He did not flatter them with fain hopes, nor indulge them in any evil work or way, promising them life, and so daubing with untempered mortar. i. 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 could see that it effectively works in those who believe. The words not only signify, with intense labour and earnestness, but may here mean, exposed to the . 1 Thessalonians 1 - The Products from Faith, Hope, and Love "This letter is full of interest because it is certainly among the first of those which have been preserved for us from the pen of Paul. If he couldnt be there in person, his letter will go for him and teach and encourage them in his absence. He showed the kindness and care of a nurse that cherishes her children. Timotheus was sent to Thessalonica, to enquire after their welfare and to establish them in the faith (1 Thessalonians 3:2), and, returning to Paul while he tarried at Athens, was sent again, together with Silas, . GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point Shamefully entreated - at Philippi There Paul and Silas had been beaten with many stripes, shut up in the inner prison, and their feet made fast in the stocks. 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. This shows that in the few weeks he was there, Paul taught the Thessalonians much about Satan and spiritual warfare. ii. a. The Salutation ( 1 Thess. 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. Even his bodily absence was but for a short time, the time of an hour. Then of the manner of his conversation among them, ver 7-12. Who killed the Lord Jesus: Here Paul wrote that his own countrymen (the Judeans) had killed the Lord Jesus. This shows that in the few weeks he was there, Paul taught the Thessalonians much about Satan and spiritual warfare. 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). Luke-Acts His inability to visit should never be taken as a lack of love towards the Thessalonians. He tells them they were involuntarily forced from them: We, brethren, were taken from you, v. 17. His inability to visit should never be taken as a lack of love towards the Thessalonians. i. ii. 1 Thessalonians: An Exegetical and Devotional Commentary. Pentateuch b. These are the two sources from which stems the corruption of the whole of the ministry. (Calvin), iv. Yet when they do not receive it, it reflects upon them, not upon the message. Third, Paul was committed to fight against the roadblock any way he could. There is power in the word of God to change lives. 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. 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. 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. 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. i. 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. a. Blue Letter Bible offers several daily devotional readings in order to help you refocus on Christ and the Gospel of His peace and righteousness. He did something about the hindrance. What Does Colossians 2:6-7 Teach Us about Our Faith Walk? When Christians forget this, they often disgrace and curse themselves by returning persecution for persecution towards others. (5.) Yet Paul assured them that the reason was not a lack of love or desire on his part. 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 plural sins points to the aggregate of their separate evil acts, and not to the general abstract concept of sin. (Morris). His design was not to set up a faction, to draw men over to a party, but to promote pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father. His design was not to enrich himself by preaching the gospel; so far from this, he did not stipulate with them for bread. 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. Honour is to follow men, men not to follow it. (Poole). 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). If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain. Paul and his fellow-labourers were not only good Christians, but faithful ministers. i. Their crimes were great; to these their punishment is proportioned. 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. 6. 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. At the same time we should notice that Pauls anger is the anger of a man with his own nation, with his own people. The apostle makes mention of the success of his ministry among these Thessalonians (v. 13), which is expressed. 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. Click to enable/disable Google Analytics tracking. This meant that he didnt spend his life trying to seek and earn the acceptance of man. Additionally, Paul and his associates were also persecuted. This expression also denotes the affectionate and compassionate counsels and consolations which this apostle used. Therefore we wanted to come to youeven I, Paul, time and againbut Satan hindered us. 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. i. 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. ii. The Lord Jesus faced persecution, and the Christians in Judea faced it first. Yet when they do not receive it, it reflects upon them, not upon the message. Verse 1 Thessalonians 2:2. In the first place it showed his confidence in them. i. Paul didnt seek glory from men because his needs for security and acceptance were met primarily in Jesus. 1. 1. Verse 2. The Thessalonian Christians became imitators of those who had suffered before them. