He mentions the good effects which his successful preaching had. The word rendered conflict (agon) contains a metaphor drawn from the athletic games or the arena. c. For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil: Paul recognized his right to be supported by those he ministered to (1 Corinthians 9:14), but voluntarily gave up that right to set himself apart from missionaries of false religions. Paul denied his rights and took a higher standard upon himself. There is no general rule to be drawn from this instance, either that ministers may at no time work with their hands, for the supply of their outward necessities, or that they ought always to do so. 2. i. Additionally, Paul and his associates were also persecuted. Paul believed in a voice that speaks to mankind with the authority of eternity, and speaks above mere human opinion. Verse 2. The context seems to suggest more of a uncleanness of motive or spirit, while the word itself more indicates moral and especially sexual uncleanness (it often appears in lists with the term fornication). Through this, he made the point that he would not carry on in the face of beatings and conflict if he were in it only for himself. We should not only be faithful to our calling as Christians, but in our particular callings and relations. The Jews opposition to the work of the missionaries among the Gentiles was not due to the fact that they were seeking to win Gentiles. This is a worthy goal for any Christian today; to live a life that declares how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among others. His coming was not empty or hollow, as if he were a mere salesman or marketer. Paul believed in a voice that speaks to mankind with the authority of eternity, and speaks above mere human opinion. Biblical Commentary (Bible Study) 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 EXEGESIS: THE CONTEXT: We would do well to stop occasionally to remind ourselves that chapter and verse markers were not part of the original text, but were added later to help us navigate the scriptures. Yet Paul assured them that the reason was not a lack of love or desire on his part. Paul had the discernment to know. Note, Bitter zeal and fiery persecution will set countrymen at variance, and break through all the bonds of nature, as well as contradict all the rules of religion. Johannine Writings 2 For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain: 2 But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention. He knew this was not a random circumstance, but a direct attack from Satan. These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience. It grows out of complete disinterest in the rights of others an attitude foreign to Paul and his helpers., iii. (1 Thessalonians 2:14-16) The Thessalonians welcomed suffering when they welcomed the Word, yet they stood steadfast. He is very much part of them, and he sorrows for their fate. (Morris). 2. 14 For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Juda are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews: 15 Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men: 16 Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost. The gospel he preached was without deceit, it was true and faithful; it was not fallacious, nor a cunningly-devised fable. But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. It was the sincere and uncorrupted gospel that he preached and exhorted them to believe and obey. Men possessed with the devil are called energumeni. If this is the case, then Satans roadblock got Paul started on writing letters to the churches. The word of God is pure. It was, therefore, a work of God that, although Paul had suffered various misfortunes and indignity, he appeared unaffected, and did not hesitate to launch an assault on a large and wealthy city for the purpose of leading its people captive to Christ. (Calvin). He tells them they were involuntarily forced from them: We, brethren, were taken from you, v. 17. i. Morris on flattering words: We can use this English term of remarks which, though insincere, are directed to the pleasure of the person being flattered. It was that Satan hindered Paul and his associates. And we should not only be good as to our general calling as Christians, but in our particular callings and relations. Many scholars estimate that the time gap between the epistles is only a few short weeks or months. The apostle here puts the Thessalonians in mind that though he could not come to them as yet, and though he should never be able to come to them, yet our Lord Jesus Christ will come, nothing shall hinder this. Concerning this also he could appeal to them as witnesses. There can be no doubt that there was some worthy and particular motive which induced him to refrain from claiming his rights, for in other churches he exercised the privilege accorded to him as the others had done. (Calvin). d. For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness: Paul understood that covetousness always has a cloak. He avoided covetousness. , having suffered before) that which might have deterred others from preaching. The whole case is like that of the Irishman who tried to upset evidence by non-evidence. When you received the word of God: Paul earnestly believed and taught others that God had spoken to man and that we have recorded this word of God. He could see that it effectively works in those who believe. For what end God has preserved them distinct from all the people of the earth among whom they sojourn, we cannot pretend to say; but it must unquestionably be for an object of the very highest importance. 