1 Thessalonians 2 13

1 Thessalonians 2:13 kjv

For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

1 Thessalonians 2:13 nkjv

For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.

1 Thessalonians 2:13 niv

And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.

1 Thessalonians 2:13 esv

And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.

1 Thessalonians 2:13 nlt

Therefore, we never stop thanking God that when you received his message from us, you didn't think of our words as mere human ideas. You accepted what we said as the very word of God ? which, of course, it is. And this word continues to work in you who believe.

1 Thessalonians 2 verses

1 Thessalonians 2 13 Meaning

This verse highlights the believers' acceptance of God's word not as human utterance but as divine truth, which actively works within those who believe. This reception leads to their sanctification.

1 Thessalonians 2 13 Context

In 1 Thessalonians chapter 2, Paul is defending his ministry and the validity of the gospel message he proclaimed to the Thessalonians. He emphasizes that their ministry was genuine, conducted with sincerity, purity, and a desire to please God, not men. He contrasts their approach with those who pervert the word of God for gain or out of deceit. This verse serves as the culmination of that defense, asserting that the Thessalonians themselves recognized the divine origin of Paul's message, leading to its transformative power in their lives.

1 Thessalonians 2 13 Word Analysis

• καὶ (kai): "and" - a conjunctive particle connecting this clause to the preceding one.
• γὰρ (gar): "for" - introduces an explanation or reason.
• ἀπεδέχεσθε (apedechesthe): "you welcomed" or "you received."
  • From $\delta \varepsilon \chi \mathrm{o} \mu \alpha \mathrm{l}$ (dechomai), a deponent verb meaning "to accept," "receive willingly," "welcome."
  • Implies an active, eager reception, not mere passive hearing.
  • Highlights the Thessalonians' positive response to the preached word.
• οὐχ ὡς (ouch hos): "not as."
  • Emphasizes the distinction between human pronouncements and divine communication.
• λόγον ἀνθρώπων (logon anthropon): "a word of men."
  • "Logos" refers to word, speech, discourse, message.
  • Contrasts with the divine origin.
• ἀλλ’ (all'): "but."
  • Introduces a direct contrast.
• οἷός ἐστιν (hoios estin): "as it truly is" or "what it really is."
  • "Hoios" means "of what kind," "such as."
  • "Estin" is the third-person singular present indicative of $\epsilon\iota\mu\mathrm{l}$ (eimi), "to be."
  • Asserts the absolute truth and divine essence of the message.
• ἀληθῶς (alethos): "truly," "really," "in truth."
  • An adverb strengthening the assertion of genuine reality.
  • Underlines that the word received possessed inherent divine truth.
• θεοῦ (theou): "of God."
  • Genitive singular masculine of $\Theta \varepsilon\mathrm{o}\acute{\varsigma}$ (Theos), "God."
  • Declares the ultimate source and nature of the word.
• καὶ (kai): "and."
• ἐν (en): "in."
  • Preposition indicating a location or sphere of action.
• ὑμῖν (hymin): "you" (plural, dative).
  • Refers to the Thessalonian believers.
• τοῖς πιστεύουσιν (tois pisteuousin): "who believe" or "those believing."
  • Present participle, masculine plural, dative case from $\pi \iota \sigma \tau \varepsilon \cup \acute{\omega}$ (pisteuō), "to believe."
  • Belief is presented as the active condition for the word to work.

Word Group Analysis

• "not as a word of men, but as what it truly is, the word of God": This entire phrase encapsulates the Thessalonians' correct theological discernment. They didn't view the gospel as a human philosophy or invention, but recognized its divine authority and source, "the word of God." This echoes how earlier prophets stated, "Thus says the Lord."
• "which also works in you who believe": This emphasizes the inherent efficacy and dynamic power of God's word when it is truly received by faith. It’s not a dead letter but a living, active force that produces spiritual transformation. The participle "who believe" ("tois pisteuousin") links the effectiveness of the word directly to the recipient's faith.

1 Thessalonians 2 13 Bonus Section

The "work" the word performs is often understood as salvation, the impartation of the Holy Spirit, and ongoing sanctification. The power is inherent in the word itself because it is the word of God, a reflection of His divine nature and will. This connects to the concept of the "imperishable seed" in 1 Peter 1:23. The Thessalonians' "welcoming" of the word implies a response of submission and obedience, which is where the word's power is unleashed in the life of a believer. This active work within them contrasts with the empty teachings of false apostles or pagan philosophies that lacked divine life and power.

1 Thessalonians 2 13 Commentary

The Thessalonian believers genuinely embraced Paul's message, not as a human idea or opinion, but as the authentic word originating from God Himself. This recognition was foundational because it unlocked the inherent power within the divine message. This word actively worked within them, initiating and continuing the process of spiritual growth, transformation, and sanctification, which is the fruit of genuine faith in God's truth. Their faith wasn't passive; it activated the dynamic power of the gospel to reshape their lives from the inside out.