RobH_en_tn/1th/01/09.md

For they themselves ... They tell ... They report

Paul is referring to the churches that already existed in the surrounding regions, who have heard about the Thessalonian believers.

they themselves

Here "themselves" is used to emphasize those people who had heard about the Thessalonian believers. (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns)

what kind of coming we had among you

Here "coming" stands for the enthusiastic welcome experienced by Paul and his companions. Alternate translation: "how warmly you welcomed us" (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy)

They tell how you turned to God from the idols to serve the living and true God

Here "turned to ... from" is a metaphor that means to start being loyal to one person and stop being loyal to someone else. Alternate translation: "They tell how you stopped worshiping idols and started serving the living and true God" (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor)