1. The Historical and Geographical Background of the Thessalonian Church
Before delving into 1 Thessalonians, it is worthwhile to first consider the historical context of the Thessalonian church, as well as the regional background that led to various challenges and persecutions. In doing so, we can also reflect on the practical journey of gospel proclamation that Pastor David Jang has consistently emphasized—namely, how the Apostle Paul and his co-workers established churches in city after city and sustained faith communities even in the midst of persecution. We thereby experience firsthand the enduring truth of the “power of the gospel that blossoms in tribulation.”
Thessalonica was one of the key cities of the ancient Roman Empire and served as the capital of the region of Macedonia. At the time when the Apostle Paul preached the gospel there, this city was flourishing economically and culturally, with an estimated population of around 200,000. It was home to a diversity of peoples, including Greeks and Jews. Deeply influenced by Hellenism, it also had an active Jewish synagogue, reflecting its pluralistic religious and cultural environment. As a major transportation hub on one of the Empire’s principal roads connecting the Mediterranean world, Thessalonica was a thriving center of commerce and trade. Given the continual influx of outsiders, the city possessed a complex cultural backdrop, with an array of religions and ideologies circulating.
Pastor David Jang places great emphasis on such urban and historical backgrounds because the gospel is not merely conveyed “in words” but takes root and spreads in the concrete context of real people living real daily lives. He has repeatedly stressed that “the gospel is a living, dynamic Word that operates through actual life, and examining how that Word flourishes in specific cities is critically important.” This understanding reminds us that 1 Thessalonians is not merely a doctrinal epistle but a letter written by the Apostle Paul and his co-laborers to an authentic community of believers established in the heart of a city—amid persecution.
Before the Thessalonian church was founded, Paul, Silas, and Timothy had already endured severe persecution while preaching the gospel in Philippi. According to Acts 16, they had been imprisoned, flogged, and faced numerous hardships there, yet they ultimately succeeded in proclaiming the gospel and founding a church. Pastor David Jang interprets such events as follows: “Wherever the gospel enters, trials inevitably follow; yet the deeper the trial, the more powerfully the Holy Spirit works.” After their time in Philippi, Paul and his companions traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia before arriving in Thessalonica. There, for three consecutive Sabbaths, they taught the Law and the Prophets at the local Jewish synagogue, fervently proclaiming the core message of the gospel—that Jesus is the Christ who was crucified and risen. Acts 17 indicates they “reasoned with them from the Scriptures.” At that time, “the Scriptures” referred to the scrolls of the Law and the Prophets. Paul, as a rabbi, connected these Old Testament passages to Jesus Christ, underscoring His crucifixion and resurrection.
Remarkably, in just three weeks, Paul’s teaching reached not only Jews who attended the synagogue but also Greeks and a number of prominent women (Acts 17:4). The problem was the vehement hostility of certain Jews who opposed Paul’s gospel. Given that the Roman Empire at that time deified its Emperor, the monotheistic teachings of Judaism and Christianity could easily be construed as politically subversive. Moreover, traditionalist Jews regarded Jesus-believers as destroying Jewish heritage and the Law, which heightened their animosity. Consequently, Paul and Silas faced intense persecution and had to leave Thessalonica for Berea. However, they did not abandon the persecuted church in Thessalonica. They later sent Timothy and other co-laborers to care for the believers, and when Paul reached Corinth (during his second missionary journey), he wrote a letter to the Thessalonian believers, expressing the heart of a shepherd concerned for his flock.
Pastor David Jang views such “apostolic love for the church” as an essential mindset that today’s church communities must emulate. When churches planted across various cities were shaken by internal and external challenges, Paul and his team did not simply leave and forget about them. Instead, they ceaselessly supported them through prayer, letters, and by sending co-workers to strengthen their faith. This example parallels what Pastor David Jang has consistently highlighted: the concept of “shepherding as if it were one’s very life.” Although the gospel may move endlessly from one city to the next, once the seed of faith is planted in a community, that community must not be forsaken but rather cared for with the heart of Christ. Indeed, 1 Thessalonians is a letter composed in such a context, bearing witness to how the early church endured tribulation and persecution while nurturing a vibrant faith, love, and hope.
