“For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe“
In describing how the gospel came to Thessalonica, Paul now shifts from the perspective of his team to that of the Thessalonians (2:13-16). We now see their attitude toward the Word of God as the revelation of God. They embraced the Bible as God’s voice to them and applied it to their lives.
The Thessalonians’ attitude to God’s Word made them one of the most outstanding churches in the first century. They faced persecution and trial with a vision that carried them beyond their problems. This verse is a Bible comment about itself.
For this reason
The gospel team could give thanks because the Thessalonians received the Word as God’s revelation. How people receive the Bible affects how they live the Christian life.
we also thank God without ceasing,
The word “also” may indicate that Paul’s team thanked God and the Thessalonians for the way the gospel came to Thessalonica. Paul’s prayers of thanksgiving to God constantly appear for the Thessalonians. Clearly, one of Paul’s major activities was the exercise of prayer and especially in the category of thanksgiving.
“…remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father…” (1 Thessalonians 1:3).
“…pray without ceasing…” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
“For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers…” (Romans 1:9).
“I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day…” (2 Timothy 1:3).
Principle:
Constant prayer is central to successful ministry.
Application:
Some of us pray some of the time. People with dynamic ministries pray “without ceasing” for the people to whom they minister.
