Scripture:
1 Thessalonians 2:1-2; Acts 16:16-24
Mon, 21 February 2022

The Gospel Facing Strong Opposition

Observation:

What significant observations can you make about Paul’s experience as
described in verses 1 to 2?

Deeper Reflection
PAUL PREACHED THE GOSPEL AT PHILIPPI AND PLANTED a church there before going to Thessalonica. At Philippi, Paul and Silas “suffered and were shamefully treated” (v.2). They suffered both injury and insult from people who opposed them for preaching the Gospel. They were being “dragged” to the magistrates, who “tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods”, and they were inflicted with “many blows” before they were thrown into prison, with their feet fastened in the stocks (Acts 16:19-24). It was an extremely painful and humiliating experience, being flogged naked in public and imprisoned, and without trial.59 Paul was “shamefully treated”, but he was “not ashamed of the gospel” (cf. Rom 1:16). Instead, the shameful suffering resulted in “boldness” in preaching the Gospel in Thessalonica (v.2). To speak in “boldness” means “to speak freely, openly and fearlessly”, with “outspokenness, frankness and plainness of speech”, and “so with courage”60. Paul preached the Gospel with “boldness” in two spheres. Firstly, “in the face of strong opposition” (v.2, NIV), and more importantly, “in our God” (v.2) – that is, in the presence of God. And this is God’s empowering presence that gives the boldness (cf. Acts 4:29-31). “If we have boldness before God in what we do for Him, it is a small thing to be brave towards mere humans in carrying on God’s work.”61
59 John R. W. Stott, Thessalonians, 48 60 John R. W. Stott, Thessalonians, 47 61 G. K. Beale, 65
Application:

What significant observations can you make about Paul’s experience as
described in verses 1 to 2?

Prayer:
O God, fill me and empower me by the Holy Spirit, that I may be bold in being a witness for Christ by living out and proclaiming the Gospel. I ask of You that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the Gospel, as I ought to speak.58 Help me not to lose heart when the Gospel is being opposed or rejected.
58 Ephesians 6:19-20
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise
  • Pray for leaders
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for those in need
  • Pray for self

Download this Building Fund QR Code  and upload it to your banking app via your gallery/album. 

Download this General Fund for East QR Code  and upload it to your banking app via your gallery/album. 

Download this General Fund for WDL QR Code  and upload it to your banking app via your gallery/album. 

Daily Devo
Daily Devotional Journal
Sun, 31 December 2023

Sunday Journal

Past Week’s Review
  • What was my high point and my low point for the week?
  • What gave me life and what drained me?
  • How was the Spirit of God at work?
Reflect

What is one key thing that God said to me this week in light of what has happened?

Respond

What is one thing I need to do in light of what God is saying?
Commit in prayer.

Download this New Life Fund QR Code  and upload it to your banking app via your gallery/album. 

Download this General Fund for BPJ QR Code  and upload it to your banking app via your gallery/album. 

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.