Paul's Pattern for Evangelism

In Acts 17 we read the account of the beginnings of the church in Thessalonica. Paul was there just a short time… perhaps four weeks or so but had a big impact. Some of the Jews were persuaded but of the Greeks “a great multitude and of the chief women not a few”. So what in that short period of time did Paul teach to produce such a response? - Paul taught the theory of Christianity. Acts 17:3 states that he taught, “it behooved the Christ to suffer, and to rise again from the dead, and that Jesus is the Christ”. - Paul taught how they should live their lives. Beginning in 1 Thess. 4 Paul states reminds them what he had taught them before. He taught them what not to do… don’t practice sexual immorality. He taught them to instead treat each other with brotherly love… the love that serves. To not lead riotous lives, to do honest labor and to mind their own business. - Paul taught them about eternal life in heaven. - Paul taught them about “The day of the Lord” and sudden destruction and being prepared. However, preaching and teaching a balanced Gospel message was not the only ingredient for success. Paul attributes his success with them to the manner in which the Gospel was presented including his having given himself up for them, “we were well pleased to give unto you not only the Gospel but to give up our selves for you because we loved you”. This concept is very well evidenced by the many expressions of Paul’s concern for them found in the text of 1 Thess. Paul was not just concerned about planting the seed but also nurturing the young plants. When he found out that their faith had survived persecution he was not self-satisfied and complacent but urged them to do even better in their service of love for each other and the world. Success in evangelism begins with teaching a well balanced view of the Bible coupled with a genuine love for people and a vision for what they can become. Conversely, unsuccessful evangelism begins with skewed teaching, treating evangelism as a job with little regard for God’s people and satisfaction with the status quo. Paul’s example is not just a model for Evangelists but for all Christians because we should all be concerned about the lost and helping each other to grow. Reflect on these things.