i. We know that indignity and persecution weaken and indeed completely break mens minds. It was a most fatal mistake to think that they did God service by killing God's servants. Timothy's Encouraging Report 3:6-10 4. 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. The Old Testament Wohlenberg conjectured that it was a term of endearment derived from the language of the nursery. Whatever its origin, it denotes the warm affection and tender yearning that the missionaries felt for their spiritual babes at Thessalonica. (Hiebert). For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? . b. Finally, God brought the victory. 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. But the time of persecution would not last. You can check these in your browser security settings. Let us accordingly receive and regard it. Far and away the largest theological contribution of both 1 and 2 Thessalonians lies in what they say about eschatology. For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit. 3. 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. General Epistles He showed great mildness and tenderness who might have acted with the authority of an apostle of Christ. Acts 20:1-5 describes Pauls eventual return to Thessalonica and to other churches in the area. It was that Satan hindered Paul and his associates. i. Note, Ministers have a great favour shown them, and honour put upon them, and trust committed to them. 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. 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. 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. This self-revelation is not being made because the Thessalonian believers themselves were suspicious or doubtful about the missionaries. 1 Thessalonians 2 Commentary Verses 1-4 - Explaining The Book Finally, God brought the victory. 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. 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. Purpose of Writing: In the church of Thessalonica there were some misunderstandings about the return of Christ. 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. The Birth and Growth of a Church. In this city, you would find the worship of the gods of the Olympian pantheon, especially Apollo, Athena, and Hercules. 1 Thessalonians 2:11 - Bible Hub 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. iv. The Blue Letter Bible ministry and the BLB Institute hold to the historical, Luke-Acts He was willing to run hazards, and venture his soul, or life, in preaching the gospel. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. 1 Thessalonians 2:3 - Bible Hub (3.) 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. Pentateuch The word of man isnt worth suffering for, but a true message from God is worth it. He denied himself the liberty he had of taking wages from the churches. Yet Paul assured them that the reason was not a lack of love or desire on his part. As we have been approved by God: Paul used a word here that was associated with approving someone as being fit for public service. 5 26) not to be desirous of vain glory; his ambition was to obtain that honour which comes from God, John 5 44. Building on the theme of God's word, I will explore the phrase "being bearers of God's word.". As my beloved sons, I warn you, 1 Cor 4 14. He had met with ill usage at Philippi, as these Thessalonians well knew. He ministered from an understanding of his identity in Jesus. Error: Passwords should have at least 6 characters, Error: Usernames should only contain letters, numbers, dots, dashes, or underscores. Men possessed with the devil are called energumeni. The reasons are contained, v. 4. So that the apostle at least intended his absence should be but for a short time. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select a Beginning Point 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. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select a Beginning Point He could see that it effectively works in those who believe. 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 2. b. Paul means by the phrase, night and day, that he started work before dawn; the usage is regular and frequent. 2. If this is the case, then Satans roadblock got Paul started on writing letters to the churches. There is a valid debate as to if 1 Thessalonians 2:7 should read gentle or babes. Click to enable/disable _ga - Google Analytics Cookie. Not everyone receives this message as the word of God. In this city, you would find the worship of the gods of the Olympian pantheon, especially Apollo, Athena, and Hercules. We wanted to come to you but Satan hindered us: It wasnt that Paul did not want to visit the Thessalonians. General Epistles b. First, Paul understood that this was Satanic hindrance. 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. Barclay saw the following false charges against Paul, evident from the way Paul explained himself in this chapter: b. Paul believed in a voice that speaks to mankind with the authority of eternity, and speaks above mere human opinion. Date of Writing: The Book of 1 Thessalonians was written in approximately A.D. 50. The Thessalonians willingly suffered the same things because they were convinced that Paul brought them not the word of man, but the Word of God. Here observe, 1. Paul gave both his care and his knowledge to the Thessalonians. If we can not know what God has spoken, then He may as well not have spoken at all. a. Not everyone receives this message as the word of God. 