19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Johannine Writings Pentateuch Blue Letter Bible is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. 1 Thessalonians 1:2 Commentaries: We give thanks to God always for all They were outraged that Gentiles could be saved without first becoming Jews. c. But we were gentle among you: Paul was like a nursing mother, who only looks to give to her child. 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. If he couldnt be there in person, his letter will go for him and teach and encourage them in his absence. 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. 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). What Does Colossians 2:6-7 Teach Us about Our Faith Walk? Christians passed over many Greek words that were commonly used for religious brotherhoods. II. And we should not only be good as to our general calling as Christians, but in our particular callings and relations. Paul believed in a voice that speaks to mankind with the authority of eternity, and speaks above mere human opinion. (1 Thessalonians 2:8-9) Pauls self-support and hard work among the Thessalonians demonstrated that his motives were pure. He was well pleased to do it because Paul was affectionately longing for the Thessalonians because they had become dear to Paul and his associates. 1 Thessalonians 2:2 Commentaries: but after we had already suffered and 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, . ii. 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 - Sermon Writer Though honour and esteem was their due from men, yet they did not seek it. Colossians Col Book List 2 Thessalonians 2Th. Satan Hinders Paul 2:17-20 2. 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. Men possessed with the devil are called energumeni. 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). 1 Thessalonians 2 - Marks of Paul's Ministry A. Paul proves he was sincere and not a charlatan. 1 Thessalonians 2 Commentary - John Gill's Exposition of the Bible Finally, God brought the victory. Some people like to say that there is a word of God, but that we cant be sure of what He says. 3 For our exhortation was not of deceit . The context seems to suggest more of a uncleanness of motive or spirit, while the word itself more indicates moral and especially sexual uncleanness (it often appears in lists with the term fornication). When Christians forget this, they often disgrace and curse themselves by returning persecution for persecution towards others. See Acts 16:23, c. and the notes there.. With much contention. Thomas on covetousness: Pleonexia is self-seeking of all types, a quest for anything that brings self-satisfaction. He had met with ill usage at Philippi, as these Thessalonians well knew. It is always concealed by a noble sounding goal. But Paul knew well that the Jews of Judea were not the only ones responsible for the murder of Jesus. These are the two sources from which stems the corruption of the whole of the ministry. (Calvin), iv. There were the native Greek mystery religions, celebrating Dionysis and the sex and drinking cult. These are expressions of great and endeared affection, and high estimation. They were stewards, put in trust with the gospel: and it is required of a steward that he be faithful. He ministered from an understanding of his identity in Jesus. Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. 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. Nor was it of uncleanness. Let us accordingly receive and regard it. The Old Testament 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. Those who by faith receive the word find it profitable. There were shrines to many Egyptian gods: Isis, Sarapis, Anubis. It was a most fatal mistake to think that they did God service by killing God's servants. Chapters Available - 1 Thessalonians - Henry's Complete Commentary on Some people like to say that there is a word of God, but that we cant be sure of what He says. He did not make the ministry a cloak, or a covering, for covetousness, as God was witness, v. 5. It does good to those that walk uprightly, and by its wonderful effects evidences itself to be the word of God. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. 1 Thessalonians 2 Commentary - Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole It was a constant cause of thankfulness: For this cause thank we God without ceasing, v. 13. i. 2. i. His inability to visit should never be taken as a lack of love towards the Thessalonians. There were the native Greek mystery religions, celebrating Dionysis and the sex and drinking cult. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain. As they did, they were not alone, because those among the churches of God have often suffered persecution. i. 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. He mentions the gentleness of their behaviour: We were gentle among you, v. 7. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point 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. 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. Nor did we seek glory from men: When Paul ministered among the Thessalonians, he was unconcerned for his personal glory. Yet Paul assured them that the reason was not a lack of love or desire on his part. i. 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. They naturally thought that this would be much better. So that the apostle at least intended his absence should be but for a short time. It was, therefore, a work of God that, although Paul had suffered various misfortunes and indignity, he appeared unaffected, and did not hesitate to launch an assault on a large and wealthy city for the purpose of leading its people captive to Christ. (Calvin). Gods Word works, it doesnt only bring information or produce feelings. 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. ( 1 Thessalonians 2:3-5) The integrity of Paul's message in Thessalonica. We need 2 cookies to store this setting. They were his hope, and joy, and crown of rejoicing; his glory and joy. Purpose of Writing: In the church of Thessalonica there were some misunderstandings about the return of Christ. "Exhorting" is the general term for animating address: comp. 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). 