Our website uses cookies to store user preferences. 2. 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. 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. He pleaded that he was not guilty, and wished to establish his innocence by producing forty persons who did not see him do it. We wanted to come to you but Satan hindered us: It wasnt that Paul did not want to visit the Thessalonians. He showed the kindness and care of a nurse that cherishes her children. Prophets Perhaps Paul would say that he didnt need a crown in heaven because these precious ones were his crown of victory. 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. 1 Thessalonians 2King James Version. The whole case is like that of the Irishman who tried to upset evidence by non-evidence. 2. Our coming to you was not in vain: The word vain here can refer either to the result of the ministry, or the character of the ministry. The plural sins points to the aggregate of their separate evil acts, and not to the general abstract concept of sin. (Morris). Paul assured the Thessalonians that he could never forget them because they were his glory and his joy. 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. Click to enable/disable _gat_* - Google Analytics Cookie. . 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. Through this, he made the point that he would not carry on in the face of beatings and conflict if he were in it only for himself. Building on the theme of God's word, I will explore the phrase "being bearers of God's word.". Biblical Commentary (Bible Study) 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 EXEGESIS: THE CONTEXT: We would do well to stop occasionally to remind ourselves that chapter and verse markers were not part of the original text, but were added later to help us navigate the scriptures. But Paul did not just receive this Satanic hindrance in a fatalistic way. Therefore we wanted to come to youeven I, Paul, time and againbut Satan hindered us. 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. iv. The means of salvation had long been confined to the Jews. i. 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. His coming was not empty or hollow, as if he were a mere salesman or marketer. 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. (2.) There is a valid debate as to if 1 Thessalonians 2:7 should read gentle or babes. Proud member They were more confirmed in the truth of gospel-revelations, confided in gospel-promises, and had lively expectations of another world. 19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? i. It grows out of complete disinterest in the rights of others an attitude foreign to Paul and his helpers., iii. The Old Testament Paul not only disavows the teaching, but reminds the Thessalonians what he had earlier taught them. 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). a. For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain. It was a most fatal mistake to think that they did God service by killing God's servants. This is the way to win people, rather than to rule with rigour. There is power in the word of God to change lives. notes on 1 Thessalonians 2:3, and ch. Concerning this also he could appeal to them as witnesses. Thank you for registering. 3. i. i. 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). i. Paul didnt seek glory from men because his needs for security and acceptance were met primarily in Jesus. The word rendered conflict (agon) contains a metaphor drawn from the athletic games or the arena. 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. Most of these religions were missionary minded and sought to spread their faith using itinerant evangelists and preachers. i. For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit. range of evangelical traditions, all of the ideas and principles conveyed Paul means by the phrase, night and day, that he started work before dawn; the usage is regular and frequent. But he spent part of the night, as well as the day, in this work; and was willing to forego his rest in the night, that he might have an opportunity to do good to the souls of men in the day time. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. The Greek intellectual and philosophical traditions were also represented. Nor was it of uncleanness. 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. 18 Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refusing them will have impact how our site functions. He also writes it as an instruction in holy living. Paul didnt have to say, Please dont look at my life. He avoided covetousness. Men possessed with the devil are called energumeni. Click to enable/disable essential site cookies. 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, Select an Ending Point These are the two sources from which stems the corruption of the whole of the ministry. (Calvin), iv. 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. Nothing provoked them more than our Saviour's speaking to them at any time concerning this matter; this enraged the Jews at Jerusalem, when, in his defence, Paul told them, he was sent unto the Gentiles, Acts 22 21. 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. Christians passed over many Greek words that were commonly used for religious brotherhoods. Please see Blue Letter Bible's Privacy Policy for cookie usage details. You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe; as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children, that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory. Their behaviour was holy towards God, just towards all men, and unblamable, without giving cause of scandal or offence; and they were careful to give no offence either to those who were without, or to those who believed, that they might give no ill example; that their preaching and living might be all of a piece. ii. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select a Beginning Point 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. 