In the Thessalonian correspondence, Paul, through his occasional yet repeated references to the Spirit’s role in the life of a believer, individual and corporate, teaches that the Spirit is active in a person’s life from the time faith in the gospel is kindled in them. The Spirit regenerates a sinner through deep conviction and power and continues to sanctify a person to live in holiness according to the will of God. Paul reminds them that even their joy amid suffering is the work of the Spirit in them. It enables them not only to imitate Christ and the other believing communities in suffering but also to become a model for other persecuted communities. Paul firmly encourages them to embrace the charismatic gifts of the Spirit among them, but he warns them to be cautious so as to avoid their possible misuse.

在帖撒罗尼迦的书信中，保罗偶尔但反复提到圣灵在信徒（个人和团体）生活中的作用，教导说，从对福音的信仰在他们心中点燃起，圣灵就活跃在一个人的生活中。圣灵通过深深的信念和能力使罪人重生，并继续使人成圣，按照上帝的旨意生活在圣洁中。保罗提醒他们，即使他们在苦难中的喜乐也是圣灵在他们里面的工作。它不仅使他们能够效法基督和其他受苦的信徒团体，而且也成为其他受迫害团体的榜样。保罗坚定地鼓励他们在他们中间接受圣灵的超凡恩赐，但他警告他们要谨慎，以免可能被滥用。