1 Thessalonians 2:13

And we continually thank God because, when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it truly is, the word of God, which is also now at work in you who believe.

Berean Standard Bible

Follow its threads on the canvas →

Study note

Setting — Paul writes to the Thessalonian church, pivoting from a defense of his own conduct (2:1–12) to affirming their response to the gospel he delivered.

The words — eucharistoumen (εὐχαριστοῦμεν) is present tense: "we are giving thanks," a continuous posture rather than a single act of gratitude.

The thread — The word of God is not inert information but a living agent: it pierces (Heb 4:12), it produces faith through hearing (Rom 10:17), and it is the imperishable seed of new birth (1 Pet 1:23).

Why it lands — The verse forces a distinction: the gospel you received is not a human argument you found persuasive but God's own word operating within you. It asks the reader to locate the source of their faith outside themselves.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

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.

Cross-references

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Romans 10:17 Consequently, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.
1 Peter 1:23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.
1 Peter 1:25 but the word of the Lord stands forever.” And this is the word that was proclaimed to you.
1 Peter 2:2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,
Luke 11:28 But He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”
Acts 13:48 When the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced and glorified the word of the Lord, and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.
Acts 17:11 Now the Bereans were more noble-minded than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true.
2 Corinthians 3:18 And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
Galatians 4:14 And although my illness was a trial to you, you did not despise or reject me. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus Himself.