3 Let no one deceive you in any way. 19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? The word of God, which these Thessalonians received, they heard from the apostles. Then of the manner of his conversation among them, ver 7-12. He preached in the same church as C. H. Spurgeon over one hundred years earlier. 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. He avoided flattery: Neither at any time used we flattering words, as you know, v. 5. i. 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). He no doubt began so early in order to be able to devote some part of the day to preaching. (Moffatt quoting Ramsay), ii. He had met with ill usage at Philippi, as these Thessalonians well knew. The gospel of Christ, at its first setting out in the world, met with much opposition; and those who preached it preached it with contention, with great agony, which denoted either the apostles' striving in their preaching or their striving against the opposition they met with. 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. At the same time we should notice that Pauls anger is the anger of a man with his own nation, with his own people. Thessalonica was also an important port and a melting pot city with cultures from all over the world. (1 Thessalonians 2:13) Paul is thankful that they welcomed the Gospel as Gods message, not mans. He didnt need fancy introductions or lavish praise. Such was the rage of his persecutors. His satisfaction came from his relationship with Jesus, not from the praise of people. 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. In the meantime, let the Christian world treat them with humanity and mercy. (Clarke), ii. Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. And to these things this whole epistle exhorts the Thessalonians. 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. 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). 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. "Exhorting" is the general term for animating address: comp. 1, 2 Paul had to leave Thessalonica so quickly that there were many unfinished teachings he was not able to develop. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. 18 Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us. There were also the Jewish people and the God-fearing Gentiles. There were also the Jewish people and the God-fearing Gentiles. i. i. 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. He tells them they were involuntarily forced from them: We, brethren, were taken from you, v. 17. 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. Verse by Verse Commentary. True grace is of a most masculine, disengaged, noble nature, and remits nothing of its diligence either for fear of a frown or hope of a reward. (Trapp). 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). They expected neither people's purses nor their caps, neither to be enriched by them nor caressed, and adored, and called Rabbi by them. Nederlandstalige Bijbelstudies door Stan Marinussen, Copyright - Enduring Word | . ii. If this is the case, then Satans roadblock got Paul started on writing letters to the churches. 5. Such behaviour greatly recommends religion, and is most agreeable to God's gracious dealing with sinners, in and by the gospel. Salem Media Group. If Paul was discredited, then the Gospel message itself would be discredited. The Thessalonian Christians became imitators of those who had suffered before them. When Christians forget this, they often disgrace and curse themselves by returning persecution for persecution towards others. 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). The growth of their faith appeared by the works of faith; and, where faith . In the first place it showed his confidence in them. Commentators divide as to if the uncleanness Paul defended himself against in 1 Thessalonians 2:3 was uncleanness of spirit or uncleanness of the flesh. There is a valid debate as to if 1 Thessalonians 2:7 should read gentle or babes. He could tell them that they should walk worthy of God because his life and message were consistent. For you yourselves know: This begins a section where Paul defended his own character and ministry before the Thessalonians. (1) An example of proper Christian rejoicing, by which also we learn, that those who have great gifts in them, are in two ways governed: first, if they consider that they have received all from God, and second, that continuance must be desired at his hands. Men possessed with the devil are called energumeni. 1. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain. Satan Hinders Paul 2:17-20 2. In this chapter the apostle puts the Thessalonians in mind of the manner of his preaching among them, ver 1-6. He did not pretend one thing and intend another. 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. In chapter 2 of 1 Thessalonians, Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy remind the community of the time they spent in their midst. 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. This world is not a place where we are always, or long, to be together. I think it is helpful to press the point that Paul is not working alone here; he has co-workers. The whole case is like that of the Irishman who tried to upset evidence by non-evidence. (1-2) The integrity of Paul's ministry in Thessalonica. a. 3 For our exhortation was not of deceit . There were a staggering variety of religions and religious professionals in Thessalonica. He had no fear they would succumb to the propaganda being put before them. a. And it is from this God who trieth our hearts that we must receive our reward. Your partnership makes all we do possible. b. By great readiness to do them good, willingly imparting to them, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, v. 8. Such a conflict always involves intense exertion and strenuous, persistent effort to overcome the determined opposition or the dangerous antagonist. (Hiebert). It has been said that people dont care how much you know until they know how much you care. It does good to those that walk uprightly, and by its wonderful effects evidences itself to be the word of God. He was able to say, "For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile." He and his companions were perfectly open about everything. But Paul did not use the flattering words that often are a cloak for covetousness. When Satan saw the great work God did through these letters, he regretted that he ever hindered Paul at all. i. Paul tried to make the Gospel as attractive as possible, but he never changed its central character or focus. 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. 