1 Corinthians 12:4-11

There are a number of different gifts here listed by Paul. He talks about gifts of healing and working of miracles. He talks about prophecy and the ability to distinguish between spirits. Regardless of the differences and the uniqueness of each gift, all are given by the same Spirit. There is one Spirit and one Lord, which is important to keep in mind when dealing and talking about these different spiritual gifts.

1 Corinthians 12:1-3

There is a difference in a person's life before they are saved and after they are saved. Before, those Paul is addressing are those who were led astray by idols. However, he wants to make the point that one speaking in the Spirit of God cannot say "Jesus is accursed" and it is only in the Holy Spirit that one can say "Jesus is Lord". In 1 John there is a similar point made with regards to testing the spirits. In Paul's case here in 1 Corinthians, he is about to talk about gifts of the Spirit.

1 Corinthians 11:17-34

Now Paul talks about the Lord's Supper. There are divisions in the church and this can be seen when they eat of the Lord's Supper. Some are hungry and they eat first, but Paul suggests that they eat before coming if that is the case. He reminds them of the bread and the cup. This which Jesus did in the last supper is recounted by Paul. With reference to the bread and the cup, one ought to examine himself before partaking, for it is eating and drinking judgment on yourself. The bread and the cup are representations of Christ's body and blood. We should treat this meal as such and not as just another meal we eat.

1 Corinthians 11:2-16

There is this structure that is described by Paul. The head of every man is Christ and the head of Christ is God. However, for every wife, the head is her husband. There is this tradition that Paul describes with reference to this which is the practice of head coverings. Men are to pray or prophesy with their head uncovered, otherwise they dishonor their head. Man is the image and glory of God, which is why he ought not to cover his head. Women are to pray prophesy with their heads covered otherwise their head is dishonored. If that is the case, a woman is to cut her hair short. Woman is the glory of man and woman was created for man. Having a head covering is like having a symbol of authority.

Notice how they aren't really separate. Paul makes mention of the fact that they aren't separate in the Lord and how even man is born of woman. It's not as if man is somehow better than woman because she was created for her. Paul tries to back-up his argument describing the nature of men and women and their hair. It is only natural that long hair is a woman's glory and it is the opposite for men.

One interesting quote I came across is this one which I'll end with:

"Far from being a symbol of the woman's subjection to man, therefore, her head-covering is what Paul calls it - authority: in prayer and prophecy she, like the man, is under the authority of God" (NTS, 10, 1963-64, p.416, M. D. Hooker)

1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1

Now Paul tackles this idea that "all things are lawful". It is true, but Paul adds that not all things are helpful and not all things build up. Instead of asking this question, we should seek to do all for the good of others and to do all things to the glory of God. Paul puts for the example of when people eat meat. Some meat that is sold and eaten has been sacrificed to idols. Now this is a touchy subject to some, but Paul has already talked about and established that idols are really nothing and eating that food makes no difference. In addition, Paul has just finished talking about in this chapter that we are not to partake in these pagan rituals of sacrificing to other gods. Regardless, Paul's point here is not to ask questions but to eat without raising any questions for the sake of conscience. However, if someone makes it aware to you that the food before you has been sacrificed to idols, then you should refrain from eating it. Doing this is not for the sake of your own conscience but for the conscience of others. This is just one example, but we are to approach all things with the mindset of doing all things to the glory of God. This includes pleasing others for the end goal of their possible salvation through Jesus Christ. Putting forth this example and teaching, Paul encourages them to imitate him as he imitates Christ. We aren't to go aimlessly imitating people, but we are to imitate Christ. It sometimes is helpful to have people that we look up to and if we follow them I should hope that they are imitating Christ as well.

1 Corinthians 10:14-22

There is encouragement and hope when face with temptation. Because of this, Paul encourages his readers to flee from idolatry. He then makes reference to the bread and the cup, this that we take part in. This is contrasted to the sacrifices that pagans make to their gods in their rituals. Food offered to idols is nothing as Paul previously mentioned, but he does not want them to be partaking in these rituals. We cannot partake in the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. Thus, we should not partake in those rituals. Doing this would be a matter of provoking God to jealousy. He is the one we serve and if we partake in those other rituals sacrificing to demons we partake in worshiping another god.

