So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.
Parallel translations
- WEB so that you became an example to all who believe in Macedonia and in Achaia.
- BSB As a result, you have become an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.
- NKJV so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe.
- NASB so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.
- NLT As a result, you have become an example to all the believers in Greece—throughout both Macedonia and Achaia.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Their faith made them a model for all the believers in their region. A young church became an example to others.
Overview
Macedonia and Achaia together covered much of Greece, so the Thessalonians' influence spread widely. What began as imitation (v. 6) became exemplary, showing that grace received is meant to overflow to others. A church faithful under pressure becomes a pattern that encourages the wider body of Christ.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 11
- Titus 2:7In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
- 1 Tim 4:12Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
- 1 Pet 5:3Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
- 2 Cor 11:9–10And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.
- 1 Th 1:8For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.
- Acts 16:12And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days.
- 2 Cor 1:1Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:
- Acts 1:13And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.
- Acts 18:1After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;
- 1 Th 4:10And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;
- 2 Cor 9:2For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many.
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Christ at the center
The believer waits for God's Son from heaven, Jesus who delivers from the wrath to come and who will return to gather his people to himself.
How 1 Thessalonians 1:7 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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