Paul's Desire to Visit Them 3:11-13 II. 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. We should not only be faithful to our calling as Christians, but in our particular callings and relations. The Jews themselves were vigorously engaged in this period of their history in actively proselyting Gentiles. II. We did not seek mens honour, high esteem, or applause; we sought them not in the inward bent of our thoughts, or the studies of our mind, not in outward course of our ministry and conversation, to form them so as to gain glory from men. a. It was the sincere and uncorrupted gospel that he preached and exhorted them to believe and obey. David Guzik :: Study Guide for 1 Thessalonians 2 (2.) 3. His inability to visit should never be taken as a lack of love towards the Thessalonians. 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. 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. For the sake of these things wrath has come upon them to the uttermost; that is, wrath was determined against them, and would soon overtake them. i. When we might have made demands as apostles of Christ: Paul was among the Thessalonians to give something to them, not to take something from them. 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. 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). He knew this was not a random circumstance, but a direct attack from Satan. They were stewards, put in trust with the gospel: and it is required of a steward that he be faithful. 1, 2 Paul had to leave Thessalonica so quickly that there were many unfinished teachings he was not able to develop. The city of Thessalonica sat on the Egnatian Way, the famous highway that went east to west through Macedonia. 1 Thessalonians Chapter 2 Bible Options | + Text Size 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. If we can not know what God has spoken, then He may as well not have spoken at all. (2.) 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. Perhaps Paul would say that he didnt need a crown in heaven because these precious ones were his crown of victory. Luke-Acts As seen in 1 Thessalonians 1:6, Paul was comfortable in the idea of other Christians following his example. i. Paul didnt seek glory from men because his needs for security and acceptance were met primarily in Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 2:2. ii. 1 Thessalonians 2:11 - Bible Hub Click on the different category headings to find out more. 1 Thessalonians 2 - Ironside's Notes on Selected Books - Bible Letters of Paul to the Thessalonians | Summary & Facts b. 2. Paul had the discernment to know. He did not come making demands as an apostle. i. He had no sinister or worldly design in his preaching, which he puts them in mind to have been. 3. The Greek term has rather the idea of using fair words as a means of gaining ones own ends., ii. ( 1 Thessalonians 2:3-5) The integrity of Paul's message in Thessalonica. 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. 1. i. Colossians Col Book List 2 Thessalonians 2Th. This was necessary assurance because they were persecuted by religious people and might wonder if these other religious people were in fact right before God in their persecuting. His satisfaction came from his relationship with Jesus, not from the praise of people. Hear this, ye that preach the Gospel! Nederlandstalige Bijbelstudies door Stan Marinussen, Copyright - Enduring Word       |      . 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. For you yourselves know: This begins a section where Paul defended his own character and ministry before the Thessalonians. A day of rest is promised for every believer. Men possessed with the devil are called energumeni. Hear this, ye that preach the Gospel! You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. 4. b. Johannine Writings He also writes it as an instruction in holy living. Churches is the ancient Greek word ekklesia; it was not a specifically religious word. 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. 1 Thessalonians 2 - Coffman's Commentaries on the Bible - Bible He mentions the good effects which his successful preaching had. There were a staggering variety of religions and religious professionals in Thessalonica. Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe: Verse 10. 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. This is the way to win people, rather than to rule with rigour. notes on 1 Thessalonians 2:3, and ch. The Gospels 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. II. 1 Thessalonians Chapter 2 Kjv - King James Bible Online (1 Thessalonians 2:17-20) Paul explains his absence from the Thessalonians. Click to enable/disable essential site cookies. As they did, they were not alone, because those among the churches of God have often suffered persecution. Paul didnt have to say, Please dont look at my life. They were outraged that Gentiles could be saved without first becoming Jews. Revelation Concerning the Dead in Christ 4:13-18 2 Commentary to First Thessalonians - Rev. This is the kind of life that draws others to follow Jesus for themselves. 1 Thessalonians: An Exegetical and Devotional Commentary. The apostle was inspired with a holy boldness, nor was he discouraged at the afflictions he met with, or the opposition that was made against him. Such was the rage of his persecutors. 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). See Acts 16:23, c. and the notes there.. With much contention. Pentateuch b. Just as Athenians were tested for their fitness before they were allowed to assume public office, so the missionaries were tested before they were commissioned as Gods messengers. (Hiebert). Nevertheless, Whichever version is preferred, however, there can be no doubt that Paul is describing his voluntary submission to them. (Calvin), ii. 1 Thessalonians 2:3-6. It is not to be named with any of the words proper to religions in general [of that day]. (Morris). This apostle exhorts the Galatians (ch. The Greek term has rather the idea of using fair words as a means of gaining ones own ends., ii. In every city where the apostles went to preach the gospel the Jews stirred up the inhabitants against them. Free shipping for many products! 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.