1 Thessalonians 1:6
Verse
Context
Greetings to the Thessalonians
5because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with great conviction—just as you know we lived among you for your sake.6And you became imitators of us and of the Lord when you welcomed the message with the joy of the Holy Spirit, in spite of your great suffering.
Sermons
J. Glyn Owen
Josef Tson
James Malachi Jennings
St. Benedict of NursiaSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Ye became followers of us - Ye became imitators, μιμηται, of us-ye believed the same truths, walked in the same way, and minded the same thing; knowing that our doctrine was of the Lord, and that the way in which we walked was prescribed by himself, and that he also suffered the contradictions of ungodly men. Having received the word in much affliction - That they received the doctrine of the Gospel in the midst of much persecution we may learn from the history in general, and from Act 17:5, Act 17:6. With joy of the Holy Ghost - The consolations which they received, in consequence of believing in Christ, more than counterbalanced all the afflictions which they suffered from their persecutors.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
And ye--answering to "For our Gospel," Th1 1:5. followers--Greek, "imitators." The Thessalonians in their turn became "ensamples" (Th1 1:7) for others to imitate. of the Lord--who was the apostle of the Father, and taught the word, which He brought from heaven, under adversities [BENGEL]. This was the point in which they imitated Him and His apostles, joyful witness for the word in much affliction: the second proof of their election of God (Th1 1:4); Th1 1:5 is the first (see on Th1 1:5). received the word in much affliction-- (Th1 2:14; Th1 3:2-5; Act 17:5-10). joy of--that is, wrought by "the Holy Ghost." "The oil of gladness" wherewith the Son of God was "anointed above His fellows" (Psa 45:7), is the same oil with which He, by the Spirit, anoints His fellows too (Isa 61:1, Isa 61:3; Rom 14:17; Jo1 2:20, Jo1 2:27).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord,.... So far followers of them as they were of Christ, in embracing the Gospel, submitting to the ordinances of it, professing the name of Christ, and suffering for his sake; the Alexandrian copy reads, "of God", and others, "of Christ": having received the word; the Gospel, the word of truth, peace, and righteousness, and of salvation by Christ; which they received not as the word of man, but of God; and that in much affliction; referring to the uproar made by the baser sort of people, instigated by the unbelieving Jews, and the trouble they gave to Jason and other brethren, mentioned in Act 17:1 and this is a considerable commendation of them, that at a time when others were offended and fell off from hearing the word, and a profession of the Gospel, they should receive it, and that with much joy of the Holy Ghost; not with a carnal joy, or with a mere flash of natural affection, as in the stony ground hearers, and in the Jews, who rejoiced for a while in John's ministry, and in Herod, who sometimes heard him gladly; but with a spiritual joy of the Holy Ghost's producing in them, applying the word with power to them, giving them a spiritual gust of it, and pleasure in it, raising in their souls a joy upon the most solid foundation.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
In these words we have the evidence of the apostle's success among the Thessalonians, which was notorious and famous in several places. For, I. They were careful in their holy conversation to imitate the good examples of the apostles and ministers of Christ, Th1 1:6. As the apostle took care to demean himself well, not only for his own credit's sake, but for the benefit of others, by a conversation suitable to his doctrine, that he might not pull down with one hand what he built up with the other, so the Thessalonians, who observed what manner of men they were among them, how their preaching and living were all of a piece, showed a conscientious care to be followers of them, or to imitate their good example. Herein they became also followers of the Lord, who is the perfect example we must strive to imitate; and we should be followers of others no further than they are followers of Christ, Co1 11:1. The Thessalonians acted thus, notwithstanding their affliction, that much affliction which the apostles and themselves also were exposed to. They were willing to share in the sufferings that attended the embracing and professing of Christianity. They entertained the gospel, notwithstanding the troubles and hardships which attended the preachers and professors of it too. Perhaps this made the word more precious, being dear - bought; and the examples of the apostles shone very bright under their afflictions; so that the Thessalonians embraced the word cheerfully, and followed the example of the suffering apostles joyfully, with joy in the Holy Ghost - such solid and spiritual and lasting joy as the Holy Ghost is the author of, who, when our afflictions abound, makes our consolations much more to abound. II. Their zeal prevailed to such a degree that they were themselves examples to all about them, Th1 1:7, Th1 1:8. Observe here, 1. Their example was very effectual to make good impressions upon many others. They were tupoi - stamps, or instruments to make impression with. They had themselves received good impressions from the preaching and conversation of the apostles, and they made good impressions, and their conversation had an influence upon others. Note, Christians should be so good as by their example to influence others. 