1 Thessalonians 2:13

Text (1 Thessalonians 2:13)

13 And for this cause we also thank God without ceasing, that, when ye received from us the word of the message, even the word of God, ye accepted it not as the word of men, but, as it is in truth, the word of God, which also worketh in you that believe.

Translation and Paraphrase

13.

And we also thank God unceasingly for this (cause, namely) that when ye received (the) message which ye heard from us, (even the message) of God, you (welcomed and) received it not as a message from men, but as (what) it truly is, (the) message of God, which (is not just another dead philosophy, but is a living word that) also works actively in you that believe (it).

Notes (1 Thessalonians 2:13)

1.

Any man who has a burning conviction that the apostles of Christ taught the words of Almighty God would rejoice to see people receive the apostles-' teachings as the word of God.

2.

Paul was so pleased that the Thessalonians had received his message as the word of God, that he thanked God for this without ceasing.

3.

Paul knew perfectly well where his gospel came from, I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not after men. Galatians 1:11. When the Thessalonians received his gospel as coming from God, as he KNEW it had come, he was most thankful.

4.

This verse should forever establish the fact that we cannot have a faith like the apostles had, and then deny the miracles and prophecies and other things which the apostles taught.

Modern interpreters try to make the Bible acceptable to unbelievers by demythologizing it. Thus they reject such things as miracles and prophecies as being myths. Let us say right now that we do not believe that the Bible has myths in it. It is a combination of God's actual words, with the true history of His dealings with men.

We accept the testimony of the honest men who penned the Bible, that Jesus actually was born of a virgin, and actually walked on the water, and actually died for our sins, and rose bodily from the tomb, and is coming again. A believer has no part with an unbeliever. See 2 Corinthians 6:15; 2 John 1:9-11.

5.

This verse (1 Thessalonians 2:13) begins the second section of chapter two, a section giving Paul's thanks for the way they received the word. The section covers 1 Thessalonians 2:13-16. See outline of chapter two. The section is somewhat of an elaboration of Paul's statement in 1 Thessalonians 1:6: Ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction.

6.

To receive the word, of God as the Thessalonians received it, carries the idea of welcoming it as well as just taking it. (The Gr. verb dechomai has that connotation.) The teachable attitude of the Thessalonian Christians was in sharp contrast to that of the Jews, who not only refused to be taught themselves, but would not let Paul teach anyone else.

7.

As if it were not a sufficient privilege for the Thessalonians to have received the word of God for its own sake, Paul adds further food to heaven's table of blessings, by saying that the word of God is working within you.

The word of God is not some dead philosophy or speculation, but is living (quick) and active. Hebrews 4:12. It is like good seed which springs up when it is planted. Luke 8:11. The word of God does not return void (and fruitless) unto God, but it is like rain that comes down from heaven and causes grass and flowers to grow out of the ground. The word of God accomplishes whatever God sends it worth to do. Isaiah 55:10-11.

The word of God, because it is living and working, causes sinners to be born again and saved. We are born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God. 1 Peter 1:23.

Then, after being born again, the word of God continues to work within us. (The middle voice of the verb energeo indicates that the word of God is self-operative, and self-sustaining.) God is at work within Christians, working through His word and His Spirit, causing them both to will (or desire) and to work (accomplish) His good pleasure. Philippians 2:13. We have power from heaven energizing within us:

8.

Something is working in YOU:

(1)

Is it the spirit that now works in the sons of disobedience? Ephesians 2:2.

(2)

Or is it the word of God? 1 Thessalonians 2:13.