For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain. Thomas on covetousness: Pleonexia is self-seeking of all types, a quest for anything that brings self-satisfaction. The city of Thessalonica sat on the Egnatian Way, the famous highway that went east to west through Macedonia. of Scripture. Changes will take effect once you reload the page. Therefore we wanted to come to youeven I, Paul, time and againbut Satan hindered us. Poetical Books Enduring Word Bible Commentary 1 Thessalonians Chapter 2 They naturally thought that this would be much better. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. Though honour and esteem was their due from men, yet they did not seek it. They expected neither people's purses nor their caps, neither to be enriched by them nor caressed, and adored, and called Rabbi by them. Who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and have persecuted us: Paul comforted these suffering Christians with the assurance that they were not the first to suffer this way. Johannine Writings Bible Gateway passage: 1 Thessalonians 2 - King James Version Email / username or password was incorrect! He tells them they were involuntarily forced from them: We, brethren, were taken from you, v. 17. He didnt need fancy introductions or lavish praise. We should receive the word of God as the word of God, with affections suitable to the holiness, wisdom, verity, and goodness, thereof. 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. i. Here we have an account of Paul's manner of preaching, and his comfortable reflection upon his entrance in among the Thessalonians. (2)That in their efforts to convert the Thessalonians they had used no deceit, corruption, or grille; 1 Thessalonians 2:3-4. 1 Thessalonians 1:2 Commentaries: We give thanks to God always for all Paul gave both his care and his knowledge to the Thessalonians. They pleased not God. ); and such as have this inward testimony of the truth of the scriptures, the word of God, by the effectual operations thereof on their hearts, have the best evidence of their divine original to themselves, though this is not sufficient to convince others who are strangers thereto. Christians passed over many Greek words that were commonly used for religious brotherhoods. By the wonderful operation of this word they received: It effectually worketh in those that believe, v. 13. We need 2 cookies to store this setting. i. Such behaviour greatly recommends religion, and is most agreeable to God's gracious dealing with sinners, in and by the gospel. 1 Thessalonians 2 - Ironside's Notes on Selected Books - Bible (1 Thessalonians 2:8-9) Pauls self-support and hard work among the Thessalonians demonstrated that his motives were pure. Click to enable/disable Google reCaptcha. 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. ii. Since the text and audio content provided by BLB represent a 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. 1 Thessalonians 2 NIV - Paul's Ministry in Thessalonica - You - Bible They killed their own prophets: so they had done all along; their fathers had done so: they had been a persecuting generation. It was not many years after this that Jerusalem was destroyed, and the Jewish nation cut off by the Romans. 1. i. They serve an enormously valuable purpose, but they sometimes create an artificial break in the text that hinders, 3. 2 Thessalonians 1 Commentary - Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole 2. conservative Christian faith, which includes a firm belief in the inerrancy The Thessalonian Christians became imitators of those who had suffered before them. 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. It was that Satan hindered Paul and his associates. 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). 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. General Epistles Click on the different category headings to find out more. Verse by Verse Commentary. 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. But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. Or do ye enter into the priesthood for a morsel of bread, or for what is ominously and impiously called a living, a benefice? Is God witness that, in all these things, ye have no cloak of covetousness? But wo to that man who enters into the labour for the sake of the hire! 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. 3. 1 Thessalonians 2 - Clarke's Commentary - StudyLight.org , having suffered before) that which might have deterred others from preaching. There were the native Greek mystery religions, celebrating Dionysis and the sex and drinking cult. The force of this is that Christianity is not just another religion. 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. Most of these religions were missionary minded and sought to spread their faith using itinerant evangelists and preachers. 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. i. Every man who preaches the Gospel should carefully read this chapter and examine himself by it. In these words the apostle apologizes for his absence. Here observe, 1. 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 apostle here puts the Thessalonians in mind that though he could not come to them as yet, and though he should never be able to come to them, yet our Lord Jesus Christ will come, nothing shall hinder this. 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 . 4. 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. i. Paul didnt seek glory from men because his needs for security and acceptance were met primarily in Jesus. This is indeed the great motive to sincerity, to consider that God not only seeth all that we do, but knoweth our thoughts afar off, and searcheth the heart. All rights reserved. 2 Thessalonians appears to have been written shortly after 1 Thessalonians. b. 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. Third, Paul was committed to fight against the roadblock any way he could. iv. For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousnessGod is witness. Satan Hinders Paul 2:17-20 2. He ministered from an understanding of his identity in Jesus. Usernames should only contain letters, numbers, dots, dashes, or underscores. 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. He repeated the same idea in passages like Philippians 3:17 and 1 Corinthians 11:1. ii. ( 2 Thessalonians 1:8-10) The coming day of judgment for both the persecuted and their persecutors. 3. 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. This exclusive attitude filled up the measure of their sins. There is a valid debate as to if 1 Thessalonians 2:7 should read gentle or babes. Their fierce opposition was due to the fact that Christian missionaries offered salvation to Gentiles without demanding that they first become Jews. (Hiebert), ii. Wisdom Literature He did not pretend one thing and intend another. However, it is in truth the word of God. Paul had the discernment to know. 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). 