many of his other letters, filled with instruction on how to live the Christian life. But these letters do more than clarify theology; they are filled to the brim with affection and encouragement for the men and women whose belief in and hunger for the gospel encouraged him, their teacher. Paul wrote to build up his Thessalonian faith family, not with empty platitudes, but with a hope rooted in one truth: “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah” (Acts 17:3).
Dear sisters—I also love letters. Still have letters my husband wrote me as we were dating and some at different times in our marriage. I treasure the written word of those who love me as well as have always been an avid reader. Love that God’s word is His love letter to us that changes us and draws us near to Him.
Ironically, it was some letters over the last few months that seem to be at the root of some conflict and miscommunication among me and my only sibling and our husbands over the last month in particular. Would appreciate prayers for reconciliation and healing. Seems pretty hopeless right now and mainly makes me sad for the loss of relationship for our kids as well as how hard this conflict has been on my parents. Thanks for letting me share. Some of my favorite verses from these letters give me hope:
Be joyful always. Pray continually and in everything give thanks for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thess 5:16-18
These comments really help me to understand even more so just what we are reading. So thankful for this group of Shes and the word of the Lord
That is a great point! Sometimes the easy way out isn’t always the rewarding one! And in this case an entire family was saved..which could’ve also meant the next generation, and the generation after that and so on…it reminds me of that song “The Blessing”…I can just imagine the early churches singing hymns and praise over their children, and their children’s children, and their children…such a beautiful concept.
Right! It was for God’s glory but I believe also to bring shame to the magistrates who had them beaten. It was highly against their society to treat Roman citizens that way!
Powerful
Excited to start my new study, this is my first with She Reads Truth! God is awesome and am thankful for his faithfulness and Grace! Blessings to you all!
I’m new to really diving into scripture but correct me if I’m reading it wrong. I noticed that Paul and Timothy could of said wait were Roman citizens before they were arrested and try to get out of being arrested. But IF they would of done that the jailer and his whole family wouldn’t of been saved. Praise God for this family was saved.
I love this point!
This study is just what I need right now. I need encouragement. It seems all I want to do right now is work and loaf. I have been so lazy the last few weeks. I’m sure many of you noticed I haven’t been regular on commenting I need to get back to doing my devotions regularly.
Hope all my sisters have a wonderful week.