The forms of persecution they experienced were varied. First, Jews who rejected Jesus as Messiah viewed believers with suspicion, and the political authorities often accused Christians of serving a “king other than Caesar,” leading to legal and violent actions against them. Pastor David Jang interprets this as follows: “The church always faces crises when it collides with the world’s value systems, and it is in these moments that authentic faith and the power of the gospel are made evident.” The suffering of the Thessalonian believers was more than a mere religious dispute; it posed real threats to their survival. Some lost their property or family stability, others were imprisoned, and some even risked their lives. Accordingly, they clung to a singular hope—that the Lord would return. They believed that at His second coming, they would be liberated from all tribulations, and this eschatological expectation sustained the Thessalonians in their faith.
While staying in Corinth, Paul heard news of all this, which stirred both deep concern and overwhelming joy in him. He worried that perhaps, in his absence, the believers might have forsaken their faith and returned to the world. Yet he rejoiced upon hearing that this small church remained alive and was in fact thriving so impressively that it had become an example throughout Macedonia and Achaia. Pastor David Jang calls 1 Thessalonians “a letter written through tears of gratitude and joy,” and it indeed reflects the fervent hearts of Paul, Silas, and Timothy.
1 Thessalonians 1 begins with a clear indication of their united authorship: “Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy…” This introductory phrase demonstrates a collective letter from all three evangelists. Pastor David Jang connects this to the “communal spirituality” of the church, noting, “This letter does not lean on the apostolic authority of one individual alone; rather, it reveals the shared devotion and service of those who have labored together for the gospel.” Indeed, the early church did not grow merely under the charisma of a single leader; it expanded through a vast network of house churches, synagogues, and countless co-workers. To fully appreciate this, one must read Paul’s letters in tandem with the parallel accounts in Acts, such as Acts 17, which briefly outlines the birth of the Thessalonian church.
As Pastor David Jang often emphasizes, “The gospel is internalized in the field and in the midst of suffering.” Even though they were imprisoned in Philippi, threatened, and driven out by Jewish leaders in almost every city, Paul and his team never “abandoned” the churches. Wherever people received the gospel, they saw that place as the “foundation” God had prepared, and they left behind a Christ-centered community before moving on. This was how the Thessalonian church was established. The more afflictions and persecutions they faced, the more strongly the Holy Spirit worked, proving that no form of oppression could stop the true gospel.
Pastor David Jang, looking broadly at church history, states, “If we examine how Christianity survived and spread prior to Emperor Constantine’s reign, it becomes clear how vital the deep roots of faith were in churches like the one in Thessalonica, which preserved their faith under intense persecution.” Indeed, before Constantine the Great (Constantine I) legitimized Christianity via the Edict of Milan, Christians had long been treated as an illegal sect. Yet the church continued to grow, expanding throughout Asia Minor, Macedonia, Achaia, and eventually throughout the entirety of Italy. Underlying that expansion was an unwavering “resurrection faith” and “hope in Christ’s return,” even in the face of all kinds of trials and persecutions—of which the Thessalonian church was a prime example.
Pastor David Jang has expressed on multiple occasions his desire to physically visit the places where the gospel has a rich historical legacy—Greece, Istanbul (ancient Constantinople), and Milan—so as to personally experience the remnants of the early church. Standing on those historical grounds, he renews his conviction that “no matter how much time passes or how many regimes and ideologies shift, the gospel seed does not die but continues on.” In Milan, he has visited the site commemorating the Edict of Milan, studied the heritage of Roman Catholic traditions, and tried to apply the lessons learned there to the contemporary church. He similarly yearned to visit Thessalonica, driven by a passion to experience firsthand the “love and faith that persevere for a persecuted church,” as illustrated in this epistle.
