| Geneva Study Bible {4} And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with {c} joy of the Holy Ghost: (4) Another reason, because even to that day they embraced the Gospel with great cheerfulness, insomuch that they were an example to all their neighbours: so that it would be more shameful for them to faint in the middle of the race. (c) With joy which comes from the Holy Spirit. People's New Testament 1:6 Ye became followers of us, and of the Lord. Followed them as they followed the Lord. Having received the word in much affliction. In the midst of opposition and persecution. See Ac 17:5-9. With the joy of the Holy Ghost. With rejoicing as soon as they accepted the gospel. Wesley's Notes 1:6 Though in much affliction, yet with much joy. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary 6. And ye-answering to "For our Gospel," 1Th 1:5. followers-Greek, "imitators." The Thessalonians in their turn became "ensamples" (1Th 1:7) for others to imitate. of the Lord-who was the apostle of the Father, and taught the word, which He brought from heaven, under adversities [Bengel]. This was the point in which they imitated Him and His apostles, joyful witness for the word in much affliction: the second proof of their election of God (1Th 1:4); 1Th 1:5 is the first (see on [2442]1Th 1:5). received the word in much affliction-(1Th 2:14; 3:2-5; Ac 17:5-10). joy of-that is, wrought by "the Holy Ghost." "The oil of gladness" wherewith the Son of God was "anointed above His fellows" (Ps 45:7), is the same oil with which He, by the Spirit, anoints His fellows too (Isa 61:1, 3; Ro 14:17; 1Jo 2:20, 27). Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary 1:6-10 When careless, ignorant, and immoral persons are turned from their carnal pursuits and connexions, to believe in and obey the Lord Jesus, to live soberly, righteously, and godly, the matter speaks for itself. The believers under the Old Testament waited for the coming of the Messiah, and believers now wait for his second coming. He is yet to come. And God had raised him from the dead, which is a full assurance unto all men that he will come to judgment. He came to purchase salvation, and will, when he comes again, bring salvation with him, full and final deliverance from that wrath which is yet to come. Let all, without delay, flee from the wrath to come, and seek refuge in Christ and his salvation. | 
