1 Thessalonians 1:8
For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.
Original Language Analysis
ἀφ'
from
G575
ἀφ'
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
1 of 35
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
3 of 35
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἐξήχηται
you sounded out
G1837
ἐξήχηται
you sounded out
Strong's:
G1837
Word #:
4 of 35
to "echo" forth, i.e., resound (be generally reported)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 35
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγος
the word
G3056
λόγος
the word
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
6 of 35
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 35
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίου
of the Lord
G2962
κυρίου
of the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
8 of 35
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 35
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 35
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
16 of 35
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 35
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τόπῳ
place
G5117
τόπῳ
place
Strong's:
G5117
Word #:
20 of 35
a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas g5561 is a large but participle locality), i.e., location (as a position, home, tract, etc
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 35
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πίστις
faith
G4102
πίστις
faith
Strong's:
G4102
Word #:
22 of 35
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
24 of 35
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρὸς
to
G4314
πρὸς
to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
25 of 35
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
26 of 35
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸν
God-ward
G2316
θεὸν
God-ward
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
27 of 35
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ὥστε
so
G5620
ὥστε
so
Strong's:
G5620
Word #:
29 of 35
so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
30 of 35
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
χρείαν
need
G5532
χρείαν
need
Strong's:
G5532
Word #:
31 of 35
employment, i.e., an affair; also (by implication) occasion, demand, requirement or destitution
Cross References
Romans 1:8First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.2 Thessalonians 1:4So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:Revelation 22:17And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.Revelation 14:6And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,Isaiah 52:7How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!2 Thessalonians 3:1Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:3 John 1:12Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.
Historical Context
Thessalonica's strategic location on the Egnatian Way (the Roman Empire's main east-west highway) meant constant traffic of merchants, soldiers, and travelers. These travelers encountered believers radically transformed from polytheism to monotheism, from sexual immorality to purity, from fear of death to joyful hope in resurrection. Such dramatic change provoked conversation. Travelers carried news westward to Rome and eastward to Asia, making this young church famous before Paul's letter arrived.
Questions for Reflection
- What aspects of your faith would be newsworthy enough that observers would naturally spread the word without being asked?
- How does organic gospel expansion through transformed lives differ from programmatic evangelism strategies?
- Why does the church's reputation often spread further than its intentional outreach, and what does this say about authenticity's power?
Analysis & Commentary
For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad—exēchētai (ἐξήχηται, 'has sounded out') uses trumpet imagery: the word reverberated like a blast echoing through mountains. The Thessalonians became not just examples but evangelists, their testimony spreading beyond Greece to 'every place.' This wasn't organized mission strategy but organic gospel expansion—transformed lives naturally proclaimed transforming truth.
Your faith to God-ward is spread abroad (hē pistis hymōn hē pros ton Theon exelēlythen, ἡ πίστις ὑμῶν ἡ πρὸς τὸν Θεὸν ἐξελήλυθεν)—the perfect tense 'has gone forth' indicates completed action with ongoing results. Their radical conversion from idols to the living God (v. 9) created such contrast with paganism that travelers spread the news. Authentic Christianity doesn't need advertising; transformed lives become advertisements. A church can be numerous, wealthy, and organized yet spiritually silent; the Thessalonians were few, poor, and persecuted yet their witness resounded.