For from you has sounded forth the word of the Lord, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God has gone forth; so that we need not to say anything.
not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing: The light of the gospel is not put "under a basket" at Thessalonica. The changes wrought in the populace there became common knowledge throughout the Greek provinces of Macedonia and Achaia and beyond. The language employed suggests that those in the church and outside, as well, have heard of the impact of the gospel upon the lives of the Thessalonians. This congregation fully exploits its opportunities in a large commercial center. Traders from throughout the civilized world frequent this city and whether they come by boat into the Thermaic Gulf or by caravan along the Via Egnatia, they are sought out by the Thessalonian disciples who are zealous to share their faith. Many who come with spices and purple on their boats and camels return home with a new found faith in their hearts that they spread like a contagion in every place.