The Epistles · Chapter 2 of 5

1 Thessalonians 2

Paul recalls how he came to the Thessalonians and defends the honesty of his ministry. He preached the gospel of God boldly after suffering at Philippi, never using flattery, greed, or the pursuit of human praise. Gentle as a nurse and encouraging as a father, he shared not only the message but his own soul. He rejoices that they received the word as God's own word.

What happens in 1 Thessalonians 2

Paul reminds the church that his visit was not wasted. Though he had been shamefully treated at Philippi, he spoke God's gospel among them with courage. He insists his appeal carried no deceit, uncleanness, or guile, and that he never flattered them or cloaked covetousness, calling God as witness. He sought no glory from people. Instead he was gentle, cherishing them like a nursing mother and imparting his very self because they were dear to him.

He labored night and day so as not to burden anyone. He exhorted, comforted, and charged each one like a father, urging them to walk worthy of God who called them to his kingdom. He thanks God that they received the message as God's word, which works in believers. They imitated the suffering churches of Judea, enduring persecution. Now separated, Paul longs to see them, for they are his hope, joy, and crown at the Lord's coming.

1 Thessalonians 2 in context

First Thessalonians is likely Paul's earliest surviving letter, written around AD 50 from Corinth after Timothy brought news of the young church. Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy had founded the congregation during a short and stormy visit recorded in Acts 17, cut short by opposition.

Some critics apparently questioned Paul's motives after he left. This chapter answers them, rehearsing the manner of his ministry as evidence that both his message and his love were genuine.

Main themes of 1 Thessalonians 2

1 Thessalonians 2 (KJV)

1For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain: 2But 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. 3For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: 4But 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. 5For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: 6Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. 7But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: 8So 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. 9For 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. 10Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe: 11As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, 12That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory. 13For 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. 14For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews: 15Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men: 16Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost. 17But 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. 18Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us. 19For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? 20For ye are our glory and joy.

Verses to carry from 1 Thessalonians 2

“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.”1 Thessalonians 2:8

“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 Thessalonians 2:13

“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?”1 Thessalonians 2:19

Reflection

Consider the leaders and mentors who gave you not just information but themselves. Paul's picture of ministry, gentle as a nurse and earnest as a father, invites you to ask how you carry others. Do you serve to be seen, or to build people up? Genuine love labors quietly, seeking God's approval more than applause.

A prayer from 1 Thessalonians 2