1 Thessalonians is a letter the apostle Paul sent the church he planted in Thessalonica
Paul was highly encouraged by the church because it members living a very positive example of what lives look like that are ruled and reigned by Jesus Christ.
Of note is the truth that Paul and his team MODELED what Christian living should look like. It was not do as I say, it was do as I do.
The Thessalonians embraced a true and effective leader to follow in the apostle Paul.
What makes this so incredible is that the little church lived so rightly that THEY became the example to others.
Do you know that all over the provinces of both Macedonia and Achaia believers look up to you? The word has gotten around. Your lives are echoing the Master’s Word, not only in the provinces but all over the place. The news of your faith in God is out. We don’t even have to say anything anymore—you’re the message!
1 Thessalonians 1:7-8 TMSG
The students of the role model had now, themselves, become the role models for others. And Paul applauds this, because this is in fact how Christianity is supposed to work, you and I are to live our lives in a way that we model God’s principles and attributes for those around us.