1 Thessalonians 1:7

Authorized King James Version

So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ὥστε

G5620

so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)

γενέσθαι

G1096

were

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ὑμᾶς

G5209

that ye

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

τύπους

G5179

ensamples

a die (as struck), i.e., (by implication) a stamp or scar; by analogy, a shape, i.e., a statue, (figuratively) style or resemblance; specially, a samp

πᾶσιν

G3956

to all

all, any, every, the whole

τοῖς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πιστεύουσιν

G4100

that believe

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#10

Μακεδονίᾳ

G3109

Macedonia

macedonia, a region of greece

#11

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#12

τῇ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#13

Ἀχαΐᾳ

G882

Achaia

achaia (i.e., greece), a country of europe

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Thessalonians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within 1 Thessalonians chapter 1 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

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