1 Thessalonians 1:9
Verse
Context
Greetings to the Thessalonians
8For not only did the message of the Lord ring out from you to Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone out to every place, so that we have no need to say anything more.9For they themselves report what kind of welcome you gave us, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God10and to await His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead—Jesus our deliverer from the coming wrath.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
How ye turned to God from idols - This could not be spoken either of the Jews or of the devout persons, but of the heathen Greeks, and of such it appears that the majority of the Church was formed. See what is said on this subject in the preface to this epistle. To serve the living and true God - The living God; in opposition to the idols, which were either inanimate stocks or stones, or the representations of dead men. The true God - In opposition to the whole system of idolatry, which was false in the objects of its adoration, false in its pretensions, false in its promises, and false in all its prospects.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Strictly there should follow, "For they themselves show of you," &c.; but, instead, he substitutes that which was the instrumental cause of the Thessalonians' conversion and faith, "for they themselves show of us what manner of entering in we had unto you"; compare Th1 1:5, which corresponds to this former clause, as Th1 1:6 corresponds to the latter clause. "And how ye turned from idols to serve the living . . . God," &c. Instead of our having "to speak any thing" to them (in Macedonia and Achaia) in your praise (Th1 1:8), "they themselves (have the start of us in speaking of you, and) announce concerning (so the Greek of 'show of' means) us, what manner of (how effectual an) entrance we had unto you" (Th1 1:5; Th1 2:1). the living and true God--as opposed to the dead and false gods from which they had "turned." In the English Version reading, Act 17:4, "of the devout Greeks a great multitude," no mention is made, as here, of the conversion of idolatrous Gentiles at Thessalonica; but the reading of some of the oldest manuscripts and Vulgate singularly coincides with the statement here: "Of the devout AND of Greeks (namely, idolaters) a great multitude"; so in Act 17:17, "the devout persons," that is, Gentile proselytes to Judaism, form a separate class. PALEY and LACHMANN, by distinct lines of argument, support the "AND."
John Gill Bible Commentary
For they themselves show of us,.... Either the above reports of the preaching of the Gospel to the Thessalonians, and of their faith in God; or rather the persons to whom these reports were brought, openly and publicly, and largely declared concerning the apostles, what manner of entering in we had unto you; under what difficulties they laboured, what contention they had with the unbelieving Jews, what reproaches were cast upon them, and what persecutions they endured when they first entered their city and synagogue, and preached the Gospel to them; and in what manner they did preach it, with what boldness, sincerity, uprightness and affection, and without flattery, covetousness, and vain glory; and with what power it came to them, and what success attended it, and how readily, cheerfully, and reverently both they and that were received by them: and how ye turned to God from idols; immediately and at once, upon the preaching of the Gospel to them, being first turned by the powerful and efficacious grace of God; for the first work of conversion is God's work; then they themselves, under the influence of the same grace, turned to the one God, from their internal idols, their sins and lusts, and from their external idols, their many false and fictitious deities: for the Thessalonians before the Gospel came among them were idolaters; here the "Dii Cabiri", the great and chief gods of the Gentiles, were worshipped; as Jupiter and Bacchus, Ceres and Proserpina, Pluto and Mercury, Castor and Pollux, and Esculapius; these the Macedonians, and particularly the Thessalonians, worshipped with great devotion and reverence (d): but now they turned from them and forsook them, to serve the living and true God; who is called the living God, because he has life in and of himself, and is the fountain of life to others; from whom all living creatures have their life, and are supported in it by him; and in opposition to the above idols, which were inanimate things made of wood or metal, and were images of men that had been dead long ago: and the "true" God, because he is truth itself, and cannot lie, who faithfully performs all his promises, and is to be worshipped in spirit and in truth; and in opposition to the nominal and fictitious deities of the Gentiles, which were only in name, not in truth and reality, or by nature gods: now though these Thessalonians had before done service to these idols, they now turned from them to serve the one living and true God; not only externally, by embracing and professing his Gospel, submitting to his ordinances, and walking according to the rules prescribed by him; but also internally, in the exercise of faith, hope, love, and every other grace. (d) Gutherlothus de mysteriis Deor. Cabirorum, c. 15. p. 94, 95. Jul. Firmicus. de errore prof. relig. p. 18.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:9 Among the Gentiles, the message of the apostles was an exhortation to turn from false idols to serve the living and true God, who created all things (Acts 14:11-18; 17:22-31; 19:23-41). In a pluralistic religious environment, the call to forsake ancestral gods was unusual (cp. Jer 10:8-10; 1 Cor 8:4-6).
