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OUTSTANDING FEATURES OF THE MACEDONIAN CHURCHES

The Macedonian churches impressed Paul greatly. He held them up as good examples of how Churches should develop.

“That in a great trial of affliction
the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty
abounded in the riches of their liberality.”
2 Corinthians 8:2

1. “In a great trial of affliction”

a) In Philippi the authorities jailed Paul (Acts 16).

b) In Thessalonica, the enemies of the faith hounded Paul and his co-labourers (Acts 17).

c) Paul fled Thessalonica and planted a Church in Berea (Acts 17).

d) Afflictions

i) Believers were persecuted.

ii) Enemies resorted to violence.

iii) The lives of believers were threatened.

2. “The abundance of their joy”

a) Despite the obvious difficult circumstances of life, there was great joy.

b) Nevertheless the churches manifested the following:

(The Thessalonian church may be cited as an example of the Macedonian Churches)

i) Work of faith 1 Thessalonians 1:3

ii) Labour of love 1 Thessalonians 1:3

iii) Patience of hope 1 Thessalonians 1:3

iv) Much assurance 1 Thessalonians 1:5

v) Joy of the Holy Spirit 1 Thessalonians 1:6

3. Their deep poverty

a) Some of the cities were richer than others.

b) Some of the churches were therefore well-supported.

c) Other churches were poorer.

d) But their poverty did not affect their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

4. “Abounded in the riches of their liberality”

a) Some of these churches were poor materially.

b) But they were rich in faith and in their spirit.

c) The liberality of their giving reflected the richness of their spirit of faith.