c. But we were gentle among you: Paul was like a nursing mother, who only looks to give to her child. This is the way to win people. For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God. a. i. 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 Historical Books Click to enable/disable Google Analytics tracking. 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. Over a quarter of 1 Thessalonians and nearly half of 2 Thessalonians deal with problems and issues regarding the parousia or coming of Christ from heaven. range of evangelical traditions, all of the ideas and principles conveyed Since the text and audio content provided by BLB represent a 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. Wisdom Literature 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. Upon himself and fellow-labourers. Luke-Acts "The Thessalonian letters present the first literary evidence for . For you are our glory and joy. We should not only be faithful to our calling as Christians, but in our particular callings and relations. 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. 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. There is a valid debate as to if 1 Thessalonians 2:7 should read gentle or babes. We may request cookies to be set on your device. Pauline Epistles 4. 1:2-10) 4. 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). Where greed and ambition hold sway, innumerable corruptions follow, and the whole man turns to vanity. Gods Word works, it doesnt only bring information or produce feelings. It was a constant cause of thankfulness: For this cause thank we God without ceasing, v. 13. Their crimes were great; to these their punishment is proportioned. The word rendered conflict (agon) contains a metaphor drawn from the athletic games or the arena. Verse 1 Thessalonians 2:2. Please see our Privacy Policy for cookie usage details. In this city, you would find the worship of the gods of the Olympian pantheon, especially Apollo, Athena, and Hercules. 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. Their fierce opposition was due to the fact that Christian missionaries offered salvation to Gentiles without demanding that they first become Jews. (Hiebert), ii. The Salutation ( 1 Thess. John Schultz The growth of their faith appeared by the works of faith; and, where faith . It was that Satan hindered Paul and his associates. The Romans had their full share of guilt, so both Jew and Gentile were guilty. 1 Thessalonians Henry's Complete Commentary on the Bible Henry's Complete. ii. Timothy's Encouraging Report 3:6-10 4. There should be no corrupt mixtures therewith; and, as the matter of the apostle's exhortation was thus true and pure, the manner of his speaking was without guile. The apostle had a most affectionate love to their persons, and sought them, not theirs; themselves, not their goods; and to gain them, not to be a gainer by them, or to make a merchandise of them: it was their spiritual and eternal welfare and salvation that he was earnestly desirous of. First, Paul understood that this was Satanic hindrance. See More Details about "Understanding the Bible Commentary Ser. That you have not perceived spiritual things is true; but it is no proof that there are none to perceive. This attitude includes both boldness and confidence. (Morris), ii. c. Even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi: Paul reminds the Thessalonians of his sufferings in the ministry. iii. 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! Letters of Paul to the Thessalonians, also called Epistles of St. Paul the Apostle to the Thessalonians, abbreviation Thessalonians, two New Testament letters written by St. Paul the Apostle from Corinth, Achaea (now in . The Greek intellectual and philosophical traditions were also represented. 3. Of what use would that have been? 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. Nevertheless, Whichever version is preferred, however, there can be no doubt that Paul is describing his voluntary submission to them. (Calvin), ii. We should receive the word of God as the word of God, with affections suitable to the holiness, wisdom, verity, and goodness, thereof. 3 For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, 4 The apostle not only asserts his sincerity, but subjoins the reasons and evidences thereof. d. For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? 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. b. He knew that it mattered for the sake of the Gospel. Salem Media Group. 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. It is not to be named with any of the words proper to religions in general [of that day]. (Morris). 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 no doubt began so early in order to be able to devote some part of the day to preaching. (Moffatt quoting Ramsay), ii. Colossians Col Book List 2 Thessalonians 2Th. (1-2) The integrity of Paul's ministry in Thessalonica. The Birth and Growth of a Church. It was that Satan hindered Paul and his associates. It was not many years after this that Jerusalem was destroyed, and the Jewish nation cut off by the Romans. ii. He did not make the ministry a cloak, or a covering, for covetousness, as God was witness, v. 5. Holly Hearon. Therefore we wanted to come to youeven I, Paul, time and againbut Satan hindered us. a. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. i. These are expressions of great and endeared affection, and high estimation. As he had the testimony of his own conscience witnessing to his integrity, so he could appeal to the Thessalonians how faithful he, and Silas, and Timotheus, his helpers in the work of the Lord, had discharged their office: You yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you. Paul wrote here in a personal manner, but this really wasnt a personal issue for Paul. ii. a. Afterwards of the success of his ministry, with the effects both on himself and on them (ver 13-16), and then apologizes for his absence, ver 17-20. We should accommodate ourselves to the intention and design of the gospel, and live suitably to our profession and privileges, our hopes and expectations, as becomes those who are called with such a high and holy calling. 