1 Thessalonians 1:9
Greetings to the Thessalonians
8For not only did the message of the Lord ring out from you to Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone out to every place, so that we have no need to say anything more.9For they themselves report what kind of welcome you gave us, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God10and to await His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead—Jesus our deliverer from the coming wrath.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Cost of Discipleship - Part 10
By Paris Reidhead6.0K19:25Cost Of DiscipleshipEXO 20:12DEU 12:30MAT 22:37ROM 7:71TH 1:91JN 2:31JN 5:2In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story of how he realized he was lost and disobedient to his parents. Despite being involved in church activities and memorizing scripture, he had lied and deceived his parents. The speaker emphasizes the importance of keeping God's commandments and honoring parents as a sign of being a child of God. He recounts a moment of brokenness and repentance where he sought forgiveness from God and his mother, and experienced the assurance of God's forgiveness. The sermon highlights the need for genuine commitment and passion to please God, rather than just going through religious motions.
(Basics) 7. Repentance
By Zac Poonen3.1K12:51MAT 6:24MRK 8:34LUK 14:33ACT 3:19ROM 2:42CO 7:101TH 1:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the difficulty people have in asking for forgiveness due to their pride. He explains that in order to receive forgiveness from God, one must turn towards Him and away from their old way of life. Repentance is described as a simple act of turning around, just like in a military parade. The speaker also highlights the importance of genuine repentance, which is demonstrated through actions and a willingness to make amends with others. The sermon concludes by reminding listeners that forgiveness is not cheap, as it required the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
(Youth Bible School 2007) Holy
By Dean Taylor1.5K56:30Bible SchoolMAT 6:332CO 6:171TH 1:91PE 2:1REV 1:5In this sermon, the speaker addresses a group of young men and women, emphasizing the importance of their role in solving the problems in their country. He encourages them to listen to the word of God and allow it to speak to their hearts. The sermon is titled "Hold it," based on 1 Peter 2:1, which urges believers to lay aside malice, guile, hypocrisy, envy, and evil speaking. The speaker also shares a powerful story of a man who stood his ground and called others to join him in resisting the enemy, illustrating the need for determination and courage in the face of opposition.
By Love Serve
By Bill McLeod1.3K54:08PSA 142:4PRO 17:9PRO 31:26JHN 15:13ROM 15:1GAL 5:13COL 3:161TH 1:91PE 1:22This sermon emphasizes the importance of serving one another in love, drawing from Galatians 5:13. It highlights the need to show genuine care, exhort, comfort, and support fellow believers, using spiritual gifts to edify the church. The speaker urges the congregation to be proactive in reaching out to those in need, sharing stories of sacrificial love and practical ways to serve others.
Pilgrims Problems No. 12 the Great Tribulation
By Willie Mullan1.2K1:00:19The Great TribulationMAT 24:3EPH 2:19EPH 2:211TH 1:51TH 1:9REV 5:9In this sermon, the preacher discusses the opening of the fourth seal in the book of Revelation. The fourth seal reveals a pale horse, symbolizing death, and hell follows with it. The preacher emphasizes the significance of this event, stating that it will bring distress and devastation to a fourth part of the earth. The sermon also mentions the scene in heaven where the Lamb takes the book and the prayers of the saints are represented by the elders.
Repentance and Clear Vision
By Zac Poonen1.1K58:32MAT 3:1MAT 4:17MAT 22:37MRK 8:221TH 1:92TH 2:112TI 4:3JAS 4:4This sermon emphasizes the importance of repentance, drawing parallels between the message of John the Baptist preparing the way for Jesus and the need for individuals today to repent to truly receive Christ. It highlights the danger of idolatry, the necessity of turning away from earthly desires to serve God, and the significance of genuine repentance for a clear spiritual vision and a life dedicated to God's kingdom.
