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). They were stewards, put in trust with the gospel: and it is required of a steward that he be faithful. Paul presented it not as the word of men, and the Thessalonians received it as the word of God. But Paul did not just receive this Satanic hindrance in a fatalistic way. Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. By proceeding, you consent to our cookie usage. He could tell them that they should walk worthy of God because his life and message were consistent. Paul didnt have to say, Please dont look at my life. He no doubt began so early in order to be able to devote some part of the day to preaching. (Moffatt quoting Ramsay), ii. d. For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? How we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you that you would walk worthy of God: Paul himself lived justly and blamelessly, but he also told the Thessalonians they should live the same way. 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. Prophets Changes will take effect once you reload the page. He mentions the gentleness of their behaviour: We were gentle among you, v. 7. Not everyone receives this message as the word of God. This meant that he didnt spend his life trying to seek and earn the acceptance of man. Men possessed with the devil are called energumeni. At the same time we should notice that Pauls anger is the anger of a man with his own nation, with his own people. (1 Thessalonians 2:13) Paul is thankful that they welcomed the Gospel as Gods message, not mans. i. b. ii. iv. Those whom we bring to Jesus and disciple are a crown of victory for us. of 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. They hated the apostles, and did them all the mischief they could. he knows not Christ; and how can he preach him? (Clarke). NIV so we cared for you. Pauls enemies said he left town quickly because he was a self-serving coward. In the chapter's opening, Paul explains his reason for writing. Error: Passwords should have at least 6 characters, Error: Usernames should only contain letters, numbers, dots, dashes, or underscores. Pauls statement of defense falls into two parts, a negative and a positive It is his practice first to sweep away the false, and then with the ground cleared to set forth the positive presentation of the truth. (Hiebert). A day of rest is promised for every believer. (2.) Thessalonica was also an important port and a melting pot city with cultures from all over the world. 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. Key Verses: Most of these religions were missionary minded and sought to spread their faith using itinerant evangelists and preachers. The Thessalonians were familiar with the pretensions, deceit and gross immorality which marked the pagan worship throughout the world of those days, especially among the Gentiles; and it is the contrast with paganism, not Paul's defense of himself from slander, which shines in a passage like this. The apostle expressed his thankfulness to God so often upon this account that he seemed to think he never could be sufficiently thankful that God had counted him faithful, and put him into the ministry, and made his ministrations successful. iii. Such a Roman flogging was no light matter; it was an experience not soon forgotten. (Hiebert), ii. I. "Encouraging" (as in ch. Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. Satan Hinders Paul 2:17-20 2. We learn from the Book of Acts that during Paul's stay in the city of Thessalonica, he preached in a Jewish synagogue on three successive Sabbath days. He had no sinister or worldly design in his preaching, which he puts them in mind to have been. His desire and endeavour were to return again very soon to Thessalonica. i. 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. With great simplicity and godly sincerity: Our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile, v. 3. He avoided flattery: Neither at any time used we flattering words, as you know, v. 5. i. Those are greatly to blame who give out their own fancies or injunctions for the word of God. He not only longs to return but wonders about the future of the believers. 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. a. Of what use would that have been? 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. He could say to these Thessalonians what he told the Corinthians (2 Cor 4 2): We have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully. 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 ministered from an understanding of his identity in Jesus. If he couldnt be there in person, his letter will go for him and teach and encourage them in his absence. Paul wrote here in a personal manner, but this really wasnt a personal issue for Paul. That you have not perceived spiritual things is true; but it is no proof that there are none to perceive. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. 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. Timothy's Encouraging Report 3:6-10 4. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. Nevertheless, Whichever version is preferred, however, there can be no doubt that Paul is describing his voluntary submission to them. (Calvin), ii. I have but one piece of advice, and that is, go on, hindrance or no hindrance, in the path of duty as God the Holy Ghost enables you. (Spurgeon). In the meantime, let the Christian world treat them with humanity and mercy. (Clarke), ii. c. Even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi: Paul reminds the Thessalonians of his sufferings in the ministry. We are not to suppose that the apostle spent the whole night and day in bodily labour, or work, to supply the necessities of his body; for then he would have had no time for the work of the ministry. 5 26) not to be desirous of vain glory; his ambition was to obtain that honour which comes from God, John 5 44. The word of the gospel is preached by men like ourselves, men of like passions and infirmities with others: We have this treasure in earthen vessels. Pulpit Commentary Verse 2. As he had the testimony of his own conscience witnessing to his integrity, so he could appeal to the Thessalonians how faithful he, and Silas, and Timotheus, his helpers in the work of the Lord, had discharged their office: You yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you. "Exhorting" is the general term for animating address: comp. 