Hence, the Thessalonian church is not simply an “ancient small congregation” that once existed. It was located in the heart of a bustling metropolis composed of many ethnicities, religions, and cultures; it faced the overwhelming power of Rome on one side and the religious hostility of local Jews on the other. Yet the believers refused to cave in to intimidation. They stood firm in their faith, loved one another fervently, and clung to their future hope—the return of the Lord. Pastor David Jang repeatedly stresses the importance of church history precisely because events like those in Thessalonica are not merely confined to the past; they recur in similar forms even now. Some regions of the world today enjoy abundant religious freedom, while others continue to endure severe religious and political suppression. Many believers around the globe still practice a “martyr-like faith,” anxiously awaiting the Lord’s return, just as the Thessalonians did.
Ultimately, grasping 1 Thessalonians rightly means recognizing both “God’s unfailing love amid tribulation” and “the radiant truth of the gospel shining even more brightly in suffering.” Pastor David Jang refers to this as “the living testimony of faith demonstrated by the Thessalonian church,” adding, “We, too, must become the Thessalonian church of the 21st century.” The church must not remain within comfortable, secure confines; it must go forth into the world. And even if it faces opposition, it should not retreat but press on, anchored in the hope of the Lord’s return and bearing the fruit of love and faith.
Having examined the broader historical background of the Thessalonian church, we now turn to the core message of 1 Thessalonians 1. If the church’s foundation of faith was rooted in the resurrection of Christ and the hope of His coming, we should ask what specific exhortations Paul intended to deliver through this letter and how exactly the faith, love, and hope of the early believers manifested themselves. In particular, we will explore how to apply what Pastor David Jang emphasizes—faith in the midst of tribulation and the work of the Holy Spirit through communal love and labor—to our own context.
2. The Core Lessons of 1 Thessalonians 1
Chapter 1 of 1 Thessalonians centers on Paul’s profound gratitude and love for the believers in Thessalonica, as well as his praise for their evident faith, love, and hope. The letter is signed by Paul, Silvanus (Silas), and Timothy together. While staying in Corinth, these three evangelists received updates about the Thessalonian church’s ongoing afflictions under Roman political oppression and violent opposition from conservative Jewish factions—a “severe persecution” indeed. Astonishingly, however, the Thessalonian believers did not crumble; rather, their faith and love grew stronger, and their hope became even more fervent. Moved by this, Paul begins his letter with words of deep thanksgiving—a message that encapsulates what Pastor David Jang consistently highlights: “the authenticity of the gospel that matures in times of persecution.”
In verse 2, Paul writes, “We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers.” This is not mere rhetoric; it indicates that the Thessalonian church had a permanent place in Paul and his co-workers’ intercessions. Pastor David Jang explains, “Within true gospel fellowship, a suffering church is never ignored.” For a church to be a true church, it must “always remember in prayer” those brothers and sisters who suffer in various parts of the world. Pastor David Jang also observes that in the 21st century, many local churches continue to face serious persecution, and he urges believers “not merely to read 1 Thessalonians and feel moved but to likewise pray for churches in tribulation and support them in whatever ways we can.”
Verse 3 is famously known for presenting the triad of core values in the early church—faith, love, and hope. Paul makes it concrete: “your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” Pastor David Jang points out the significance of the term “labor” (labor of love), noting that “love is not an abstract emotion but requires genuine toil.” Under persecution, it is natural for people to prioritize self-preservation, yet the Thessalonian believers instead continued caring for each other’s needs, comforting those in distress, and sharing in their sorrows—embodying a very practical love. This was how the church gained the reputation of being an “example to all.”
Furthermore, faith produces “work” (ἔργον—deeds, actions), love produces “labor” (κόπος—hard toil), and hope produces “endurance” (ὑπομονή—steadfast perseverance). Pastor David Jang interprets these as a “three-step progression showing that Christian faith is not merely intellectual but must manifest in tangible action.” Belief in the crucified and risen Lord, and in His second coming, becomes the driving force behind faithful ministry even amid hardship. Love compels sacrificial service that does not waver under pain, and eschatological hope empowers believers to stand firm rather than collapse under seemingly hopeless circumstances.
