<p>1:7 <em>In this way you became an example to all in Macedonia and in Achaia that believe</em>- See on :6. The example of the early Christians, especially their deportment under persecution and even death, was what converted others. The Thessalonians were convinced that what Paul taught them was not the word of men but the word of God, because of who Paul was: his life, his self-sacrifice, his caring, convinced them (1 Thess. 2:1-14). Paul speaks of how they had become examples to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia; and yet he also notes in the same context how the Gospel has been spread throughout those very same regions, Macedonia and Achaia (1 Thess. 1:7,8). Their example was associated with the acceptance of the message. Their faith had &ldquo;gone forth&rdquo; and so thereby had the word of the Lord &ldquo;sounded forth&rdquo; (:8 RV).</p>