Paul commended the believers at Thessalonica for their conversion and turning away from idols. Apparently, their conversion was both sudden and complete, and they were actively serving God boldly. Verse 8 makes it known that they were strong witnesses and their witness was even known in nearby regions.

It was not long after their conversion that these believers began to look for Christ’s return. They knew very well that God had raised Christ from the dead and then ascended on high – where He is today.

They did this because they knew that they had been delivered “from the wrath to come.” The “wrath” is speaking of God’s wrath, which will be revealed against sinners during the Tribulation, and at two other times – the Second Coming – when he destroys all those that do not know Him; and at the Great White Throne Judgment – when all unbelievers are judged and cast into the Lake of Fire.

Notice that it does not say: they hoped to be delivered, they wanted to be delivered, or even that they were working hard to be delivered from God’s wrath. Rather it says plainly that they had already been delivered. They had a sure salvation and they knew it.

At the same time, they were not idle. They wanted others to go with them and they spread the Gospel so others could be saved. Their faith produced results. All too many people today saying they are saved have little – if any – evidence that they have been changed. They are totally unlike New Testament Christians.

May God help all that are saved today to bring forth the fruits that God wants to produce in our lives. Knowledge of the wrath of God impacted these believer’s lives – does it impact yours? If not – why not?

Here is what Peter says about it in II Peter 3:11: “Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness.”