1 Thessalonians 1:5b-10 Imitate & Exemplify + PDF Teacher's Notes

The fact is that sometimes God allows His people to suffer and undergo affliction. The Lord Jesus Himself suffered affliction at the hands of unbelievers. The apostles regularly experienced affliction directly because of their evangelistic efforts. The new church in Thessalonica experienced affliction because of their faith. We must have realistic expectations and not lose heart if/when it happens to us. Suffering is sometimes part of God’s plan.
It was reported all throughout Greece how the Thessalonians had received the apostles and their teachings about Jesus.
It has been said that every Christian is already a witness. The only question is what type of witness you are (good or bad). The Thessalonians first became imitators of Paul and Jesus, then they became examples to the whole region. It seems that one cannot be a good example (1:7) without first being a good imitator (1:6).