He knew what it was like to speak boldly for the Lord even in much conflict. (1.) Building on the theme of God's word, I will explore the phrase "being bearers of God's word.". 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. It was the sincere and uncorrupted gospel that he preached and exhorted them to believe and obey. The Old Testament 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. 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. Please see Blue Letter Bible's Privacy Policy for cookie usage details. Not everyone receives this message as the word of God. 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. See Acts 16:23, c. and the notes there.. With much contention. If I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ, Gal 1 10. Colossians Col Book List 2 Thessalonians 2Th. The apostle not only asserts his sincerity, but subjoins the reasons and evidences thereof. And to these things this whole epistle exhorts the Thessalonians. Click to enable/disable essential site cookies. 4. Since we do have this word of God, we have a true voice of authority. 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. Those who by faith receive the word find it profitable. He is very much part of them, and he sorrows for their fate. (Morris). He repeated the same idea in passages like Philippians 3:17 and 1 Corinthians 11:1. ii. This is unfortunate, since his works contain priceless gems of information that are found nowhere except in the ancient writings of the Jews. This is the way to win people. Cookie Notice: In all probability, 1 Thessalonians is the earliest of Paul's epistles, particularly because it indicates that the memory. b. i. Where greed and ambition hold sway, innumerable corruptions follow, and the whole man turns to vanity. It was a most fatal mistake to think that they did God service by killing God's servants. By proceeding, you consent to our cookie usage. The New Testament 20 For ye are our glory and joy. i. 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's Desire to Visit Them 3:11-13 II. When Paul arrived in Thessalonica, the wounds on his back from Philippi were still fresh. 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. They were contrary to all men. , having suffered before) that which might have deterred others from preaching. ii. He mentions their faithful discharge of the work and office of the ministry, v. 11, 12. Pulpit Commentary Verse 2. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point 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. II. We may request cookies to be set on your device. But Paul knew well that the Jews of Judea were not the only ones responsible for the murder of Jesus. The word of man isnt worth suffering for, but a true message from God is worth it. 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). 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. c. And they do not please God and are contrary to all men: Paul also comforted the Thessalonian Christians with the awareness that they were right, that they are the ones pleasing God. i. Acts 20:1-5 describes Pauls eventual return to Thessalonica and to other churches in the area. The gospel he preached was without deceit, it was true and faithful; it was not fallacious, nor a cunningly-devised fable. The plural sins points to the aggregate of their separate evil acts, and not to the general abstract concept of sin. (Morris). Proud member The Greek intellectual and philosophical traditions were also represented. 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. For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain. He also writes it as an instruction in holy living. 5 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloak of covetousness; God is witness: 6 Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. 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. Key Verses: Four witnesses saw him commit a murder. 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. 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. But Paul did not just receive this Satanic hindrance in a fatalistic way. v. Supposing that we have ascertained that hindrances in our way really come from Satan, WHAT THEN? Pentateuch They were more confirmed in the truth of gospel-revelations, confided in gospel-promises, and had lively expectations of another world. 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? 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. Such a Roman flogging was no light matter; it was an experience not soon forgotten. (Hiebert), ii. 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. a. i. Affectionately longing for you: Is from an extremely rare verb of obscure origin. b. 1 Thessalonians 2 Commentary - Explaining The Book By proceeding, you consent to our cookie usage. In this city, you would find the worship of the gods of the Olympian pantheon, especially Apollo, Athena, and Hercules. This shows that in the few weeks he was there, Paul taught the Thessalonians much about Satan and spiritual warfare. For a short time means that Paul knew it would only be a short time until the roadblock was overcome. ii. 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. Though honour and esteem was their due from men, yet they did not seek it. 1 Thessalonians 2 Bible Commentary - Matthew Henry (concise) 1 Thessalonians Chapter 2 Kjv - King James Bible Online Since we do have this word of God, we have a true voice of authority. Much less was the apostle's preaching vain or deceitful. But Paul did not use the flattering words that often are a cloak for covetousness. 