17 But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire. a. The apostle had a most affectionate love to their persons, and sought them, not theirs; themselves, not their goods; and to gain them, not to be a gainer by them, or to make a merchandise of them: it was their spiritual and eternal welfare and salvation that he was earnestly desirous of. Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? "The Thessalonian letters present the first literary evidence for . For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit. i. a. c. Satan hindered us: Paul, in all his apostolic ministry and authority, could still be blocked by Satan. (2.) Why Does God Compare Our Relationship with Him to That of a Bride and Groom? General Epistles c. Even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts: Paul knew his Gospel wouldnt always please men, but he knew that it was pleasing to God. The first letter 1 Thessalonians was written to a community of believers who had been Christians for only a short period of time, probably no more than a few months. He ministered from an understanding of his identity in Jesus. But he spent part of the night, as well as the day, in this work; and was willing to forego his rest in the night, that he might have an opportunity to do good to the souls of men in the day time. His satisfaction came from his relationship with Jesus, not from the praise of people. Major Prophets 1 Thessalonians 2King James Version. The Greek term has rather the idea of using fair words as a means of gaining ones own ends., ii. 3 For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, 4 In the chapter's opening, Paul explains his reason for writing. i. 1 Thessalonians 2:10. Far and away the largest theological contribution of both 1 and 2 Thessalonians lies in what they say about eschatology. The Gospels They had an implacable enmity to the Gentiles, and envied them the offers of the gospel: Forbidding the apostles to speak to the Gentiles, that they might be saved. 1. Many scholars believe that 1 Thessalonians was Pauls earliest letter written as an apostle to a church. There can be no doubt that there was some worthy and particular motive which induced him to refrain from claiming his rights, for in other churches he exercised the privilege accorded to him as the others had done. (Calvin). That you have not perceived spiritual things is true; but it is no proof that there are none to perceive. b. Paul did his endeavour, and he could do no more, v. 18. Paul denied his rights and took a higher standard upon himself. Our coming to you was not in vain: The word vain here can refer either to the result of the ministry, or the character of the ministry. - Universal Beginnings (Chuck Missler), Paul has a police record and is therefore untrustworthy (, Pauls ministry is based on impure motives (, Paul preaches to please others, not God (, Paul is in the ministry as a mercenary, to get what he can out of it materially (, Barclay, William "The Letters to the Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians" (The New Daily Study Bible) (Philadelphia: The Westminster Press, 1975), Calvin, John "Thessalonians: Calvin's Commentaries" Volume 21 (Galatians-Philemon) (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1979), Clarke, Adam "Clarke's Commentary: The Holy Bible Containing the Old and New Testaments with a Commentary and Critical Notes" Volume 6 (Romans-Revelation) (New York: Eaton and Mains, 1832), Hiebert, D. Edmond "The Thessalonians Epistles: A Call to Readiness" (Chicago: Moody Press, 1971), Moffatt, James "The First and Second Epistles to the Thessalonians: The Expositor's Greek Testament" Volume 4, Section 1 (1 Thessalonians-James) (London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1897), Morris, Leon "The First and Second Epistles to the Thessalonians" (The New International Commentary on the New Testament) (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Eerdmans, 1959), Poole, Matthew "A Commentary on the Holy Bible" Volume 3 (Matthew-Revelation) (London: Banner of Truth Trust, 1969), Spurgeon, Charles Haddon "The New Park Street Pulpit" Volumes 1-6 and "The Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit" Volumes 7-63 (Pasadena, Texas: Pilgrim Publications, 1990), Thomas, Robert L. "1 & 2 Thessalonians: The Expositor's Bible Commentary" Volume 11 (Ephesians-Philemon) (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 1978), Trapp, John "A Commentary on the Old and New Testaments" Volume 5 (Matthew to Revelation) (Eureka, California: Tanski Publications, 1997). Thessalonica was also an important port and a melting pot city with cultures from all over the world. Those in Judea first heard the gospel, and they first suffered for it: for the Jews were the most bitter enemies Christianity had, and were especially enraged against their countrymen who embraced Christianity. Click to enable/disable _ga - Google Analytics Cookie. So, if