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. They killed their own prophets: so they had done all along; their fathers had done so: they had been a persecuting generation. Every man who preaches the Gospel should carefully read this chapter and examine himself by it. 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. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. 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. 3. a. And he comforted them also, endeavouring to cheer and support their spirits under the difficulties and discouragements they might meet with. 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 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). 4. Luke-Acts He tells them that Satan hindered his return (v. 18), that is, either some enemy or enemies, or the great enemy of mankind, who stirred up opposition to Paul, either in his return to Thessalonica, when he intended to return thither, or stirred up such contentions or dissensions in those places whether he went as made his presence necessary. 1 Thessalonians 2:10. We wanted to come to you but Satan hindered us: It wasnt that Paul did not want to visit the Thessalonians. 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. They must not dare to corrupt the word of God: they must diligently make use of what is entrusted with them, so as God hath allowed and commanded, knowing they shall be called to an account, when they must be no longer stewards. This meant that he didnt spend his life trying to seek and earn the acceptance of man. More to explore : Bibles Nonfiction . This was Paul's comfort; he was neither daunted in his work, nor driven from it. i. (3.) But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. 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. Directions for Growth 4:1-12 B. 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. He was unwillingly sent away by night to Berea, Acts 17 10. They serve an enormously valuable purpose, but they sometimes create an artificial break in the text that hinders, Second, Paul had faith. 1 Thessalonians 2 Commentary - Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole It is not to be named with any of the words proper to religions in general [of that day]. (Morris). It is not to be named with any of the words proper to religions in general [of that day]. (Morris). That their faith grew exceedingly, v. 3. It is always concealed by a noble sounding goal. It appears the Thessalonians had become unsettled by a teaching (allegedly Paul's) "that the day of the Lord has come" ( 2 Thess. 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. 1 Thessalonians 2 - Ironside's Notes on Selected Books - Bible I think it is helpful to press the point that Paul is not working alone here; he has co-workers. And further, when he shall come, all must appear in his presence, or before him. (2)That in their efforts to convert the Thessalonians they had used no deceit, corruption, or grille; 1 Thessalonians 2:3-4. The manner of this apostle's exhortation ought to be regarded by ministers in particular for their imitation, and the matter of it is greatly to be regarded by them and all others; namely, that they would walk worthy of God, who hath called them to his kingdom and glory, v. 12. He did not come making demands as an apostle. "THE FIRST EPISTLE TO THE THESSALONIANS" Chapter Two OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER 1) To glean from Paul's example how preachers should conduct themselves among brethren with whom they labor 2) To appreciate how the thought of seeing each other at the coming of Jesus should affect our attitude towards one another SUMMARY Having reflected This great apostle, though he abhorred and avoided flattery, was most condescending to all men. 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. Enduring Word Bible Commentary 1 Thessalonians Chapter 1 His gospel was pure and holy, worthy of its holy author, tending to discountenance all manner of impurity. 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. 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. i. , having suffered before) that which might have deterred others from preaching. Minor Prophets He pleaded that he was not guilty, and wished to establish his innocence by producing forty persons who did not see him do it. Pauls enemies said he left town quickly because he was a self-serving coward. For you yourselves know: This begins a section where Paul defended his own character and ministry before the Thessalonians. Wisdom Literature ii. As we have been approved by God: Paul used a word here that was associated with approving someone as being fit for public service. 3 For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, 4 Minor Prophets Upon them. 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. The Thessalonian Christians became imitators of those who had suffered before them. a. Far and away the largest theological contribution of both 1 and 2 Thessalonians lies in what they say about eschatology. And. 1 Thessalonians 2 Commentary - John Gill's Exposition of the Bible 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). He did something about the hindrance. The apostle here comforts himself either in the success of his ministry, that it was not fruitless or in vain (according to our translation), or as others think, reflecting upon the sincerity of his preaching, that it was not vain and empty, or deceitful and treacherous. Individual instructors or editors may still require the use of URLs. Therefore we wanted to come to youeven I, Paul, time and againbut Satan hindered us. 4. (1 Thessalonians 2:14-16) The Thessalonians welcomed suffering when they welcomed the Word, yet they stood steadfast. i. If he couldnt be there in person, his letter will go for him and teach and encourage them in his absence. In 1 Thessalonians 2:3 the apostle mentioned the holiness of life that should characterize the one who proclaims the message of God. The apostle expressed his thankfulness to God so often upon this account that he seemed to think he never could be sufficiently thankful that God had counted him faithful, and put him into the ministry, and made his ministrations successful. He did something about the hindrance. Such was the rage of his persecutors. Email / username or password was incorrect! 