a. 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. 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. Thomas on covetousness: Pleonexia is self-seeking of all types, a quest for anything that brings self-satisfaction. When Christians forget this, they often disgrace and curse themselves by returning persecution for persecution towards others. Where greed and ambition hold sway, innumerable corruptions follow, and the whole man turns to vanity. The plural sins points to the aggregate of their separate evil acts, and not to the general abstract concept of sin. (Morris). We may request cookies to be set on your device. 1 Thessalonians 2:2. For you are our glory and joy. 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). David Guzik :: 1 Corintios 7 Principios Sobre el Matrimonio y la Soltera, David Guzik :: Hechos 9 La Conversin de Saulo de Tarso, David Guzik :: Apocalipsis 20 Satans, el Pecado y la Muerte son Finalmente Eliminados, David Guzik :: Gnesis 3 La tentacin y cada del hombre, David Guzik :: 2 Samuel 22 El Salmo de Alabanza de David, Jehovah's Witnesses, Jesus and the Holy Trinity (Walter Martin), The Meaning of the Cross Part 2 (Elisabeth Elliot), Spiritism: Prophecy and Astrology (Walter Martin), 2 Thessalonians 1-3 (1982-85 Audio) (Chuck Smith), Genesis 2-3 (1979-82 Audio) (Chuck Smith), Intro. 6. This attitude includes both boldness and confidence. (Morris), ii. The Gospels Paul believed in a voice that speaks to mankind with the authority of eternity, and speaks above mere human opinion. 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! Pauls enemies said he left town quickly because he was a self-serving coward. Proud member Pauline Epistles a. 1. 5. 2. In this city, you would find the worship of the gods of the Olympian pantheon, especially Apollo, Athena, and Hercules. By the most affectionate desire of their welfare: Being affectionately desirous of you, v. 8. See here the manner of Paul's preaching. i. iii. If Paul was in it for himself, he wasnt very smart about serving his own self-interest. For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain. In this city, you would find the worship of the gods of the Olympian pantheon, especially Apollo, Athena, and Hercules. First Thessalonians provides Christians with the clearest biblical passage on the coming rapture of believers, an event that will inaugurate the seven-year tribulation. he knows not Christ; and how can he preach him? (Clarke). This world is not a place where we are always, or long, to be together. 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). If Paul was in it for himself, he wasnt very smart about serving his own self-interest. (1 Thessalonians 2:14-16) The Thessalonians welcomed suffering when they welcomed the Word, yet they stood steadfast. (1 Thessalonians 2:1-2) The integrity of Pauls ministry in Thessalonica. Historical Books The apostle not only asserts his sincerity, but subjoins the reasons and evidences thereof. There were a staggering variety of religions and religious professionals in Thessalonica. The word rendered conflict (agon) contains a metaphor drawn from the athletic games or the arena. Our website uses cookies to store user preferences. Pentateuch i. 1 Thessalonians 2King James Version. He knew this was not a random circumstance, but a direct attack from Satan. There is power in the word of God to change lives. Since we do have this word of God, we have a true voice of authority. Paul assured the Thessalonians that he could never forget them because they were his glory and his joy. The force of this is that Christianity is not just another religion. These are the two sources from which stems the corruption of the whole of the ministry. (Calvin), iv. But Paul did not just receive this Satanic hindrance in a fatalistic way. With great simplicity and godly sincerity: Our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile, v. 3. There were also the Jewish people and the God-fearing Gentiles. (3.) 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. i. Paul tried to make the Gospel as attractive as possible, but he never changed its central character or focus. The Jews themselves were vigorously engaged in this period of their history in actively proselyting Gentiles. 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. 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. 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. 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). Paul had the discernment to know. i. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point (1 Thessalonians 2:17-20) Paul explains his absence from the Thessalonians. a. The subject-matter of the apostle's preaching was not vain and idle speculations about useless niceties and foolish questions, but sound and solid truth, such as was most likely to profit his hearers. : 1 and 2 Thess." Return to top. Pentateuch If this is the case, then Satans roadblock got Paul started on writing letters to the churches. a. 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. Honour is to follow men, men not to follow it. (Poole). Yet Paul assured them that the reason was not a lack of love or desire on his part. 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. 