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"That we would suffer tribulation..."

Text: 1 Thessalonians 3:4

FOREWARNED AND FOREARMED

What did Paul and Silas teach the Thessalonians? Certainly, they must have preached about salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ. They also included the teaching of suffering.

“For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you
that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know.”

1 Thessalonians 3:4

1. “For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you”

a) Paul made reference to his brief ministry in Thessalonica (Acts 17:1-9).

b) He particularly mentioned the following details:-

i) Christ had to suffer (Isaiah 53).

ii) He rose from the dead (a historical fact that many witnesses could testify of).

iii) Jesus was that Christ {The Messiah} (Acts 17:3).

2. “That we would suffer tribulation”

a) This was not actually stated in the Book of Acts.

b) This present text gives us some details of what Paul taught.

i) Suffering tribulation was to be expected.

ii) This would be in keeping with the teachings of Jesus.

iii) Paul would have shared about his personal sufferings for the sake of the gospel.

3. “Just as it happened”

a) The enemies of the faith then began persecuting Paul and Silas.

b) Other believers were attacked too, among them was a man named Jason (Acts 17:5-7).

i) Jason was accused of harbouring Paul and Silas.

ii) The enemies had dragged Jason and some other believers to the rulers of Thessalonica.

iii) All kinds of charges were made against them.

c) All that Paul had forewarned them actually took place.

4. “And you know”

a) The teaching of suffering began with theoretical knowledge.

b) It was now full and practical knowledge.

c) Suffering for the sake of the Christian faith was now a solemn reality.