1 Corinthians 10:1-13

Here we get a small history lesson on the Old Testament. Paul reminds his readers about when the Israelites were lead by Moses in the desert. These things that happened to them were written down for our sakes. So that when we read about them, we can learn from their mistakes. God wasn't very much pleased with them as they disobeyed God from time to time. These things are warnings to us. In addition, there is much comfort in the words from Paul about temptation. These temptations aren't anything new and God is faithful in providing a way of escape.

1 Corinthians 9

Paul talks about his rights as an apostle. It is okay for him to take a believing wife and to accept support from others, is it not? Why is he treated or considered different from the other apostles? This is one of the things he continues to fight for in his letters. An analogy he uses is with an ox who is permitted to eat of the fruits if his labor. However, Paul has not made use of this ability. Instead, he has refrained from it and he explains why. First, he tells them that he cannot boast in his preaching because he has been instructed and is required to do so. His goal is to preach it free of charge.

Paul goes on to talk about how he becomes like those he is preaching to. He doesn't do this in the manner that would cause him to disobey God. However, he does this as a means to reach those whom he is preaching to. To the Jew he becomes a Jew and to the ones outside the law he becomes as one outside the law. This is for the sake of the gospel so as to save some.

He then talks about runners who compete or athletes. These people discipline themselves as to prepare themselves for competition. They do it with the goal of winning and in his life he prepares himself to win the prize. He isn't aiming for second place, but he is aiming for first place. This involves discipline similar to an athlete who trains his body.

1 Corinthians 8

Paul addresses the matter of food sacrificed to idols. He talks about knowledge and how knowledge puffs up, making one proud. However, love builds up, encouraging one another. This idea of knowledge is applied to the knowledge of meat sacrificed to idols.

Some people know that idols aren't really anything. We know that there is one God and he is the one we serve and follow. However, some think much of these idols as if they were actually something of significance. There are often sacrifices of food to these idols, and some thinking these idols to be something and stay away from meat sacrificed to these idols. Though some know that this food means nothing and can eat it regardless of its being offered to an idol, they should refrain from it for the sake of those with a weaker conscience. This is described as being a stumbling block to others. If eating this food causes a brother to stumble, we should simply refrain from eating that food.

1 Corinthians 7

Here we get to the long chapter on marriage. People should have sexual relations with their spouse. With regards to this matter, your body is not your own, but it belongs to your spouse. There is an exception to this, and that is for when a married couple both agree together to refrain from sexual relations with one another to devote themselves to prayer. However, they should both come together again; otherwise Satan will tempt them due to their lack of self-control.

We all know Paul's stance on marriage. He wishes that everyone were like him and were single. However, if you cannot control yourself, then you should get married. Those who are married should not get divorced. There are the cases for which people do get divorced and Paul says that they should remain unmarried unless be reconciled to their original spouse.

There is also the case for which one spouse is a believer but the other is not. The believer should not leave their spouse, but should remain with them. However, if the unbelieving spouse leaves, they should let them leave. You don't know whether you can save your spouse; how would you know?

Paul goes on to tell the people to live as they are called. Some are slaves and should remain as slaves. However, if they can get their freedom, then they should get it. However, some were uncircumcised wishing that they were and some were circumcised wishing that they were not. We are to remain in the condition for which we were called. We are God's and are to remain as the way in which God called us.

This idea of remaining as you are called is applied to marriage. If you're married, don't seek to be free from marriage. In addition, if you're single, don't seek for marriage. However, if you do get married, that's okay as well. But of course, Paul promotes singleness. Those who are single are only worried about the things of God, but a married person must also consider their spouse.

This next section Paul talks about a person and his betrothed. There is much debate over this section and what it means. It ends with a person who marries his betrothed does well but one who refrains from marriage does even better. There is a binding that occurs at marriage and this should be understood well. The binding is released if one is released from marriage if a person's spouse dies. If this happens, the person is free to re-marry, but Paul adds that this is to occur "only in the Lord". It's assumed that you only marry in the Lord; it's assumed that you only marry as you are in the Lord and the other person as well.

1 Corinthians 6

One problem in the Corinthian church is that they are having disputes with one another and they're trying to resolve these disputes in court. The problem is that though they are both professing followers of Jesus, they need the pagan judicial system to settle their differences. This is a big problem and Paul brings this to their attention. They should be able to figure it out among themselves or find some wise elders in the church to settle the problem.

Paul goes on to say that we will judge the world and angels, so judging these matters are only small things. In addition, the very fact that these disputes are brought before the pagan courts means that they have been defeated in a sense. It would be better for them to have been wronged then to have to bring their disputes before the pagan courts.

