"Paul's First Letter to the Thessalonians — Paul’s Ministry in Thessalonica and Its Eternal Fruit -- Part 2”

Paul had traveled on his second missionary journey to the city of Philippi.  Then, after preaching the risen Christ, he and his companion Silas were treated harshly, beaten, and imprisoned in the local jail.  You will remember the salvation of the jailer.  Then, due to the miraculous opening of the door of the jail, they were free again.  As a consequence of these miracles, the magistrates sent Paul and Silas (and Timothy) away.  Their journey then took them to Thessalonica where they ministered a little over three weeks before departing.  The Thessalonians received his word gladly as the word of the living God —  1 Thess. 2:13 “… which effectually worketh also in you that believe.”  The consequence was an expected persecution which led the apostle to visit them again, “if God would permit.”  But he did not and allowed Satan to interfere — verses 18 & 19.  But, nevertheless, “For what [is] our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? [Are] not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?”  The Lord gave the victory nevertheless.  And Paul’s hope for future fellowship in glory sustained him with his words here becoming such a great blessing for them and for all of us.  Satan’s interference was only the basis for God’s blessings in ways that could never be anticipated.