Upon himself and fellow-labourers. i. The city of Thessalonica sat on the Egnatian Way, the famous highway that went east to west through Macedonia. In these words the apostle reminds the Thessalonians of the manner of his conversation among them. Those are greatly to blame who give out their own fancies or injunctions for the word of God. Note, The cross is the Christian's mark: if we are called to suffer we are called only to be followers of the churches of God; so persecuted they the prophets that were before you, Matt 5 12. iii. Gods Word works, it doesnt only bring information or produce feelings. Paul means by the phrase, night and day, that he started work before dawn; the usage is regular and frequent. 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. 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. 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. The following cookies are also needed - You can choose if you want to allow them: You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page. 2:1-12) notes on 1 Thessalonians 2:3, and ch. They were stewards, put in trust with the gospel: and it is required of a steward that he be faithful. Paul and his fellow-labourers were not only good Christians, but faithful ministers. This attitude includes both boldness and confidence. (Morris), ii. Their design was to please God and not men. Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refusing them will have impact how our site functions. John Schultz (1-2) The integrity of Paul's ministry in Thessalonica. 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 also suffered the same things: When the Thessalonians responded to the Gospel, they became the targets of persecution. a. a. 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). They pleased not God. The word rendered conflict (agon) contains a metaphor drawn from the athletic games or the arena. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. of Scripture. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. 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. This shows that in the few weeks he was there, Paul taught the Thessalonians much about Satan and spiritual warfare. What is our great gospel dutythat we walk worthy of God, that the temper of our minds and tenour of our lives be answerable to this call and suitable to this privilege. If this is the case, then Satans roadblock got Paul started on writing letters to the churches. 3. Gods Word works, it doesnt only bring information or produce feelings. b. By the most affectionate desire of their welfare: Being affectionately desirous of you, v. 8. There were the native Greek mystery religions, celebrating Dionysis and the sex and drinking cult. i. 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. Purpose of Writing: In the church of Thessalonica there were some misunderstandings about the return of Christ. Check to enable permanent hiding of message bar and refuse all cookies if you do not opt in. Thessalonica was also an important port and a melting pot city with cultures from all over the world. This exclusive attitude filled up the measure of their sins. He could tell them that they should walk worthy of God because his life and message were consistent. i. 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. 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. Yet Paul assured them that the reason was not a lack of love or desire on his part. Honour is to follow men, men not to follow it. (Poole). First, Paul understood that this was Satanic hindrance. He didnt need fancy introductions or lavish praise. See here the manner of Paul's preaching. General Epistles 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. 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. For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus. i. i. Here observe, 1. The matter of the apostle's thanksgiving and glorying on behalf of the Thessalonians was, (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. As seen in 1 Thessalonians 1:6, Paul was comfortable in the idea of other Christians following his example. Minor Prophets His inability to visit should never be taken as a lack of love towards the Thessalonians. Colossians Col Book List 2 Thessalonians 2Th. If Paul was in it for himself, he wasnt very smart about serving his own self-interest. 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. Where note, (1.) In this chapter the apostle puts the Thessalonians in mind of the manner of his preaching among them, ver 1-6. At the rapture, Christ will return for His people. ii. Then of the manner of his conversation among them, ver 7-12. The Old Testament Pauline Epistles Their fierce opposition was due to the fact that Christian missionaries offered salvation to Gentiles without demanding that they first become Jews. (Hiebert), ii. 1 Thessalonians 2 - Marks of Paul's Ministry A. Paul proves he was sincere and not a charlatan. 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. 2. 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). GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select a Beginning Point In this city, you would find the worship of the gods of the Olympian pantheon, especially Apollo, Athena, and Hercules. Second, Paul had faith. He earnestly desired and endeavoured to see them again: We endeavoured more abundantly to see your face with great desire, v. 17. Those whom we bring to Jesus and disciple are a crown of victory for us. 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. Finally, God brought the victory. The city of Thessalonica sat on the Egnatian Way, the famous highway that went east to west through Macedonia. But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. 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. If Paul was in it for himself, he wasnt very smart about serving his own self-interest. Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 2:7-12 (Read 1 Thessalonians 2:7-12) Mildness and tenderness greatly recommend religion, and are most conformable to God's gracious dealing with sinners, in and by the gospel. Therefore we wanted to come to youeven I, Paul, time and againbut Satan hindered us. ( 1 Thessalonians 2:3-5) The integrity of Paul's message in Thessalonica. Wisdom Literature Paul's Desire to Visit Them 3:11-13 II. 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. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. This great apostle, though he abhorred and avoided flattery, was most condescending to all men. 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). Their design was to please God and not men. There it was that he and Silas were shamefully treated, being put in the stocks; yet no sooner were they set at liberty than they went to Thessalonica, and preached the gospel with as much boldness as ever. i. 4. Nevertheless, Whichever version is preferred, however, there can be no doubt that Paul is describing his voluntary submission to them. (Calvin), ii. a. Every man who preaches the Gospel should carefully read this chapter and examine himself by it. This is the vilest way of imposing upon a people, and to deal unfaithfully. a. Some people like to say that there is a word of God, but that we cant be sure of what He says. b. The dead in Christ shall rise first, while those still living will follow close behind. 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. Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? 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. For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Where greed and ambition hold sway, innumerable corruptions follow, and the whole man turns to vanity. These are expressions of great and endeared affection, and high estimation. For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousnessGod is witness. 2 We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition. i. - But even after we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated. With courage and resolution: We were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God, v. 2. 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 . They were outraged that Gentiles could be saved without first becoming Jews. Building on the theme of God's word, I will explore the phrase "being bearers of God's word.". The force of this is that Christianity is not just another religion. Such was the rage of his persecutors. 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. Error: Passwords should have at least 6 characters, Error: Usernames should only contain letters, numbers, dots, dashes, or underscores. Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. 2. 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. He spared no pains therein. Yet when they do not receive it, it reflects upon them, not upon the message. 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. As they did, they were not alone, because those among the churches of God have often suffered persecution. Note, Satan is a constant enemy to the work of God, and does all he can to obstruct it. Even his bodily absence was but for a short time, the time of an hour. b. Second, Paul had faith. 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. i. In the second place it demonstrated that all the facts required for his vindication were facts of common knowledge. (Morris). 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. Their crimes were great; to these their punishment is proportioned. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. 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. i. Morris on flattering words: We can use this English term of remarks which, though insincere, are directed to the pleasure of the person being flattered. 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. henry long ranger trigger adjustment, is brad gerstner related to lou gerstner, frances barrett tolman,
