Paul and Silas had just come to Thessalonica from Philippi where they had been arrested, beaten, and imprisoned for preaching the Gospel. Instead of cautiously remaining secretive regarding their message, once in Thessalonica they boldly declared the message of Christ, knowing it would likely lead to more persecution.

Paul wrote in his letter to the Thessalonians in…
   
1 Thessalonians 2:2 But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.

Even after their shameful treatment at Philippi, Paul and Silas openly preached as soon as they arrived in Thessalonica. It wasn’t long before detractors stirred up the masses in opposition, and Paul and Silas were once again at the epicenter of a riot. Disciples in Thessalonica saved them from being torn apart in the uproar, but before they left, their message had been heard, and the church strengthened with new converts.

What would cause Paul and Silas to leave one city filled with animosity towards Christ, only to go to another, fully expecting the same treatment? Paul had a commission to take the Gospel to the Gentile world. He had been miraculously converted on the road to Damascus. He had come face to face with the very One he had been persecuting. Jesus had wonderfully forgiven him, and saved him.

The Lord then commissioned Paul to be His ambassador to the lost Gentile world. Paul took his commission seriously. He had repeatedly demonstrated the level of his commitment by putting his life on the line. He faced repeated beatings and imprisonments, only to be released and begin preaching again.

Paul had chosen to live his life wholly dedicated to spreading the message of Christ.

It is easy to relegate Paul’s successful evangelism to a special ‘gift’ that God had uniquely given him. Paul boldly shared his faith wherever he went, regardless of the opposition or oppression. Surely, he had something we don’t.

Or, is it possible that he simply obeyed his commission, and we don’t? Jesus’ last challenge to His disciples, and by extension, all of His disciples, was to go into all the world and preach the Gospel.

Whatever shame, embarrassment, or anger we fear that we would face if we opened our mouths about our Lord Jesus, will soon pale in comparison to the glory that comes with sharing one’s faith.

Let’s prayerfully look for opportunities to tell others about the love of Christ.