Deeper Reflection
PAUL ASKS THE THESSALONIANS TO PRAY FOR HIM THAT “the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be glorified everywhere” (v.1, NRSV). What Paul seeks from God is what he had experienced at Pisidian Antioch on one sabbath when “almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord”: “when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region” (Acts 13:44, 48-49). It is noteworthy that this happened amidst strong opposition to the Gospel (Acts 13:45, 50). The Word of God is glorified when it is well received, “as happened to” the Thessalonians (v.1). For the Thessalonians, the Word of God was glorified when the Gospel was preached to them “in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction” and they “received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit” (1 Thess 1:4, 6). Mark the mighty presence of “the Holy Spirit” in this glorification of the Word of God.We learn from Acts and Paul’s letters that in city after city Paul met with great opposition in proclaiming the Gospel. And it is “from the depths of these experiences”³⁵ that Paul made this prayer request. Paul did not ask for God to stop the opposition, for suffering for Christ was part of his calling (Acts 9:15-16). And Paul knew that God can and will glorify His Word even amidst great opposition. Who can triumphantly oppose God and His glory?

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³⁵ Gene L. Green, 335