5. 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. Many scholars estimate that the time gap between the epistles is only a few short weeks or months. 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. 1. But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire. The matter of the apostle's thanksgiving and glorying on behalf of the Thessalonians was, (1.) By the most affectionate desire of their welfare: Being affectionately desirous of you, v. 8. i. Most of these religions were missionary minded and sought to spread their faith using itinerant evangelists and preachers. : 1 and 2 Thess." Return to top. 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. ); 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. Nor did we seek glory from men: When Paul ministered among the Thessalonians, he was unconcerned for his personal glory. This apostle exhorts the Galatians (ch. 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. 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. There is power in the word of God to change lives. His design was not to enrich himself by preaching the gospel; so far from this, he did not stipulate with them for bread. 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. i. 2. (1.) Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refusing them will have impact how our site functions. (3.) If we can not know what God has spoken, then He may as well not have spoken at all. The Thessalonian Christians became imitators of those who had suffered before them. This converts their souls, and enlightens their minds, and rejoices their hearts (Ps 19. The Jews themselves were vigorously engaged in this period of their history in actively proselyting Gentiles. 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. 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. See Acts 16:23, c. and the notes there.. With much contention. (1 Thessalonians 2:8-9) Pauls self-support and hard work among the Thessalonians demonstrated that his motives were pure. i. (1 Thessalonians 2:3-5) The integrity of Pauls message in Thessalonica. The Old Testament The Jews themselves were vigorously engaged in this period of their history in actively proselyting Gentiles. Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. 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 . Click to enable/disable _gat_* - Google Analytics Cookie. Who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and have persecuted us: Paul comforted these suffering Christians with the assurance that they were not the first to suffer this way. Yet when they do not receive it, it reflects upon them, not upon the message. a. Some people like to say that there is a word of God, but that we cant be sure of what He says. Both of them were likely written sometime around 51-52 B.C., and as such are probably the two earliest epistles in the New Testament. Pentateuch i. The New Testament Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Ye be not soon; quickly. It has been said that people dont care how much you know until they know how much you care. ( 2 Thessalonians 1:8-10) The coming day of judgment for both the persecuted and their persecutors. When Satan saw the great work God did through these letters, he regretted that he ever hindered Paul at all. c. Even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi: Paul reminds the Thessalonians of his sufferings in the ministry. 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. 1. Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? 1. He had no sinister or worldly design in his preaching, which he puts them in mind to have been. Pentateuch The word of man isnt worth suffering for, but a true message from God is worth it. 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. - Ye are witnesses, and God also; ye of the outward conduct, and God of the motives which actuated us. Otherwise you will be prompted again when opening a new browser window or new a tab. For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain. He did not pretend one thing and intend another. Churches is the ancient Greek word ekklesia; it was not a specifically religious word. Satan Hinders Paul 2:17-20 2. i. Paul tried to make the Gospel as attractive as possible, but he never changed its central character or focus. He mentions their faithful discharge of the work and office of the ministry, v. 11, 12. Many scholars believe that 1 Thessalonians was Pauls earliest letter written as an apostle to a church. Paul denied his rights and took a higher standard upon himself. 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 servant of the Lord must not strive, but be gentle unto all men, and patient, 2 Tim 2 24. (2.) Every man who preaches the Gospel should carefully read this chapter and examine himself by it. The Old Testament There were also the Jewish people and the God-fearing Gentiles. , having suffered before) that which might have deterred others from preaching. 1. 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. Nor was it of uncleanness. 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. This shows that in the few weeks he was there, Paul taught the Thessalonians much about Satan and spiritual warfare. 