1. II. Second, Paul had faith. However, it is in truth the word of God. He did not make the ministry a cloak, or a covering, for covetousness, as God was witness, v. 5. 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. 1 Thessalonians 2 Commentary Verses 1-4 - Explaining The Book This world is not a place where we are always, or long, to be together. 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. Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? The Lord Jesus faced persecution, and the Christians in Judea faced it first. In this city, you would find the worship of the gods of the Olympian pantheon, especially Apollo, Athena, and Hercules. 1 For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain. b. 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. 1 Thessalonians 2:2 Commentaries: but after we had already suffered and 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. Paul gave both his care and his knowledge to the Thessalonians. 3. a. 1 Thessalonians 2 Pulpit Commentary This wasnt because Paul was insecure about his ministry, but because he had many enemies in Thessalonica (Acts 17:5-6 and 17:13) who discredited him in his absence, especially because of his hurried departure from Thessalonica. The gospel which Paul preached was not his own, but the gospel of God. 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. Their design was to please God and not men. Paul's Instructions to the Thessalonians 4:1--5:28 A. 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. Here we have an account of Paul's manner of preaching, and his comfortable reflection upon his entrance in among the Thessalonians. i. Paul tried to make the Gospel as attractive as possible, but he never changed its central character or focus. "Exhorting" is the general term for animating address: comp. Our website uses cookies to store user preferences. Hear this, ye that preach the Gospel! Johannine Writings 1 Thessalonians: An Exegetical and Devotional Commentary. The New Testament The word rendered conflict (agon) contains a metaphor drawn from the athletic games or the arena. Such behaviour greatly recommends religion, and is most agreeable to God's gracious dealing with sinners, in and by the gospel. 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 b. Note, When the measure of any man's iniquity is full, and he has sinned to the uttermost, then comes wrath, and that to the uttermost. Paul denied his rights and took a higher standard upon himself. 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. 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. First, Paul understood that this was Satanic hindrance. This gentleness and goodness the apostle expressed several ways. Churches is the ancient Greek word ekklesia; it was not a specifically religious word. For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus. Paul never compromised issues like mans need, Gods Savior, the cross, the resurrection, and the new life. What is our great gospel dutythat we walk worthy of God, that the temper of our minds and tenour of our lives be answerable to this call and suitable to this privilege. Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe: Verse 10. Your partnership makes all we do possible. 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. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. There is power in the word of God to change lives. d. We were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict: Despite what some of Pauls accusers said, he did not only preach the Gospel when it was easy or convenient. We wanted to come to you but Satan hindered us: It wasnt that Paul did not want to visit the Thessalonians. For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousnessGod is witness. They killed their own prophets: so they had done all along; their fathers had done so: they had been a persecuting generation. 3 For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we Paul gave both his care and his knowledge to the Thessalonians. For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit. 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. PDF 1 THESSALONIANS 2 THESSALONIANS - J. Vernon McGee Christians passed over many Greek words that were commonly used for religious brotherhoods. 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. Book of First Thessalonians Overview - Insight for Living Ministries 1. 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). This exclusive attitude filled up the measure of their sins. There is a valid debate as to if 1 Thessalonians 2:7 should read gentle or babes. Paul means by the phrase, night and day, that he started work before dawn; the usage is regular and frequent. 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. His inability to visit should never be taken as a lack of love towards the Thessalonians. And. The Romans had their full share of guilt, so both Jew and Gentile were guilty. For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? (4.) Purpose of Writing: In the church of Thessalonica there were some misunderstandings about the return of Christ. ( 2 Thessalonians 1:8-10) The coming day of judgment for both the persecuted and their persecutors. iv. The Blue Letter Bible ministry and the BLB Institute hold to the historical, conservative Christian faith, which includes a firm belief in the inerrancy He preached in the same church as C. H. Spurgeon over one hundred years earlier. There were shrines to many Egyptian gods: Isis, Sarapis, Anubis. 