1 Thessalonians Chapter 2 · Verse 5
For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:
Original Language Analysis
γάρ
For
G1063
γάρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
λόγῳ
G3056
λόγῳ
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
5 of 15
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
ἐγενήθημεν
used we
G1096
ἐγενήθημεν
used we
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
7 of 15
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
οἴδατε
ye know
G1492
οἴδατε
ye know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
9 of 15
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
πλεονεξίας
of covetousness
G4124
πλεονεξίας
of covetousness
Strong's:
G4124
Word #:
13 of 15
avarice, i.e., (by implication) fraudulency, extortion
Cross References
Acts 20:33I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.Romans 1:9For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;2 Corinthians 12:17Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you?Galatians 1:20Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not.2 Peter 2:3And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.2 Peter 2:18For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.2 Corinthians 7:2Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man.1 Thessalonians 2:10Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:1 Peter 5:2Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;Titus 1:7For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
Historical Context
The Greco-Roman world expected religious teachers to seek patronage from wealthy supporters. Philosophers dedicated works to patrons; mystery cult leaders extracted fees from devotees; astrologers and magicians charged for services. Paul's financial independence was radical—he supported himself through tentmaking (Acts 18:3; 1 Thess 2:9), accepted occasional gifts from established churches (Phil 4:15-16), but never demanded support or used flattery to manipulate donors. This pattern protected gospel ministry from the appearance (and reality) of exploitation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does contemporary Christian ministry demonstrate freedom from flattery and financial manipulation, or fail to do so?
- What safeguards protect ministers from using their platform for covetous purposes disguised as spiritual service?
- Why does Paul appeal to both human observation (for actions) and divine witness (for motives)? What does this teach about accountability?
Analysis & Commentary
For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness—en logō kolakeias (ἐν λόγῳ κολακείας, 'in word of flattery') describes insincere praise designed to manipulate. Ancient sophists flattered wealthy patrons for financial support; Paul flatly denies this practice. Prophasis pleonexias (πρόφασις πλεονεξίας, 'pretext for greed') indicates using ministry as a cover for selfish gain. Paul appeals to two witnesses: the Thessalonians ('as ye know' for observable behavior) and God ('God is witness' for unobservable motives).
Covetousness was particularly tempting for traveling teachers. Lucrative patronage awaited those who told wealthy supporters what they wanted to hear. Paul's refusal to accept support (v. 9) removed even the appearance of mercenary motives. His plain-spoken teaching sometimes offended (Acts 17:5-9) but never deceived. The contrast with greedy false teachers is stark: Paul worked to support himself, lived simply, spoke truth without flattery, and ultimately suffered rather than profited from gospel ministry. His integrity validated his message.