1 Thessalonians 2:4
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.
Original Language Analysis
ἀλλὰ
But
G235
ἀλλὰ
But
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
1 of 23
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
δοκιμάζοντι
we were allowed
G1381
δοκιμάζοντι
we were allowed
Strong's:
G1381
Word #:
3 of 23
to test (literally or figuratively); by implication, to approve
ὑπὸ
of
G5259
ὑπὸ
of
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
4 of 23
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεῷ
God
G2316
θεῷ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
6 of 23
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
πιστευθῆναι
to be put in trust
G4100
πιστευθῆναι
to be put in trust
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
7 of 23
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
13 of 23
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ἀρέσκοντες
pleasing
G700
ἀρέσκοντες
pleasing
Strong's:
G700
Word #:
15 of 23
to be agreeable (or by implication, to seek to be so)
ἀλλὰ
But
G235
ἀλλὰ
But
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
16 of 23
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεῷ
God
G2316
θεῷ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
18 of 23
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δοκιμάζοντι
we were allowed
G1381
δοκιμάζοντι
we were allowed
Strong's:
G1381
Word #:
20 of 23
to test (literally or figuratively); by implication, to approve
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Galatians 1:10For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.Romans 8:27And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.Galatians 2:7But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;Psalms 17:3Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.2 Timothy 1:14That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.Ephesians 6:6Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;Jeremiah 32:19Great in counsel, and mighty in work: for thine eyes are open upon all the ways of the sons of men: to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings:Ephesians 3:8Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;1 Chronicles 29:17I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee.Titus 1:3But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;
Historical Context
Paul's emphasis on divine approval over human applause countered both pagan rhetoric (sophists who performed for crowd approval and payment) and Judaizing influences (those who preached circumcision to avoid persecution, Gal 6:12). Thessalonian believers faced pressure from family, neighbors, and authorities to compromise. Paul models uncompromising faithfulness: he preaches truth even when it provokes persecution (Acts 17:5-9) because God, not crowds, is his judge. This courage sustained the Thessalonians' own boldness under pressure.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you determine whether your Christian witness aims to please God or gain human approval, especially when the two conflict?
- What evidence demonstrates that you've been 'tested and approved' by God for your ministry responsibilities (whether vocational or lay)?
- How does remembering that God 'continually tests our hearts' affect your ministry motives, methods, and message?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak—dedokimasmetha hypo tou Theou pisteutheēnai to euangelion (δεδοκιμάσμεθα ὑπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ πιστευθῆναι τὸ εὐαγγέλιον, 'we have been tested by God to be entrusted with the gospel'). Dokimazo (δοκιμάζω) means 'to test/examine/approve' (used of testing metals for purity); God examined and approved Paul for gospel stewardship. The passive voice emphasizes divine initiative—Paul didn't seize the ministry but received it through God's testing and entrusting. Pisteuō (πιστεύω, 'to entrust') indicates solemn responsibility, like a treasurer entrusted with funds.
Not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts (ouch hōs anthrōpois areskontes alla Theō tō dokimazonti tas kardias hēmōn, οὐχ ὡς ἀνθρώποις ἀρέσκοντες ἀλλὰ Θεῷ τῷ δοκιμάζοντι τὰς καρδίας ἡμῶν)—ministry orientation determines content and method. Human-pleasers adjust the message for approval; God-pleasers speak truth regardless of response. Dokimazonti (present participle, 'the one continually testing') reminds ministers that God continually examines heart motives, not just external results. Gospel stewards answer to God who tests hearts, not people who judge appearances.