In verse 4, Paul says, “For we know, brothers loved by God, that He has chosen you.” This serves as a consoling reminder that God has not abandoned these persecuted believers but instead upholds them with profound love. Pastor David Jang connects this sentiment to Jesus’ teaching in the Beatitudes: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10). During the first century, facing life-threatening dangers, early Christians firmly believed in this “divine election,” and it gave them the resolve to endure to the end.
Notably, verses 5 and 6 emphasize that the gospel did not come to them “in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction,” and that despite “much affliction,” they received the word “with the joy of the Holy Spirit,” becoming imitators of Paul and the Lord. Here, the gospel is underscored as “power” (δύναμις), not just abstract theory. Through the Holy Spirit, it produces true conviction. Pastor David Jang explains, “Even today, if the gospel is to be a genuine power, it must be firmly anchored in the Holy Spirit.” Churches often crumble under societal pressures or persecution if they treat belief merely as head knowledge while lacking the empowering conviction of the Spirit. But the Thessalonian church was different. Within the short span of three Sabbath days, they internalized the core of the gospel—Christ crucified, risen, and returning—and, through the Spirit’s help, held fast to it in joy, refusing to relinquish it even amid severe trials.
Verse 7 notes, “So that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.” By referencing these regions, Paul indicates that the reputation of the Thessalonians spread widely. For him to write, “You became an example to all,” implies that the Thessalonian believers accomplished more than mere survival. Rather than lamenting their hostile surroundings, they united in faith and love, thereby inspiring neighboring congregations. Pastor David Jang comments, “Through trials, the church is refined like pure gold, and its light inevitably radiates outwards to other churches.” Indeed, church history attests that, despite relentless persecution, the church in the first and second centuries experienced explosive growth, grounded on “the example of a community that perseveres under suffering.”
Verse 8 further clarifies that their testimony extended not only to Macedonia and Achaia but also “in every place,” so much so that Paul had no need to say anything more. This indicates that the church, without Paul’s constant supervision, stood firm in faith and made the gospel evident through their deeds, not just their words. Pastor David Jang underscores this point, stating, “When a church truly bears the fruit of the gospel, the news naturally spreads; there is no need for aggressive self-promotion. People notice authenticity on their own.” In our day, churches often focus heavily on “branding” via media, but this verse reminds us that “the real power of the gospel flows from the testimony of a lived-out faith, not from mere talk.”
In verse 9, Paul mentions that they “turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.” Considering that most of these believers came from a Hellenistic, multi-deity culture where emperor worship and city patron deities were deeply ingrained, forsaking idols for the true God was a radical decision. Pastor David Jang calls it “a definitive sign of the gospel’s power to break the chains of sin and create new creations.” Such dramatic transformations undoubtedly stunned those around them.
Finally, in verse 10, Paul affirms that they “wait for His Son from heaven.” The original Greek text uses the phrase “ἀναμένειν” (to wait eagerly) for the Lord who comes “from heaven” (ἐκ τῶν οὐρανῶν). While the New Testament frequently uses the term “παρουσία (parousia)”—found later in 1 Thessalonians (2:19, 3:13, 4:15) to denote “the official coming” of Christ—here in 1:10, the idea is that the Thessalonians believed that Jesus would come “from heaven,” and they eagerly awaited Him. This eschatological anticipation served as a firm anchor in the midst of their hardships. Though taking an extreme stance on the second coming can lead to escapism or date-setting fanaticism, and Paul later addresses some misguided end-times views (particularly in 2 Thessalonians), in chapter 1 he highlights that “the hope of the Lord’s imminent return” was indeed the believers’ lifeline. Pastor David Jang also notes that “a healthy belief in Christ’s return is an enormous comfort and source of strength for believers under persecution.” They might not know “when or how exactly” their deliverance would come, but they firmly believed that the Lord would appear to judge evil and grant eternal life and liberty to His people—a conviction that undergirded the Thessalonian church in its most trying times.
