1 Thessalonians 1:6

Text (1 Thessalonians 1:6)

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

Translation and Paraphrase

6.

And you (having become the chosen people of God because you received the word,) became imitators of us (who preached unto you) and of the Lord (Jesus himself, For even as we, and the Lord himself, have suffered joyfully because of the word which was given to us to deliver, you also) having received the word with much affliction (from the Jews, and yet) with (the) joy that comes from the Holy Spirit (have shared our experiences.):

Notes (1 Thessalonians 1:6)

1.

The Thessalonians had become imitators of Paul and of the Lord. Imitators is a better translation than followers in this verse.

2.

The Lord Jesus, Paul, and the Thessalonians had all shared these three experiences:

(1)

Each received the word of God.

(2)

Each experienced much affliction.

(3)

Each had joy in their affliction.

3.

The Lord Jesus received the word from his Father to deliver to the world, John 7:16; John 8:28. For doing this he endured affliction. And yet for the joy set before him, he endured the cross despising the shame. Hebrews 12:2.

4.

Likewise Paul the apostle received the gospel by revelation from Jesus Christ. Galatians 1:11-12. When Paul declared this message, he encountered suffering in every place. Yet he rejoiced in his sufferings. Colossians 1:24.

5.

Thus also the Thessalonians received the word from Paul. They soon found themselves in much affliction. But they endured with joy, Thus they became imitators of Paul and of the Lord himself. Some of the afflictions of the Thessalonians are described in Acts 17:5-9.

6.

The word affliction (Gr., thlipsis) means a pressing, a pressing together, pressure, oppression, affliction, distress, straits. (Thayer)

7.

Joy of the Holy Spirit, I take (as an ablative of source) to mean joy that comes from the Holy Spirit. See Galatians 5:22; Acts 13:52; Acts 8:8; Acts 8:39. All Christians have experienced this joy when they were first saved. Alas, some have permitted the joy to fade away afterwards.

8.

There was a quality in Paul's life which inspired people to follow and imitate him. Paul could boldly say, Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1. People just could not ignore him. They were either warmly for him, or violently against him. We should pray that we shall be people like Paul, who will inspire others to imitate us in their struggle for perfection.