2. It was very extensive, and reached beyond the confines of Thessalonica, even to the believers of all Macedonia, and further, in Achaia; the Philippians, and others who received the gospel before the Thessalonians, were edified by their example. Note, Some who were last hired into the vineyard may sometimes outstrip those who come in before them, and become examples to them. 3. It was very famous. The word of the Lord, or its wonderful effects upon the Thessalonians, sounded, or was famous and well known, in the regions round about that city, and in every place; not strictly every where, but here and there, up and down in the world: so that, from the good success of the gospel among them, many others were encouraged to entertain it, and to be willing, when called, to suffer for it. Their faith was spread abroad. (1.) The readiness of their faith was famed abroad. These Thessalonians embraced the gospel as soon as it was preached to them; so that every body took notice what manner of entering in among them the apostles had, that there were no such delays as at Philippi, where it was a great while before much good was done. (2.) The effects of their faith were famous. [1.] They quitted their idolatry; they turned from their idols, and abandoned all the false worship they had been educated in. [2.] They gave themselves up to God, to the living and true God, and devoted themselves to his service. [3.] They set themselves to wait for the Son of God from heaven, Th1 1:10. And this is one of the peculiarities of our holy religion, to wait for Christ's second coming, as those who believe he will come and hope he will come to our joy. The believers under the Old Testament waited for the coming of the Messiah, and believers now wait for his second coming; he is yet to come. And there is good reason to believe he will come, because God has raised him from the dead, which is full assurance unto all men that he will come to judgment, Act 17:31. And there is good reason to hope and wait for his coming, because he has delivered us from the wrath to come. He came to purchase salvation, and will, when he comes again, bring salvation with him, full and final deliverance from sin, and death, and hell, from that wrath which is yet to come upon unbelievers, and which, when it has once come, will be yet to come, because it is everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels, Mat 25:41.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:6 Because they accepted the Good News, the Thessalonians experienced severe suffering from their contemporaries (2:14; 3:3-4). Yet as they followed the model of the apostles and of the Lord himself (Matt 5:11-12; Rom 8:17; 12:12; Phil 2:17), they received joy from the Holy Spirit (1 Pet 4:13-14).
1 Thessalonians 1:6
Greetings to the Thessalonians
5because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with great conviction—just as you know we lived among you for your sake.6And you became imitators of us and of the Lord when you welcomed the message with the joy of the Holy Spirit, in spite of your great suffering.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Christ—the Way God Makes Man Righteous) 10. Regeneration—born of the Spirit
By Denny Kenaston2.8K51:27RegenerationMAT 28:191TH 1:6In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding salvation in the biblical context rather than through an American lens. He describes the biblical setting as a radical, sold-out kingdom church filled with individuals who have been with Jesus and embraced his teachings. The power of the Holy Spirit is present among the people, leading to a complete transformation in their lives. The speaker reminds the audience that the book of Acts is a testimony of God's saving work and highlights the need for believers to recognize that salvation is just the beginning of their journey.
Communism, Islam, Sept 11, Soverenty of God - Part4
By Josef Tson1.4K38:07NEH 8:10MAT 6:33JHN 15:11ROM 14:17EPH 4:301TH 1:6In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of support and partnership in reaching the world with the word of God. He compares the downfall of communism to the potential transformation of Islam into a mission field. The speaker shares a personal story of being interrogated and the impact his sermons had on one of the interrogators. He emphasizes that joy should not be lost in the face of martyrdom and shares a powerful story of God's intervention in his own life. The sermon also touches on the nature of evil and God's unconventional approach to defeating it through the sacrifice of Jesus.
An Apostolic Confirmation of a Church's Mission
By J. Glyn Owen1.4K53:20Missions1TH 1:6In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of gathering together to hear the message of God and to meditate on it. The goal is to understand God's will and fulfill His purpose in spreading the Gospel to those who have never heard of Jesus. The speaker also discusses the role of examples in the Christian life and how the gospel should be supported by both words and actions. The sermon concludes with a call to live a fully committed Christian life, presenting ourselves as living sacrifices to God and serving Him wholeheartedly.