forty people declare that there is no power of the Holy Ghost going with the word, this only proves that the forty people do not know what others do know. (Spurgeon). Note, Ministers have a great favour shown them, and honour put upon them, and trust committed to them. Though some among the Thessalonians had accused Paul of ministering out of self interest, but Paul simply asks the Christians in Thessalonica to remember the gentle character of his ministry among them. iv. Paul assured the Thessalonians that he desired to be with them, but he was hindered by Satan, and that this happened time and again. And as a nursing mother bears with frowardness in a child, and condescends to mean offices for its good, and draws out her breast, cherishing it in her bosom, so in like manner should the ministers of Christ behave towards their people. 1 Thessalonians 2:3-6. Paul didnt have to say, Please dont look at my life. Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe: Verse 10. In all probability, 1 Thessalonians is the earliest of Paul's epistles, particularly because it indicates that the memory. For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousnessGod is witness. Paul was very careful about his own life. For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit. This is the way to win people. Thessalonica was also an important port and a melting pot city with cultures from all over the world. He spared no pains therein. Yet most people today have never heard of John Gill. Individual instructors or editors may still require the use of URLs. And it is from this God who trieth our hearts that we must receive our reward. Paul presented it not as the word of men, and the Thessalonians received it as the word of God. They must not dare to corrupt the word of God: they must diligently make use of what is entrusted with them, so as God hath allowed and commanded, knowing they shall be called to an account, when they must be no longer stewards. Some people like to say that there is a word of God, but that we cant be sure of what He says. i. Paul tried to make the Gospel as attractive as possible, but he never changed its central character or focus. His satisfaction came from his relationship with Jesus, not from the praise of people. Not everyone receives this message as the word of God. But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts. Away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face: Paul knew that the Thessalonians appreciated the comfort he gave, but they wondered why he didnt come and bring this comfort in person. The words not only signify, with intense labour and earnestness, but may here mean, exposed to the . (1 Thessalonians 2:6-7) Pauls gentle, humble attitude among the Thessalonians demonstrated his motives were pure. i. he knows not Christ; and how can he preach him? (Clarke). For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus. Paul didnt have to say, Please dont look at my life. When we appeal to the Bible, they like to reply, Thats just your interpretation. There are certainly some places where the word of God is hard to precisely interpret, but there are not many such places. ( 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2) Paul's comfort to the troubled Thessalonians and their question. Blue Letter Bible offers several daily devotional readings in order to help you refocus on Christ and the Gospel of His peace and righteousness. These are expressions of great and endeared affection, and high estimation. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, (Hebrew/Greek Search by English Definition), * 'Number Delimiters' only apply to 'Paragraph Order', Search verses, phrases, and topics (e.g. Minor Prophets Historical Books He pleaded that he was not guilty, and wished to establish his innocence by producing forty persons who did not see him do it. Pauline Epistles Nevertheless, Whichever version is preferred, however, there can be no doubt that Paul is describing his voluntary submission to them. (Calvin), ii. Most of these religions were missionary minded and sought to spread their faith using itinerant evangelists and preachers. in the resource materials are not necessarily affirmed, in total, by this ministry. This shows that in the few weeks he was there, Paul taught the Thessalonians much about Satan and spiritual warfare. They naturally thought that this would be much better. True grace is of a most masculine, disengaged, noble nature, and remits nothing of its diligence either for fear of a frown or hope of a reward. (Trapp). So that the apostle at least intended his absence should be but for a short time. Such a Roman flogging was no light matter; it was an experience not soon forgotten. (Hiebert), ii. Nothing provoked them more than our Saviour's speaking to them at any time concerning this matter; this enraged the Jews at Jerusalem, when, in his defence, Paul told them, he was sent unto the Gentiles, Acts 22 21. What Every Christian Should Know about the Protestant Reformation. The whole case is like that of the Irishman who tried to upset evidence by non-evidence. More to explore : Bibles Nonfiction . Changes will take effect once you reload the page. The Lord Jesus faced persecution, and the Christians in Judea faced it first. A good example is here