1 Thessalonians 1:7 kjv
So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.
1 Thessalonians 1:7 nkjv
so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe.
1 Thessalonians 1:7 niv
And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.
1 Thessalonians 1:7 esv
so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.
1 Thessalonians 1:7 nlt
As a result, you have become an example to all the believers in Greece ? throughout both Macedonia and Achaia.
1 Thessalonians 1 7 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Phil 3:17 | Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk... | Paul encourages believers to imitate his pattern. |
| 2 Th 3:7 | For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us... | Paul reiterates his own life as an example to follow. |
| 2 Th 3:9 | It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves... | Paul gave an example for their imitation. |
| 1 Ti 4:12 | ...be an example to the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith... | Timothy exhorted to be an example to believers. |
| Tit 2:7 | Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works... | Titus instructed to be an example in every good deed. |
| 1 Pet 5:3 | ...not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. | Elders are to lead by example, not by coercion. |
| Heb 6:12 | ...but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. | Encourages imitation of faithful individuals. |
| Rom 1:8 | First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith... | The faith of the Roman church was proclaimed throughout the world. |
| Col 1:6 | ...bearing fruit and increasing, as it also does in you since the day you heard... | The gospel's fruitfulness in them, similar to other parts of the world. |
| Mt 5:16 | In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see... | Believers' good works shine as a testimony. |
| Phil 2:15 | ...that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish... | Believers shine as lights in a dark world. |
| Acts 1:8 | But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you... | Believers are witnesses to the ends of the earth. |
| Acts 17:6 | And when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers... | The gospel's impact, "turning the world upside down." |
| 1 Th 1:5 | ...because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and... | Their reception of the gospel was empowered by the Holy Spirit. |
| 1 Co 2:4 | ...and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but... | The gospel presented with demonstration of Spirit and power. |
| 2 Co 3:2-3 | You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by all. | Believers as living letters, visible examples of Christ's work. |
| Eph 5:1-2 | Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ... | Calls to imitate God, walking in love. |
| 1 Th 5:11 | Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. | The positive impact believers have on each other. |
| Heb 12:1 | Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us... | The example of past faithful believers encourages perseverance. |
| 2 Co 8:1-5 | We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been granted... | The generosity of the Macedonian churches as an example. |
1 Thessalonians 1 verses
1 Thessalonians 1 7 Meaning
First Thessalonians 1:7 describes how the Thessalonian believers, through their genuine faith, steadfast hope, and loving service, became living patterns and models for all other believers throughout the Roman provinces of Macedonia and Achaia. Their spiritual vitality and exemplary conduct, despite facing significant affliction, served as a powerful testament to the transformative power of the Gospel, influencing and encouraging other churches in the region to follow their godly example.
1 Thessalonians 1 7 Context
First Thessalonians chapter 1 introduces the theme of the Thessalonian church's remarkable faith and endurance amidst suffering. Verses 2-3 praise their "work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope." Verses 4-5 explain that their conversion was not just intellectual assent but a powerful work of the Holy Spirit. Verse 6 notes their joyful reception of the word despite much affliction, a counter-cultural response that was a direct result of their Spirit-empowered conversion. Verse 7 naturally follows, presenting the outcome or result of this transformative experience: their lives became a demonstrable pattern. This sets the stage for verse 8, which further elaborates on the wide dissemination of their faith and testimony beyond Macedonia and Achaia. Historically, Thessalonica was a significant Roman city, and the church was young, founded quickly by Paul, Silas, and Timothy during a brief stay before persecution forced them to leave (Acts 17:1-9). Despite their recent conversion and minimal direct tutelage, their spiritual maturity and witness were extraordinary, reflecting God's empowering grace.
1 Thessalonians 1 7 Word analysis
- So that you became (ὥστε γενέσθαι ὑμᾶς - hōste genesthai hymas):
- So that (hōste): This Greek conjunction introduces a resultative clause, indicating the direct outcome or consequence of the preceding actions and spiritual realities described in 1 Th 1:3-6. Their faith, love, hope, and Spirit-empowered reception of the word resulted in their exemplary status.
- you became (genesthai hymas from ginomai): The verb "ginomai" signifies not merely being or existing, but rather "coming into being," "becoming," or "being brought about." It implies a process of transformation and development, highlighting that their exemplary status was not static but was actively lived out and unfolded through their spiritual journey and conduct. It's a dynamic reality, a testament to God's active work within them.
- examples (τύπους - typous):
- The Greek word "typos" means "an impression," "a figure," "a model," "a pattern," "a mold," or "an example." It refers to something that serves as a standard or template to be copied or imitated. Here, it denotes that the Thessalonian believers, in their whole manner of life, acted as living demonstrations or living patterns of genuine Christian conduct, for others to observe and replicate. Their lives were concrete manifestations of Christian faith.
- The plural "examples" suggests that it wasn't just one aspect of their lives but their overall character, endurance, love, and unwavering faith that served as a comprehensive model.
- to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe:
- to all: This emphasizes the widespread reach and universality of their influence within the specified regions. Their example was not limited to a small group but impacted the wider Christian community.
- Macedonia and Achaia: These are two Roman provinces in ancient Greece. Macedonia (northern Greece) included cities like Philippi and Berea, where Paul also ministered. Achaia (southern Greece) included Corinth and Athens. These regions hosted various early Christian churches. This specific mention indicates a geographic spread of their reputation and influence beyond their local context, showing that news of their faith was widely known and appreciated.
- who believe: This phrase ("pisteuousi") clarifies the primary audience and nature of their example. It was specifically for other believers. While their lives may have also implicitly witnessed to unbelievers, the explicit focus here is on their role as models within the Christian fellowship, demonstrating what it truly meant to be followers of Christ for those who had also put their trust in Him. They set a standard for Christian living for those who already had faith.
1 Thessalonians 1 7 Bonus section
The rapid diffusion of the Thessalonians' exemplary conduct strongly suggests a divine element at play, indicating the Holy Spirit's immediate work in empowering their witness, not just human effort. It speaks to the power of a life authentically lived for Christ, which can have far-reaching impact without the need for sophisticated strategies or lengthy doctrinal training. Their example highlights that sometimes the most potent form of evangelism and church strengthening comes not from sermons or programs, but from a genuine, Spirit-filled Christian life being visibly lived. This passive but powerful testimony of "being" rather than merely "doing" greatly accelerated the gospel's influence in those early days.
1 Thessalonians 1 7 Commentary
Verse 7 reveals the tangible outcome of the spiritual vitality within the Thessalonian church. Their genuine faith (seen in their actions), heartfelt love (in their service), and steadfast hope (in their endurance of suffering) transformed them into living paradigms of discipleship. This was not a passive status; they "became" examples through their active embodiment of the Gospel in their daily lives. The Holy Spirit's power, which infused their reception of the word amidst affliction, empowered them to radiate a spiritual maturity far beyond what their young church status would suggest. Their witness resonated across entire Roman provinces, offering a clear, observable pattern of how true Christian living—even under persecution—could shine brightly, serving as encouragement and a guide for other believers to follow suit. They served as a tangible proof that the Gospel truly transforms lives, acting as an informal seminary or practical discipleship class for fellow saints.