Courage in Christian Ministry
By Josef Tson1.4K1:28:51PersecutionNEH 8:10JHN 15:111TH 1:61PE 1:8In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experience of being interrogated and beaten by a general in Romania. Despite the physical abuse, he learns to rely on the Holy Spirit to speak through him during these interrogations. The speaker also discusses the connection between liberal theology and communism, and his mission to draw people back to the scriptures. After the revolution in Romania, the speaker gives away all his books as proof of his faith, and experiences a profound transformation when he realizes the joy and glory of the Lord. This transformation leads to a period of fruitful ministry, where he baptizes 850 new converts in just four years.
Living in Union With Christ in Dangerous Times 2 of 3
By Josef Tson7231:08:13ChristDEU 6:6NEH 8:10ISA 62:5ZEP 3:171TH 1:6In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a man who wanted to find a girl who would love him for who he was, not for his possessions. The man devised a plan to travel incognito and eventually found the girl he loved. Despite her parents' disapproval, their love grew and the speaker emphasizes the transformative power of love and how it leads to a love for God's commandments. The speaker also shares a personal story of his experience with persecution and how it led to a greater hunger for spiritual things, ultimately resulting in the collapse of communism and the opportunity for missionary work.
Find Heavenly Minded Role Models to Imitate by James Jennings
By James Malachi Jennings6851:02:571CO 11:11CO 15:33PHP 3:171TH 1:6HEB 6:12HEB 11:7JAS 4:4
This sermon emphasizes the importance of finding heavenly-minded role models to imitate, as Paul urges believers to follow his example and keep their eyes on those who walk according to godly examples. The warning is against imitating those who are enemies of the cross of Christ, characterized by their end in destruction, serving their own appetites, glorying in shameful things, and having minds set on earthly pursuits. The call is to imitate those whose citizenship is in heaven, eagerly awaiting the Savior's return for transformation.
Although the Life of a Monk
By St. Benedict of Nursia0PSA 37:5PRO 3:6PRO 16:3PRO 16:91CO 10:31EPH 5:10PHP 2:13COL 3:231TH 1:6JAS 4:15St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of observing Lent with purity and diligence, urging the brethren to cleanse themselves of negligence through prayer, tears, reading, compunction of heart, and abstinence. He encourages increasing spiritual practices during Lent, such as private prayers and fasting, to offer God something beyond the usual measure. St. Benedict advises seeking the Abbot's approval for any additional offerings during this time to avoid presumption and vainglory.
'Follow Me'; the Holy Trinity; Life and Prayer; Perseverance in Prayer;carnal or Spiritual
By Andrew Murray0The Role of PrayerFellowship with ChristMAT 26:71MRK 3:14LUK 5:10JHN 15:27ACT 4:13ROM 13:141CO 11:12CO 3:6GAL 5:241TH 1:6Andrew Murray emphasizes the necessity of continuous fellowship with Christ for effective ministry and soul-winning, highlighting that true discipleship involves being in close communion with Jesus. He explains that the Holy Trinity plays a vital role in this relationship, with God as the source of love, Christ as the visible grace, and the Holy Spirit as the empowering force. Murray stresses that prayer is not just a personal endeavor but a powerful means to intercede for others, urging believers to align their lives with their prayers. He contrasts the carnal and spiritual states of Christians, advocating for a life led by the Spirit through persistent prayer. Ultimately, he calls for ministers and believers alike to fully surrender to God, allowing Him to transform their lives and ministries.
The Westminster Standards
By John Murray0MAT 5:1LUK 14:27JHN 13:35PHP 3:171TH 1:61TI 4:122TI 2:2HEB 13:7Ralph Earle, Barclay, Mounce, TDNT, NIDNTT, Tony Evans, and various Bible scholars emphasize the importance of discipleship, which involves intentional learning, inquiry, and observation from Jesus. Discipleship requires a commitment to follow Jesus, learn His truth, and live a life of beauty and blessing. The term 'disciple' carries the connotation of being a learner, pupil, and follower of a teacher, with the goal of becoming like the teacher in character. Genuine discipleship involves total attachment to Jesus, obedience to His teachings, and a lifetime of work and service for Him.