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. 1 Thessalonians 2 Commentary - Explaining The Book Nor did we seek glory from men: When Paul ministered among the Thessalonians, he was unconcerned for his personal glory. Revelation Concerning the Dead in Christ 4:13-18 2 Commentary to First Thessalonians - Rev. Concerning this also he could appeal to them as witnesses. The New Testament I think it is helpful to press the point that Paul is not working alone here; he has co-workers. v. Supposing that we have ascertained that hindrances in our way really come from Satan, WHAT THEN? 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. b. The New Testament of Scripture. Wisdom Literature Paul presented it not as the word of men, and the Thessalonians received it as the word of God. 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. 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. i. In the meantime, let the Christian world treat them with humanity and mercy. (Clarke), ii. notes on 1 Thessalonians 2:3, and ch. For you are our glory and joy. Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? 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 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. It was that Satan hindered Paul and his associates. b. Four witnesses saw him commit a murder. But Paul did not just receive this Satanic hindrance in a fatalistic way. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point Men possessed with the devil are called energumeni. 1 Thessalonians: An Exegetical and Devotional Commentary He did something about the hindrance. Paul is something of a dictator (1 Thessalonians 2:7 we were gentle among you). General Epistles 1 Thessalonians 2:8 ESV So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us. I. 1 Thessalonians 2 - Clarke's Commentary - StudyLight.org He accommodated himself to all men's capacities, and became all things to all men. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. The word of the gospel is preached by men like ourselves, men of like passions and infirmities with others: We have this treasure in earthen vessels. The city of Thessalonica sat on the Egnatian Way, the famous highway that went east to west through Macedonia. 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). Though honour and esteem was their due from men, yet they did not seek it. Where note, (1.) The Whole Bible Their fierce opposition was due to the fact that Christian missionaries offered salvation to Gentiles without demanding that they first become Jews. (Hiebert), ii. As they did, they were not alone, because those among the churches of God have often suffered persecution. 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. Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? c. Even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi: Paul reminds the Thessalonians of his sufferings in the ministry. 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 Thessalonians were mostly Gentile converts, yet when Paul mentioned Satan here, he gave no further explanation. He knew what it was like to speak boldly for the Lord even in much conflict. (1-2) The integrity of Paul's ministry in Thessalonica. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation. Paul didnt have to say, Please dont look at my life. 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. 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. At the same time we should notice that Pauls anger is the anger of a man with his own nation, with his own people. They were contrary to all men. The Salutation ( 1 Thess. But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. Paul's Instructions to the Thessalonians 4:1--5:28 A. . A verification email has been sent to the address you provided. 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). Where greed and ambition hold sway, innumerable corruptions follow, and the whole man turns to vanity. They were outraged that Gentiles could be saved without first becoming Jews. Our website uses cookies to store user preferences. Minor Prophets By great readiness to do them good, willingly imparting to them, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, v. 8. Click to enable/disable Google reCaptcha. 2. b. Verse by Verse Commentary. He and his fellow-labourers preached Christ and him crucified, and did not aim to gain an interest in men's affections for themselves, by glorying, and fawning and wheedling them. Summary of the Book of 1 Thessalonians - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org Johannine Writings This apostle exhorts the Galatians (ch. i. There were shrines to many Egyptian gods: Isis, Sarapis, Anubis. He avoided covetousness. With courage and resolution: We were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God, v. 2. For a short time means that Paul knew it would only be a short time until the roadblock was overcome. 2. They hated the apostles, and did them all the mischief they could. 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. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select a Beginning Point 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. Please see our Privacy Policy for cookie usage details. They had quite lost all sense of religion, and due care to do their duty to God. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 1 AND 2 THESSALONIANS (UNDERSTANDING THE BIBLE COMMENTARY By David J. Williams at the best online prices at eBay! Verse 2. 