Wisdom Literature For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus. 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. Letters of Paul to the Thessalonians, also called Epistles of St. Paul the Apostle to the Thessalonians, abbreviation Thessalonians, two New Testament letters written by St. Paul the Apostle from Corinth, Achaea (now in . When Paul arrived in Thessalonica, the wounds on his back from Philippi were still fresh. They acted under the consideration of God's omniscience, as in the sight of him who tries our hearts. In these words the apostle apologizes for his absence. He did not pretend one thing and intend another. b. Verse by Verse Commentary. b. Timothy's Visit 3:1-5 3. 19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? 10 Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe: 11 As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, 12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory. Also present were the Roman State cults that deified the political heroes of Rome. It means the place of contest, and then the contest itself a race, a struggle, a battle. He repeated the same idea in passages like Philippians 3:17 and 1 Corinthians 11:1. ii. 2. 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. For you are our glory and joy. For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus. But also our own lives: Pauls preaching was effective because he gave not only the Gospel, but himself as well (also our own lives), and he gave because of love (you had become dear to us). A Compelling Example for Ministry ( 1 Thess. They were observers of their outward conversation in public before men, and God was witness not only of their behaviour in secret, but of the inward principles from which they acted. Their fierce opposition was due to the fact that Christian missionaries offered salvation to Gentiles without demanding that they first become Jews. (Hiebert), ii. There should be no corrupt mixtures therewith; and, as the matter of the apostle's exhortation was thus true and pure, the manner of his speaking was without guile. 1 Thessalonians Chapter 2 Bible Options | + Text Size 1 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 had still a remembrance of them, and great care for them. NIV so we cared for you. Paul denied his rights and took a higher standard upon himself. He could tell them that they should walk worthy of God because his life and message were consistent. As we have been approved by God: Paul used a word here that was associated with approving someone as being fit for public service. Our website uses cookies to store user preferences. Thessalonica was also an important port and a melting pot city with cultures from all over the world. It is not to be named with any of the words proper to religions in general [of that day]. (Morris). Wisdom Literature He was well pleased to do it because Paul was affectionately longing for the Thessalonians because they had become dear to Paul and his associates. Perhaps Paul would say that he didnt need a crown in heaven because these precious ones were his crown of victory. - 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). Purpose of Writing: In the church of Thessalonica there were some misunderstandings about the return of Christ. Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Complete). 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). Thomas on covetousness: Pleonexia is self-seeking of all types, a quest for anything that brings self-satisfaction. He knew what it was like to speak boldly for the Lord even in much conflict. So that the apostle at least intended his absence should be but for a short time. ii. 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. He showed great mildness and tenderness who might have acted with the authority of an apostle of Christ. (1-2) The integrity of Paul's ministry in Thessalonica. Can ye call God to witness that in preaching it ye have no end in view by your ministry but his glory in the salvation of souls? 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. Concerning this also he could appeal to them as witnesses. But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict. He spared no pains therein. , having suffered before) that which might have deterred others from preaching. When Christians forget this, they often disgrace and curse themselves by returning persecution for persecution towards others. He ministered from an understanding of his identity in Jesus. The city of Thessalonica sat on the Egnatian Way, the famous highway that went east to west through Macedonia. Nevertheless, Whichever version is preferred, however, there can be no doubt that Paul is describing his voluntary submission to them. (Calvin), ii. Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refusing them will have impact how our site functions. Salem Media Group. The Romans had their full share of guilt, so both Jew and Gentile were guilty. Paul didnt have to say, Please dont look at my life. range of evangelical traditions, all of the ideas and principles conveyed The force of this is that Christianity is not just another religion. Luke-Acts Their fierce opposition was due to the fact that Christian missionaries offered salvation to Gentiles without demanding that they first become Jews. (Hiebert), ii. Poetical Books 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). c. Which also effectively works in you who believe: Pauls confidence in the word of God wasnt a matter of wishful thinking or blind faith. He is very much part of them, and he sorrows for their fate. (Morris). c. But we were gentle among you: Paul was like a nursing mother, who only looks to give to her child. The Bibles Tab is found in the Tools feature on Bible pages: Note: MLA no longer requires the URL as part of their citation standard. Men possessed with the devil are called energumeni. Hear this, ye that preach the Gospel! The Thessalonians willingly suffered the same things because they were convinced that Paul brought them not the word of man, but the Word of God. 1. 