1 Thessalonians 2:13
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Thessalonians 2:13
13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
Chapter Context
1 Thessalonians 2 is a eschatological epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of obedience, wisdom, discipleship. Written during Paul's second missionary journey (c. 50-51 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: New believers faced persecution from both Jewish opposition and pagan neighbors.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Thessalonians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Thessalonians 2:13
13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
Analysis
For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God—paralabontes logon akoēs par' hēmōn tou Theou edexasthe ou logon anthrōpōn alla kathōs estin alēthōs logon Theou (παραλαβόντες λόγον ἀκοῆς παρ' ἡμῶν τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐδέξασθε οὐ λόγον ἀνθρώπων ἀλλὰ καθώς ἐστιν ἀληθῶς λόγον Θεοῦ). The contrast is emphatic: not logon anthrōpōn (word of men) but logon Theou (word of God). This grounds biblical authority—Scripture isn't human wisdom but divine revelation.
Which effectually worketh also in you that believe (hos kai energeitai en hymin tois pisteuousin, ὃς καὶ ἐνεργεῖται ἐν ὑμῖν τοῖς πιστεύουσιν)—energeitai (present middle, 'is working/is effective') indicates continuous supernatural operation. God's word doesn't return void (Isaiah 55:11) but accomplishes transformation in believers. The Thessalonians' perseverance (v. 14), transformation from idols (1:9), and reproducing faith (1:8) proved the word's effectual working. Divine word produces divine results through divine power, distinguishing true Scripture from human philosophy.
Historical Context
The Thessalonians' recognition that Paul's preaching was God's word, not human opinion, explains their willingness to suffer persecution for it. Ancient philosophers offered competing wisdom traditions—Stoics, Epicureans, Cynics—but these were acknowledged human speculation. The gospel came with divine authority (1:5), confirming Paul's apostolic claim to revelation (Gal 1:11-12). This conviction that Scripture is God's inerrant word has sustained martyrs throughout church history; those who view it as merely human religious literature rarely suffer for it.
Reflection
- What evidence demonstrates that you receive Scripture as God's authoritative word rather than human religious opinion?
- How does recognizing the Bible as God's word 'effectually working' change your approach to reading, studying, and obeying it?
- In what ways has the word of God demonstrably 'worked effectively' in your life, producing transformation beyond human capability?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God
Cross-References
- Faith: Acts 13:48, Romans 10:17
- References God: Galatians 4:14
- Word: Luke 11:28, Acts 17:11, Hebrews 4:12, 1 Peter 1:23, 1:25, 2:2
- Parallel theme: 1 John 3:3