You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not without results. We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition.

When we find ourselves in a very challenging spot—with our ministry, employment, or family’s safety seemingly on the line—there are typically a few options. One, pull back and pull out of ministry. Two, attack those who attacked you—an eye for an eye. Or three, stand your ground in the faith, possibly escape the persecution, and continue on in ministry undeterred.

It is tempting to play it safe. But I have found that, with the resolve given by the Holy Spirit, when the enemy tries to attack the preaching of the gospel, it actually motivates me to preach it even more fiercely.

I think this was the attitude of Paul, Timothy, and Silas here. They were emboldened even more in preaching the gospel. And they reference this strong faith by the power of the Spirit of God because they want the Thessalonians to remember this. The truth came to their city through much persecution and peril. They wanted to reach the Thessalonians with the truth about Jesus because they had a deep love for them. And this boldness had the result of many coming to Jesus.

Lord, thank you for the dogged persistence of this trio of disciples. Their love compelled them, no matter the danger. Souls needing grace outweighed the perils of the day. Give me this strong resolve in my ministry as well!