Paul goes on to tackle the problem of sexual immorality. This is clearly wrong, but some are using certain sayings to justify their actions. Paul points out that not everything is beneficial. They may be arguing that the body is meant for sexual immorality or that it's meant for food, but they are both wrong. The body is meant for the Lord and the Lord for the body.

Uniting yourself with another person is the same as being one with them. So if you unite with a prostitute, you are being one with a prostitute. Regardless, in all things, we are to flee from sexual immorality.

1 Corinthians 5

My goodness, this incident is quite odd. News has reached Paul that a person in the church has his father's wife. I'm guessing it's not his mother, otherwise it would probably be mentioned as such. This woman is probably his step-mother. Regardless, this is a terrible thing to have happen. The first thing Paul addresses is the church and how they are to deal with this. He's surprised that they are allowing this kind of behavior to simple go without doing anything about it. He calls them proud, this shown by how they are dealing with the situation or rather their lack of dealing with it.

They might argue that it's not a big deal. However, if only a small amount of tolerance is allotted for or if only a small amount of sin is allowed, it is still not a good thing. Paul relates it to how only a small amount of yeast will work through the whole dough. Allowing a small amount of tolerance or sin is still a bad thing that can work its way through the entire church. In addition, this analogy is related to the unleavened bread and how Jesus is our Passover lamb.

Paul wishes to correct something he said earlier. It is possible that they have interpreted it incorrectly. He told them not to associate with sexually immoral people. When he says this, he is not referring to the people of the world, but people who call themselves a follower of Jesus but are sexually immoral people. If he meant all the sexually immoral people, then they would have to leave this world since the world is filled with these kinds of people. When referring to sexually immoral people, he adds to the list, referring to a number of different kinds of sins people commit.

So why is it okay to associate with these kinds of people if they don't claim to be a follower of Jesus and not okay to associate with these kinds of people if they do claim to be a follower of Jesus? Well, we aren't in charge of judging those outside the church, but God is. However, we are in charge of judging those inside the church. Some people quote Matthew 7:1 in defense to those who judge. There are certain parameters and exceptions I'm sure, but Matthew 7:1 isn't an end to judgment on others, but there is in fact instruction to judge those who claim to be followers of Jesus.

1 Corinthians 4

This chapter is somewhat weird. By that I mean, when I picture the scope of 1 Corinthians, my mind hasn't really labeled this chapter in a memorable way, shape or form. So, it's just unknown to me in a sense. I guess there's more for me to learn then.

Paul talks about judging and how he doesn't really care about being judged, nor does he judge himself. This is with reference to the fact that God is the one who judges Paul and that's the judgment he cares about.

He speaks about this judgment and says he applies these things to himself so that they won't go beyond what is written. When you care about the judgments of others, this is when you go beyond what is written. Pharisees do many things for show and extra rituals they do are beyond what is written. Caring about what the Lord thinks and how he judges will help one focus on what matters.

Moving on to what Paul does for them, he talks about how poorly he is treated with respect to them. Though they are so blessed, he writes his experienced in contrast to encourage them. He urges them to imitate him.

Near the end he mentions how some think that Paul isn't even coming to meet them. These people are saying some things that Paul will confirm and check. It's not really about what you say, but what you do. These words that are said aren't what matters so much as the power behind them and the actions, in a sense. He says this in reference to the kingdom of God, which consists in power and not in talk. Paul is warning these people who are saying things he might have to correct. Wise up, or he'll have to come discipline them.

1 Corinthians 3:16-23

Why does Paul all of a sudden start talking about people as God's temple? He's talking about foundations we're laying and being God's workers. Why does he talk about being God's temple and not destroying that temple? It seems to fit well in contrasting with the building that is happening. We are to build carefully and be aware of the foundation. With respect to the building that we do to others and ourselves, it is possible to destroy these things. That wouldn't be good and which is why Paul goes on to talk about people being God's temple and not to destroy God's temple.

The next thing that is discussed is wisdom. This is similar to what is mentioned in the first to chapters. God's wisdom is clearly better than man's wisdom. Do not boast about human leader. He ends with an interesting connection, talking about all things being yours. This is connected to the fact that you are Christ's and Christ is God's. There is this ownership and hierarchy that is mentioned, which is quite interesting. I guess it's important to know who owns you.

