1 Thessalonians 2:13 13And on account of this we also thank God constantly, because when you received a word from God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word but as it truly is, a word from God, which also is at work in you believers.
Another reason Paul is thankful to God is how the Thessalonians received the message he and his companions preached to them. The notable thought in this verse is the connection between the preaching of the mission team and God’s divine word to the Thessalonians. God used the words spoken by Paul to reach the hearts of the Thessalonians. There is power in the preached word if it is truly (alēthōs) a word from God. Preaching and teaching cannot be merely human thinking.
What made the message Paul and teammates spoke to be a word from God? This verse does not directly say but there are clues in the context. Verse 4 implies that preaching that is from God will glorify God. This verse also shows that this preaching will be from a sincere heart. Verse 8 suggests that this preaching will be evidenced in a lifestyle that proofs the truth of the message. Verse 12 shows that this preaching must call people to holiness and a lifestyle that pleases God. The spoken word must faithfully and accurately proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ without compromise.
The Thessalonians recognized power in the spoken testimony of the missionaries. The word planted the seed of faith that began to grow. They heard something that meet a deep need of their lives. They saw the word lived out in Paul, Silas, and Timothy. They acted on this faith, even though it potentially could cause them problems. Two parts were needed: faithful proclaimers of the gospel and seekers of what the gospel offered.
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