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. II. Minor Prophets Wisdom Literature For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit. Luke-Acts The New Testament For you are our glory and joy. Usernames should only contain letters, numbers, dots, dashes, or underscores. 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. But Paul did not use the flattering words that often are a cloak for covetousness. He is very much part of them, and he sorrows for their fate. (Morris). The servant of the Lord must not strive, but be gentle unto all men, and patient, 2 Tim 2 24. Paul wrote here in a personal manner, but this really wasnt a personal issue for Paul. a. He avoided covetousness. The Thessalonians were familiar with the pretensions, deceit and gross immorality which marked the pagan worship throughout the world of those days, especially among the Gentiles; and it is the contrast with paganism, not Paul's defense of himself from slander, which shines in a passage like this. Paul gave both his care and his knowledge to the Thessalonians. Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? We know that indignity and persecution weaken and indeed completely break mens minds. 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. They were observers of their outward conversation in public before men, and God was witness not only of their behaviour in secret, but of the inward principles from which they acted. 3. Salvation is of the Jews, says our Saviour. Paul means by the phrase, night and day, that he started work before dawn; the usage is regular and frequent. i. Affectionately longing for you: Is from an extremely rare verb of obscure origin. 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. The Salutation ( 1 Thess. 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. 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. The apostle mentions the sufferings of the churches of God, which in Judea were in Christ Jesus. a. Revelation Concerning the Dead in Christ 4:13-18 2 Commentary to First Thessalonians - Rev. He showed the kindness and care of a nurse that cherishes her children. ii. 2. 2. (6.) (2.) (2.) GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point 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 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. See More Details about "Understanding the Bible Commentary Ser. We were bold in our God to speak: It comes from two words meaning literally all speech. It denotes the state of mind when the words flow freely, the attitude of feeling quite at home with no sense of stress or strain. 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). 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. You can also change some of your preferences. His coming was not empty or hollow, as if he were a mere salesman or marketer. range of evangelical traditions, all of the ideas and principles conveyed Paul assured the Thessalonians that he desired to be with them, but he was hindered by Satan, and that this happened time and again. 3. By the most affectionate desire of their welfare: Being affectionately desirous of you, v. 8. 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). 5 26) not to be desirous of vain glory; his ambition was to obtain that honour which comes from God, John 5 44. He could tell them that they should walk worthy of God because his life and message were consistent. Paul presented it not as the word of men, and the Thessalonians received it as the word of God. 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 knew this was not a random circumstance, but a direct attack from Satan. 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. They expected neither people's purses nor their caps, neither to be enriched by them nor caressed, and adored, and called Rabbi by them. i. Pauline Epistles 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. With great simplicity and godly sincerity: Our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile, v. 3. 1:1) 3. His design was not to set up a faction, to draw men over to a party, but to promote pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father. i. We wanted to come to you but Satan hindered us: It wasnt that Paul did not want to visit the Thessalonians. The context seems to suggest more of a uncleanness of motive or spirit, while the word itself more indicates moral and especially sexual uncleanness (it often appears in lists with the term fornication). 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. 1 Thessalonians 2 - Coffman's Commentaries on the Bible - Bible c. But we were gentle among you: Paul was like a nursing mother, who only looks to give to her child. Their fierce opposition was due to the fact that Christian missionaries offered salvation to Gentiles without demanding that they first become Jews. (Hiebert), ii. i. Date of Writing: The Book of 1 Thessalonians was written in approximately A.D. 50. a. 18 Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us. He denied himself the liberty he had of taking wages from the churches. i. (2)That in their efforts to convert the Thessalonians they had used no deceit, corruption, or grille; 1 Thessalonians 2:3-4. The gospel he preached was without deceit, it was true and faithful; it was not fallacious, nor a cunningly-devised fable. To the labour of the ministry he added that of his calling, as a tent-maker, that he might get his own bread. 1 Thessalonians 2 Bible Commentary - Matthew Henry (concise) And. Nederlandstalige Bijbelstudies door Stan Marinussen, Copyright - Enduring Word       |      . Even his bodily absence was but for a short time, the time of an hour. He is well acquainted with all our aims and designs, as well as our actions. Click to enable/disable _gid - Google Analytics Cookie. Their design was to please God and not men. Honour is to follow men, men not to follow it. (Poole). Here observe, 1. Those are also to blame who, in hearing the word, look no further than to the ministry of men, who are only, or chiefly, pleased with the elegance of the style, or the beauty of the composition, or the voice and manner in which the word is preached, and expect to receive their advantage herein. 