1 Thessalonians 1:6 - Meaning and Application

These words show how well the apostle’s work among the Thessalonians succeeded, and the news of it spread widely. They became known for a faith that showed itself clearly in their lives.

They were careful in their conduct to follow the good example of the apostles and ministers of Christ (1 Thessalonians 1:6). Paul cared about living well, not only for his own honor, but for the good of others. He did not want to undo with his life what he built up with his teaching. In the same way, the Thessalonians watched how the apostles lived among them and saw that their preaching and their behavior matched. So they made a sincere effort to follow them and copy their good example.

In doing this, they also became followers of the Lord, who is the perfect example we should try to imitate. We should follow other people only as far as they follow Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1). The Thessalonians did this even though they faced great suffering. They were willing to share in the hardships that came with believing and openly confessing Christianity. They received the gospel despite the troubles that came on both the preachers and the believers.

This may have made the message even more precious to them, because it came at a cost. The apostles’ example also shone more brightly because they suffered. So the Thessalonians welcomed the word gladly and followed the suffering apostles with joy from the Holy Spirit, that is, the deep and lasting joy the Holy Spirit gives. When troubles increase, God often increases comfort even more.

Their zeal grew so strong that they themselves became examples to everyone around them (1 Thessalonians 1:7-8). Their lives left a strong mark on others. They had first received good impressions from the apostles’ preaching and conduct, and now they were making good impressions on other people. Christians should live in such a way that their example helps others toward what is good.

Their influence was also wide. It reached beyond Thessalonica to believers throughout Macedonia, and farther still, into Achaia. Even the Philippians and others who had accepted the gospel before the Thessalonians were encouraged by their example. Sometimes those who come into the vineyard later go ahead of those who came earlier, and even become examples to them.

Their witness was also well known. The word of the Lord, or the remarkable results it produced among the Thessalonians, was heard about in the regions around that city and in many places more generally. News of their faith spread everywhere in the surrounding areas. Because the gospel had such success among them, many others were encouraged to receive it too, and to be ready, if called, to suffer for it.

Their faith was widely talked about. First, people noticed how quickly they believed. As soon as the gospel was preached, they accepted it. So everyone saw what kind of reception the apostles had among them, and how different it was from places where the work moved more slowly.

Second, the effects of their faith were famous. They turned away from idols and abandoned the false worship they had been taught. They gave themselves to God, the living and true God, and devoted themselves to serving him. And they began to wait for the Son of God from heaven (1 Thessalonians 1:10). This waiting for Christ’s second coming is one of the special marks of our faith. Believers in the Old Testament waited for the coming of the Messiah, and believers now wait for his return.

There is strong reason to believe he will come, because God raised him from the dead. That is full proof that he will come to judge the world (Acts 17:31). There is also good reason to hope for his coming, because he has delivered us from the wrath to come. He came first to purchase salvation, and when he comes again, he will bring salvation in full, complete rescue from sin, death, and hell, and from the coming wrath that waits for unbelievers. That wrath, once it comes, will last forever, like the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41).