1 Thessalonians 1:7

so that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia Rather, ye became an ensample (R. V.), or example, or pattern (as the same word naturalized as "type" in English is rendered in Titus 2:7; Hebrews 8:5). The Apostle applies this expression to himself in 2 Thessalonians 3:9; also in Philippians 3:17; and to Timothy, in 1 Timothy 4:12.

"Those that believe" (that is, "in God," or "Christ") equivalent to believers is a frequent designation of Christians with St Paul. See ch. 1 Thessalonians 2:10; 1Th 2:13; 2 Thessalonians 1:10; &c. Similarly, "they that are of faith" (Galatians 3:7; Galatians 3:9), "him that is of faith in Jesus" (Romans 3:26); for faithis the root and essence of all that makes a man a Christian.

The example of the Thessalonians affected all believers in Macedonia and in Achaia (according to the true reading). These were distinct provinces, and the influence of Thessalonian faith had extended from the one to the other. The Apostle was now in Corinth, the capital and centre of Achaia(a Roman province, covering nearly the area of the present Kingdom of Greece), and could judge of the effect of the conduct of the Thessalonian Church in that district. And Timothy, with Silas, had lately returned from the northern province, traversing various Macedonian towns on his way, and would be able to report of the influence of this example there (ch. 1 Thessalonians 3:6; Acts 18:5). On the relation of Thessalonica to Macedonia, see Introd.pp. 9, 10, and the map. In 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 St Paul brings these two provinces into competition, in a sort of generous rivalry.

St Paul imitated Christ, the Thessalonians him (1 Thessalonians 1:6), and all neighbouring Christians took pattern by them. So good example spreads.