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In one sense, we should be followers of "the Lord" (Jesus) alone, but God has also given us godly leaders and teachers whom we do well to emulate. The Thessalonians became followers of Paul insofar as he was a follower of Christ. This occurred when they received the Gospel which Jesus Christ sent Paul to preach. Accepting the Gospel brought them into much trouble outwardly, but inwardly, they could rejoice with a joy given them by the Holy Spirit.