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. Though he was absent in body, yet he was present in heart. He was not like the false apostles, who, through covetousness, with feigned words made merchandise of the people, 2 Pet 2 3. b. In these words the apostle reminds the Thessalonians of the manner of his conversation among them. What Every Christian Should Know about the Protestant Reformation. In the meantime, let the Christian world treat them with humanity and mercy. (Clarke), ii. Ye be not soon; quickly. v. Supposing that we have ascertained that hindrances in our way really come from Satan, WHAT THEN? 2. 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. 3. 1 Thessalonians 2 - Coffman's Commentaries on the Bible - Bible i. By proceeding, you consent to our cookie usage. 1 Thessalonians 2:2 Commentaries: but after we had already suffered and 1 Thessalonians: An Exegetical and Devotional Commentary This is the kind of life that draws others to follow Jesus for themselves. "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 The Thessalonians were mostly Gentile converts, yet when Paul mentioned Satan here, he gave no further explanation. The gospel which Paul preached was not his own, but the gospel of God. Those who by faith receive the word find it profitable. For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousnessGod is witness. If he couldnt be there in person, his letter will go for him and teach and encourage them in his absence. Perhaps Paul would say that he didnt need a crown in heaven because these precious ones were his crown of victory. It was that Satan hindered Paul and his associates. He had met with ill usage at Philippi, as these Thessalonians well knew. His design was not to enrich himself by preaching the gospel; so far from this, he did not stipulate with them for bread. They were stewards, put in trust with the gospel: and it is required of a steward that he be faithful. 1 Thessalonians 2 Bible Commentary - Matthew Henry (concise) Paul is answering the insidious attacks being made by scandalmongers outside the church because of their hatred for him. (Hiebert). He is very much part of them, and he sorrows for their fate. (Morris). This shows that in the few weeks he was there, Paul taught the Thessalonians much about Satan and spiritual warfare. a. 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 a conflict always involves intense exertion and strenuous, persistent effort to overcome the determined opposition or the dangerous antagonist. (Hiebert). Your partnership makes all we do possible. They were contrary to all men. Revelation Concerning the Dead in Christ 4:13-18 2 Commentary to First Thessalonians - Rev. 3 For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we The word wrought effectually in them, not only to be examples unto others in faith and good works (which he had mentioned before), but also in constancy and patience under sufferings and trials for the sake of the gospel: You became followers of the churches of God, and have suffered like things as they have done (v. 14), and with like courage and constancy, with like patience and hope. 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. 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). In this city, you would find the worship of the gods of the Olympian pantheon, especially Apollo, Athena, and Hercules. There were a staggering variety of religions and religious professionals in Thessalonica. (2.) For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? In the first place it showed his confidence in them. 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). ii. Poetical Books Also present were the Roman State cults that deified the political heroes of Rome. i. For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Study Guide for 2 Thessalonians 2 by David Guzik The Jews themselves were vigorously engaged in this period of their history in actively proselyting Gentiles. Where greed and ambition hold sway, innumerable corruptions follow, and the whole man turns to vanity. A good example this is, to be imitated by all the ministers of the gospel. 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. 3. a. 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. 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. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. i. Paul tried to make the Gospel as attractive as possible, but he never changed its central character or focus. His gospel was pure and holy, worthy of its holy author, tending to discountenance all manner of impurity. This converts their souls, and enlightens their minds, and rejoices their hearts (Ps 19. 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. 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 Old Testament This meant that he didnt spend his life trying to seek and earn the acceptance of man. 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. 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. 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. a. 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. 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. (5.) 4. 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. 1 Thessalonians 2King James Version. 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. Some people like to say that there is a word of God, but that we cant be sure of what He says. The Jews themselves were vigorously engaged in this period of their history in actively proselyting Gentiles. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. Prophets He knew this was not a random circumstance, but a direct attack from Satan. If Paul was discredited, then the Gospel message itself would be discredited. c. Even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi: Paul reminds the Thessalonians of his sufferings in the ministry. As seen in 1 Thessalonians 1:6, Paul was comfortable in the idea of other Christians following his example. 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. i. Overview of 1 and 2 Thessalonians | Bible.org 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. For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain. This gentleness and goodness the apostle expressed several ways. The apostle mentions the sufferings of the churches of God, which in Judea were in Christ Jesus. But the time of persecution would not last. a. 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. Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 - Working Preacher The New Testament e. But wrath has come upon them to the uttermost: Paul comforted the Thessalonians by assuring them that God would indeed take care of their persecutors. Enduring Word Bible Commentary 1 Thessalonians Chapter 1 5 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloak of covetousness; God is witness: 6 Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. Four witnesses saw him commit a murder. 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). i. Paul is something of a dictator (1 Thessalonians 2:7 we were gentle among you). Honour is to follow men, men not to follow it. (Poole). 1. Colossians Col Book List 2 Thessalonians 2Th. The evidences of the apostle's sincerity follow; and they are these:(1.)
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