1 Thessalonians 2
Paul's Ministry in Thessalonica
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. Parallel theme: Acts 4:13, 16:37, 2 Timothy 1:12
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. References God: 1 Chronicles 29:17, Romans 8:27, Galatians 1:10, Ephesians 6:6, Titus 1:3. Parallel theme: Psalms 17:3, Jeremiah 32:19, Galatians 2:7, Ephesians 3:8, 2 Timothy 1:14 +5
5 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke 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. References Christ: Galatians 1:10. Glory: John 7:18, Galatians 5:26. Parallel theme: 1 Thessalonians 2:9, John 5:41, 5:44, 1 Timothy 5:17 +2
7 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:
8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of GodGod: Θεός (Theos). The Greek Theos (Θεός) refers to deity, used both for the one true God and false gods. Context determines whether it denotes the Father specifically or the Godhead generally. only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.
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 gospelGospel: εὐαγγέλιον (Euangelion). The Greek euangelion (εὐαγγέλιον) means good news or gospel—the message of salvation through Christ's death and resurrection. It's 'the power of God unto salvation' (Romans 1:16). of God. References God: Nehemiah 5:15, 1 Timothy 4:10, 2 Timothy 1:3. Parallel theme: 1 Thessalonians 2:6, Nehemiah 5:18, Acts 18:3, 1 Corinthians 4:12, 9:15, 9:18, 2 Corinthians 11:9 +5
10 Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe: References God: 1 Peter 5:3. Faith: 2 Timothy 3:10. Witness: 2 Corinthians 1:12. Parallel theme: 1 Thessalonians 1:5, Acts 20:18
11 As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, Parallel theme: 1 Thessalonians 2:7, 4:1, 5:11, Deuteronomy 3:28, 1 Chronicles 28:20, Psalms 34:11, Acts 20:2, 2 Thessalonians 3:12, 1 Timothy 5:21, Hebrews 13:22 +5
12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and gloryGlory: δόξα (Doxa). The Greek doxa (δόξα) means glory, splendor, or magnificence—the radiant manifestation of God's perfection. Christ revealed the Father's glory: 'we beheld his glory' (John 1:14)..
Thanksgiving for Reception of the Gospel
13 For this cause also thank we GodGod: Θεός (Theos). The Greek Theos (Θεός) refers to deity, used both for the one true God and false gods. Context determines whether it denotes the Father specifically or the Godhead generally. without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
14 For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:
15 Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men:
16 Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.
Paul's Longing to See the Thessalonians
17 But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire. Parallel theme: 1 Thessalonians 3:6, Psalms 63:1, Romans 1:13, 15:23, 1 Corinthians 5:3, Colossians 2:5
18 Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.
19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? References Jesus: 1 Thessalonians 3:13, 5:23, 2 Corinthians 1:14. References Christ: 1 Corinthians 15:23, Philippians 2:16. References Lord: Philippians 4:1. Parallel theme: Matthew 16:27, 1 John 2:28, Revelation 1:7, 22:12 +5
20 For ye are our gloryGlory: δόξα (Doxa). The Greek doxa (δόξα) means glory, splendor, or magnificence—the radiant manifestation of God's perfection. Christ revealed the Father's glory: 'we beheld his glory' (John 1:14). and joy. Glory: 1 Corinthians 11:7. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 1:14