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. Paul not only disavows the teaching, but reminds the Thessalonians what he had earlier taught them. They were contrary to all men. The whole case is like that of the Irishman who tried to upset evidence by non-evidence. Such a conflict always involves intense exertion and strenuous, persistent effort to overcome the determined opposition or the dangerous antagonist. (Hiebert). Cookie Notice: It is always concealed by a noble sounding goal. He repeated the same idea in passages like Philippians 3:17 and 1 Corinthians 11:1. ii. 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. Therefore we wanted to come to youeven I, Paul, time and againbut Satan hindered us. (5.) "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 He had no fear they would succumb to the propaganda being put before them. These are expressions of great and endeared affection, and high estimation. a. The Lord Jesus faced persecution, and the Christians in Judea faced it first. Some people like to say that there is a word of God, but that we cant be sure of what He says. It grows out of complete disinterest in the rights of others an attitude foreign to Paul and his helpers., iii. The matter of the apostle's thanksgiving and glorying on behalf of the Thessalonians was, (1.) He could see that it effectively works in those who believe. Hear this, ye that preach the Gospel! The Romans had their full share of guilt, so both Jew and Gentile were guilty. Honour is to follow men, men not to follow it. (Poole). - That; to the end that, the purpose for which the apostle besought the Thessalonians. i. 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. 1 For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain. 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. 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. 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. He pleaded that he was not guilty, and wished to establish his innocence by producing forty persons who did not see him do it. Paul denied his rights and took a higher standard upon himself. - But even after we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated. He avoided covetousness. 9 For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. 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. A verification email has been sent to the address you provided. 2. 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. The whole case is like that of the Irishman who tried to upset evidence by non-evidence. c. Satan hindered us: Paul, in all his apostolic ministry and authority, could still be blocked by Satan. Many scholars estimate that the time gap between the epistles is only a few short weeks or months. They expected neither people's purses nor their caps, neither to be enriched by them nor caressed, and adored, and called Rabbi by them. For you are our glory and joy. In every city where the apostles went to preach the gospel the Jews stirred up the inhabitants against them. The Gospels 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. But Paul knew well that the Jews of Judea were not the only ones responsible for the murder of Jesus. 1. 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. The word of God is pure. By the manner of their receiving the word of God: When you received the word of God, which you heard of us, you received it, not as the word of men, but (as it is in truth) the word of God. By great readiness to do them good, willingly imparting to them, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, v. 8. It means the place of contest, and then the contest itself a race, a struggle, a battle. 3. Wisdom Literature 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. 1 Thessalonians 3:2. He is well acquainted with all our aims and designs, as well as our actions. You welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God: The Thessalonians received the word of God as it is in truth. 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. His inability to visit should never be taken as a lack of love towards the Thessalonians. Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. Or do ye enter into the priesthood for a morsel of bread, or for what is ominously and impiously called a living, a benefice? Is God witness that, in all these things, ye have no cloak of covetousness? But wo to that man who enters into the labour for the sake of the hire! He knew what it was like to speak boldly for the Lord even in much conflict. ii. Concerning this also he could appeal to them as witnesses. i. Affectionately longing for you: Is from an extremely rare verb of obscure origin. This is the way to win people. i. There were a staggering variety of religions and religious professionals in Thessalonica. Minor Prophets We know that indignity and persecution weaken and indeed completely break mens minds. Click to enable/disable _gid - Google Analytics Cookie. Thessalonica was also an important port and a melting pot city with cultures from all over the world. 1 Thessalonians 2:10. He showed great mildness and tenderness who might have acted with the authority of an apostle of Christ. At the same time we should notice that Pauls anger is the anger of a man with his own nation, with his own people. conservative Christian faith, which includes a firm belief in the inerrancy 7 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: 8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. Additionally, Paul and his associates were also persecuted. Second, Paul had faith. They serve an enormously valuable purpose, but they sometimes create an artificial break in the text that hinders, iv. 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. iv. The word of God is indeed powerful; and as it comes often with awful authority upon the minds of men, as it always has enough in it to convince every impartial judgment, so it comes with the more pleasing power, when the ministers of the gospel recommend themselves to the affections of the people. 6. There were shrines to many Egyptian gods: Isis, Sarapis, Anubis. He was not like the false apostles, who, through covetousness, with feigned words made merchandise of the people, 2 Pet 2 3. Usernames should only contain letters, numbers, dots, dashes, or underscores. He assures them of his affection and high esteem for them, though he was not able, as yet, to be present with them according to his desire. 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. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select a Beginning Point

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