Gospel & Spirit
By Jim Cymbala76429:34Gospel1TH 1:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the gospel message and its power to transform lives. He highlights the need for individuals to put their faith in Jesus and make him the center of their lives. The preacher also discusses the concept of eternal life and the assurance that comes with having a relationship with Jesus. He warns against the existence of different interpretations of Jesus and emphasizes the need to believe in the true Lord Jesus Christ as presented in the Bible. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the love of God, the forgiveness of sins through Jesus' sacrifice, and the importance of sharing the gospel with others.
The 1904 Welsh Revival: Lessons of Hope (Part 2)
By Tim Williams66642:13MAT 6:33MAT 7:201TH 1:51TH 1:9In this sermon, the preacher describes a prayer meeting attended by hardworking coal miners. These men gathered before their work to seek God's blessing and to commit to honest and proper execution of their tasks. The impact of their prayers was profound, as old debts were paid, jails emptied, and the community experienced positive change. The preacher emphasizes the simplicity of salvation through belief in Jesus Christ and shares a testimony of a convert who realized that salvation comes through faith, not through personal effort or anguish in prayer.
The Pre-Tribulation Rapture - Grant Jeffrey
By From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons42825:42Radio1TH 1:9In this sermon, Grant Jeffrey discusses the concept of the pre-tribulation rapture of the church. He explains that according to the Bible, the resurrection and rapture are central doctrines of Jesus Christ's teachings. Jeffrey also mentions the vastness of the universe and suggests that it is unlikely that God created it without other viable planets. He emphasizes that believers will have glorified bodies like Jesus when he rose from the dead. Additionally, Jeffrey mentions the judgment seat of Christ where believers will receive rewards and crowns based on their faithful service.
True Repentance
By Zac Poonen27725:24ISA 53:6EZK 14:3JHN 1:14ACT 20:21ROM 3:231CO 10:131TH 1:9JAS 4:171JN 3:4This sermon emphasizes God's promise in 1 Corinthians 10:13 that He will never allow us to face trials beyond our ability to bear, likening trials to resistance training for spiritual strength. It discusses the importance of repentance and faith as inseparable responses to the gospel, highlighting the need to turn away from sin and trust in Jesus. Repentance is described as a continuous attitude of turning from known sins, leading to a deeper understanding of what constitutes sin and a desire to align with God's glory seen in Jesus Christ.
Part 26: Partial Rapture Theory
By John F. Walvoord0JHN 14:31CO 15:51EPH 4:301TH 1:91TH 2:191TH 4:141TH 4:161TH 5:4REV 22:12John F. Walvoord discusses the theory of partial rapture, where a small group of pretribulationists believe only faithful church members will be raptured before or during the tribulation, based on works rather than grace. The historical background of this theory is traced back to Robert Govett in the 19th century. Walvoord presents general reasons for rejecting partial rapture, emphasizing salvation by grace, unity of the body of Christ, and the clear teaching in Scripture that all true believers will be translated at the appointed time.
The Coming of Christ
By G. Campbell Morgan0Hope and ExpectationThe Second Coming of Christ1TH 1:9G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes the certainty of Christ's second coming and the hope it brings to believers, contrasting various theological views on how the Millennium will be ushered in. He highlights the threefold attitude of believers: turning from idols, serving the living God, and waiting for Christ's return, which has been largely forgotten by the Church. Morgan points out that the New Testament contains numerous references to Christ's coming, urging Christians to maintain their hope and expectation. He distinguishes between the 'coming' of Christ for His people and the 'day of the Lord,' which will follow, emphasizing the importance of living in anticipation of His return. Ultimately, he reassures that the Church's hope lies in the imminent return of the Lord, which will lead to the establishment of His Kingdom.
Thessalonians Chapter 1 the Epistles of the Advent
By A.B. Simpson0Readiness and HolinessThe Second Coming of Christ1TH 1:9A.B. Simpson emphasizes the significance of the doctrine of the Lord's coming in his sermon on Thessalonians Chapter 1, highlighting it as a central theme that motivates conversion, faithful ministry, and Christian love. He explains that the anticipation of Christ's return serves as a source of comfort for the afflicted and a call to watchfulness for believers, urging them to live in holiness and readiness. Simpson also warns against the apostasy that may precede the Lord's return, encouraging believers to remain steadfast in their faith and duties while awaiting His coming.
