4. The Greek intellectual and philosophical traditions were also represented. Your partnership makes all we do possible. 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). For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain. Pentateuch Hear this, ye that preach the Gospel! 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). 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. i. ii. As seen in 1 Thessalonians 1:6, Paul was comfortable in the idea of other Christians following his example. Otherwise you will be prompted again when opening a new browser window or new a tab. 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). And where the word is believed and received as the word of God, there it has this energy, or worketh effectually, so as to promote love, repentance, self-denial, mortification, comfort, and peace. (Poole). b. 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 - Sermon Writer 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. However, it is in truth the word of God. 2 You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not without results. Therefore we wanted to come to youeven I, Paul, time and againbut Satan hindered us. 1. 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. Paul gave both his care and his knowledge to the Thessalonians. This attitude includes both boldness and confidence. (Morris), ii. Their persecuting spirit was a perverse spirit; contrary to the light of nature, and contrary to humanity, contrary to the welfare of all men, and contrary to the sentiments of all men not under the power of bigotry. 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. 1 Thessalonians 2 - A Study Guide by Mark A. Copeland 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. If he couldnt be there in person, his letter will go for him and teach and encourage them in his absence. ( 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2) Paul's comfort to the troubled Thessalonians and their question. 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 Such a Roman flogging was no light matter; it was an experience not soon forgotten. (Hiebert), ii. In the meantime, let the Christian world treat them with humanity and mercy. (Clarke), ii. 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. b. 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. Major Prophets The Greek term has rather the idea of using fair words as a means of gaining ones own ends., ii. range of evangelical traditions, all of the ideas and principles conveyed Second, Paul had faith. The powerful working of God is usually expressed by this word, Ephesians 1:19; Philippians 2:13; and the working of Satan also, Ephesians 2:2. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation. 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. General Epistles 1 Thessalonians 2 NIV - Paul's Ministry in Thessalonica - You - Bible Perhaps Paul would say that he didnt need a crown in heaven because these precious ones were his crown of victory. He was able to say, "For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile." He and his companions were perfectly open about everything. Pulpit Commentary Verse 2. 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 Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. The Romans had their full share of guilt, so both Jew and Gentile were guilty. Churches is the ancient Greek word ekklesia; it was not a specifically religious word. i. Paul didnt seek glory from men because his needs for security and acceptance were met primarily in Jesus. 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. ii. i. Wisdom Literature 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. That you have not perceived spiritual things is true; but it is no proof that there are none to perceive. Paul not only disavows the teaching, but reminds the Thessalonians what he had earlier taught them. 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. The Lord Jesus faced persecution, and the Christians in Judea faced it first. In the chapter's opening, Paul explains his reason for writing. As they did, they were not alone, because those among the churches of God have often suffered persecution. Most of these religions were missionary minded and sought to spread their faith using itinerant evangelists and preachers. See Acts 16:23, c. and the notes there.. With much contention. Many scholars believe that 1 Thessalonians was Pauls earliest letter written as an apostle to a church. He did not pretend one thing and intend another. Upon himself and fellow-labourers. Johannine Writings This exclusive attitude filled up the measure of their sins. And further, when he shall come, all must appear in his presence, or before him. 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. 2. As we have been approved by God: Paul used a word here that was associated with approving someone as being fit for public service. These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features. 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. 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. His inability to visit should never be taken as a lack of love towards the Thessalonians. 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. There is power in the word of God to change lives. a. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point 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. Click to enable/disable essential site cookies. The Jews themselves were vigorously engaged in this period of their history in actively proselyting Gentiles. He ministered from an understanding of his identity in Jesus. We wanted to come to you but Satan hindered us: It wasnt that Paul did not want to visit the Thessalonians. PDF 1 THESSALONIANS 2 THESSALONIANS - J. Vernon McGee This expression also denotes the affectionate and compassionate counsels and consolations which this apostle used. iii. But Paul did not just receive this Satanic hindrance in a fatalistic way. 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). 3. Check to enable permanent hiding of message bar and refuse all cookies if you do not opt in. ii. There were also the Jewish people and the God-fearing Gentiles. Individual instructors or editors may still require the use of URLs. 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. iii. Christians passed over many Greek words that were commonly used for religious brotherhoods. Nor did we seek glory from men: When Paul ministered among the Thessalonians, he was unconcerned for his personal glory. It was that Satan hindered Paul and his associates. Upon this occasion, the apostle gives a character of the unbelieving Jews (v. 15), enough to justify their final rejection and the ruin of their place, and church, and nation, which was now approaching. By the wonderful operation of this word they received: It effectually worketh in those that believe, v. 13. As we have been approved by God: Paul used a word here that was associated with approving someone as being fit for public service. 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. They were his hope, and joy, and crown of rejoicing; his glory and joy. He also writes it as an instruction in holy living. He did something about the hindrance. There is no general rule to be drawn from this instance, either that ministers may at no time work with their hands, for the supply of their outward necessities, or that they ought always to do so. In this chapter the apostle puts the Thessalonians in mind of the manner of his preaching among them, ver 1-6. 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). a. 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). And this he did not only publicly, but privately also, and from house to house (Acts 20 20), and charged every one of them by personal addresses: this, some think, is intended by the similitude of a father's charging his children. They were more confirmed in the truth of gospel-revelations, confided in gospel-promises, and had lively expectations of another world. He knew this was not a random circumstance, but a direct attack from Satan. 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. Paul had the discernment to know. These are the two sources from which stems the corruption of the whole of the ministry. (Calvin), iv. Note, Suffering in a good cause should rather sharpen than blunt the edge of holy resolution. This has been variously interpreted, "so soon after my exhortation," or "so soon after my departure from Thessalonica," or "so soon after your reception of the gospel," or "so soon after this opinion of the imminence of . 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, . When Christians forget this, they often disgrace and curse themselves by returning persecution for persecution towards others. We should receive the word of God as the word of God, with affections suitable to the holiness, wisdom, verity, and goodness, thereof. Who killed the Lord Jesus: Here Paul wrote that his own countrymen (the Judeans) had killed the Lord Jesus. 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. Timothy's Visit 3:1-5 3. i. The Blue Letter Bible ministry and the BLB Institute hold to the historical, 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. This self-revelation is not being made because the Thessalonian believers themselves were suspicious or doubtful about the missionaries. Verse by Verse Commentary. Many scholars believe that 1 Thessalonians was Pauls earliest letter written as an apostle to a church. 18 Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us. They naturally thought that this would be much better. Those whom we bring to Jesus and disciple are a crown of victory for us. i. 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 and his fellow-labourers were not only good Christians, but faithful ministers. Where greed and ambition hold sway, innumerable corruptions follow, and the whole man turns to vanity. (5.) And he comforted them also, endeavouring to cheer and support their spirits under the difficulties and discouragements they might meet with. He avoided covetousness. Their crimes were great; to these their punishment is proportioned. He believed, and therefore he spoke. 2:1-12) 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! 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). Yet Paul assured them that the reason was not a lack of love or desire on his part. Overview of 1 and 2 Thessalonians | Bible.org a. It is not to be named with any of the words proper to religions in general [of that day]. (Morris). 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. He had met with ill usage at Philippi, as these Thessalonians well knew. Blue Letter Bible offers several daily devotional readings in order to help you refocus on Christ and the Gospel of His peace and righteousness. 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.