Thomas Aquinas, on 1Thess 1:7

“So that you were made a pattern to all that believe in Macedonia and in Achaia.”

“And you are our imitators to such an extent that you can be imitated by others; therefore he says: "so that you become an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia." In making this point, Paul does three things. First, he shows that they can be imitated; secondly, he shows how their fame has spread (1:8); thirdly, Paul shows how they were praised by all peoples (1:9). So Paul says: you have imitated us so perfectly that you became an example, that is, an example of life not only in your own surroundings, but in other places as well: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven" (Matt. 5:16). You became an example to all believers to whom your faith has become known.”

Imported from an open dataset — not yet checked against the printed edition.