Part 23: Premillennialism and the Tribulation
By John F. Walvoord0DEU 4:29JER 30:4DAN 9:24MAT 24:15ROM 5:91TH 1:92PE 2:6REV 3:10John F. Walvoord preaches on the nature of the tribulation, emphasizing the importance of a literal interpretation of Scripture to understand that the church of the present age will not go through the tribulation. The Old Testament and New Testament passages clearly indicate that the tribulation is focused on Israel, Gentile powers, and saints, but not on the church. The nature of the church versus the nature of Israel further supports the pretribulation viewpoint, highlighting the distinction between the true church and the professing church, as well as the difference between the true church and true Israel.
The Full Import of Conversion 1 Thessalonians 1:9, 10
By John Nelson Darby0ConversionNew Life in Christ1TH 1:9John Nelson Darby emphasizes that true conversion involves a complete turning to God, where Christ becomes the central focus of one's life. He explains that conversion is not merely about relief from guilt but about receiving a new life in Christ, leading to a transformed state and purpose. Darby highlights the importance of understanding one's identity in Christ, being dead to sin, and living by faith, which allows believers to walk in the Spirit and reflect Christ's glory. He stresses that true sanctification comes from recognizing that all sins are forgiven through Christ's sacrifice, leading to peace and acceptance before God. Ultimately, Darby concludes that conversion is about having Christ as everything to the soul, guiding believers to live in a way that honors Him.
Pentecostal Converts
By Martin Knapp01TH 1:9Martin Knapp preaches about the characteristics of Pentecostal converts, emphasizing their spiritual vitality, loyalty to Christ, transformation, conviction of sin, and hunger for holiness. These converts are marked by their love for others, obedience to God's Word, and joyful expectation of Christ's return. They are distinguished by their honesty, humility, and readiness to confess sins, as well as their hunger for God's Word and their fruitfulness in displaying the fruits of the Spirit. Knapp warns against counterfeit conversions and emphasizes the importance of genuine repentance, sanctification, and a Christ-like lifestyle.
Second River -- Idol Worship
By Martin Knapp0EXO 20:4PSA 115:4DAN 12:3ACT 17:291CO 10:14COL 3:51TH 1:91JN 5:21REV 21:8Martin Knapp delivers a powerful sermon on the sin of idolatry, emphasizing the First Commandment's prohibition of internal idolatry and the Second Commandment's prohibition of outward idolatry. He highlights God's severe view of idolatry, leading to death and eternal punishment in the lake of fire. Knapp warns against various forms of idolatry, such as worshiping images, dedicating temples to false gods, and rejecting Jesus for sham religion, stressing the importance of turning from idols to serve the living God.
The Waiting Christ
By Arno Clemens Gaebelein0MAT 25:1ROM 8:171TH 1:9HEB 10:13REV 1:9Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches on the blessed characteristics of true Christianity, focusing on the importance of waiting for the coming of the Lord as seen in the parable of the ten virgins. He emphasizes the three great marks of a true believer: Separation, Manifestation, and Expectation, as illustrated in the lives of the Thessalonians. Gaebelein highlights the significance of understanding that our Lord is also waiting for His people and His enemies to be made His footstool, stressing the patient waiting of Christ and the privilege of sharing in His rejection. He encourages believers to patiently wait for Christ and to bear His reproach, knowing that suffering with Him will lead to sharing in His triumph and glory.
The Effectuality of True Preaching
By Bryan Anthony0PSA 119:130ISA 6:8JER 23:28ROM 10:141CO 1:181TH 1:91TH 2:132TI 4:2HEB 4:12Bryan Anthony preaches about the famine of true preaching in the midst of societal darkness, drawing parallels between the Gin Craze in 18th century England and the skepticism and hardness of heart prevalent today. He emphasizes the need for a revival of authentic preaching that shatters stony hearts and delivers the perspective of God Himself, as seen in the transformative power of the Gospel proclaimed by George Whitefield and the Wesley brothers during England's revival. Anthony challenges preachers to seek a holy resonance through surrender to the Lord, highlighting that true preaching is a divine phenomenon that brings eternity to bear upon its hearers.