1 Thessalonians: An Exegetical and Devotional Commentary The city of Thessalonica sat on the Egnatian Way, the famous highway that went east to west through Macedonia. ( 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2) Paul's comfort to the troubled Thessalonians and their question. 3. . 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. 1. 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. 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. Gods Word works, it doesnt only bring information or produce feelings. Here observe, 1. 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. For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? He did not pretend one thing and intend another. The words not only signify, with intense labour and earnestness, but may here mean, exposed to the . 1. Colossians Col Book List 2 Thessalonians 2Th. And we should not only be good as to our general calling as Christians, but in our particular callings and relations. Pauls statement of defense falls into two parts, a negative and a positive It is his practice first to sweep away the false, and then with the ground cleared to set forth the positive presentation of the truth. (Hiebert). 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. Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? Thomas on covetousness: Pleonexia is self-seeking of all types, a quest for anything that brings self-satisfaction. 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. There were also the Jewish people and the God-fearing Gentiles. The servant of the Lord must not strive, but be gentle unto all men, and patient, 2 Tim 2 24. (3)That they had not sought the praise of people, and had not used the weight of authority which they might have done as the apostles of Christ; 1 Thessalonians 2:6. Enduring Word Bible Commentary 1 Thessalonians Chapter 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. He knew this was not a random circumstance, but a direct attack from Satan. 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. i. It is a good effect of the gospel when we are enabled to suffer for its sake. i. It was that Satan hindered Paul and his associates. Not everyone receives this message as the word of God. a. Nor did we seek glory from men: When Paul ministered among the Thessalonians, he was unconcerned for his personal glory. Of what use would that have been? b. But Paul did not use the flattering words that often are a cloak for covetousness. 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. - 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). This exclusive attitude filled up the measure of their sins. (5.) As seen in 1 Thessalonians 1:6, Paul was comfortable in the idea of other Christians following his example. 3 For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we In every city where the apostles went to preach the gospel the Jews stirred up the inhabitants against them. 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. They persecuted them, and drove and chased them from place to place: and no marvel, if they killed the Lord Jesus, that they persecuted his followers. This shows that in the few weeks he was there, Paul taught the Thessalonians much about Satan and spiritual warfare. i. Paul tried to make the Gospel as attractive as possible, but he never changed its central character or focus. ii. he knows not Christ; and how can he preach him? (Clarke). ( 2 Thessalonians 1:8-10) The coming day of judgment for both the persecuted and their persecutors. 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. For a short time means that Paul knew it would only be a short time until the roadblock was overcome. Paul had the discernment to know. In all probability, 1 Thessalonians is the earliest of Paul's epistles, particularly because it indicates that the memory. 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. It does good to those that walk uprightly, and by its wonderful effects evidences itself to be the word of God. Nor did we seek glory from men: When Paul ministered among the Thessalonians, he was unconcerned for his personal glory. See More Details about "Understanding the Bible Commentary Ser. "The Thessalonian letters present the first literary evidence for . He knew what it was like to speak boldly for the Lord even in much conflict. 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. PDF Commentary to 1 Thessalonians - Bible Commentaries i. General Epistles The growth of their faith appeared by the works of faith; and, where faith . i. 2. He avoided flattery: Neither at any time used we flattering words, as you know, v. 5. 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. Churches is the ancient Greek word ekklesia; it was not a specifically religious word. Historical Books Much less was the apostle's preaching vain or deceitful. For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? If you do not want that we track your visit to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here: We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. We may request cookies to be set on your device. 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. i. He had no fear they would succumb to the propaganda being put before them. Yet when they do not receive it, it reflects upon them, not upon the message. It was not many years after this that Jerusalem was destroyed, and the Jewish nation cut off by the Romans. c. Satan hindered us: Paul, in all his apostolic ministry and authority, could still be blocked by Satan. Second, Paul had faith. 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.

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