1 Thessalonians 1:6
New International Version
You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.

New Living Translation
So you received the message with joy from the Holy Spirit in spite of the severe suffering it brought you. In this way, you imitated both us and the Lord.

English Standard Version
And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit,

Berean Standard Bible
And you became imitators of us and of the Lord when you welcomed the message with the joy of the Holy Spirit, in spite of your great suffering.

Berean Literal Bible
And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation, with the joy of the Holy Spirit,

King James Bible
And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:

New King James Version
And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit,

New American Standard Bible
You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word during great affliction with the joy of the Holy Spirit,

NASB 1995
You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit,

NASB 1977
You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit,

Legacy Standard Bible
You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction with the joy of the Holy Spirit,

Amplified Bible
You became imitators of us and [through us] of the Lord, after you welcomed our message in [a time of] great trouble with the joy supplied by the Holy Spirit;

Christian Standard Bible
and you yourselves became imitators of us and of the Lord when, in spite of severe persecution, you welcomed the message with joy from the Holy Spirit.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
and you became imitators of us and of the Lord when, in spite of severe persecution, you welcomed the message with joy from the Holy Spirit.

American Standard Version
And ye became imitators of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit;

Contemporary English Version
So, when you accepted the message, you followed our example and the example of the Lord. You suffered, but the Holy Spirit made you glad.

English Revised Version
And ye became imitators of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
You imitated us and the Lord. In spite of a lot of suffering, you welcomed God's word with the kind of joy that the Holy Spirit gives.

Good News Translation
You imitated us and the Lord; and even though you suffered much, you received the message with the joy that comes from the Holy Spirit.

International Standard Version
You became imitators of us and of the Lord. In spite of a great deal of suffering, you welcomed the word with the joy that the Holy Spirit produces.

Majority Standard Bible
And you became imitators of us and of the Lord when you welcomed the message with the joy of the Holy Spirit, in spite of your great suffering.

NET Bible
And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, when you received the message with joy that comes from the Holy Spirit, despite great affliction.

New Heart English Bible
You became imitators of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit,

Webster's Bible Translation
And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit:

Weymouth New Testament
And you followed the pattern set you by us and by the Master, after you had received the Message amid severe persecution, and yet with the joy which the Holy Spirit gives,

World English Bible
You became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and you became imitators of us and of the LORD, having received the word in much tribulation with joy of the Holy Spirit,

Berean Literal Bible
And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation, with the joy of the Holy Spirit,

Young's Literal Translation
and ye -- ye did become imitators of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation, with joy of the Holy Spirit,

Smith's Literal Translation
And ye were imitators of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much pressure, with joy of the Holy Spirit:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And you became followers of us, and of the Lord; receiving the word in much tribulation, with joy of the Holy Ghost:

Catholic Public Domain Version
And so, you became imitators of us and of the Lord, accepting the Word in the midst of great tribulation, but with the joy of the Holy Spirit.

New American Bible
And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, receiving the word in great affliction, with joy from the holy Spirit,

New Revised Standard Version
And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for in spite of persecution you received the word with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And you became followers of us, and of our LORD, for you welcomed the word with much tribulation and with joy of the Holy Spirit:

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And you imitated us and Our Lord, for you received the word in great affliction and in the joy of The Spirit of Holiness.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction with joy of the Holy Spirit,

Godbey New Testament
And you became imitators of us, and the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation, with the joy of the Holy Ghost;

Haweis New Testament
And ye became imitators of us, and of the Lord, receiving the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost;

Mace New Testament
and you imitated us, and were imitators of the Lord, having receiv'd the word, notwithstanding all your afflictions, with that alacrity, which the holy spirit inspires.

Weymouth New Testament
And you followed the pattern set you by us and by the Master, after you had received the Message amid severe persecution, and yet with the joy which the Holy Spirit gives,

Worrell New Testament
And ye became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with joy of the Holy Spirit;

Worsley New Testament
And ye became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word tho' in much affliction, yet with joy of the holy Ghost.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Greetings to the Thessalonians
5because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with great conviction—just as you know we lived among you for your sake. 6And you became imitators of us and of the Lord when you welcomed the message with the joy of the Holy Spirit, in spite of your great suffering. 7As a result, you have become an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.…

Cross References
1 Corinthians 11:1
You are to imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.

