Paul’s first letter to the church in one of the major cities of the Roman Empire gives instruction to a baby church and new Christians who have started really well in following Jesus. It provides a perfect blueprint for what it looks like to engage in healthy discipleship and genuine Christian ministry. A great start-up study for the City!
Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,
To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
Grace to you and peace.
2 We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, 3 remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 4 For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.