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 is answering the insidious attacks being made by scandalmongers outside the church because of their hatred for him. (Hiebert). When Satan saw the great work God did through these letters, he regretted that he ever hindered Paul at all. The New Testament 1. When Paul arrived in Thessalonica, the wounds on his back from Philippi were still fresh. Herein, said this apostle, do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence towards God, and towards men, Acts 24 16. 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. It is in heaven that holy souls shall meet, and never part more. 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? 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. He pleaded that he was not guilty, and wished to establish his innocence by producing forty persons who did not see him do it. For a short time means that Paul knew it would only be a short time until the roadblock was overcome. He didnt need fancy introductions or lavish praise. We are not to suppose that the apostle spent the whole night and day in bodily labour, or work, to supply the necessities of his body; for then he would have had no time for the work of the ministry. He did something about the hindrance. These are the two sources from which stems the corruption of the whole of the ministry. (Calvin), iv. The subject-matter of the apostle's preaching was not vain and idle speculations about useless niceties and foolish questions, but sound and solid truth, such as was most likely to profit his hearers. 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). iii. a. Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. His coming was not empty or hollow, as if he were a mere salesman or marketer. 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. i. Affectionately longing for you: Is from an extremely rare verb of obscure origin. There were the native Greek mystery religions, celebrating Dionysis and the sex and drinking cult. . III. ii. Second, Paul had faith. ii. In chapter 2 of 1 Thessalonians, Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy remind the community of the time they spent in their midst. Minor Prophets Paul not only disavows the teaching, but reminds the Thessalonians what he had earlier taught them. Such behaviour greatly recommends religion, and is most agreeable to God's gracious dealing with sinners, in and by the gospel. A verification email has been sent to the address you provided. If Paul was in it for himself, he wasnt very smart about serving his own self-interest. b. 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. Some people like to say that there is a word of God, but that we cant be sure of what He says. b. This attitude includes both boldness and confidence. (Morris), ii. They killed their own prophets: so they had done all along; their fathers had done so: they had been a persecuting generation. General Epistles Purpose of Writing: In the church of Thessalonica there were some misunderstandings about the return of Christ. Click to enable/disable _gid - Google Analytics Cookie. For you also suffered the same things: When the Thessalonians responded to the Gospel, they became the targets of persecution. 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. 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. Four witnesses saw him commit a murder. a. 1 Thessalonians 3:2. For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit. Time is short, all our time on earth is short and uncertain, whether we are present with our friends or absent from them. It is always concealed by a noble sounding goal. 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. 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. Directions for Growth 4:1-12 B. He had still a remembrance of them, and great care for them. 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. We learn from the Book of Acts that during Paul's stay in the city of Thessalonica, he preached in a Jewish synagogue on three successive Sabbath days. a. By proceeding, you consent to our cookie usage. Pulpit Commentary Verse 2. It means the place of contest, and then the contest itself a race, a struggle, a battle. Do We See Any Gospel Connections in the Book of Numbers? Here observe, 1. i. Key Verses: Paul assured the Thessalonians that he could never forget them because they were his glory and his joy. Their fierce opposition was due to the fact that Christian missionaries offered salvation to Gentiles without demanding that they first become Jews. (Hiebert), ii. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer. 1. Proud member If Paul was in it for himself, he wasnt very smart about serving his own self-interest. For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain. Christians passed over many Greek words that were commonly used for religious brotherhoods. He ministered from an understanding of his identity in Jesus. He preached in the same church as C. H. Spurgeon over one hundred years earlier. Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. Note, It is a great comfort to a minister to have his own conscience and the consciences of others witnessing for him that he set out well, with good designs and from good principles; and that his preaching was not in vain, or, as some read it, was not fain. It appears the Thessalonians had become unsettled by a teaching (allegedly Paul's) "that the day of the Lord has come" ( 2 Thess. (1 Thessalonians 2:10-12) Pauls own behavior and message to the Thessalonians demonstrates the integrity of his character before God and man. Their design was to please God and not men. The evidences of the apostle's sincerity follow; and they are these:(1.) 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. 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. The dead in Christ shall rise first, while those still living will follow close behind. 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.
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