Philippians 3:17
Join one another in following my example, brothers, and carefully observe those who walk according to the pattern we set for you.

2 Corinthians 8:5
And not only did they do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us, through the will of God.

1 Peter 2:21
For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps:

Hebrews 6:12
Then you will not be sluggish, but will imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

2 Thessalonians 3:7-9
For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not undisciplined among you, / nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. Instead, in labor and toil, we worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you. / Not that we lack this right, but we wanted to offer ourselves as an example for you to imitate.

Acts 17:5-10
The Jews, however, became jealous. So they brought in some troublemakers from the marketplace, formed a mob, and sent the city into an uproar. They raided Jason’s house in search of Paul and Silas, hoping to bring them out to the people. / But when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some other brothers before the city officials, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have now come here, / and Jason has welcomed them into his home. They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, named Jesus!” ...

2 Corinthians 1:6
If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which accomplishes in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we experience.

Romans 15:4
For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.

Galatians 4:14
And although my illness was a trial to you, you did not despise or reject me. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus Himself.

Acts 5:41
The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.

Matthew 5:12
Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.

1 Peter 4:13
But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory.

James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, / because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. / Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Hebrews 10:34
You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, knowing that you yourselves had a better and permanent possession.


Treasury of Scripture

And you became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost.

ye.

1 Thessalonians 2:14
For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:

1 Corinthians 4:16
Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.

1 Corinthians 11:1
Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

and of.

Matthew 16:24
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

John 8:12
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

John 13:13-15
Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am…

received.

1 Thessalonians 2:13,14
For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe…

1 Thessalonians 3:2-4
And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith: …

Hosea 2:14
Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her.

with joy.

John 14:16-18
And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; …

Acts 5:41
And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

Acts 9:31
Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

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Accepted Affliction Amid Followed Followers Ghost Gives Holy Imitators Inspired Joy Master Message Pattern Persecution Received Severe Spirit Spite Suffering Tribulation Trouble Welcomed Word
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Accepted Affliction Amid Followed Followers Ghost Gives Holy Imitators Inspired Joy Master Message Pattern Persecution Received Severe Spirit Spite Suffering Tribulation Trouble Welcomed Word
1 Thessalonians 1
1. The Thessalonians are told both how mindful of them Paul was in thanksgiving, and prayer;
5. and also how well he was persuaded of the truth and sincerity of their faith and conversion to God.














And you became imitators of us and of the Lord
The Thessalonians are commended for following the example set by Paul, Silas, and Timothy, as well as the ultimate example of Jesus Christ. This reflects the biblical principle of discipleship, where believers learn and grow by observing and emulating the lives of mature Christians (1 Corinthians 11:1). The concept of imitation is rooted in the idea of apprenticeship, common in the ancient world, where learning was often hands-on and relational. The Thessalonians' imitation of the Lord also highlights the transformative power of the Gospel, as they sought to embody Christ's teachings and character.

when you welcomed the message
The "message" refers to the Gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ's death and resurrection for the salvation of humanity. The Thessalonians' reception of the Gospel is significant, as it indicates their openness and readiness to accept the truth. This reception is reminiscent of the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:1-23), where the seed that falls on good soil represents those who hear the word and understand it, leading to a fruitful life. The Thessalonians' acceptance of the message is a testament to the work of the Holy Spirit in preparing their hearts.

with the joy of the Holy Spirit
The joy experienced by the Thessalonians is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Despite their circumstances, they found joy in the Gospel, which is a common theme in the New Testament (Philippians 4:4). This joy is not dependent on external conditions but is a deep-seated sense of peace and contentment that comes from a relationship with God. The Holy Spirit's role in imparting this joy underscores the divine nature of their conversion and the sustaining power of God's presence in their lives.

in spite of your great suffering
The Thessalonians faced persecution and hardship as a result of their faith (Acts 17:5-9). This suffering is a common experience for early Christians, as the message of the Gospel often clashed with the prevailing cultural and religious norms of the time. The Thessalonians' perseverance in the face of adversity is a powerful testimony to their faith and commitment to Christ. It echoes the teachings of Jesus, who warned His followers of the trials they would face (John 16:33) and encouraged them to remain steadfast. Their endurance serves as an example for believers to remain faithful amidst trials, trusting in God's ultimate deliverance and reward.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul, Silas, and Timothy
The authors of the letter to the Thessalonians, who were instrumental in spreading the Gospel and establishing the church in Thessalonica.