Agape Love
By A.W. Tozer0NEH 8:10JHN 16:20ACT 13:52ROM 8:28GAL 5:22PHP 1:4PHP 4:41TH 1:6The preacher delves into the concept of joy (chara) in the Bible, emphasizing that it is a feeling of inner gladness and delight based on spiritual realities, independent of circumstances. Joy is a deep assurance and confidence that ignites a cheerful heart, a gift from God to believers. The preacher highlights that joy is a part of God's essence and is manifested in His children through His Spirit. Believers are encouraged to maximize their joy through repentance, hope in future glory, God's Word, prayer, fellowship, discipleship, giving, and maintaining fellowship with the Father and Son.
Preach Holiness With Joy and Gladness
By Arthur Vess0NEH 8:10PSA 16:11PSA 30:11ACT 2:4ROM 14:171TH 1:6Arthur Vess emphasizes the importance of preaching holiness with joy and gladness, contrasting it with the sorrow and sadness often associated with spiritual matters. He highlights the need for righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost, encouraging believers to exude joy that surpasses worldly understanding. Vess challenges the notion of labeling spiritual manifestations as mere emotionalism, pointing out that true joy and peace come from the fire of God burning in the soul. He urges for a revival of genuine spiritual experiences that manifest in power and glory, rather than dead and formal religious practices.
Reflecting Christ
By Mary Wilder Tileston0ROM 12:21CO 11:12CO 3:18EPH 5:1PHP 2:5COL 3:171TH 1:61PE 1:151JN 2:6Mary Wilder Tileston emphasizes the transformation that occurs when we behold the glory of the Lord, being changed into His image from glory to glory. She challenges believers to seek to think and speak God's thoughts and words alone, allowing His divine perfections to be reproduced in every aspect of their lives. The standard to aim for is nothing short of the life of the Eternal Son of God, with His holiness and purity being the model to follow in all circumstances. The Christian life should reflect the Master's life, filled with hope and surrounded by an uplifting atmosphere that impacts all who come into contact with it.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Ye became followers of us - Ye became imitators, μιμηται, of us-ye believed the same truths, walked in the same way, and minded the same thing; knowing that our doctrine was of the Lord, and that the way in which we walked was prescribed by himself, and that he also suffered the contradictions of ungodly men. Having received the word in much affliction - That they received the doctrine of the Gospel in the midst of much persecution we may learn from the history in general, and from Act 17:5, Act 17:6. With joy of the Holy Ghost - The consolations which they received, in consequence of believing in Christ, more than counterbalanced all the afflictions which they suffered from their persecutors.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
And ye--answering to "For our Gospel," Th1 1:5. followers--Greek, "imitators." The Thessalonians in their turn became "ensamples" (Th1 1:7) for others to imitate. of the Lord--who was the apostle of the Father, and taught the word, which He brought from heaven, under adversities [BENGEL]. This was the point in which they imitated Him and His apostles, joyful witness for the word in much affliction: the second proof of their election of God (Th1 1:4); Th1 1:5 is the first (see on Th1 1:5). received the word in much affliction-- (Th1 2:14; Th1 3:2-5; Act 17:5-10). joy of--that is, wrought by "the Holy Ghost." "The oil of gladness" wherewith the Son of God was "anointed above His fellows" (Psa 45:7), is the same oil with which He, by the Spirit, anoints His fellows too (Isa 61:1, Isa 61:3; Rom 14:17; Jo1 2:20, Jo1 2:27).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord,.... So far followers of them as they were of Christ, in embracing the Gospel, submitting to the ordinances of it, professing the name of Christ, and suffering for his sake; the Alexandrian copy reads, "of God", and others, "of Christ": having received the word; the Gospel, the word of truth, peace, and righteousness, and of salvation by Christ; which they received not as the word of man, but of God; and that in much affliction; referring to the uproar made by the baser sort of people, instigated by the unbelieving Jews, and the trouble they gave to Jason and other brethren, mentioned in Act 17:1 and this is a considerable commendation of them, that at a time when others were offended and fell off from hearing the word, and a profession of the Gospel, they should receive it, and that with much joy of the Holy Ghost; not with a carnal joy, or with a mere flash of natural affection, as in the stony ground hearers, and in the Jews, who rejoiced for a while in John's ministry, and in Herod, who sometimes heard him gladly; but with a spiritual joy of the Holy Ghost's producing in them, applying the word with power to them, giving them a spiritual gust of it, and pleasure in it, raising in their souls a joy upon the most solid foundation.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
