Charles Ellicott Commentary 1 Thessalonians 1:9

"For they themselves report concerning us what manner of entering in we had unto you; and how ye turned unto God from idols, to serve a living and true God," — 1 Thessalonians 1:9 (ASV)

They themselves—that is, the inhabitants of those countries. “Wherever we go we find our own story told us.”

Show.—Rather, announce. Both sides of the story are told:

1. Of us—what kind of entry we made among you, explained in 1 Thessalonians 2:1–12 to mean that it was with the word of truth, of meekness, and righteousness (Psalms 45:5).
2. Of you—how truly converted you were, as he proceeds to show further in 1 Thessalonians 2:3–13:13.

Living and true God.—In contrast to the lifeless and false idols.

The Thessalonians had been Gentiles. Perhaps St. Paul was thinking of his own speech on Mars Hill, which had been recently uttered.