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? His desire and endeavour were to return again very soon to Thessalonica. Prophets Blue Letter Bible study tools make reading, searching and studying the Bible easy and rewarding. iii. Those in Judea first heard the gospel, and they first suffered for it: for the Jews were the most bitter enemies Christianity had, and were especially enraged against their countrymen who embraced Christianity. It was a constant cause of thankfulness: For this cause thank we God without ceasing, v. 13. Additionally, Paul and his associates were also persecuted. 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. The word of God, which these Thessalonians received, they heard from the apostles. i. Shamefully entreated - at Philippi There Paul and Silas had been beaten with many stripes, shut up in the inner prison, and their feet made fast in the stocks. Why Does God Compare Our Relationship with Him to That of a Bride and Groom? 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. 2 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. He did not flatter them with fain hopes, nor indulge them in any evil work or way, promising them life, and so daubing with untempered mortar. There is power in the word of God to change lives. 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. 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. Minor Prophets He no doubt began so early in order to be able to devote some part of the day to preaching. (Moffatt quoting Ramsay), ii. Acts 20:1-5 describes Pauls eventual return to Thessalonica and to other churches in the area. 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. 19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? PDF Commentary to 1 Thessalonians - Bible Commentaries Colossians Col Book List 2 Thessalonians 2Th. Presented here is a verse by verse exposition of . He didnt need fancy introductions or lavish praise. ( 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2) Paul's comfort to the troubled Thessalonians and their question. This is the vilest way of imposing upon a people, and to deal unfaithfully. Ministers and people must all appear before him, and faithful people will be the glory and joy of faithful ministers in that great and glorious day. Here observe, I. i. Therefore we wanted to come to youeven I, Paul, time and againbut Satan hindered us. The Romans had their full share of guilt, so both Jew and Gentile were guilty. He did not make the ministry a cloak, or a covering, for covetousness, as God was witness, v. 5. 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). 6. The Greek term has rather the idea of using fair words as a means of gaining ones own ends., ii. The word of man isnt worth suffering for, but a true message from God is worth it. Nevertheless, Whichever version is preferred, however, there can be no doubt that Paul is describing his voluntary submission to them. (Calvin), ii. The plural sins points to the aggregate of their separate evil acts, and not to the general abstract concept of sin. (Morris). 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. Ye be not soon; quickly. By proceeding, you consent to our cookie usage. It grows out of complete disinterest in the rights of others an attitude foreign to Paul and his helpers., iii. 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. 1. ii. He mentions the gentleness of their behaviour: We were gentle among you, v. 7. He had no sinister or worldly design in his preaching, which he puts them in mind to have been. b. Would Someone Tell Me What 2 Thessalonians 2 Means?! The Jews themselves were vigorously engaged in this period of their history in actively proselyting Gentiles. But Paul did not use the flattering words that often are a cloak for covetousness. 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. A Compelling Example for Ministry ( 1 Thess. 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. - Ye are witnesses, and God also; ye of the outward conduct, and God of the motives which actuated us. When Paul arrived in Thessalonica, the wounds on his back from Philippi were still fresh. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, (Hebrew/Greek Search by English Definition), * 'Number Delimiters' only apply to 'Paragraph Order', Search verses, phrases, and topics (e.g. When Satan saw the great work God did through these letters, he regretted that he ever hindered Paul at all. 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. 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. This exclusive attitude filled up the measure of their sins. Their crimes were great; to these their punishment is proportioned. These are the two sources from which stems the corruption of the whole of the ministry. (Calvin), iv. Even his bodily absence was but for a short time, the time of an hour. Gods Word works, it doesnt only bring information or produce feelings. He knew this was not a random circumstance, but a direct attack from Satan. 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. 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. Minor Prophets Paul gave both his care and his knowledge to the Thessalonians. Paul never compromised issues like mans need, Gods Savior, the cross, the resurrection, and the new life. When Paul arrived in Thessalonica, the wounds on his back from Philippi were still fresh. This shows that in the few weeks he was there, Paul taught the Thessalonians much about Satan and spiritual warfare. Pauline Epistles (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.

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