Expositor's Bible Commentary 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)

Having already thanked God in 1:2–3 for their progress, Paul now does so again by alluding to 1:5–10, which describes specifically how the Thessalonians so rapidly entered on a Christian way of life. Now he cites their ready acceptance of the word of God (cf. 1:6)—not in proof of their election as in ch. 1, but to show the reason for his sincere gratitude for them.

Because of the deep personal commitment that he and his helpers had to the work at Thessalonica, Paul could write, “We also thank God continually.” “Also” connotes “on our part.” The missionary team’s reaction to the Thessalonians’ ready response to the word was incessant thanksgiving. The spotlight now shifts from the evangelizers (vv.1–12) to those evangelized (vv.13–16).

The cause of thanksgiving having already been given in vv.1–12, the word “because” introduces the content of thanksgiving (the word for “because” should be translated “that”). Paul not only refers to an objective reception of the word of God, but also a subjective acceptance in their hearts. The latter, a wholehearted welcome, indicated their high estimate of God’s word. They had heard the word preached by the missionaries, but ultimately it was the word of God that they heard. Here is indication of Paul’s consciousness of his own divinely imparted authority (cf. 1 Corinthians 14:37). His preaching was not the outgrowth of personal philosophical meanderings, but was deeply rooted in a message given by God himself. What had been delivered to him through others (e.g., 1 Corinthians 11:23; 15:1, 3) and from the Lord directly (e.g., 1 Thessalonians 4:15), he passed on to others. Such traditions were in turn taught to still others. Some teachings were put in written form and became part of the NT canon (cf. 2 Timothy 2:2; 2 Peter 3:15–16).

Once received, this word of God becomes an active power operating continually in the believer’s life. When it is at work in believers, there is a change in behavior and constant fruitfulness.