1 Thessalonians 1:7
What does 1 Thessalonians 1:7 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Thessalonians 1:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Thessalonians 1:7 means
As a result of their joyful endurance, the Thessalonians became an example to all believers in Macedonia and Achaia. Their steadfastness provided a living pattern for other churches facing similar pressures. God often uses afflicted yet faithful congregations to strengthen the wider body. Their example was not fame for its own sake; it was a demonstration of what the gospel produces—courage, love, and hope under fire. The Thessalonian church, though young, showed maturity by how they bore suffering. Their faith’s public credibility turned them into a regional reference point for what following the Lord looks like in real, costly circumstances.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000so that ye became an ensample to all that believe in Macedonia and in Achaia.
KJV
King James Version · 1611So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901so that ye became an ensample to all that believe in Macedonia and in Achaia.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So that you became an example to all those who have faith in Christ in Macedonia and Achaia.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862so that ye became patterns to all those believing in Macedonia and Achaia,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752So that you were made a pattern to all that believe in Macedonia and in Achaia.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890so that ye became models to all that believe in Macedonia and in Achaia:
Context
This verse follows naturally from verse 6: imitation of the Lord under affliction becomes a model others can follow. It sets up verse 8, which expands from being an example to actively sounding forth the word. The chapter is widening in scope—from local reception of the gospel to regional influence. Seeing their exemplary status here prepares readers to understand how their faith’s reputation spread beyond their immediate area.
v.6And ye became imitators of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit;
v.7This passage
v.8For from you hath sounded forth the word of the Lord, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place your faith to God-ward is gone forth; so that we need not to speak anything.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 16:12
and from thence to Philippi, which is a city of Macedonia, the first of the district, a Roman colony: and we were in this city tarrying certain days.
- 1 Peter 5:3
neither as lording it over the charge allotted to you, but making yourselves ensamples to the flock.
- Acts 1:13
And when they were come in, they went up into the upper chamber, where they were abiding; both Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphæus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James.
- 2 Corinthians 11:9
and when I was present with you and was in want, I was not a burden on any man; for the brethren, when they came from Macedonia, supplied the measure of my want; and in everything I kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.
- Titus 2:7
in all things showing thyself an ensample of good works; in thy doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity,
- 1 Timothy 4:12
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an ensample to them that believe, in word, in manner of life, in love, in faith, in purity.
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