set before the ministers of the gospel, to be industrious for the salvation of men's souls, though it will not follow that they are always obliged to preach freely. Who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and have persecuted us: Paul comforted these suffering Christians with the assurance that they were not the first to suffer this way. He was willing to run hazards, and venture his soul, or life, in preaching the gospel. They heard him patiently till he uttered these words, but then could endure no longer, but lifted up their voices, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth, for it is not fit that he should live. Because it was evident to everyone that Pauls ministry in Thessalonica was a success, it is better to see it as a reference to the character of Pauls ministry. Such was the rage of his persecutors. ii. There is a valid debate as to if 1 Thessalonians 2:7 should read gentle or babes. Their fierce opposition was due to the fact that Christian missionaries offered salvation to Gentiles without demanding that they first become Jews. (Hiebert), ii. Your partnership makes all we do possible. i. Who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and have persecuted us: Paul comforted these suffering Christians with the assurance that they were not the first to suffer this way. 1 Thessalonians 2:2. This exclusive attitude filled up the measure of their sins. How holily and justly and unblamably; "holily" denoting the apostle's conduct to God, "justly . He ministered from an understanding of his identity in Jesus. There were a staggering variety of religions and religious professionals in Thessalonica. (1 Thessalonians 2:17-20) Paul explains his absence from the Thessalonians. For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus. Pauline Epistles Finally, God brought the victory. Because it was evident to everyone that Pauls ministry in Thessalonica was a success, it is better to see it as a reference to the character of Pauls ministry. 5. We need 2 cookies to store this setting. There were also the Jewish people and the God-fearing Gentiles. For the sake of these things wrath has come upon them to the uttermost; that is, wrath was determined against them, and would soon overtake them. Minor Prophets Such a conflict always involves intense exertion and strenuous, persistent effort to overcome the determined opposition or the dangerous antagonist. (Hiebert). He mentions their faithful discharge of the work and office of the ministry, v. 11, 12. For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness: The purity of Pauls message made it apparent that there was no deceit, uncleanness, or guile in his ministry. i. Though some among the Thessalonians had accused Paul of ministering out of self interest, but Paul simply asks the Christians in Thessalonica to remember the gentle character of his ministry among them. c. Even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts: Paul knew his Gospel wouldnt always please men, but he knew that it was pleasing to God. Paul means by the phrase, night and day, that he started work before dawn; the usage is regular and frequent. He also writes it as an instruction in holy living. Even his bodily absence was but for a short time, the time of an hour. As seen in 1 Thessalonians 1:6, Paul was comfortable in the idea of other Christians following his example. But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts. They were the ringleaders of persecution in all places; so in particular it was at Thessalonica: Acts 17 5, The Jews that believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city in an uproar. The Old Testament He had still a remembrance of them, and great care for them. Though he was absent in body, yet he was present in heart. Therefore we wanted to come to youeven I, Paul, time and againbut Satan hindered us. . If he couldnt be there in person, his letter will go for him and teach and encourage them in his absence. Third, Paul was committed to fight against the roadblock any way he could. Satan Hinders Paul 2:17-20 2. : 1 and 2 Thess." Return to top. iv. 1. Paul is answering the insidious attacks being made by scandalmongers outside the church because of their hatred for him. (Hiebert). ii. ( 2 Thessalonians 1:8-10) The coming day of judgment for both the persecuted and their persecutors. (1.) Here observe, 1. i. The gospel calls us into the kingdom and state of grace here and unto the kingdom and state of glory hereafter, to heaven and happiness as our end and to holiness as the way to that end. ii. There is power in the word of God to change lives. Do We See Any Gospel Connections in the Book of Numbers? Even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, We were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict, For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, Even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts, For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness, When we might have made demands as apostles of Christ, We were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil, You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among, How we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you that you would walk worthy of God, You welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, Which also effectively works in you who believe, Who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and have persecuted us, And they do not please God and are contrary to all men, Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved, so as always to fill up the measure of their sins, But wrath has come upon them to the uttermost, Away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face, We wanted to come to you but Satan hindered us. Usernames should only contain letters, numbers, dots, dashes, or underscores. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point 1. Please see Blue Letter Bible's Privacy Policy for cookie usage details. 1 Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we ask you, brothers, 2 not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by a spirit or a spoken word, or a letter seeming to be from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. We know that indignity and persecution weaken and indeed completely break mens minds. Thomas on covetousness: Pleonexia is self-seeking of all types, a quest for anything that brings self-satisfaction. The apostle here comforts himself either in the success of his ministry, that it was not fruitless or in vain (according to our translation), or as others think, reflecting upon the sincerity of his preaching, that it was not vain and empty, or deceitful and treacherous. 3 For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we We did not seek mens honour, high esteem, or applause; we sought them not in the inward bent of our thoughts, or the studies of our mind, not in outward course of our ministry and conversation, to form them so as to gain glory from men. Pulpit Commentary Verse 2. Building on the theme of God's word, I will explore the phrase "being bearers of God's word.". 2 You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not without results. He avoided flattery: Neither at any time used we flattering words, as you know, v. 5. By bodily labour to prevent their charge, or that his ministry might not be expensive and burdensome to them: You remember our labour and travail; for, labouring night and day, etc., v. 9. True grace is of a most masculine, disengaged, noble nature, and remits nothing of its diligence either for fear of a frown or hope of a reward. (Trapp). You can check these in your browser security settings. a. He was not like the false apostles, who, through covetousness, with feigned words made merchandise of the people, 2 Pet 2 3. This meant that he didnt spend his life trying to seek and earn the acceptance of man. iv. Most of these missionaries were opportunists, who took everything they could from their listeners, and then moved on to find someone else to support them. Such was the word the apostles preached by divine inspiration, and such is that which is left upon record, written in the scriptures by divine inspiration; and such is that word which in our days is preached, being either contained, or evidently founded on, or deduced from, these sacred oracles. Verse 2. Four witnesses saw him commit a murder. For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God. 1. Perhaps Paul would say that he didnt need a crown in heaven because these precious ones were his crown of victory. ); and such as have this inward testimony of the truth of the scriptures, the word of God, by the effectual operations thereof on their hearts, have the best evidence of their divine original to themselves, though this is not sufficient to convince others who are strangers thereto. Paul's Desire to Visit Them 3:11-13 II. (1 Thessalonians 2:8-9) Pauls self-support and hard work among the Thessalonians demonstrated that his motives were pure. A Compelling Example for Ministry ( 1 Thess. Acts 16:23-24 records that the suffering included a public flogging and having their feet in stocks while confined in the citys inner prison. Paul longs to comfort . By proceeding, you consent to our cookie usage. i. Paul didnt seek glory from men because his needs for security and acceptance were met primarily in Jesus. He accommodated himself to all men's capacities, and became all things to all men. He avoided ambition and vain-glory: Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you nor yet of others, v. 6. 3. In this city, you would find the worship of the gods of the Olympian pantheon, especially Apollo, Athena, and Hercules. Their behaviour was holy towards God, just towards all men, and unblamable, without giving cause of scandal or offence; and they were careful to give no offence either to those who were without, or to those who believed, that they might give no ill example; that their preaching and living might be all of a piece. (1 Thessalonians 2:10-12) Pauls own behavior and message to the Thessalonians demonstrates the integrity of his character before God and man. 2:1-12) "THE FIRST EPISTLE TO THE THESSALONIANS" Chapter Two OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER 1) To glean from Paul's example how preachers should conduct themselves among brethren with whom they labor 2) To appreciate how the thought of seeing each other at the coming of Jesus should affect our attitude towards one another SUMMARY Having reflected
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