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). The Jews themselves were vigorously engaged in this period of their history in actively proselyting Gentiles. 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 . Why Does God Compare Our Relationship with Him to That of a Bride and Groom? A day of rest is promised for every believer. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. ( 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2) Paul's comfort to the troubled Thessalonians and their question. (1 Thessalonians 2:17-20) Paul explains his absence from the Thessalonians. (1 Thessalonians 2:1-2) The integrity of Pauls ministry in Thessalonica. Major Prophets 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. (3.) Email / username or password was incorrect! It is not to be named with any of the words proper to religions in general [of that day]. (Morris). 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. ii. of Paul is something of a dictator (1 Thessalonians 2:7 we were gentle among you). He avoided covetousness. You can also change some of your preferences. Directions for Growth 4:1-12 B. Yet most people today have never heard of John Gill. 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. c. And they do not please God and are contrary to all men: Paul also comforted the Thessalonian Christians with the awareness that they were right, that they are the ones pleasing God. c. Even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi: Paul reminds the Thessalonians of his sufferings in the ministry. 1 Thessalonians 2 Commentary - Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole The word of God is pure. Yet Paul assured them that the reason was not a lack of love or desire on his part. Who killed the Lord Jesus: Here Paul wrote that his own countrymen (the Judeans) had killed the Lord Jesus. ( 1 Thessalonians 2:3-5) The integrity of Paul's message in Thessalonica. And they were envious against the Gentiles, and angry that they should be admitted to share in the means of salvation. Churches is the ancient Greek word ekklesia; it was not a specifically religious word. a. If Paul was discredited, then the Gospel message itself would be discredited. Usernames should only contain letters, numbers, dots, dashes, or underscores. Then of the manner of his conversation among them, ver 7-12. 1 Thessalonians 2. Third, Paul was committed to fight against the roadblock any way he could. He knew that it mattered for the sake of the Gospel. a. Men possessed with the devil are called energumeni. 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. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. There were a staggering variety of religions and religious professionals in Thessalonica. This converts their souls, and enlightens their minds, and rejoices their hearts (Ps 19. Johannine Writings Wisdom Literature Minor Prophets i. There were a staggering variety of religions and religious professionals in Thessalonica. Individual instructors or editors may still require the use of URLs. It is always concealed by a noble sounding goal. iii. Wisdom Literature 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. Timothy's Encouraging Report 3:6-10 4. This self-revelation is not being made because the Thessalonian believers themselves were suspicious or doubtful about the missionaries. (1-2) The integrity of Paul's ministry in Thessalonica. Historical Books Third, Paul was committed to fight against the roadblock any way he could. 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). He is well acquainted with all our aims and designs, as well as our actions. a. c. But we were gentle among you: Paul was like a nursing mother, who only looks to give to her child. 1 Thessalonians 2:10. What is our great gospel privilegethat God has called us to his kingdom and glory. "The Thessalonian letters present the first literary evidence for . ii. We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. (2.) - That; to the end that, the purpose for which the apostle besought the Thessalonians. John Schultz 2. When we might have made demands as apostles of Christ: Paul was among the Thessalonians to give something to them, not to take something from them. i. 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. Those whom we bring to Jesus and disciple are a crown of victory for us. Paul denied his rights and took a higher standard upon himself. But the time of persecution would not last. They were outraged that Gentiles could be saved without first becoming Jews. In the meantime, let the Christian world treat them with humanity and mercy. (Clarke), ii. 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. (4.) Would Someone Tell Me What 2 Thessalonians 2 Means?! i. 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. 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). Salem Media Group. Note, Suffering in a good cause should rather sharpen than blunt the edge of holy resolution. For you also suffered the same things from your own countrymen, just as they did from the Judeans, 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. 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 - Sermon Writer And it is happy when ministers and people have such mutual affection and esteem of each other, and especially if they shall thus rejoice, if those that sow and those that reap shall rejoice together, in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming. i. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point