1 Corinthians 3:1-15

Paul begins by talking about those at the Corinthian church as people of the flesh instead of spiritual people. He also refers to them as infants, mentioning that they still are not ready to grow up and eat solid food. The actions by which these statements are founded by are their human ways of claiming to follow Paul or Apollos, being divided among themselves. Dealing with this problem, Paul establishes the fact that Paul and Apollos are mere humans. Regardless of whether Paul plants or Apollos waters, it is God who gives the growth. Being workers who plant or workers who water, we are all God's workers and thus unified by this fact.

Now what matters is the foundation by which a building is built on. Paul tells us that the foundation by which he builds on is Jesus Christ. Any other foundation will not last and will be shown by the day by which fire will test each person's work.

1 Corinthians 2

Speaking about God's wisdom, Paul is sure to say that he is not presenting anything fancy or from his own wisdom. Instead, he proclaims the things which God has told him to proclaim. Paul didn't mix into his preaching the wisdom of man. This way, those who hear would not be relying on the wisdom of man.

The wisdom of God is a mystery to those who do not know about it. Paul refers to the rulers as those who do not understand it. If they had, they wouldn't have crucified Jesus. If they can't understand it, how could Paul? Paul and the followers of Jesus Christ have this revealed to them by the Spirit. Men aren't the ones who understand God, but the Spirit does. Therefore, the Spirit is the one who can reveal these hidden things to us.

1 Corinthians 1

Paul begins the letter of 1 Corinthians with typical greetings as usual. Upon careful study and reading what other smarter bible scholars say, this is not the first letter Paul has written to the Corinthians and has to be at least the second. He goes on to express his thanksgiving towards God for them and the good work that has been happening among them.

Paul encourages them to be unified and not have divisions among them. Some of them are claiming to follow certain people such as Peter or Paul. However, this doesn't make sense and they shouldn't be divided. Paul even uses an example, worrying that it is possible for them to claim being baptized in the name of those who they were following who were not Jesus.

Paul also begins to compare the wisdom of God to the wisdom of man. Clearly, the wisdom of God is greater. Preaching Christ crucified and following him seems stupid to other people, but it is the wisdom of God and that is greater. He even describes the foolishness of God to be wiser than men.

What's even more is that those who would look down upon the wisdom of God, thinking it foolishness, will be shamed by the things that are considered weak and foolish. God has a funny way of defying the wisdom of men, and he does it by using what is weak and foolish in this world. God doesn't necessarily choose the best and the brightest to save, but he chooses those who are weak and foolish. These weak and foolish people are those that God uses to shame those who would be considered wise and powerful in this world. Those people boast in themselves, but we know that we shouldn't boast in anything except for the Lord.

Galatians 6

We should help each other, encourage one another and carry each other's burdens. This he is initially referring to one who is caught in sin. Sin is a real and troublesome thing we face. It will happen and we must learn to deal with it properly. Paul goes on to encourage the readers to do good, reminding them that we reap what we sow.

Those who are encouragers of circumcision are the ones who want to impress others through the flesh. The real reason why they do this is to avoid persecution for a belief in Jesus. A profession in Jesus Christ will call for persecution. It's as if when the persecution comes, these people distract and point to circumcision in order to avoid the persecution.

If you recall, those who live by circumcision for their salvation must keep the entire law. However, those who are circumcised don't keep the law. When they get you to be circumcised, it is only so that they can boast in your flesh. Whether you are circumcised or not doesn't make a difference. Paul boldly proclaims that he doesn't want to boast and may it never be. The only exception is a boast that is in the cross of Jesus Christ.

Galatians 5

Some of them are turning to circumcision as means by which they are saved. Paul urges them not to turn to it, for living by circumcision requires fulfillment of the law in its entirety. Living as followers of Jesus gives no value to circumcision or uncircumcision. The only thing that matters is faith working through love.

Someone must have persuaded them away from the gospel. Paul uses this idea of a little leaven working through the whole dough in 1 Corinthians as he does here. Something small like a little persuasion can work through the entire church and infect it all. Perhaps this persuasion was against Paul, but Paul defends himself saying that he does not teach that circumcision is necessary for salvation. They're getting all worked up over this matter of circumcision and taking it too far. Paul even suggests that they take it further and emasculate themselves.

They should not fight and turn against each other. Instead, we are supposed to love one another and we shouldn't become consumed with fighting with one another. We are to walk by the spirit. Paul lists out the fruit of the Spirit, which is contrasted by the desires of the flesh. We are to live by the Spirit and not gratify the desires of the flesh.