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! The gospel of Christ is not accommodated to the fain fancies and lusts of men, to gratify their appetites and passions; but, on the contrary, it was designed for the mortifying of their corrupt affections, and delivering them from the power of fancy, that they might be brought under the power of faith. Herein, said this apostle, do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence towards God, and towards men, Acts 24 16. Additionally, Paul and his associates were also persecuted. Thomas on covetousness: Pleonexia is self-seeking of all types, a quest for anything that brings self-satisfaction. These are expressions of great and endeared affection, and high estimation. The growth of their faith appeared by the works of faith; and, where faith . It is in heaven that holy souls shall meet, and never part more. Such a conflict always involves intense exertion and strenuous, persistent effort to overcome the determined opposition or the dangerous antagonist. (Hiebert). "The Thessalonian letters present the first literary evidence for . 2. It grows out of complete disinterest in the rights of others an attitude foreign to Paul and his helpers., iii. The plural sins points to the aggregate of their separate evil acts, and not to the general abstract concept of sin. (Morris). b. He had met with ill usage at Philippi, as these Thessalonians well knew. We should accommodate ourselves to the intention and design of the gospel, and live suitably to our profession and privileges, our hopes and expectations, as becomes those who are called with such a high and holy calling. The apostle mentions the sufferings of the churches of God, which in Judea were in Christ Jesus. Luke-Acts i. Some people like to say that there is a word of God, but that we cant be sure of what He says. It means the place of contest, and then the contest itself a race, a struggle, a battle. These are the two sources from which stems the corruption of the whole of the ministry. (Calvin), iv. But the time of persecution would not last. 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). If we can not know what God has spoken, then He may as well not have spoken at all. His desire and endeavour were to return again very soon to Thessalonica. They serve an enormously valuable purpose, but they sometimes create an artificial break in the text that hinders, The apostle here comforts himself either in the success of his ministry, that it was not fruitless or in vain (according to our translation), or as others think, reflecting upon the sincerity of his preaching, that it was not vain and empty, or deceitful and treacherous. He was willing to run hazards, and venture his soul, or life, in preaching the gospel. If he couldnt be there in person, his letter will go for him and teach and encourage them in his absence. For you yourselves know: This begins a section where Paul defended his own character and ministry before the Thessalonians. 4. A Compelling Example for Ministry ( 1 Thess. Finally, God brought the victory. Poetical Books We need 2 cookies to store this setting. . Additionally, Paul and his associates were also persecuted. Those who by faith receive the word find it profitable. So that the apostle at least intended his absence should be but for a short time. 1 Thessalonians 2 - Marks of Paul's Ministry A. Paul proves he was sincere and not a charlatan. Such was the rage of his persecutors. 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. 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. If we can not know what God has spoken, then He may as well not have spoken at all. Every man who preaches the Gospel should carefully read this chapter and examine himself by it. Verse 2. 5 26) not to be desirous of vain glory; his ambition was to obtain that honour which comes from God, John 5 44. notes on 1 Thessalonians 2:3, and ch. John Schultz They killed the Lord Jesus, and impudently and presumptuously wished that his blood might be on them and their children. (1-2) The integrity of Paul's ministry in Thessalonica. 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. 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. In this chapter the apostle puts the Thessalonians in mind of the manner of his preaching among them, ver 1-6. This is the way to win people, rather than to rule with rigour. 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. In the first place it showed his confidence in them. 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. 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). 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. 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. b. Murder and persecution are most hateful to God and cannot be justified on any pretence; they are so contrary to natural religion that no zeal for any true or only pretended institution of religion can ever excuse them. We wanted to come to you but Satan hindered us: It wasnt that Paul did not want to visit the Thessalonians. 1. Click to enable/disable essential site cookies. This self-revelation is not being made because the Thessalonian believers themselves were suspicious or doubtful about the missionaries. He knew this was not a random circumstance, but a direct attack from Satan. The Blue Letter Bible ministry and the BLB Institute hold to the historical, This great apostle, though he abhorred and avoided flattery, was most condescending to all men. Upon this occasion, the apostle gives a character of the unbelieving Jews (v. 15), enough to justify their final rejection and the ruin of their place, and church, and nation, which was now approaching. He did not come making demands as an apostle. 2:1-12) 19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? 