Charles Ellicott Commentary 1 Thessalonians 2:13

"And for this cause we also thank God without ceasing, that, when ye received from us the word of the message, [even the word] of God, ye accepted [it] not [as] the word of men, but, as it is in truth, the word of God, which also worketh in you that believe." — 1 Thessalonians 2:13 (ASV)

The first part of this chapter draws attention to the Apostles’ part in the conversion of Thessalonica. From this point (roughly speaking) to the end of 1 Thessalonians 3, the action of the converts is the chief subject.

This verse differs from the original in several details of more or less importance. Literally translated, it would read as follows: And for this cause we too thank God unceasingly, that, on receiving a word of hearing at our lips of God, you welcomed, not a word of men, but (as it is in truth) a word of God, which also, etc.

For this cause—namely, because of the labours we went through to teach you, which we are thankful were not wasted. We too, as well as you. The two words rendered “received” are not the same; the first meaning merely an outward reception, the second the welcome given. The words “it” and “as” (as the italics show) are not in the Greek. Saint Paul is not expressing so much his gratitude for the manner in which the word was greeted, as for the essential character of what was greeted.

The word of God which you heard from us.—The same phrase as in Hebrews 4:2, which is there rendered, the word preached. “The word might have been, so far as you knew, a mere word spoken by us—ordinary men—but it was in reality a word of God, and so you found when you embraced it.”

You who believe.—It could have no effect without this condition. (See Hebrews 4:2.)