4. Finally, God brought the victory. The plural sins points to the aggregate of their separate evil acts, and not to the general abstract concept of sin. (Morris). Note, Satan is a constant enemy to the work of God, and does all he can to obstruct it. But also our own lives: Pauls preaching was effective because he gave not only the Gospel, but himself as well (also our own lives), and he gave because of love (you had become dear to us). 2. He did something about the hindrance. Most of these religions were missionary minded and sought to spread their faith using itinerant evangelists and preachers. He tells them that they might have used greater authority as apostles, and expected greater esteem, and demanded maintenance, which is meant by the phrase of being burdensome, because perhaps some would have thought this too great a burden for them to bear. Though honour and esteem was their due from men, yet they did not seek it. 1 Thessalonians 2:1-4 AV 1873 1 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. This is the kind of life that draws others to follow Jesus for themselves. d. Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved, so as always to fill up the measure of their sins: Here Paul revealed what offended the religious persecutors of the Thessalonians so much. 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. : 1 and 2 Thess." Return to top. The apostle makes mention of the success of his ministry among these Thessalonians (v. 13), which is expressed. Paul had the discernment to know. 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. We wanted to come to you but Satan hindered us: It wasnt that Paul did not want to visit the Thessalonians. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. In the chapter's opening, Paul explains his reason for writing. We were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives: The sacrifices Paul endured for the sake of ministry to the Thessalonians were not a burden. Major Prophets Many scholars estimate that the time gap between the epistles is only a few short weeks or months. Paul assured the Thessalonians that he could never forget them because they were his glory and his joy. Though he was absent in body, yet he was present in heart. He knew what it was like to speak boldly for the Lord even in much conflict. Additionally, Paul and his associates were also persecuted. This exclusive attitude filled up the measure of their sins. a. i. First, Paul understood that this was Satanic hindrance. 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. of This shows that in the few weeks he was there, Paul taught the Thessalonians much about Satan and spiritual warfare. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point i. c. Which also effectively works in you who believe: Pauls confidence in the word of God wasnt a matter of wishful thinking or blind faith. The word wrought effectually in them, not only to be examples unto others in faith and good works (which he had mentioned before), but also in constancy and patience under sufferings and trials for the sake of the gospel: You became followers of the churches of God, and have suffered like things as they have done (v. 14), and with like courage and constancy, with like patience and hope. And he comforted them also, endeavouring to cheer and support their spirits under the difficulties and discouragements they might meet with. Those whom we bring to Jesus and disciple are a crown of victory for us. Then of the manner of his conversation among them, ver 7-12. We were bold in our God to speak: It comes from two words meaning literally all speech. It denotes the state of mind when the words flow freely, the attitude of feeling quite at home with no sense of stress or strain. These are the two sources from which stems the corruption of the whole of the ministry. (Calvin), iv. By the most affectionate desire of their welfare: Being affectionately desirous of you, v. 8. The apostle not only asserts his sincerity, but subjoins the reasons and evidences thereof. iv. (1 Thessalonians 2:17-20) Paul explains his absence from the Thessalonians. For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, 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. III. 3 For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, 4 e. But wrath has come upon them to the uttermost: Paul comforted the Thessalonians by assuring them that God would indeed take care of their persecutors. There were a staggering variety of religions and religious professionals in Thessalonica. Additionally, Paul and his associates were also persecuted. 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. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. He no doubt began so early in order to be able to devote some part of the day to preaching. (Moffatt quoting Ramsay), ii. Salvation is of the Jews, says our Saviour. 1:1) 3. Though honour and esteem was their due from men, yet they did not seek it. By the holiness of their conversation, concerning which he appeals not only to them, but to God also ( v. 10): You are witnesses, and God also. Just as Athenians were tested for their fitness before they were allowed to assume public office, so the missionaries were tested before they were commissioned as Gods messengers. (Hiebert). In 1 Thessalonians 2:3 the apostle mentioned the holiness of life that should characterize the one who proclaims the message of God. For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit. 2. With courage and resolution: We were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God, v. 2. This is unfortunate, since his works contain priceless gems of information that are found nowhere except in the ancient writings of the Jews. Third, Paul was committed to fight against the roadblock any way he could. The word of man isnt worth suffering for, but a true message from God is worth it. Here observe, I. His coming was not empty or hollow, as if he were a mere salesman or marketer. Look to Jesus. Paul wanted people to look to Jesus, but he could also tell them to look at his life, because the power of Jesus was real in his life. 