The Message of 1 Thessalonians
By G. Campbell Morgan0Christian ExperienceSecond Advent1TH 1:9G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes the significance of the Second Advent in the Christian experience, illustrating how it serves as the foundation for faith, inspires labor, and fosters patience among believers. He highlights that the Thessalonian Christians, despite facing persecution, found comfort and motivation in the promise of Christ's return, which reassured them of their faith and the ultimate victory over suffering. Morgan calls for a response of sanctification in personal life, love for others, and honesty in the world, urging believers to live in anticipation of Christ's return. He warns against the dangers of losing sight of this doctrine, which can lead to unbelief and spiritual indifference. Ultimately, he encourages the church to embrace the hope of the Second Advent as a catalyst for active faith and service.
The Rapture and the Appearing, or Sovereignty and Responsibility
By H.J. Vine01CO 15:52COL 3:41TH 1:91TH 4:142TH 1:101PE 1:7H.J. Vine preaches on the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, focusing on the Rapture and the Appearing. The Rapture involves the translation to heaven of believers when Christ comes in the air, while the Appearing will be His glorious return to establish His kingdom on earth. Believers are called to be converted, serve the Lord, and eagerly wait for His coming. The special revelation in 1 Thessalonians 4 unveils the catching up of believers to meet the Lord in the air, a moment of pure grace and love from the Lord.
Repent From Living for Yourself
By Zac Poonen0RepentanceLiving For GodMAT 6:24LUK 9:23JHN 15:5ROM 12:11CO 15:32CO 5:152CO 5:17GAL 2:201TH 1:9HEB 12:1Zac Poonen emphasizes the necessity of repentance from living for oneself, illustrating that true sin extends beyond obvious vices to the self-centeredness that permeates our lives. He explains that while many may acknowledge Christ's sacrifice for our sins, they often neglect the call to live for Him, which is essential for genuine faith. Poonen warns against the deception of believing one can be saved while still prioritizing personal desires over God's will. He encourages believers to identify and relinquish their idols, including the subtle ones that distract from a life devoted to God. Ultimately, he calls for a radical shift in focus from self to glorifying God, assuring that true freedom and purpose are found in this commitment.
Mark 15:34
By Chuck Smith0Consequences of SinSeparation from GodGEN 3:6GEN 4:8PSA 14:1ISA 59:1MAT 26:39MRK 15:34JHN 1:1JHN 17:5ROM 3:231TH 1:9Chuck Smith explores the profound implications of Jesus' cry, 'My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?' during His crucifixion, illustrating how the cross reveals humanity's worst tendencies and rebellion against God. He emphasizes that sin leads to separation from God, a consequence that was warned of since Adam's time, and highlights the agony of Jesus in Gethsemane as He faced the bitterness of being forsaken. Smith reflects on the nature of fellowship with God, which is disrupted by sin, and warns of the ultimate punishment for those who persist in rebellion against God.
The From's and To's
By A.W. Tozer0SalvationNew Life in Christ1TH 1:9A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of understanding the distinction between what we are saved from and what we are saved to, arguing that the evangelical Church has focused too much on the negatives of salvation. He points out that while Christians are saved from sin and wrath, they must also recognize the positive aspect of being saved to serve the living God and await His Son. Tozer highlights that being preoccupied with the negatives leads to a life of negation, which detracts from the fullness of the Christian experience. He references Paul's teaching in 1 Thessalonians to illustrate that true salvation involves a turning towards God and away from idols. The sermon calls believers to shift their focus from merely escaping the past to embracing the new life in Christ.