Galatians 4:8-31

Paul sees what's happening and it doesn't make sense. Well, it makes sense because people are sinful and they turn away from God. However, they received the good news of the gospel and they turned to God, but now are turning back to their sinful ways. He encourages them to turn back to God and reminds them of how he initially brought the good news to them and how they received it. These people who are now trying to persuade them away from Jesus are doing this with ill intent and shouldn't be followed.

Paul goes on to give an example using the story of Abraham. He was barren, but was promised a child from God. When this wasn't happening, he had a child with Hagar, Sarah's servant. However, God's promise was through Sarah and the child born to her later, which was Isaac. These children are represented by two covenants with God, as Paul explains. There is one of slavery and one of freedom. Those Paul is talking to are described as children of promise like Isaac.

Matthew 5:13-16

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

(v13-16, NIV)

This passage has been suggested to me to use for a presentation. It's sad how easily and quick I was to simply use it without really reading into it or studying it. I recall a few years ago being asked about this passage and what it really means to be salt. It is somewhat hard to understand, though it's probably preached more frequently than other passages. I would consider this passage to be relatively more popular when compared to the rest of scripture.

So, being the salt of the earth is a pretty big statement. He could've picked anything, which makes you wonder, what's so special about salt? Somehow, salt is differentiated from everything else such that he's comparing certain people to salt. How is it different? What's mentioned in this passage is saltiness, which isn't that explicit. However, this saltiness that is referred to is important. If this quality is lost to salt, it isn't really worth much and should be thrown away.

Salt is used for its taste, and that salty flavor is what differentiates it from everything else. How does that relate to followers of Jesus Christ? In what way are followers of Jesus salty? Well, I've heard it said with reference to this passage that nothing is really quite like salt. In the same way, nothing is really quite like followers of Jesus Christ; they are unique. That which differentiates you from those who do not follow Jesus must not be that which you lose. If you lose that, it would be the same as salt which loses its saltiness.

It's interesting that immediately following the salt is made mention of light. If we are to be like salt, then it makes sense to shine as lights to others. That which makes followers of Jesus different from others should be that which is shared with the world. We have the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ, why should we hide it from others? Light is not made to be put under a bowl and hidden. Why should we hide the good news? Instead, we should be light of the world and shine this light before the world.

Galatians 3:23-4:7

We were held captive under the law before faith, but now that faith has come, we are all unified in Christ. We're not really separated by our ethnicity, but unified by all being found in Christ.

An analogy is used, talking about an heir growing up as a child eventually to receive his inheritance, though under guardians until the set date. Similarly, though not receiving the inheritance yet, we were held under the slavery by things of this world until we could be redeemed by Christ. Being under the law at first, we could be adopted as sons and daughters into God's family.

Galatians 3:15-22

Paul uses an example to describe what he's talking about. Looking at the example of a human covenant, it is compared to the covenant God made with Abraham. God made a covenant with Abraham, and the law that was given 430 years later does not annul the promise made to Abraham. It doesn't make sense for the inheritance to be based upon the law, because it would no longer be on God's part to keep the promise, but the people's part to keep the law.

The purpose of the law is even addressed here. The law was given because of transgressions as something before Christ could come to fulfill the promise. The law can't impart righteousness; otherwise righteousness would come by the law. Instead, what was promised by God could be given to those who believe, through Jesus Christ of course.

1 Timothy 3:1-13

I almost forgot for today. I was literally in my bed about to turn off the light to sleep. Good times...

Heard recently about a situation at another church, the pastor of which recognized a pattern of sin deeming himself unqualified as an elder. Similarly, been hearing in a sermon about moral failure. I guess it's quite tough being a leader. There are a lot of responsibilities and many people who see you and look up to you. When you fall, you fall a lot harder since you were in such a high position.

Here in 1 Timothy, Paul lays out some of the qualifications to be an overseer or a deacon. These are quite high standards, but it is fitting for one who will be in a high position. It makes sense, and it's a good reminder for how we should live and act as a leader.

The first requirement is that an overseer be above reproach. Most try to reach a certain moral standard as their goal or aim. However, this isn't just about a normal moral standard, but being above even the blame and accusation of wrongdoing. It's not just a question of whether an action is wrong, but we need to ask whether an action could be considered wrong even if it's not. This certainly is weighty and need not be cast aside casually.