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. He avoided flattery: Neither at any time used we flattering words, as you know, v. 5. Finally, God brought the victory. Paul means by the phrase, night and day, that he started work before dawn; the usage is regular and frequent. It was that Satan hindered Paul and his associates. i. It is not to be named with any of the words proper to religions in general [of that day]. (Morris). It appears the Thessalonians had become unsettled by a teaching (allegedly Paul's) "that the day of the Lord has come" ( 2 Thess. The dead in Christ shall rise first, while those still living will follow close behind. Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 2:7-12 (Read 1 Thessalonians 2:7-12) Mildness and tenderness greatly recommend religion, and are most conformable to God's gracious dealing with sinners, in and by the gospel. 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. (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. The apostle makes mention of the success of his ministry among these Thessalonians (v. 13), which is expressed. 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. 18 Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us. Who killed the Lord Jesus: Here Paul wrote that his own countrymen (the Judeans) had killed the Lord Jesus. 2 Thessalonians appears to have been written shortly after 1 Thessalonians. 1 Thessalonians 1 - The Products from Faith, Hope, and Love "This letter is full of interest because it is certainly among the first of those which have been preserved for us from the pen of Paul. i. Prophets 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. 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. Where note, (1.) In the second place it demonstrated that all the facts required for his vindication were facts of common knowledge. (Morris). In the meantime, let the Christian world treat them with humanity and mercy. (Clarke), ii. Though honour and esteem was their due from men, yet they did not seek it. I. Paul never compromised issues like mans need, Gods Savior, the cross, the resurrection, and the new life. His inability to visit should never be taken as a lack of love towards the Thessalonians. 1 Thessalonians Henry's Complete Commentary on the Bible Henry's Complete. Upon himself and fellow-labourers. He assures them of his affection and high esteem for them, though he was not able, as yet, to be present with them according to his desire. If I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ, Gal 1 10. 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 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. 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. 4. 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. There were shrines to many Egyptian gods: Isis, Sarapis, Anubis. 1. He could see that it effectively works in those who believe. Nor was it of uncleanness. Thessalonica was also an important port and a melting pot city with cultures from all over the world. The Greek term has rather the idea of using fair words as a means of gaining ones own ends., ii. i. 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. Acts 16:23-24 records that the suffering included a public flogging and having their feet in stocks while confined in the citys inner prison. 1:2-10) 4. This is the kind of life that draws others to follow Jesus for themselves. Yet when they do not receive it, it reflects upon them, not upon the message. The force of this is that Christianity is not just another religion. Many scholars believe that 1 Thessalonians was Pauls earliest letter written as an apostle to a church. This meant that he didnt spend his life trying to seek and earn the acceptance of man. The Salutation ( 1 Thess. i. He believed, and therefore he spoke. Minor Prophets It is always concealed by a noble sounding goal. III. Click to enable/disable Google Analytics tracking. Much less was the apostle's preaching vain or deceitful. Their fierce opposition was due to the fact that Christian missionaries offered salvation to Gentiles without demanding that they first become Jews. (Hiebert), ii. Paul didnt have to say, Please dont look at my life. 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, The Whole Bible That you have not perceived spiritual things is true; but it is no proof that there are none to perceive. If Paul was discredited, then the Gospel message itself would be discredited. The Romans had their full share of guilt, so both Jew and Gentile were guilty. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer. For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit. Acts 16:23-24 records that the suffering included a public flogging and having their feet in stocks while confined in the citys inner prison. He preached in the same church as C. H. Spurgeon over one hundred years earlier. d. For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness: Paul understood that covetousness always has a cloak. Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? By great readiness to do them good, willingly imparting to them, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, v. 8. There is a valid debate as to if 1 Thessalonians 2:7 should read gentle or babes. Those whom we bring to Jesus and disciple are a crown of victory for us. See Acts 16:23, c. and the notes there.. With much contention. Email / username or password was incorrect! The word of God, which these Thessalonians received, they heard from the apostles. Honour is to follow men, men not to follow it. (Poole). Note, Ministers have a great favour shown them, and honour put upon them, and trust committed to them. Thank you for registering.
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