2. The Gospel and Idolaters

II. The gospel was either rejected or believed by idolaters. An idolater is a worshiper of false gods, or any god other than the one true and living God, especially images made by men’s hands. They fashion an idol out of an inanimate object or conjure it in their imaginations, then bestow upon it divinity and declare it to be their god, then trust in it for their salvation. What vanity!

1. The gospel was rejected by some idolaters. This was true in Ephesus, Asia Minor. Worshipers of the goddess Diana, whose temple was in Ephesus, rioted and threatened bodily harm to Paul because, in preaching the gospel, “this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people [from idolatry], saying that they are not gods which are made with hands” (v.26).
2. But the gospel was believed by other idolaters. This was true in Thessalonica, Macedonia, for Paul reminds believers in that city that “you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God” (1 Thessalonians 1:9f). Paul tells them that they did so for at least three reasons: first, “your election by God” (v.4); second, “our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance” (v.5); third, “you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit and in much assurance” (v.5); third, “you became followers of us and of the , having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit” (v.6). Even among the grossest idolaters, God has His chosen people, and will send His gospel to them in saving power, and they will receive it joyfully. May He do so today!