I Thessalonians 2:13, 14

"And for this reason we also thank God without pausing, that you received with your minds God's Word that you heard from us. You welcomed it not as man's word but just as it really is, God's Word, which works in all you believers." (I Thessalonians 2:13)

These believers understood that Paul was preaching the Word of God, not his own thoughts or ideas. It is the Word of God that has the power to change people.

"The fact is, brothers, you became imitators of God's assemblies in Christ Jesus in Judea. Because in the same way you have suffered at the hands of your own people, they have by the Jews." (I Thessalonians 2:14)

They may not have known that they were following in the steps of other believers, but they were. It is an encouragement when we are going through hard times, to know that there are others who have experienced the same thing and who understand what we are going through.

I Thessalonians 2:10-12

"You and God are legal witnesses. We were pure, just and without blame towards you believers." (I Thessalonians 2:10)

Paul was morally pure, fair and acted in a way that he could not be justly accused of doing wrong to anyone.

"Even as you know, how each of you were like our children, and we acted like your father." (I Thessalonians 2:11)

Paul cared for them like a father cares for his very own children.

"We invited, encouraged and witnessed to you so that your lifestyle would be worthy of God Who called you into the service of His Kingdom and Glory." (I Thessalonians 2:12)

Remembering who we serve should cause us to live the right kind of life.

I Thessalonians 2:8, 9

"Having deep affection for you all, we were delighted to give you all, not only the Good News of God but also our own selves, because you were loved by us." (I Thessalonians 2:8)

Paul was fully committed to these believers. He showed that he loved souls by happily giving them the Gospel message.

"The fact is, brothers, you remember our labor and our toil. Night and day we work so that not one of you are burdened while we proclaim to you the Good News of God." (I Thessalonians 2:9)

Paul was bi-vocational. He worked to support himself while he preached the Gospel. No one could claim that he took advantage of him or her.