Charles Ellicott Commentary 1 Thessalonians 1:6

"And ye became imitators of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit;" — 1 Thessalonians 1:6 (ASV)

And you became followers.—Not so much a separate reason for believing them elected of God because of their receptiveness, but an evidence of the power given by God to the preachers for winning them. “So much so, that, in spite of persecution, you became Christians with enthusiasm.”

Followers.—Not “disciples,” but imitators. The three points in which the Lord and His Apostles were imitated are then expressed:

1. Meek reception (Psalms 40:6; Isaiah 1:5).
2. At whatever cost.
3. Rejoicing all the while (Psalms 22:22; Psalms 45:7).

In much affliction.—For examples of troubles in the early days of the Thessalonian Church, see Acts 17:5; Acts 17:8.

Holy Ghost is used in the same way as in 1 Thessalonians 1:5. “Joy which is the natural outcome of a spirit united with the Holy Spirit.”