the Third Week after Easter
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Daily Devotionals
Day by Day Devotional - Year 5 of 5
1 Thessalonians 2:13-20
The Christians of Thessalonica had received the apostle’s message as being truly the Word of God (v. 13; Matthew 10:40). The complete inspiration of every part of holy Scripture is far from being recognized by all the theologians of Christendom. Often the writings of Paul are presented as the teachings of a man, a remarkable man of God without doubt, but fallible. As a rule this is simply an excuse to avoid being subject to them, and for rejecting what seems too narrow. But God be praised, each word of the Bible possesses the same divine authority.
The jealousy of the Jews had interrupted the apostle’s activity among the Thessalonians (vv. 15, 16; Acts 17:5). He had not finished instructing them. Now a teacher is ashamed when none of his pupils passes the examination for which he has prepared them. Paul, speaking to their hearts, reminds them in v. 19 that he was personally responsible for their faithfulness: either he would receive a crown from the Lord’s hand or else he would be ashamed because of them "at his coming" (v. 19; 1 John 2:28). Dear friends, like the apostle let us have this thought always in our minds: soon we shall have to give an account in our Master’s presence for everything that we have done (Matthew 25:19; Romans 14:12).