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. In the meantime, let the Christian world treat them with humanity and mercy. (Clarke), ii. Timotheus was sent to Thessalonica, to enquire after their welfare and to establish them in the faith (1 Thessalonians 3:2), and, returning to Paul while he tarried at Athens, was sent again, together with Silas, . 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. And as a nursing mother bears with frowardness in a child, and condescends to mean offices for its good, and draws out her breast, cherishing it in her bosom, so in like manner should the ministers of Christ behave towards their people. This is the way to win people, rather than to rule with rigour. General Epistles It was the sincere and uncorrupted gospel that he preached and exhorted them to believe and obey. Pentateuch Salvation is of the Jews, says our Saviour. Here observe, 1. 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. Also present were the Roman State cults that deified the political heroes of Rome. The Jews themselves were vigorously engaged in this period of their history in actively proselyting Gentiles. iv. We should receive the word of God as the word of God, with affections suitable to the holiness, wisdom, verity, and goodness, thereof. a. The plural sins points to the aggregate of their separate evil acts, and not to the general abstract concept of sin. (Morris). 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. Paul was very careful about his own life. Paul presented it not as the word of men, and the Thessalonians received it as the word of God. Those whom we bring to Jesus and disciple are a crown of victory for us. More to explore : Bibles Nonfiction . These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features. By bodily labour to prevent their charge, or that his ministry might not be expensive and burdensome to them: You remember our labour and travail; for, labouring night and day, etc., v. 9. 1. 2. A good example is here set before the ministers of the gospel, to be industrious for the salvation of men's souls, though it will not follow that they are always obliged to preach freely. It is not to be named with any of the words proper to religions in general [of that day]. (Morris). In these words the apostle apologizes for his absence. Blue Letter Bible study tools make reading, searching and studying the Bible easy and rewarding. Paul assured the Thessalonians that he desired to be with them, but he was hindered by Satan, and that this happened time and again. The servant of the Lord must not strive, but be gentle unto all men, and patient, 2 Tim 2 24. Their crimes were great; to these their punishment is proportioned. His coming was not empty or hollow, as if he were a mere salesman or marketer. Men possessed with the devil are called energumeni. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. Therefore we wanted to come to youeven I, Paul, time and againbut Satan hindered us. 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. Directions for Growth 4:1-12 B. i. The Birth and Growth of a Church. The New Testament Pentateuch Email / username or password was incorrect! i. 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. (1 Thessalonians 2:8-9) Pauls self-support and hard work among the Thessalonians demonstrated that his motives were pure. The word rendered conflict (agon) contains a metaphor drawn from the athletic games or the arena. Acts 20:1-5 describes Pauls eventual return to Thessalonica and to other churches in the area. The Romans had their full share of guilt, so both Jew and Gentile were guilty. Paul had the discernment to know. The apostle mentions the sufferings of the churches of God, which in Judea were in Christ Jesus. Yet when they do not receive it, it reflects upon them, not upon the message. General Epistles We need 2 cookies to store this setting. 1. i. Affectionately longing for you: Is from an extremely rare verb of obscure origin. By the manner of their receiving the word of God: When you received the word of God, which you heard of us, you received it, not as the word of men, but (as it is in truth) the word of God. The Old Testament Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. 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. a. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation. Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. The Gospels This meant that he didnt spend his life trying to seek and earn the acceptance of man. For our exhortation That is, our preaching, a part being put for the whole; was not of deceit With a design to seduce or corrupt any one by false doctrine; or, we preach not a lie, but the truth of God; nor of uncleanness Tending to encourage men in their impure course of life; nor in guile To procure esteem or any worldly advantage to ourselves, under . 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. All rights reserved. Paul desired to clear them up in his letter. The Greek term has rather the idea of using fair words as a means of gaining ones own ends., ii. b. There were the native Greek mystery religions, celebrating Dionysis and the sex and drinking cult. 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. 1. b. You can check these in your browser security settings. i. Paul didnt seek glory from men because his needs for security and acceptance were met primarily in Jesus. Free shipping for many products! a. The evidences of the apostle's sincerity follow; and they are these:(1.) Purpose of Writing: In the church of Thessalonica there were some misunderstandings about the return of Christ. 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. 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. Churches is the ancient Greek word ekklesia; it was not a specifically religious word. i. 3 For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we Note, Satan is a constant enemy to the work of God, and does all he can to obstruct it. He did not make the ministry a cloak, or a covering, for covetousness, as God was witness, v. 5. By the holiness of their conversation, concerning which he appeals not only to them, but to God also ( v. 10): You are witnesses, and God also. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. He not only longs to return but wonders about the future of the believers. His gospel was pure and holy, worthy of its holy author, tending to discountenance all manner of impurity. The apostle makes mention of the success of his ministry among these Thessalonians (v. 13), which is expressed. "The Thessalonian letters present the first literary evidence for . But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict. The word rendered conflict (agon) contains a metaphor drawn from the athletic games or the arena. Thank you for registering.