1 Thessalonians 2King James Version. Paul assured the Thessalonians that he could never forget them because they were his glory and his joy. Nor did we seek glory from men: When Paul ministered among the Thessalonians, he was unconcerned for his personal glory. I. ii. In the second place it demonstrated that all the facts required for his vindication were facts of common knowledge. (Morris). Blue Letter Bible study tools make reading, searching and studying the Bible easy and rewarding. Verse 1 Thessalonians 2:2. a. Proud member 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. They persecuted them, and drove and chased them from place to place: and no marvel, if they killed the Lord Jesus, that they persecuted his followers. 3. This is the kind of life that draws others to follow Jesus for themselves. Paul never compromised issues like mans need, Gods Savior, the cross, the resurrection, and the new life. 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! 1 Thessalonians 2:3 - Bible Hub The words of men are frail and perishing, like themselves, and sometimes false, foolish, and fickle: but God's word is holy, wise, just, and faithful; and, like its author, lives and abides for ever. Third, Paul was committed to fight against the roadblock any way he could. And they were envious against the Gentiles, and angry that they should be admitted to share in the means of salvation. The Gospels Major Prophets For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God. He earnestly desired and endeavoured to see them again: We endeavoured more abundantly to see your face with great desire, v. 17. But Paul knew well that the Jews of Judea were not the only ones responsible for the murder of Jesus. ii. Upon himself and fellow-labourers. d. For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Four witnesses saw him commit a murder. iii. Such was the word the apostles preached by divine inspiration, and such is that which is left upon record, written in the scriptures by divine inspiration; and such is that word which in our days is preached, being either contained, or evidently founded on, or deduced from, these sacred oracles. The reasons are contained, v. 4. (2.) "Encouraging" (as in ch. If Paul was discredited, then the Gospel message itself would be discredited. 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. Nevertheless, Whichever version is preferred, however, there can be no doubt that Paul is describing his voluntary submission to them. (Calvin), ii. b. ii. 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. He was their spiritual father; and, as he cherished them like a nursing mother, so he charged them as a father, with a father's affection rather than a father's authority. Directions for Growth 4:1-12 B. This expression also denotes the affectionate and compassionate counsels and consolations which this apostle used. It grows out of complete disinterest in the rights of others an attitude foreign to Paul and his helpers., iii. The first letter 1 Thessalonians was written to a community of believers who had been Christians for only a short period of time, probably no more than a few months. b. 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. Christians passed over many Greek words that were commonly used for religious brotherhoods. Second, Paul had faith. Historical Books i. As my beloved sons, I warn you, 1 Cor 4 14. . 2. Paul denied his rights and took a higher standard upon himself. Paul and his fellow-labourers were not only good Christians, but faithful ministers. Many scholars believe that 1 Thessalonians was Pauls earliest letter written as an apostle to a church. There should be no corrupt mixtures therewith; and, as the matter of the apostle's exhortation was thus true and pure, the manner of his speaking was without guile. Error: Passwords should have at least 6 characters, Error: Usernames should only contain letters, numbers, dots, dashes, or underscores. 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. Holly Hearon. i. He could tell them that they should walk worthy of God because his life and message were consistent. 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. 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. For you yourselves know: This begins a section where Paul defended his own character and ministry before the Thessalonians. d. For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? 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. Where greed and ambition hold sway, innumerable corruptions follow, and the whole man turns to vanity. Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. 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. 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. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point Additionally, Paul and his associates were also persecuted. (1 Thessalonians 2:14-16) The Thessalonians welcomed suffering when they welcomed the Word, yet they stood steadfast. Those whom we bring to Jesus and disciple are a crown of victory for us. Note, Suffering in a good cause should rather sharpen than blunt the edge of holy resolution. notes on 1 Thessalonians 2:3, and ch. Wisdom Literature Such a Roman flogging was no light matter; it was an experience not soon forgotten. (Hiebert), ii. i. Paul tried to make the Gospel as attractive as possible, but he never changed its central character or focus. b. 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. 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. ); 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. Their fierce opposition was due to the fact that Christian missionaries offered salvation to Gentiles without demanding that they first become Jews. (Hiebert), ii. But Paul did not just receive this Satanic hindrance in a fatalistic way. They pleased not God. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. 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. (3.) As seen in 1 Thessalonians 1:6, Paul was comfortable in the idea of other Christians following his example. v. Supposing that we have ascertained that hindrances in our way really come from Satan, WHAT THEN? This attitude includes both boldness and confidence. (Morris), ii. If we can not know what God has spoken, then He may as well not have spoken at all. 1 Thessalonians 2:11 - Bible Hub

Mobile Homes For Rent In Alliance Ohio, Recent Deaths In Baltimore County, Why Did Seann Gallagher Leave Good Witch, Scott Sifton Wife, Articles OTHER