# 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]])