1 Thessalonians 1:6

Followers. Gr. mimetai, literally, “imitators” (cf. on 1 Cor. 4:16; Eph. 5:1). Paul gives this fact as a further reason for knowing that God had chosen them to salvation. As Paul had preached in the power of the Holy Spirit, so had the Thessalonians received the word with joy of the Holy Spirit. As a result, they were eager to do God’s will.

Of the Lord. Paul had not left the Thessalonians with a human example only. He had helped them also to become imitators of their Lord. Such was the apostle’s consistent policy (cf. 1 Cor. 11:1); consequently, when his personal presence was withdrawn from among his converts, they could keep their eyes fixed on Christ, the perfect example.

Received. Gr. dechomai, which implies willing reception, receiving with welcome.

Affliction. Gr. thlipsis (see on Rom. 5:3). The members at Thessalonica became Christians amid strong opposition (Acts 17:5-9; 1 Thess. 2:14). In the primitive church conversion generally called for personal courage and vigorous self-denial, for the new member was often cruelly persecuted (see on Matt. 24:21). Such persecution was in reality a blessing, for it tended to refine and purify the church and to bring its members into closer fellowship with Christ (see AA 261). Severe as the affliction was, it did not discourage the converts. On the contrary, their suffering was accompanied by joy that came from the Holy Spirit (cf. Gal. 5:22).