1 Thessalonians 1:5-6

1:5 in that ¹  our gospel did not come to you merely in words, ²  but in power and in the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction (surely you recall the character we displayed when we came among you to help you). ³ 

1:6 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, when you received ⁴  the message with joy that comes from the Holy Spirit, despite great affliction.

1 Thessalonians 2:1

Paul’s Ministry in Thessalonica

2:1 For you yourselves know, brothers and sisters, ⁵  about our coming to you – it has not proven to be purposeless. ⁶ 

1 Thessalonians 2:13

2:13 And so ⁷  we too constantly thank God that when you received God’s message that you heard from us, ⁸  you accepted it not as a human message, ⁹  but as it truly is, God’s message, which is at work among you who believe.

[1:5]  ¹ tn Or “because.”

[1:5]  ² tn Or “speech,” or “an act of speaking.”

[1:5]  ³ tn Grk “just as you know what sort of people we were among you for your sakes.” Verse 5 reflects on the experience of Paul and his fellow preachers; v. 6 begins to describe the Thessalonians’ response.

[1:6]  ⁴ tn Or “after you received.”

[2:1]  ⁵ tn Grk “brothers.” See note on the phrase “brothers and sisters” in 1:4.

[2:1]  ⁶ tn Grk “has not become empty.” Paul is defending himself against the charge that he lacked earnestness and personal concern for them, but appeared in their city out of greed or egotism. In his defense he appeals to what they recall of his ministry and what has become of it since he left, all of which demonstrates his God-given earnestness and effectiveness.

[2:13]  ⁷ tn Grk “for this reason,” which seems to look back to Paul’s behavior just described. But it may look forward to v. 13b and mean: “and here is another reason that we constantly thank God: that…”

[2:13]  ⁸ tn Grk “God’s word of hearing from us.”

[2:13]  ⁹ tn Paul’s focus is their attitude toward the message he preached: They received it not as a human message but a message from God.