1 Thessalonians Chapter 2 · Verse 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.
Original Language Analysis
ζητοῦντες
sought
G2212
ζητοῦντες
sought
Strong's:
G2212
Word #:
2 of 18
to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)
ἐξ
of
G1537
ἐξ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
3 of 18
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
δόξαν
we glory
G1391
δόξαν
we glory
Strong's:
G1391
Word #:
5 of 18
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
ἀπ'
of
G575
ἀπ'
of
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
7 of 18
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
ἀπ'
of
G575
ἀπ'
of
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
10 of 18
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
βάρει
G922
βάρει
Strong's:
G922
Word #:
14 of 18
weight; in the new testament only, figuratively, a load, abundance, authority
ὥς
as
G5613
ὥς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
16 of 18
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
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.John 5:41I receive not honour from men.John 5:44How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?1 Thessalonians 2:9For 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 gospel of God.John 7:18He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.1 Timothy 5:17Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.Galatians 5:26Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
Historical Context
Ancient convention expected communities to support resident teachers. Philosophers received stipends; religious leaders lived from temple revenues. Paul had apostolic authority to demand support yet chose voluntary poverty to eliminate any suggestion of mercenary motives. This self-denial contrasted sharply with traveling sophists who demanded high fees and arrogantly asserted authority. Paul's humility validated his apostolic claims more powerfully than asserting rights would have. The Thessalonians witnessed authority exercised through servant-leadership, not domineering control.
Questions for Reflection
- What evidence reveals whether you seek glory from people or from God alone in your Christian service?
- How does voluntarily relinquishing legitimate rights for gospel advancement differ from either demanding rights or resenting restrictions?
- In what ways does contemporary church leadership demonstrate (or fail to demonstrate) Paul's pattern of servant-authority?
Analysis & Commentary
Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others—zētountes ex anthrōpōn doxan (ζητοῦντες ἐξ ἀνθρώπων δόξαν, 'seeking glory from people') describes the fundamental temptation in ministry: using service for self-promotion. Paul didn't seek doxa (glory/honor/reputation) from the Thessalonians ('neither of you') or other churches ('nor yet of others'). This comprehensive denial covers all potential human glory sources. Ministry performed for human recognition corrupts motives, distorts methods, and produces pride rather than Christ-exalting service.
When we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ—en barei einai (ἐν βάρει εἶναι, 'to be in weight/burden') means asserting authority or demanding financial support. As apostoloi Christou (ἀπόστολοι Χριστοῦ, 'apostles of Christ'), Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy had legitimate authority to expect support (1 Cor 9:4-14). Yet they voluntarily relinquished this right to remove any obstacle to the gospel (1 Cor 9:12). True spiritual authority serves rather than demands, gives rather than takes, and seeks God's glory, not human applause.