“For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;”
My Notes
What Does 1 Thessalonians 1:9 Mean?
Paul describes the Thessalonians' conversion as a visible, reportable event: for they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.
They themselves shew of us — the Thessalonians' conversion was so dramatic that other people reported it. Paul did not have to tell anyone about his ministry in Thessalonica. The testimony traveled on its own — others (they themselves — autoi) were telling the story. The conversion was visible enough to generate its own word-of-mouth.
What manner of entering in we had unto you — the entering in (eisodos — entrance, reception) refers to how Paul was received — the impact of his initial visit. The Thessalonians' response to the gospel was so remarkable that the nature of Paul's reception became a known story across Macedonia and Achaia (v.8).
How ye turned to God from idols — the turning (epistrepho — to turn, to convert, to change direction completely) is described in two directions: to God and from idols. Both are necessary. Conversion is not just adding God to your life. It is turning from what you previously worshipped. The from is as important as the to. The idols are left behind. They are not accommodated alongside God.
To serve (douleuo — to serve as a slave, to be in bondage to) the living and true God — the service transfers from idols to God. The Thessalonians were always serving something — everyone is. The conversion changed the object of service: from dead, false idols to the living, true God. Living (zao — alive, active) contrasts with idols that cannot breathe. True (alethinos — genuine, real, authentic) contrasts with idols that are fabrications.
The verse is the most concise description of pagan conversion in the New Testament: turned from idols, to God, to serve the living and true God. Three movements: repentance (from idols), faith (to God), and obedience (to serve). The conversion is directional, complete, and visible.
Reflection Questions
- 1.Why does Paul describe conversion as turning 'from' idols 'to' God — and why are both directions necessary?
- 2.What are the modern equivalents of 'idols' that conversion requires you to turn from?
- 3.What does the contrast between 'living and true' God and dead, false idols reveal about what you are actually worshipping?
- 4.Has your conversion been visible enough that others report it — and what would a more visible turning look like?
Devotional
How ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God. Turned. The whole person — direction, allegiance, devotion — changed. The Thessalonians did not add God to their collection of idols. They turned from idols to God. The from is as important as the to. Conversion is not addition. It is replacement. What you worshipped before gets left behind. What you worship now gets everything.
From idols. The things that were previously worshipped — whatever held their devotion, their trust, their service. In Thessalonica, these were literal pagan deities. In your life, they may be career, comfort, approval, control, security. The principle is the same: conversion means turning from what occupied the throne to the one who belongs on it.
To serve the living and true God. The service did not stop. It transferred. Everyone serves something — that is the nature of being human. The Thessalonians stopped serving dead, false gods and started serving the living, true God. Living — alive, active, responsive. Not a statue. Not a concept. A God who breathes, who acts, who speaks, who is present. True — genuine, real, not fabricated. Not a god you designed. The God who designed you.
For they themselves shew of us. The conversion was so visible that other people reported it. Paul did not have to advertise. The change was dramatic enough that the story traveled on its own. Real conversion produces visible change — the kind that other people notice and talk about.
Has your conversion been visible? Not perfectly lived — visibly changed. Have the people around you seen the turning? Do they know what you turned from and who you turned to? The Thessalonians' conversion was a known story across two regions. What story does your turning tell?
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
For they themselves show of us,.... Either the above reports of the preaching of the Gospel to the Thessalonians, and of…
For they themselves - They who have visited you, and they whom you have sent out; all persons testify of your piety. The…
How ye turned to God from idols - This could not be spoken either of the Jews or of the devout persons, but of the…
In these words we have the evidence of the apostle's success among the Thessalonians, which was notorious and famous in…
For they themselves shew of us Rather, report concerning us (R.V.) "They" points to "those in Macedonia and Achaia" and…
Cross References
Related passages throughout Scripture