Galatians 2:14-3:14

Galatians is in my course material for next week. So, continuing on from where I left off a while ago, Paul begins talking about being justified by faith. If we recall, one of the things Paul began with was about a different gospel. Some seemed to be persuaded to follow a different gospel. It doesn't matter who delivered it or what it was, if it is different from the one true gospel delivered to them initially by Paul, it is a false gospel. After talking about some of his history, Paul talks about opposing Peter to his face with regards to his eatings and dealings with Gentiles. Not that it's wrong to eat with Gentiles, but Peter was in the wrong and causing others to stumble.

We are justified by faith and clearly not by works. Paul establishes that works of the law will justify nobody. He even stops to address an objection one may have. Someone may say that as we pursue justification by faith in Christ, we sin. As a result, they may conclude that Christ is a servant of sin. This is clearly wrong. Paul talks about living in Christ, Christ living through us and continuing on about justification not being through the law.

They heard the gospel and they received the Spirit by hearing with faith. Even though they began with faith, they are continuing in works of the law. This doesn't make sense and Paul is appealing to them to continue in faith instead of turning to works of the law, since we know justification is not by works of the law.

To take it further, those who rely on works of the law are under a curse. Paul takes this illustration further to talk about Jesus and how he became a curse for us. Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree, and Jesus did that for us to be a curse for us so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.

1 John 1:5-7

So I was thinking about this passage today. Actually, it was the focus of a sermon I was listening to, so I guess that simply triggered my thinking of it. This is nothing revolutionary, but I was thinking about this idea of darkness. If you're in darkness, it's hard for you to see what's around you. If you are in the state of saying that you have fellowship with God while you are walking in the darkness, how can you switch to walking in the light? You're in the darkness; you're clouded and oblivious to your current state. Your very state makes it difficult for you to switch to walking in the light.

These two statements cannot be both true. You can't be both walking in the darkness and having fellowship with God. That just doesn't make sense, yet so many people in the world live like that. They say that they're religious or that they're buddies with God, but they continue to live and grow in their sin. If you recall, God is light. Light doesn't exist with darkness, so you can't exist with darkness and have fellowship with God since God is light.

What's also interesting is that for the case when a person walks in the light, it doesn't specify that this person says he or she is walking with God. I guess walking in the light doesn't need specification of having fellowship with God. Walking in the light is the same as having fellowship with God, or walking in the light means you are in fact also having fellowship with God.

1 Thessalonians 1

I haven't really read 1 Thessalonians before. I don't know why, but I guess I just never really came across it. In addition, I don't think I've ever really heard it preached on in a sermon. Perhaps I wasn't listening. Regardless, we get a picture of Paul's visit to this place in Acts 17. As per usual, Paul goes to the synagogue and tells them about Jesus. Some people were persuaded, and these people were both Jews and Greeks. Unfortunately, some of the Jews that don't believe gather a mob to cause Paul some trouble. He was probably staying at the house of Jason, so they go crowd the house and drag Jason along with other believers out of the house. Jason and the believers with him were forced to pay them money to be allowed to go. So after this happened, the believers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea at nighttime.

Here in chapter 1 of 1 Thessalonians, Paul begins with a quick introduction, introducing himself, Silas and Timothy. They are addressing the church of the Thessalonians and begin by talking about their thanksgiving to God, which is thanksgiving for them. Paul is quite encouraging and uplifting of the believers in Thessalonica, talking about the gospel coming to them and their accepting of it. In their acceptance of it, they became imitators of Paul, Silas and the Lord. Paul even mentions about receiving the gospel in sever suffering, which may have been the incident when they dragged the believers out of the house of Jason. At that moment they could've renounced Jesus and given up Paul, but they didn't do that.

These believers in Thessalonica were also being good models to others. As Paul and Silas were good models to them, so they are good models to others. It seems that the believers in Thessalonica have impacted a great number of people, such that the gospel has been known "everywhere" from them, as Paul says. I'm not sure if they literally impacted "everywhere" by that time, but Paul probably is referring to an enormous impact that they had in spreading the gospel across great distances. Paul doesn't even really need to hear from them because he is hearing about them from others who have been impacted by the believers in Thessalonica.

I don't think they were going around boasting about themselves so that others could hear about these cool stories and boast about them. Rather, Paul explains that he hears how they turned away from idols and towards God. They are the real deal, serving the real God. They probably were so excited and truly following God, and in their service to God were telling others about God. In telling others about God, they were probably very honest and open, telling others about how they heard about God too. So this is probably how others heard about their faith and heard about Paul's visit to them and telling them about Jesus in the first place.