The Acts of the Apostles (1911) — PDF Scan 267

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THE THESSALONIAN LETTERS 261 to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him." The watchful Christian is a working Christian, seeking zealously to do all in his power for the advancement of the gospel. As love for his Eedeemer increases, so also does love for his fellowmen. He has severe trials, as had his Master; but he does not allow affliction to sour his temper or destroy his peace of mind. He knows that trial, if well borne, will refine and purify him, and bring him into closer fellowship with Christ. Those who are partakers of Christ's sutferings will also be par- takers of His consolation and at last sharers of His glory. ^^We beseech you, brethren," Paul continued in his letter to the Thessalonians, '^to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves." The Thessalonian believers were greatly annoyed by men coming among them with fanatical ideas and doctrines. Some were "disorderly, working not at all, but . . . busybodies." The church had been properly organized, and officers had been appointed to act as ministers and deacons. But there were some, self-willed and impetuous, who refused to be subordinate to those who held positions of authority in the church. They claimed not only the right of private judgment, but that of publicly urging their views upon the church. In view of this, Paul called the attention of the Thessalonians to the respect and