1 Thessalonians 2 - ESV - Bible Reading / Study Notes

1 Thessalonians 2

Paul’s Ministry to the Thessalonians

2:1 For you yourselves know, brothers,¹ that our coming to you was not in vain. 2 But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict. 3 For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, 4 but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. 5 For we never came with words of flattery,² as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness. 6 Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ. 7 But we were gentle³ among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. 8 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.

9 For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. 10 You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers. 11 For you know how, like a father with his children, 12 we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.

13 And we also thank God constantly⁴ for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men⁵ but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers. 14 For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea. For you suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they did from the Jews,⁶ 15 who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out, and displease God and oppose all mankind 16 by hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles that they might be saved—so as always to fill up the measure of their sins. But wrath has come upon them at last!⁷

Paul’s Longing to See Them Again

17 But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, 18 because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us. 19 For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? 20 For you are our glory and joy.

Footnotes

[1] 2:1 Or brothers and sisters; also verses 9, 14, 17
[2] 2:5 Or with a flattering speech
[3] 2:7 Some manuscripts infants
[4] 2:13 Or without ceasing
[5] 2:13 The Greek word anthropoi can refer to both men and women
[6] 2:14 The Greek word Ioudaioi can refer to Jewish religious leaders, and others under their influence, who opposed the Christian faith in that time
[7] 2:16 Or completely, or forever

Commentary

v1: Paul speaks of the Thessalonians as brothers, indicating unity, equality, and love. He remembers his visit with joy, since God had given fruit. He is willing for others to test his motives and methods, see v10.

v2: Paul had also experienced persecution, as in 1.6. In the face of insults and strong opposition, Paul remains faithful. Since there is the offence of the cross, since many reject the claims of Christ, often leading to mistreatment. Our responsibility is to be bold in our God, and to speak the truth, Zech 8.16.

v3: Motives of honesty and integrity, contrast Phil 1.15-16.

"Error", or deceit, Lit. wanderer; "impure", implying evil doctrine and bad living; "trick", to use guile or subtlety. Some alter the message, others us dubious means for personal promotion, or for perceived 'success'. Paul's life and ministry are consistent and true.

v4: Our solemn responsibility, for God has entrusted us with the gospel. God tests our hearts and motives, so our first responsibility is to please Him. God tests the hearts of both speaker, or teacher, and hearer; 1 Cor 2.4.

v5: Some seek to avoid offence, and to generate a larger response, by using flattering words, or a cloak of covetousness; such a cloak covers and hides; but we cannot hide from God.

v6: Paul's concern was for the good of others, rather than glory for himself; contrast Mic 3.11, where the priests teach for pay; see 1 Cor 9, where Paul explains that he would not put any burden on others.

v7-8: Paul has a deep concern, as a nursing mother; see 2 Cor 12.15; 1 Cor 4.15; a sacrificial love, and great personal cost. Although Paul speaks of such cost, and his responsibility to proclaim the gospel and to live godly, it was a delight for him to do this. Obedience is not seen as a burden.

v9: Time and effort; Paul's consistent diligence. Paul worked so as not to be a burden to others. In 1 Cor 9, Paul emphasises his apostleship; in the letters to Thessalonica, he has no need to do this; only in v6 do we read "apostle". Clearly the Thessalonians had accepted his apostleship and authority. Paul's motive in bringing these issues is to encourage them in their own ministry, following the pattern he had set.

v10: Paul's blameless conduct; he could only write the things he does since he lived a life of consistent godliness; compare 1 Sam 12.3; John 8.46.

"Holy", devout, pure, righteous, true.
"Righteous", just, doing what is expected.
"Blameless", giving no ground for finding fault, used in 5.23; the return of Christ is a motive to live this way.

v11: Caring as a father does. With v8, this also speaks of personal sacrifice.

v12: A changed life is an essential mark of repentance; we work so that the changed life is more evident in others. Our methods include “encouraging, comforting and urging.” This provides a balance for us all. We cannot only urge, for that would tire our people.

v13: The Thessalonians believed God's word, and He honoured that faith. There was clear evidence that they belonged to Him, and this is real faith.

v14-16: They also experienced persecution, esp. from Jews. Through this they were not discouraged. Paul is clear that the Jews are guilty of killing the Lord Jesus, persecuting Christians, and of persisting in unbelief; yet he loved his own people, and would have given his all, that they might come to faith, see Rom 9.1-3; 10.1-2. The persecutors are like the Philistines who stopped up the wells, preventing others from receiving the water of life. See Luke 11.52.

v17-20: Paul's concern for the Thessalonian church. He genuinely wanted to see them again. He was also conscious that his plans were hindered by the enemy's activity.

Here was Paul's reward, see Phil 4.1; 2 John 4; 3 John 4.