Foundation Truths (1 Thess. 1:9:10)
By T. Austin-Sparks0WorshipHope in Christ1TH 1:9T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the foundational truths of the Christian life as illustrated in 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10, where new converts turned from idols to serve the living God and await the return of Jesus. He highlights the importance of recognizing God's worthiness and the necessity of a heart fully devoted to Him, which was evident in the exemplary character of the Thessalonian believers. Sparks explains that their faith was rooted in the reality of Christ's resurrection and the hope of His return, which provided them with assurance and purpose amidst trials. He warns against the dangers of idolatry and the need for believers to understand their deliverance from impending wrath through Jesus. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deep commitment to God, recognizing Him as the only true source of hope and life.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
How ye turned to God from idols - This could not be spoken either of the Jews or of the devout persons, but of the heathen Greeks, and of such it appears that the majority of the Church was formed. See what is said on this subject in the preface to this epistle. To serve the living and true God - The living God; in opposition to the idols, which were either inanimate stocks or stones, or the representations of dead men. The true God - In opposition to the whole system of idolatry, which was false in the objects of its adoration, false in its pretensions, false in its promises, and false in all its prospects.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Strictly there should follow, "For they themselves show of you," &c.; but, instead, he substitutes that which was the instrumental cause of the Thessalonians' conversion and faith, "for they themselves show of us what manner of entering in we had unto you"; compare Th1 1:5, which corresponds to this former clause, as Th1 1:6 corresponds to the latter clause. "And how ye turned from idols to serve the living . . . God," &c. Instead of our having "to speak any thing" to them (in Macedonia and Achaia) in your praise (Th1 1:8), "they themselves (have the start of us in speaking of you, and) announce concerning (so the Greek of 'show of' means) us, what manner of (how effectual an) entrance we had unto you" (Th1 1:5; Th1 2:1). the living and true God--as opposed to the dead and false gods from which they had "turned." In the English Version reading, Act 17:4, "of the devout Greeks a great multitude," no mention is made, as here, of the conversion of idolatrous Gentiles at Thessalonica; but the reading of some of the oldest manuscripts and Vulgate singularly coincides with the statement here: "Of the devout AND of Greeks (namely, idolaters) a great multitude"; so in Act 17:17, "the devout persons," that is, Gentile proselytes to Judaism, form a separate class. PALEY and LACHMANN, by distinct lines of argument, support the "AND."
John Gill Bible Commentary
For they themselves show of us,.... Either the above reports of the preaching of the Gospel to the Thessalonians, and of their faith in God; or rather the persons to whom these reports were brought, openly and publicly, and largely declared concerning the apostles, what manner of entering in we had unto you; under what difficulties they laboured, what contention they had with the unbelieving Jews, what reproaches were cast upon them, and what persecutions they endured when they first entered their city and synagogue, and preached the Gospel to them; and in what manner they did preach it, with what boldness, sincerity, uprightness and affection, and without flattery, covetousness, and vain glory; and with what power it came to them, and what success attended it, and how readily, cheerfully, and reverently both they and that were received by them: and how ye turned to God from idols; immediately and at once, upon the preaching of the Gospel to them, being first turned by the powerful and efficacious grace of God; for the first work of conversion is God's work; then they themselves, under the influence of the same grace, turned to the one God, from their internal idols, their sins and lusts, and from their external idols, their many false and fictitious deities: for the Thessalonians before the Gospel came among them were idolaters; here the "Dii Cabiri", the great and chief gods of the Gentiles, were worshipped; as Jupiter and Bacchus, Ceres and Proserpina, Pluto and Mercury, Castor and Pollux, and Esculapius; these the Macedonians, and particularly the Thessalonians, worshipped with great devotion and reverence (d): but now they turned from them and forsook them, to serve the living and true God; who is called the living God, because he has life in and of himself, and is the fountain of life to others; from whom all living creatures have their life, and are supported in it by him; and in opposition to the above idols, which were inanimate things made of wood or metal, and were images of men that had been dead long ago: and the "true" God, because he is truth itself, and cannot lie, who faithfully performs all his promises, and is to be worshipped in spirit and in truth; and in opposition to the nominal and fictitious deities of the Gentiles, which were only in name, not in truth and reality, or by nature gods: now though these Thessalonians had before done service to these idols, they now turned from them to serve the one living and true God; not only externally, by embracing and professing his Gospel, submitting to his ordinances, and walking according to the rules prescribed by him; but also internally, in the exercise of faith, hope, love, and every other grace. (d) Gutherlothus de mysteriis Deor. Cabirorum, c. 15. p. 94, 95. Jul. Firmicus. de errore prof. relig. p. 18.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:9 Among the Gentiles, the message of the apostles was an exhortation to turn from false idols to serve the living and true God, who created all things (Acts 14:11-18; 17:22-31; 19:23-41). In a pluralistic religious environment, the call to forsake ancestral gods was unusual (cp. Jer 10:8-10; 1 Cor 8:4-6).