Nicholas of Lyra

Here he begins this letter to the Thessalonians, though mentioning three of them, but they greet this congregation as if it was coming from one writer.

This he says twice, just as he says later on in this same letter (5:17).

That is, through our preaching. has not been among you in word alone, but also in power that is, it has also come by the power of divine miracles.

you became imitators of us and of the Lord
Imitating, that is, in faith and morals. Or CHRYS they were imitators of the Lord because He also endured many sufferings, but rejoiced.

but with the joy of the Holy Spirit
For the Apostle may had in mind concerning those things that are said in Acts, "And indeed, they went forth from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were considered worthy to suffer insult on behalf of the name of Jesus." (5:41)

So have you become a pattern for all who believe
that is, they were models of excellence.

in Macedonia and in Achaia
Those are provinces of Greece.

For from you, the Word of the Lord was spread
Because of them the word of God has spread, so many who were previously silent from fear were made bold by their example, and preached openly and in many places.

not only in Macedonia and in Achaia
who are their neighboring locations

For others are reporting
that is, they applaud you.

Jesus, who has rescued us from the approaching wrath
that is the punishment of Gehenna.

thus it was gentle and of good nature, yet it was very sincere.

that is from painful beatings.
at Philippi Which is a city of Macedonia.

For our exhortation
that is concerning the first things we taught.

was not in error
just like the teachings of the Epicureans, which at that thrived, as we see in Acts 17:18.

so that the Gospel would be entrusted to us: As trustworthy servants.
Gospel: That is, the preaching of the Gospel.
so also did we speak: That is to proclaim accurately. Striving to please God, and not men.

as you know
that is, by hearing and seeing.