2. Thessalonian Believers
The recipients of the letter, who are commended for their faith and perseverance despite persecution.

3. The Lord (Jesus Christ)
The ultimate example for believers to imitate, whose life and teachings are the foundation of Christian faith.

4. Holy Spirit
The source of joy and strength for the Thessalonians, enabling them to receive the Gospel with joy despite suffering.

5. Persecution in Thessalonica
The context in which the Thessalonian believers received the Gospel, marked by opposition and suffering.
Teaching Points
Imitation of Faithful Leaders and Christ
Believers are called to imitate the faith and conduct of spiritual leaders who follow Christ, as well as Christ Himself.

Joy Amidst Suffering
The presence of the Holy Spirit enables believers to experience joy even in the midst of trials and persecution.

The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit empowers and sustains believers, providing joy and strength to endure hardships.

Perseverance in Faith
True faith is demonstrated through perseverance and steadfastness, even when faced with opposition.

The Power of the Gospel
The Gospel message, when received with an open heart, transforms lives and provides hope and joy.(6) And ye 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 the winning of 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 (Psalm 40:6; Isaiah 1:5); (2) cost what it might; (3) rejoicing all the while (Psalm 22:22; Psalm 45:7).

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

Verse 6. - Now follows the second reason assigned by Paul for his confidence in their election. And ye became followers (or, imitators) of us, and of the Lord; of Christ. By becoming imitators of the apostle, they became imitators of Christ. "Be ye followers of me," writes St. Paul to the Corinthians, "even as I also am of Christ" (1 Corinthians 11:1). The point of imitation did not consist in their cordial reception of the gospel, for that could not apply to Christ; but in their joyful endurance of suffering. Having received the word in much affliction. We learn from the Acts that the unbelieving Jews stirred up the heathen rabble, and raised a persecution against Paul and his associates, in consequence of which they had to depart from Thessalonica (Acts 17:4-10). It would appear that, after the apostle had left the city, the persecution, far from abating, rather increased, and the Gentile inhabitants united with the unbelieving Jews against the Christians; the Thessalonian converts suffered from their own countrymen as well as from the Jews (1 Thessalonians 2:14). With joy of the Holy Ghost; that is, not merely spiritual joy, or joy in the Holy Ghost, but joy which proceeds from the Holy Ghost - joy which is produced by him, of which he is the Author.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
And
Καὶ (Kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

you
ὑμεῖς (hymeis)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

became
ἐγενήθητε (egenēthēte)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.

imitators
μιμηταὶ (mimētai)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3402: An imitator, follower. From mimeomai; an imitator.

of us
ἡμῶν (hēmōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

of the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Lord
Κυρίου (Kyriou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

when you welcomed
δεξάμενοι (dexamenoi)
Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1209: To take, receive, accept, welcome. Middle voice of a primary verb; to receive.

the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

message
λόγον (logon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3056: From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.

with
μετὰ (meta)
Preposition
Strong's 3326: (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives.

[the] joy
χαρᾶς (charas)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 5479: Joy, gladness, a source of joy. From chairo; cheerfulness, i.e. Calm delight.

of [the] Holy
Ἁγίου (Hagiou)
Adjective - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 40: Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred.

Spirit,
Πνεύματος (Pneumatos)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 4151: Wind, breath, spirit.

in [spite of your]
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

great
πολλῇ (pollē)
Adjective - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4183: Much, many; often.

suffering.
θλίψει (thlipsei)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2347: Persecution, affliction, distress, tribulation. From thlibo; pressure.


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NT Letters: 1 Thessalonians 1:6 You became imitators of us (1 Thess. 1 Thes. 1Th iTh i Th)
1 Thessalonians 1:5
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