In these words we have the evidence of the apostle's success among the Thessalonians, which was notorious and famous in several places. For, I. They were careful in their holy conversation to imitate the good examples of the apostles and ministers of Christ, Th1 1:6. As the apostle took care to demean himself well, not only for his own credit's sake, but for the benefit of others, by a conversation suitable to his doctrine, that he might not pull down with one hand what he built up with the other, so the Thessalonians, who observed what manner of men they were among them, how their preaching and living were all of a piece, showed a conscientious care to be followers of them, or to imitate their good example. Herein they became also followers of the Lord, who is the perfect example we must strive to imitate; and we should be followers of others no further than they are followers of Christ, Co1 11:1. The Thessalonians acted thus, notwithstanding their affliction, that much affliction which the apostles and themselves also were exposed to. They were willing to share in the sufferings that attended the embracing and professing of Christianity. They entertained the gospel, notwithstanding the troubles and hardships which attended the preachers and professors of it too. Perhaps this made the word more precious, being dear - bought; and the examples of the apostles shone very bright under their afflictions; so that the Thessalonians embraced the word cheerfully, and followed the example of the suffering apostles joyfully, with joy in the Holy Ghost - such solid and spiritual and lasting joy as the Holy Ghost is the author of, who, when our afflictions abound, makes our consolations much more to abound. II. Their zeal prevailed to such a degree that they were themselves examples to all about them, Th1 1:7, Th1 1:8. Observe here, 1. Their example was very effectual to make good impressions upon many others. They were tupoi - stamps, or instruments to make impression with. They had themselves received good impressions from the preaching and conversation of the apostles, and they made good impressions, and their conversation had an influence upon others. Note, Christians should be so good as by their example to influence others. 2. It was very extensive, and reached beyond the confines of Thessalonica, even to the believers of all Macedonia, and further, in Achaia; the Philippians, and others who received the gospel before the Thessalonians, were edified by their example. Note, Some who were last hired into the vineyard may sometimes outstrip those who come in before them, and become examples to them. 3. It was very famous. The word of the Lord, or its wonderful effects upon the Thessalonians, sounded, or was famous and well known, in the regions round about that city, and in every place; not strictly every where, but here and there, up and down in the world: so that, from the good success of the gospel among them, many others were encouraged to entertain it, and to be willing, when called, to suffer for it. Their faith was spread abroad. (1.) The readiness of their faith was famed abroad. These Thessalonians embraced the gospel as soon as it was preached to them; so that every body took notice what manner of entering in among them the apostles had, that there were no such delays as at Philippi, where it was a great while before much good was done. (2.) The effects of their faith were famous. [1.] They quitted their idolatry; they turned from their idols, and abandoned all the false worship they had been educated in. [2.] They gave themselves up to God, to the living and true God, and devoted themselves to his service. [3.] They set themselves to wait for the Son of God from heaven, Th1 1:10. And this is one of the peculiarities of our holy religion, to wait for Christ's second coming, as those who believe he will come and hope he will come to our joy. The believers under the Old Testament waited for the coming of the Messiah, and believers now wait for his second coming; he is yet to come. And there is good reason to believe he will come, because God has raised him from the dead, which is full assurance unto all men that he will come to judgment, Act 17:31. And there is good reason to hope and wait for his coming, because he has delivered us from the wrath to come. He came to purchase salvation, and will, when he comes again, bring salvation with him, full and final deliverance from sin, and death, and hell, from that wrath which is yet to come upon unbelievers, and which, when it has once come, will be yet to come, because it is everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels, Mat 25:41.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:6 Because they accepted the Good News, the Thessalonians experienced severe suffering from their contemporaries (2:14; 3:3-4). Yet as they followed the model of the apostles and of the Lord himself (Matt 5:11-12; Rom 8:17; 12:12; Phil 2:17), they received joy from the Holy Spirit (1 Pet 4:13-14).