In summary, 1 Thessalonians 1 showcases the finest qualities of a church tested by persecution. Paul declares that his gospel came to them not merely in words but in power and full conviction of the Holy Spirit. In the face of severe oppression, the believers labored in love, and through steadfast hope in the Christ who would come “from heaven” (ἀναμένειν), they endured. Consequently, their example became a beacon of hope for other churches, near and far. From this foundation, Pastor David Jang proposes several practical directions for the contemporary church:
- “Always remember the suffering church in prayer.”
Even if we live in comfortable circumstances, there are places in the world where believers face severe persecution. We cannot be indifferent to their struggles but must do as Paul and his co-workers did for the Thessalonians—support them through prayer, love, and, whenever possible, tangible assistance. If churches fail to care for one another, the beauty and power of the gospel will inevitably be diminished. - “Recall that the gospel is not just words but power.”
When it comes to planting and growing churches, having fancy programs or grand facilities is less crucial than experiencing the work of the Holy Spirit and practicing true faith. Though the Thessalonian church was small and might have seemed inconsequential, it left an indelible mark on church history. Modern churches should question whether they, too, are genuinely experiencing the “power of the gospel and the conviction of the Spirit,” rather than merely depending on numbers or finances. - “Love always involves labor.”
The Thessalonian believers shared one another’s burdens, gave from their limited resources, and stood alongside the hurting. If a church wants to become a true family, it must be willing to exert this “labor of love.” Pastor David Jang frequently echoes the message: “Rather than merely talking about love, follow the example of Jesus by tangibly lowering yourself and living a life of sacrifice.” - “Hope in Christ’s return offers strength amid despair.”
While we must guard against misusing eschatology to promote “date-setting” or extremist beliefs, we should never dismiss or ignore the second coming. The more persecution intensifies, the more we need to rediscover this core Christian hope: Christ will indeed come again to address all injustice and bring eternal life and rest to His people. Just as the Thessalonian believers clung to “Jesus, who delivers us from the wrath to come” (1 Thess. 1:10), so must today’s churches hold firmly to that promise. - “Pastors and believers must share a close bond and endure hardships together.”
Pastor David Jang admires the cooperative nature of Paul, Silas, and Timothy’s letter. They suffered together, wept and prayed for the church together, and wrote fervently together. The church is never a place for solitary ministry or individualistic faith, but a body that grows through mutual encouragement and support. The Thessalonians did not achieve their shining example solely by their own effort; Paul and his co-workers showed unceasing concern, prayer, and sacrificial love, which enabled them to become “a model church.” If the modern church hopes to preserve its sense of community, pastors and members must trust one another and unite, even sharing in tribulation.
Over time, the Thessalonian church did experience some confusion regarding end-time doctrine—an issue Paul addresses more fully in 2 Thessalonians—but they continued to mature in the gospel and left a lasting mark on church history. Through this letter, we see that persecution and affliction do not destroy a church; instead, they can refine it and make it stronger. When a community believes firmly in God’s choosing and loving hand, endures by the Holy Spirit’s power, and loves each other sacrificially, no adversity can prevail against it. This is the powerful testimony the Thessalonian church presents across the centuries.
How we, as modern believers, apply these lessons in our personal and communal lives is a challenge that each congregation must face. Pastor David Jang observes that “1 Thessalonians is not just an ancient epistle but a living Word that continually leads both the Korean church and the global church to re-examine our ministry and faith.” The mighty force of the gospel so vividly portrayed in the Gospels, Acts, and Paul’s letters did not remain confined to the first century. As long as the church exists in this world and the Lord’s parousia (παρουσία) has yet to be fully realized, we must heed the message of 1 Thessalonians 1: “Produce works of faith, labor in love, and endure through the hope of the coming Lord.”
In conclusion, for today’s churches to become “model churches” like Thessalonica, we must robustly embody these three essential virtues—faith, love, and hope—in our present contexts. As Pastor David Jang continually reminds us, “The gospel shines more brilliantly under persecution, and a church’s authenticity is proven through tribulation.” Only when we fix our eyes on the cross, the resurrection, and the coming of the Lord “from heaven” (ἀναμένειν) will we remain unshaken under all circumstances, and our influence—like that of the Thessalonian church—will spread beyond our local regions to “every place,” demonstrating the unstoppable work of God.