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. They killed their own prophets: so they had done all along; their fathers had done so: they had been a persecuting generation. 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. 1 Thessalonians 2:2. a. The whole case is like that of the Irishman who tried to upset evidence by non-evidence. 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. iii. ); 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. General Epistles In this chapter the apostle puts the Thessalonians in mind of the manner of his preaching among them, ver 1-6. Thomas on covetousness: Pleonexia is self-seeking of all types, a quest for anything that brings self-satisfaction. The subject-matter of the apostle's preaching was not vain and idle speculations about useless niceties and foolish questions, but sound and solid truth, such as was most likely to profit his hearers. So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. He showed the kindness and care of a nurse that cherishes her children. - That; to the end that, the purpose for which the apostle besought the Thessalonians. They were outraged that Gentiles could be saved without first becoming Jews. Prophets 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). In every city where the apostles went to preach the gospel the Jews stirred up the inhabitants against them. (2.) Pauls enemies said he left town quickly because he was a self-serving coward. Nor was it of uncleanness. Many scholars believe that 1 Thessalonians was Pauls earliest letter written as an apostle to a church. Thus did the Jews fill up their sins; and nothing tends more to any person or people's filling up the measure of their sins than opposing the gospel, obstructing the progress of it, and hindering the salvation of precious souls. There is a valid debate as to if 1 Thessalonians 2:7 should read gentle or babes. You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe; as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children, that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory. With great simplicity and godly sincerity: Our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile, v. 3. Timothy's Encouraging Report 3:6-10 4. The Thessalonians willingly suffered the same things because they were convinced that Paul brought them not the word of man, but the Word of God. 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. Of what use would that have been? i. Free shipping for many products! 3. b. He did something about the hindrance. When Satan saw the great work God did through these letters, he regretted that he ever hindered Paul at all. b. He mentions their faithful discharge of the work and office of the ministry, v. 11, 12. Your partnership makes all we do possible. i. The Jews themselves were vigorously engaged in this period of their history in actively proselyting Gentiles. - Ye are witnesses, and God also; ye of the outward conduct, and God of the motives which actuated us. We need 2 cookies to store this setting. He pleaded that he was not guilty, and wished to establish his innocence by producing forty persons who did not see him do it. He no doubt began so early in order to be able to devote some part of the day to preaching. (Moffatt quoting Ramsay), ii. The apostle assures the Thessalonians that the Lord would consume and destroy him; the consuming of him precedes his final destruction, and that is by the Spirit of his mouth, by his word of command; the pure word of God, accompanied with the Spirit of God, will discover this mystery of iniquity, and make the power of antichrist to consume and See More Details about "Understanding the Bible Commentary Ser. The evidences of the apostle's sincerity follow; and they are these:(1.) If we can not know what God has spoken, then He may as well not have spoken at all. 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. c. Satan hindered us: Paul, in all his apostolic ministry and authority, could still be blocked by Satan. Who killed the Lord Jesus: Here Paul wrote that his own countrymen (the Judeans) had killed the Lord Jesus. The words of men are frail and perishing, like themselves, and sometimes false, foolish, and fickle: but God's word is holy, wise, just, and faithful; and, like its author, lives and abides for ever. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Paul presented it not as the word of men, and the Thessalonians received it as the word of God. i. Paul didnt seek glory from men because his needs for security and acceptance were met primarily in Jesus. Paul longs to comfort . 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. Nevertheless, Whichever version is preferred, however, there can be no doubt that Paul is describing his voluntary submission to them. (Calvin), ii. This, no doubt, was matter of the greatest comfort to the apostlethe consciousness of his own sincerity; and was one reason of his success. Email / username or password was incorrect! When Satan saw the great work God did through these letters, he regretted that he ever hindered Paul at all. 1 Thessalonians 2:10. Therefore we wanted to come to youeven I, Paul, time and againbut Satan hindered us. Most preachers, on reading it conscientiously, will either give up their place to others, or purpose to do the work of the Lord more fervently for the future. (Clarke), 2018 David Guzik No distribution beyond personal use without permission, The Whole Bible i. If he couldnt be there in person, his letter will go for him and teach and encourage them in his absence. (5.) If you do not want that we track your visit to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here: We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. b. The Thessalonian Christians became imitators of those who had suffered before them. Error: Passwords should have at least 6 characters, Error: Usernames should only contain letters, numbers, dots, dashes, or underscores.

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