Their design was to please God and not men. 1 Thessalonians 1:2 Commentaries: We give thanks to God always for all His satisfaction came from his relationship with Jesus, not from the praise of people. Here observe, I. It grows out of complete disinterest in the rights of others an attitude foreign to Paul and his helpers., iii. Nor did we seek glory from men: When Paul ministered among the Thessalonians, he was unconcerned for his personal glory. Paul presented it not as the word of men, and the Thessalonians received it as the word of God. "Encouraging" (as in ch. Poetical Books i. It was that Satan hindered Paul and his associates. 1 Thessalonians 5:14 , John 11:19 ; John 11:31 ; rendered uniformly in A.V., "comforting") is the calming and consoling side of exhortation, as addressed to the afflicted or the weak. But men of business are not masters of their own time. It has been said that people dont care how much you know until they know how much you care. For you are our glory and joy. Pauls emphatic calling of the Thessalonians to witness did two things. 1 Thessalonians: An Exegetical and Devotional Commentary. v. Supposing that we have ascertained that hindrances in our way really come from Satan, WHAT THEN? (1 Thessalonians 2:3-5) The integrity of Pauls message in Thessalonica. He had no sinister and secular aims and views, but was in reality what he seemed to be. 1 Thessalonians 2 - Marks of Paul's Ministry A. Paul proves he was sincere and not a charlatan. a. Paul never compromised issues like mans need, Gods Savior, the cross, the resurrection, and the new life. Perhaps Paul would say that he didnt need a crown in heaven because these precious ones were his crown of victory. 2 But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict. Timothy's Visit 3:1-5 3. For you yourselves know: This begins a section where Paul defended his own character and ministry before the Thessalonians. A Compelling Example for Ministry ( 1 Thess. a. . GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation. There were shrines to many Egyptian gods: Isis, Sarapis, Anubis. (1 Thessalonians 2:10-12) Pauls own behavior and message to the Thessalonians demonstrates the integrity of his character before God and man. It is not to be named with any of the words proper to religions in general [of that day]. (Morris). (1 Thessalonians 2:14-16) The Thessalonians welcomed suffering when they welcomed the Word, yet they stood steadfast. 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. He preached in the same church as C. H. Spurgeon over one hundred years earlier. What Does Colossians 2:6-7 Teach Us about Our Faith Walk? i. Cookie Notice: i. Acts 20:1-5 describes Pauls eventual return to Thessalonica and to other churches in the area. a. For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness: The purity of Pauls message made it apparent that there was no deceit, uncleanness, or guile in his ministry. i. Historical Books i. Let us accordingly receive and regard it. They were outraged that Gentiles could be saved without first becoming Jews. He was not like the false apostles, who, through covetousness, with feigned words made merchandise of the people, 2 Pet 2 3. He didnt need fancy introductions or lavish praise. (1 Thessalonians 2:13) Paul is thankful that they welcomed the Gospel as Gods message, not mans. a. ii. I think it is helpful to press the point that Paul is not working alone here; he has co-workers. 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 2:8 ESV So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us. The evidences of the apostle's sincerity follow; and they are these:(1.) The Gospels 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. Luke-Acts The context seems to suggest more of a uncleanness of motive or spirit, while the word itself more indicates moral and especially sexual uncleanness (it often appears in lists with the term fornication). He not only longs to return but wonders about the future of the believers. Note, Suffering in a good cause should rather sharpen than blunt the edge of holy resolution. Murder and persecution are most hateful to God and cannot be justified on any pretence; they are so contrary to natural religion that no zeal for any true or only pretended institution of religion can ever excuse them. This shows that in the few weeks he was there, Paul taught the Thessalonians much about Satan and spiritual warfare. For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit. i. The plural sins points to the aggregate of their separate evil acts, and not to the general abstract concept of sin. (Morris). 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. There were also the Jewish people and the God-fearing Gentiles. Then of the manner of his conversation among them, ver 7-12. Paul didnt have to say, Please dont look at my life. Even his bodily absence was but for a short time, the time of an hour. b. 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. 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. 1. Please see Blue Letter Bible's Privacy Policy for cookie usage details. First, Paul understood that this was Satanic hindrance. We should receive the word of God as the word of God, with affections suitable to the holiness, wisdom, verity, and goodness, thereof. i. You can also change some of your preferences. Would Someone Tell Me What 2 Thessalonians 2 Means?! And. Such a Roman flogging was no light matter; it was an experience not soon forgotten. (Hiebert), ii. 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. 1:2-10) 4. The words not only signify, with intense labour and earnestness, but may here mean, exposed to the . But Paul knew well that the Jews of Judea were not the only ones responsible for the murder of Jesus. God is a God of truth, and requires truth in the inward parts; and, if sincerity be wanting, all that we do cannot please God. 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. They expected neither people's purses nor their caps, neither to be enriched by them nor caressed, and adored, and called Rabbi by them. 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. of Scripture. When Christians forget this, they often disgrace and curse themselves by returning persecution for persecution towards others. c. But we were gentle among you: Paul was like a nursing mother, who only looks to give to her child. They were contrary to all men. Prophets Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? 1 For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain. b. 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. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer. For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit. Many scholars estimate that the time gap between the epistles is only a few short weeks or months. Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 2:7-12 (Read 1 Thessalonians 2:7-12) Mildness and tenderness greatly recommend religion, and are most conformable to God's gracious dealing with sinners, in and by the gospel. Churches is the ancient Greek word ekklesia; it was not a specifically religious word. 2 You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not without results. 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. i. Concerning this also he could appeal to them as witnesses. 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. d. For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? (2)That in their efforts to convert the Thessalonians they had used no deceit, corruption, or grille; 1 Thessalonians 2:3-4. Not everyone receives this message as the word of God. 1. 4. 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. Pentateuch The Thessalonians were mostly Gentile converts, yet when Paul mentioned Satan here, he gave no further explanation. Such was the rage of his persecutors. 1. We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. ii. Please see our Privacy Policy for cookie usage details. 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. Gods Word works, it doesnt only bring information or produce feelings. 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. In the first century world Paul lived in, there were many competing religions, and many ministers of those religions were motivated by greed and gain. Paul longs to comfort . It is always concealed by a noble sounding goal. 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. It does good to those that walk uprightly, and by its wonderful effects evidences itself to be the word of God. 2. In the first place it showed his confidence in them. But the time of persecution would not last. He knew what it was like to speak boldly for the Lord even in much conflict. (1 Thessalonians 2:1-2) The integrity of Pauls ministry in Thessalonica. i. i. Paul didnt seek glory from men because his needs for security and acceptance were met primarily in Jesus. 1 and 2 Thessalonians ii. 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. 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. 2 Thessalonians 2:2 Meaning This is the kind of life that draws others to follow Jesus for themselves. Paul's Instructions to the Thessalonians 4:1--5:28 A. When Satan saw the great work God did through these letters, he regretted that he ever hindered Paul at all. Revelation Concerning the Dead in Christ 4:13-18 2 Commentary to First Thessalonians - Rev. 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 and his fellow-labourers were not only good Christians, but faithful ministers. Presented here is a verse by verse exposition of . His coming was not empty or hollow, as if he were a mere salesman or marketer. Chapters Available - 1 Thessalonians - Henry's Complete Commentary on He had no sinister or worldly design in his preaching, which he puts them in mind to have been. Blue Letter Bible study tools make reading, searching and studying the Bible easy and rewarding. We should not only be faithful to our calling as Christians, but in our particular callings and relations. 3 For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we 1. By proceeding, you consent to our cookie usage. 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. He accommodated himself to all men's capacities, and became all things to all men. 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.
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