"Exhorting" is the general term for animating address: comp. 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. 1 Thessalonians 2 - Marks of Paul's Ministry A. Paul proves he was sincere and not a charlatan. i. Paul tried to make the Gospel as attractive as possible, but he never changed its central character or focus. b. Observe, 1. Though honour and esteem was their due from men, yet they did not seek it. i. It has been said that people dont care how much you know until they know how much you care. 1 Thessalonians 2 - Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Bible Minor Prophets In this city, you would find the worship of the gods of the Olympian pantheon, especially Apollo, Athena, and Hercules. David Guzik :: Study Guide for 1 Thessalonians 2 There has probably never been such a variety of religious cults and philosophic systems as in Pauls day Holy men of all creeds and countries, popular philosophers, magicians, astrologers, crack-pots, and cranks; the sincere and the spurious, the righteous and the rogue, swindlers and saints, jostled and clamoured for the attention of the believing and the skeptical. (Neil, cited in Morris). He avoided flattery: Neither at any time used we flattering words, as you know, v. 5. 13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. (1) An example of proper Christian rejoicing, by which also we learn, that those who have great gifts in them, are in two ways governed: first, if they consider that they have received all from God, and second, that continuance must be desired at his hands. 2. Four witnesses saw him commit a murder. He pleaded that he was not guilty, and wished to establish his innocence by producing forty persons who did not see him do it. General Epistles 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. 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. 1 Thessalonians 2King James Version. He could see that it effectively works in those who believe. 1 Thessalonians 2:2 Commentaries: but after we had already suffered and (2)That in their efforts to convert the Thessalonians they had used no deceit, corruption, or grille; 1 Thessalonians 2:3-4. Pauls emphatic calling of the Thessalonians to witness did two things. 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. 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. But the time of persecution would not last. Paul not only disavows the teaching, but reminds the Thessalonians what he had earlier taught them. They killed the Lord Jesus, and impudently and presumptuously wished that his blood might be on them and their children. For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit. In these words the apostle apologizes for his absence. i. 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. Paul's Instructions to the Thessalonians 4:1--5:28 A. notes on 1 Thessalonians 2:3, and ch. A verification email has been sent to the address you provided. When Satan saw the great work God did through these letters, he regretted that he ever hindered Paul at all. We should receive the word of God as the word of God, with affections suitable to the holiness, wisdom, verity, and goodness, thereof. Timothy's Encouraging Report 3:6-10 4. In the meantime, let the Christian world treat them with humanity and mercy. (Clarke), ii. i. He mentions the good effects which his successful preaching had. 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. At the same time we should notice that Pauls anger is the anger of a man with his own nation, with his own people. Paul exhorted the Thessalonians, not only informing them in their duty, but exciting and quickening them to the performance of it, by proper motives and arguments. Upon himself and fellow-labourers. For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit. Since we do have this word of God, we have a true voice of authority. i. For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit. 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). A Compelling Example for Ministry ( 1 Thess. The gospel of Christ, at its first setting out in the world, met with much opposition; and those who preached it preached it with contention, with great agony, which denoted either the apostles' striving in their preaching or their striving against the opposition they met with. Blue Letter Bible study tools make reading, searching and studying the Bible easy and rewarding. 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. 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. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. 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. Paul's Desire to Visit Them 3:11-13 II. For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousnessGod is witness. i. 3 For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, 4 Additionally, Paul and his associates were also persecuted. Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 - Working Preacher Not everyone receives this message as the word of God. He had no fear they would succumb to the propaganda being put before them. 18 Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us. 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. This, no doubt, was matter of the greatest comfort to the apostlethe consciousness of his own sincerity; and was one reason of his success. 