1 Thessalonians 1:6-9

6You became imitators of us and [through us] of the Lord, after you welcomed our message in [a time of] great trouble with the joy supplied by the Holy Spirit;

7so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.

8For the word of the Lord has resounded from you and has echoed [like thunder], not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place [the news of] your [great] faith in God has spread, so that we never need to say anything about it.

9For they themselves report about us, telling what kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God,