1 Thessalonians 2:13

KJV

¶ For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received [it] not [as] the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

KJV (with Strong's)

For this {G5124} cause {G1223} also {G2532} thank {G2168} we {G2249} God {G2316} without ceasing {G89}, because {G3754}, when ye received {G3880} the word {G3056} of God {G2316} which ye heard {G189} of {G3844} us {G2257}, ye received {G1209} it not {G3756} as the word {G3056} of men {G444}, but {G235} as {G2531} it is {G2076} in truth {G230}, the word {G3056} of God {G2316}, which {G3739} effectually worketh {G1754} also {G2532} in {G1722} you {G5213} that believe {G4100}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Another reason we regularly thank God is that when you heard the Word of God from us, you received it not merely as a human word, but as it truly is, God’s Word, which is at work in you believers.

Berean Standard Bible

And we continually thank God because, when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as the true word of God—the word which is now at work in you who believe.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Paul expresses profound and unceasing gratitude to God for the Thessalonian believers' exemplary reception of the Gospel message. He commends them for discerning and embracing the message not as mere human teaching, but as the very Word of God, which actively demonstrates its divine power by transforming the lives of those who believe. This verse underscores the inherent authority and dynamic efficacy of God's revealed truth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a pivotal point in Paul's defense and commendation of his ministry among the Thessalonians. In the preceding verses of [1 Thessalonians 2](/1_thessalonians/2 "1 Thessalonians 2 - Paul's Ministry and Conduct"), Paul meticulously contrasts his own sincere, selfless, and courageous approach to ministry (e.g., [1 Thessalonians 2:3-6](/1_thessalonians/2-3-6 "1 Thessalonians 2:3-6 - Paul's Pure Motives")) with that of false teachers or those who might seek personal gain. He emphasizes that he and his companions (Silvanus and Timothy) did not come with deceit, flattery, or hidden agendas, but rather delivered the Gospel with integrity and love, like a nursing mother or a father ([1 Thessalonians 2:7-12](/1_thessalonians/2-7-12 "1 Thessalonians 2:7-12 - Paul's Gentle and Exhorting Ministry")). Verse 13, therefore, highlights the Thessalonians' proper response to such a genuine ministry, affirming that their faith was placed not in human messengers, but in the divine message itself. This sets the stage for Paul's subsequent discussion of their suffering for the Gospel and his longing to return to them.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's ministry in Thessalonica, as recorded in [Acts 17:1-9](/acts/17-1-9 "Acts 17:1-9 - Paul's Preaching in Thessalonica and Opposition"), was brief but impactful, lasting perhaps only a few weeks. It was characterized by intense evangelism, synagogue debates, and significant opposition from jealous Jews who incited a mob against Paul and Silas. This hostile environment meant that receiving the Christian message was not a casual decision but often involved social ostracism, economic hardship, and even physical danger. The Thessalonians' willingness to embrace the "word of God" despite these risks speaks volumes about their conviction and the perceived authority of the message. Furthermore, in a Hellenistic world filled with various philosophical schools, mystery cults, and rhetorical traditions, distinguishing between human wisdom and divine revelation was crucial. Paul's emphasis that they received it "not as the word of men" directly addresses this cultural backdrop, asserting the unique, transcendent nature of the Gospel.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Thessalonians 2:13](/1_thessalonians/2-13 "1 Thessalonians 2:13 - The Thessalonians' Reception of God's Word") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the epistle. Firstly, it underscores the **Divine Authority and Origin of the Gospel**, asserting that the message preached by Paul was not a human invention but God's own truth. This theme is foundational to Christian belief, emphasizing the Bible's inherent inspiration and infallibility, a truth echoed in [2 Timothy 3:16](/2_timothy/3-16 "2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is God-breathed"). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Faithful Reception of the Word**, commending the Thessalonians for their discerning and submissive hearts. Their reception was characterized by genuine belief, not mere intellectual assent, leading to true conversion. This active reception is vital for spiritual growth, as seen in the parable of the sower in [Matthew 13:1-23](/matthew/13-1-23 "Matthew 13:1-23 - The Parable of the Sower"). Finally, and most powerfully, it emphasizes the **Transformative Power of God's Word**. The phrase "which effectually worketh also in you that believe" points to the dynamic, life-changing impact of the Gospel when it is truly embraced. This active work of the Word produces spiritual fruit, perseverance, and sanctification, demonstrating its living and active nature ([Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Word of God is Living and Active")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **received (Greek, _déchomai'_):** This word (G1209) signifies more than just hearing; it implies a willing and hospitable acceptance, an embracing of the message. It suggests an active, deliberate choice to welcome and appropriate the word, rather than a passive or indifferent hearing. The Thessalonians didn't just intellectually acknowledge the message; they took it to themselves, embracing it as truth.