2 Thessalonians 2:2 Meaning He ministered from an understanding of his identity in Jesus. Note, Suffering in a good cause should rather sharpen than blunt the edge of holy resolution. Even his bodily absence was but for a short time, the time of an hour. This was Paul's comfort; he was neither daunted in his work, nor driven from it. He could see that it effectively works in those who believe. Salem Media Group. What Does Colossians 2:6-7 Teach Us about Our Faith Walk? This meant that he didnt spend his life trying to seek and earn the acceptance of man. a. For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, 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. The Romans had their full share of guilt, so both Jew and Gentile were guilty. a. The evidences of the apostle's sincerity follow; and they are these:(1.) You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. i. Paul didnt seek glory from men because his needs for security and acceptance were met primarily in Jesus. His coming was not empty or hollow, as if he were a mere salesman or marketer. If this is the case, then Satans roadblock got Paul started on writing letters to the churches. Thank you for registering. 1 Thessalonians 2 Bible Commentary - Matthew Henry (concise) Pauline Epistles The Old Testament In chapter 2 of 1 Thessalonians, Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy remind the community of the time they spent in their midst. He accommodated himself to all men's capacities, and became all things to all men. He spared no pains therein. These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features. He mentions the gentleness of their behaviour: We were gentle among you, v. 7. 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. 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. This is indeed the great motive to sincerity, to consider that God not only seeth all that we do, but knoweth our thoughts afar off, and searcheth the heart. In this chapter the apostle puts the Thessalonians in mind of the manner of his preaching among them, ver 1-6. When Christians forget this, they often disgrace and curse themselves by returning persecution for persecution towards others. 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. Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe: Verse 10. 3 For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: 4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. : 1 and 2 Thess." Return to top. i. 1 Thessalonians 2:11 - Bible Hub c. Even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi: Paul reminds the Thessalonians of his sufferings in the ministry. Paul is something of a dictator (1 Thessalonians 2:7 we were gentle among you). - Universal Beginnings (Chuck Missler), Paul has a police record and is therefore untrustworthy (, Pauls ministry is based on impure motives (, Paul preaches to please others, not God (, Paul is in the ministry as a mercenary, to get what he can out of it materially (, Barclay, William "The Letters to the Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians" (The New Daily Study Bible) (Philadelphia: The Westminster Press, 1975), Calvin, John "Thessalonians: Calvin's Commentaries" Volume 21 (Galatians-Philemon) (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1979), Clarke, Adam "Clarke's Commentary: The Holy Bible Containing the Old and New Testaments with a Commentary and Critical Notes" Volume 6 (Romans-Revelation) (New York: Eaton and Mains, 1832), Hiebert, D. Edmond "The Thessalonians Epistles: A Call to Readiness" (Chicago: Moody Press, 1971), Moffatt, James "The First and Second Epistles to the Thessalonians: The Expositor's Greek Testament" Volume 4, Section 1 (1 Thessalonians-James) (London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1897), Morris, Leon "The First and Second Epistles to the Thessalonians" (The New International Commentary on the New Testament) (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Eerdmans, 1959), Poole, Matthew "A Commentary on the Holy Bible" Volume 3 (Matthew-Revelation) (London: Banner of Truth Trust, 1969), Spurgeon, Charles Haddon "The New Park Street Pulpit" Volumes 1-6 and "The Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit" Volumes 7-63 (Pasadena, Texas: Pilgrim Publications, 1990), Thomas, Robert L. "1 & 2 Thessalonians: The Expositor's Bible Commentary" Volume 11 (Ephesians-Philemon) (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 1978), Trapp, John "A Commentary on the Old and New Testaments" Volume 5 (Matthew to Revelation) (Eureka, California: Tanski Publications, 1997). He could tell them that they should walk worthy of God because his life and message were consistent. Much less was the apostle's preaching vain or deceitful. Click on the different category headings to find out more. Email / username or password was incorrect! ); and such as have this inward testimony of the truth of the scriptures, the word of God, by the effectual operations thereof on their hearts, have the best evidence of their divine original to themselves, though this is not sufficient to convince others who are strangers thereto. Pauline Epistles iv. There is a valid debate as to if 1 Thessalonians 2:7 should read gentle or babes. Poetical Books His satisfaction came from his relationship with Jesus, not from the praise of people. Additionally, Paul and his associates were also persecuted. i. It is a good effect of the gospel when we are enabled to suffer for its sake. He knew what it was like to speak boldly for the Lord even in much conflict. Finally, God brought the victory. II. 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. Those whom we bring to Jesus and disciple are a crown of victory for us. Every man who preaches the Gospel should carefully read this chapter and examine himself by it. The Salutation ( 1 Thess. The reasons are contained, v. 4. 1 For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain. a. 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.
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