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Use semicolons to separate groups: 'Gen;Jdg;Psa-Mal' or 'Rom 3-12;Mat 1:15;Mat 5:12-22', There are options set in 'Advanced Options', The Whole Bible When Paul arrived in Thessalonica, the wounds on his back from Philippi were still fresh. For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? All rights reserved. But Paul did not use the flattering words that often are a cloak for covetousness. In the second place it demonstrated that all the facts required for his vindication were facts of common knowledge. (Morris). If this is the case, then Satans roadblock got Paul started on writing letters to the churches. (4.) For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousnessGod is witness. By great readiness to do them good, willingly imparting to them, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, v. 8. Those are also to blame who, in hearing the word, look no further than to the ministry of men, who are only, or chiefly, pleased with the elegance of the style, or the beauty of the composition, or the voice and manner in which the word is preached, and expect to receive their advantage herein. Paul's Desire to Visit Them 3:11-13 II. They naturally thought that this would be much better. In flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. David Guzik :: 1 Corintios 7 Principios Sobre el Matrimonio y la Soltera, David Guzik :: Hechos 9 La Conversin de Saulo de Tarso, David Guzik :: Apocalipsis 20 Satans, el Pecado y la Muerte son Finalmente Eliminados, David Guzik :: Gnesis 3 La tentacin y cada del hombre, David Guzik :: 2 Samuel 22 El Salmo de Alabanza de David, Jehovah's Witnesses, Jesus and the Holy Trinity (Walter Martin), The Meaning of the Cross Part 2 (Elisabeth Elliot), Spiritism: Prophecy and Astrology (Walter Martin), 2 Thessalonians 1-3 (1982-85 Audio) (Chuck Smith), Genesis 2-3 (1979-82 Audio) (Chuck Smith), Intro. Herein, said this apostle, do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence towards God, and towards men, Acts 24 16. Commentators divide as to if the uncleanness Paul defended himself against in 1 Thessalonians 2:3 was uncleanness of spirit or uncleanness of the flesh. Paul is something of a dictator (1 Thessalonians 2:7 we were gentle among you). III. Click to enable/disable _ga - Google Analytics Cookie. It grows out of complete disinterest in the rights of others an attitude foreign to Paul and his helpers., iii. You can also change some of your preferences. 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. For you are our glory and joy. 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). For our exhortation That is, our preaching, a part being put for the whole; was not of deceit With a design to seduce or corrupt any one by false doctrine; or, we preach not a lie, but the truth of God; nor of uncleanness Tending to encourage men in their impure course of life; nor in guile To procure esteem or any worldly advantage to ourselves, under . Cookie Notice: Luke-Acts 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. They acted under the consideration of God's omniscience, as in the sight of him who tries our hearts. It is a good effect of the gospel when we are enabled to suffer for its sake. Honour is to follow men, men not to follow it. (Poole). GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point Paul means by the phrase, night and day, that he started work before dawn; the usage is regular and frequent. Pauline Epistles In the meantime, let the Christian world treat them with humanity and mercy. (Clarke), ii. "Exhorting" is the general term for animating address: comp. It is always concealed by a noble sounding goal. The evidences of the apostle's sincerity follow; and they are these:(1.) For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousnessGod is witness. i. Holly Hearon. a. 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. c. Satan hindered us: Paul, in all his apostolic ministry and authority, could still be blocked by Satan. Pauls emphatic calling of the Thessalonians to witness did two things. They killed the Lord Jesus, and impudently and presumptuously wished that his blood might be on them and their children. Paul presented it not as the word of men, and the Thessalonians received it as the word of God. It was that Satan hindered Paul and his associates. His coming was not empty or hollow, as if he were a mere salesman or marketer. 3. Finally, God brought the victory. (6.) (3.) 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. 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. The force of this is that Christianity is not just another religion. You can check these in your browser security settings. By the most affectionate desire of their welfare: Being affectionately desirous of you, v. 8. See More Details about "Understanding the Bible Commentary Ser. A day of rest is promised for every believer. Therefore we wanted to come to youeven I, Paul, time and againbut Satan hindered us. a. Building on the theme of God's word, I will explore the phrase "being bearers of God's word.". 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. He had no sinister and secular aims and views, but was in reality what he seemed to be. The New Testament 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). But Paul did not just receive this Satanic hindrance in a fatalistic way. General Epistles 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. More to explore : Bibles Nonfiction . Wohlenberg conjectured that it was a term of endearment derived from the language of the nursery. Whatever its origin, it denotes the warm affection and tender yearning that the missionaries felt for their spiritual babes at Thessalonica. (Hiebert). Their design was to please God and not men. Hear this, ye that preach the Gospel! It was that Satan hindered Paul and his associates. 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. Their design was to please God and not men. Blue Letter Bible study tools make reading, searching and studying the Bible easy and rewarding. They killed their own prophets: so they had done all along; their fathers had done so: they had been a persecuting generation. c. Even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi: Paul reminds the Thessalonians of his sufferings in the ministry. No, he was far from this; nor did he flatter men in their sins; nor tell them, if they would be of his party, they might live as they listed. He did not pretend one thing and intend another. Nevertheless, Whichever version is preferred, however, there can be no doubt that Paul is describing his voluntary submission to them. (Calvin), ii. 