* **word (Greek, _lógos'_):** The term (G3056) here refers to "something said," specifically the message or discourse. In this context, it is the content of the Gospel that Paul preached. The contrast between "the word of men" and "the word of God" elevates this _lógos_ beyond human philosophy or rhetoric, identifying it as divine revelation, carrying the authority and essence of God Himself.
* **effectually worketh (Greek, _energéō'_):** Derived from _energēs_ (G1754), this verb means "to be active, efficient." It conveys the idea of a powerful, dynamic, and effective operation. It is the root from which we derive "energy." Here, it describes the inherent power of God's Word to produce real, tangible change and spiritual vitality within the lives of those who genuinely believe it. It is not inert but actively transforms.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For this cause also thank we God without ceasing,"**: Paul begins by expressing profound and continuous gratitude. The "cause" refers back to the Thessalonians' positive response to his ministry and their reception of the Gospel. "Without ceasing" (G89, _adialeíptōs_) indicates an uninterrupted, persistent, and fervent thankfulness, highlighting the deep joy and affirmation Paul felt.
* **"because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us,"**: This clause specifies the reason for Paul's thanksgiving. The Thessalonians "received" (G3880, _paralambánō_, indicating a welcoming reception from another) the message that came "from us" (Paul and his companions). Critically, this message is identified as "the word of God," establishing its divine origin even before the explicit contrast.
* **"ye received [it] not [as] the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God,"**: This is the core of the Thessalonians' commendable action. They demonstrated spiritual discernment, distinguishing the Gospel from mere human opinions or teachings. They did not treat it as fallible human discourse ("the word of men") but recognized its true nature: it is "in truth" (G230, _alēthōs_, truly, verily) the authoritative, divine "word of God." This recognition implies a profound spiritual insight and a humble submission to its authority.
* **"which effectually worketh also in you that believe."**: This final clause describes the powerful consequence of such a reception. The "word of God" is not static; it is dynamic and active ("effectually worketh," G1754, _energéō_). This divine energy is unleashed "in you that believe" (G4100, _pisteúō_). The transformative power of the Word is contingent upon genuine faith, demonstrating that belief is not just mental assent but an active trust that allows God's truth to reshape one's life.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful **Literary Devices**. Foremost is a stark **Contrast**, evident in the phrase "not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God." This antithesis sharply distinguishes the divine origin and authority of the Gospel from any human-derived teaching, emphasizing its unique and transcendent nature. Furthermore, the phrase "effectually worketh" utilizes a form of **Personification** or active voice, attributing a dynamic, almost living agency to the "word of God." It portrays the Word not as a passive text but as an active force that operates powerfully within believers, producing tangible spiritual results. The adverb "without ceasing" serves as **Hyperbole** or intense **Emphasis**, highlighting the depth and constancy of Paul's gratitude, underscoring the immense significance of the Thessalonians' faithful response to the Gospel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Thessalonians 2:13 profoundly articulates the nature of divine revelation and its reception. It establishes that the Gospel is not merely human wisdom or a philosophical system, but God's own authoritative communication to humanity. This divine origin imbues the Word with inherent power, enabling it to penetrate the human heart, convict of sin, regenerate the spirit, and sanctify the believer. The Thessalonians' example underscores that true faith involves not just hearing, but discerning the Word's divine source and submitting to its transformative power. This process of reception and active working is foundational to the Christian life, demonstrating that God's truth is not inert but a living force.

* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose")
* [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Living and Active Word of God")
* [James 1:21](/james/1-21 "James 1:21 - Receiving the Implanted Word")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Thessalonians 2:13 offers profound insights for believers today, challenging us to re-evaluate how we approach God's Word. It calls us to cultivate a discerning heart that recognizes the Bible not as a collection of ancient texts or human opinions, but as the living, authoritative, and infallible voice of God Himself. This requires a posture of humility and faith, allowing the Holy Spirit to illuminate its truths and apply them to our lives. When we genuinely receive the Word in this manner, we can expect it to "effectually work" within us, producing conviction, growth, comfort, and transformation. It will challenge our assumptions, refine our character, guide our decisions, and empower us to live a life that honors God. Our spiritual vitality is directly tied to the way we interact with His Word, moving beyond mere intellectual assent to a deep, transformative embrace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Do I truly receive the Bible as "the word of God" or sometimes treat it "as the word of men"? What difference does this make in my approach to reading and obeying it?**
* **In what specific ways have I experienced the "effectual working" of God's Word in my life? How has it transformed me?**
* **How can I cultivate a more discerning and faith-filled heart to better receive and apply God's Word daily?**
* **Like Paul, for whom am I giving "unceasing thanks" for their genuine reception and transformation by the Gospel?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean for the Word of God to "effectually work" in believers?**

Answer: For the Word of God to "effectually work" (from the Greek _energéō_, G1754, meaning to be active or efficient) in believers means that it is not a static or inert message, but a dynamic, living, and powerful force that actively produces transformation and spiritual fruit in the lives of those who genuinely believe it. This "working" manifests in various ways: it convicts of sin, brings about repentance, regenerates the heart, grants spiritual understanding, provides guidance and wisdom for daily living, sanctifies believers by conforming them to Christ's image, strengthens faith, provides comfort in trials, and empowers obedience. It's the divine power of God's truth actively shaping and changing a person from the inside out, demonstrating its divine origin and efficacy. This transformative power is a hallmark of true faith, distinguishing it from mere intellectual assent to religious facts.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Thessalonians 2:13 primarily speaks of the Thessalonians' reception of the Gospel message, its profound truth finds its ultimate fulfillment and power in Jesus Christ. The "word of God" that Paul preached is not an abstract concept but the very revelation of God's redemptive plan, fully embodied in the person and work of Christ. Jesus himself is identified as the [Logos, the Word of God incarnate](/john/1-1-14 "John 1:1-14 - The Word Became Flesh"), through whom all things were made and by whom God has spoken to us in these last days ([Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1-3 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")). Therefore, to receive "the word of God" is ultimately to receive Christ himself, to believe in Him as the Son of God and the Savior of the world. The "effectual working" of the Word in believers is precisely the work of the Holy Spirit, sent by Christ, transforming lives into His likeness ([2 Corinthians 3:18](/2_corinthians/3-18 "2 Corinthians 3:18 - Transformed into Christ's Image")). The power of the Gospel to save and sanctify is derived from Christ's finished work on the cross and His resurrection, which the preached Word proclaims ([Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel")). Thus, the Thessalonians' commendable reception of the Word was, at its core, a reception of Christ, leading to the ongoing, active transformation wrought by His Spirit within them.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Romans 10:17

So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

1 Peter 1:23

Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

1 Peter 1:25

But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

1 Peter 2:2

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

Luke 11:28

But he said, Yea rather, blessed [are] they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

Acts 13:48

And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.