Paul begins the second chapter by telling them that his coming was not in vain. Part of Paul’s explanation for why it wasn’t in vain had to do with something they were well aware of — how mistreated he had been in Philippi. They received what God said even in trial. They had become Paul's joy and glory.
Chapter 2 – Evident Love
Lesson Three
John Morrison • 1 Thessalonians 2
Chapter 1 – Evident Faith
John Morrison • 1 Thessalonians 1
The first thing Paul appreciates about the Thessalonian Christians is their work of faith. This means things they were busy doing because of their faith in Christ. The second thing Paul remembers fondly about the Thessalonians is their labor of love. Though the work of faith was a focus on the thing done, the labor of love is more a focus on the motivation for labor expended to the point of weariness. Paul’s crescendo of compliment to the Thessalonians is that with eyes of faith, they have seen the invisible God and are anxiously waiting for the Son who is as surely going to return to rescue them from God’s wrath as He surely was resurrected. His coming again to earth is tied here — as elsewhere — to His historical resurrection.