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. he knows not Christ; and how can he preach him? (Clarke). He repeated the same idea in passages like Philippians 3:17 and 1 Corinthians 11:1. ii. Paul is answering the insidious attacks being made by scandalmongers outside the church because of their hatred for him. (Hiebert). i. Paul was very careful about his own life. For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit. When Satan saw the great work God did through these letters, he regretted that he ever hindered Paul at all. What is our great gospel privilegethat God has called us to his kingdom and glory. 3. (1 Thessalonians 2:6-7) Pauls gentle, humble attitude among the Thessalonians demonstrated his motives were pure. He was unwillingly sent away by night to Berea, Acts 17 10. 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. He had met with ill usage at Philippi, as these Thessalonians well knew. 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 2:3-6. It appears the Thessalonians had become unsettled by a teaching (allegedly Paul's) "that the day of the Lord has come" ( 2 Thess. Thank you for registering. 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! As we have been approved by God: Paul used a word here that was associated with approving someone as being fit for public service. 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 means by the phrase, night and day, that he started work before dawn; the usage is regular and frequent. ii. He did not make the ministry a cloak, or a covering, for covetousness, as God was witness, v. 5. ii. He knew what it was like to speak boldly for the Lord even in much conflict. Not everyone receives this message as the word of God. Acts 20:1-5 describes Pauls eventual return to Thessalonica and to other churches in the area. It means the place of contest, and then the contest itself a race, a struggle, a battle. Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refusing them will have impact how our site functions. There were also the Jewish people and the God-fearing Gentiles. 2. 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. Key Verses: 1 Thessalonians 2 - Marks of Paul's Ministry A. Paul proves he was sincere and not a charlatan. Luke-Acts See Acts 16:23, c. and the notes there.. With much contention. The servant of the Lord must not strive, but be gentle unto all men, and patient, 2 Tim 2 24. Hear this, ye that preach the Gospel! This is the kind of life that draws others to follow Jesus for themselves. Johannine Writings 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. a. c. Even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi: Paul reminds the Thessalonians of his sufferings in the ministry. 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. The gospel he preached was without deceit, it was true and faithful; it was not fallacious, nor a cunningly-devised fable. (1.) 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. 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). 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. That you have not perceived spiritual things is true; but it is no proof that there are none to perceive. He knew that it mattered for the sake of the Gospel. The city of Thessalonica sat on the Egnatian Way, the famous highway that went east to west through Macedonia. They were contrary to all men. They persecuted them, and drove and chased them from place to place: and no marvel, if they killed the Lord Jesus, that they persecuted his followers. 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). When Christians forget this, they often disgrace and curse themselves by returning persecution for persecution towards others. "The Thessalonian letters present the first literary evidence for . 2 You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not without results. 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. This is the vilest way of imposing upon a people, and to deal unfaithfully. 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. And he comforted them also, endeavouring to cheer and support their spirits under the difficulties and discouragements they might meet with. 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. 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. The Romans had their full share of guilt, so both Jew and Gentile were guilty. Time is short, all our time on earth is short and uncertain, whether we are present with our friends or absent from them. He was their spiritual father; and, as he cherished them like a nursing mother, so he charged them as a father, with a father's affection rather than a father's authority. (1 Thessalonians 2:17-20) Paul explains his absence from the Thessalonians. 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. Additionally, Paul and his associates were also persecuted. iii. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation. 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. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. a. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select a Beginning Point You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe: It is impressive that Paul could freely appeal to his own life as an example. He preached in the same church as C. H. Spurgeon over one hundred years earlier. Thessalonica was also an important port and a melting pot city with cultures from all over the world. 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). 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. 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. By the wonderful operation of this word they received: It effectually worketh in those that believe, v. 13. NIV so we cared for you. His satisfaction came from his relationship with Jesus, not from the praise of people. First Thessalonians provides Christians with the clearest biblical passage on the coming rapture of believers, an event that will inaugurate the seven-year tribulation. 1. 1 Thessalonians 2:2. 1. Many scholars estimate that the time gap between the epistles is only a few short weeks or months. ii. b. 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!