The Working of the Word

After challenging the false accusations of the opponents of the gospel, Paul returns to giving thanks to God for this newly planted and growing church. While this passage is brief, it is highly instructive to the observant. He thanks God that this church received the words of the gospel not as from men but as from God. In other words, they heard the words of the gospel in faith, or trusted that it was God who was speaking to them about his redemptive love and plan for delivering men and women from sin and death through his Son.  Accepting this word in faith causes the word to work in us, both in creating new life and in changing us into his image. These changes worked in us through his word will often bring a measure of opposition from the culture. This ought not to dismay us but it links us with all of God's people who have suffered for Jesus through the ages.  So that we are not overrun with the injustice of it, God promises, he will deal with those who oppose his word from going out.