Heaven is Better With Friends

After converting many to Christ with the gospel in Thessalonica, Paul and his companions had to leave because of the Jews who were jealously persecuting believers (Acts 17:1-10). Paul wrote to the Thessalonian Christians shortly thereafter, having heard about their faithfulness and their labor in the cause of Christ (1 Thess. 1:2-3). Paul wrote to encourage them to continue faithfully growing in Christ, viewing their progress so positively that he told them to continue excelling (1 Thess. 4:1). Paul wrote this letter not out of a dire need for correction, but out of thankfulness and a desire to strengthen them. He wanted them to stay the course. Spiritually, you could say that Paul was making sure his treasure was safe.

That thought comes from 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20, where Paul communicated his desire for their faithfulness, saying, “For who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation? Is it not even you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? For you are our glory and our joy.” Paul is referencing the fact that when faithful brethren see God together, their shared joy and eternal fellowship are a big part of the reward they will receive. Paul was writing to strengthen these brethren as they faced persecution so that when Jesus returned in the clouds, they would all rejoice together forever.

When Jesus talks about laying up treasure in heaven, treasure that cannot be stolen by a common thief or eaten by a moth, at least part of what He is referencing is the people we bring to Christ through the gospel and the brethren we strengthen in this life. Paul did not hope for gold he could hold, and Jesus did not die with His position of power as His greatest goal. Jesus died to extend salvation to every soul (John 3:16), and Paul hoped to see these brethren at the judgment (1 Thess. 2:19-20).

So, who is your crown? With whom do you hope to share fellowship forever? Remember, God says heaven is better with friends (Luke 16:9; 1 Cor. 3:14-15).