2:2 ). i. Paul assured the Thessalonians that he desired to be with them, but he was hindered by Satan, and that this happened time and again. 1 Thessalonians 2 Commentary Verses 1-4 - Explaining The Book First, Paul understood that this was Satanic hindrance. 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. 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. v. Supposing that we have ascertained that hindrances in our way really come from Satan, WHAT THEN? In every city where the apostles went to preach the gospel the Jews stirred up the inhabitants against them. 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). a. (2.) Paul and his fellow-labourers were not only good Christians, but faithful ministers. 5. Minor Prophets Pauls statement of defense falls into two parts, a negative and a positive It is his practice first to sweep away the false, and then with the ground cleared to set forth the positive presentation of the truth. (Hiebert). Paul believed in a voice that speaks to mankind with the authority of eternity, and speaks above mere human opinion. They were more confirmed in the truth of gospel-revelations, confided in gospel-promises, and had lively expectations of another world. They must not dare to corrupt the word of God: they must diligently make use of what is entrusted with them, so as God hath allowed and commanded, knowing they shall be called to an account, when they must be no longer stewards. For what end God has preserved them distinct from all the people of the earth among whom they sojourn, we cannot pretend to say; but it must unquestionably be for an object of the very highest importance. 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. In this city, you would find the worship of the gods of the Olympian pantheon, especially Apollo, Athena, and Hercules. a. Historical Books This world is not a place where we are always, or long, to be together. Paul means by the phrase, night and day, that he started work before dawn; the usage is regular and frequent. Johannine Writings Also present were the Roman State cults that deified the political heroes of Rome. Individual instructors or editors may still require the use of URLs. i. Minor Prophets He tells them they were involuntarily forced from them: We, brethren, were taken from you, v. 17. Such was the word the apostles preached by divine inspiration, and such is that which is left upon record, written in the scriptures by divine inspiration; and such is that word which in our days is preached, being either contained, or evidently founded on, or deduced from, these sacred oracles. Also present were the Roman State cults that deified the political heroes of Rome. He preached in the same church as C. H. Spurgeon over one hundred years earlier. Paul assured the Thessalonians that he could never forget them because they were his glory and his joy. Nothing provoked them more than our Saviour's speaking to them at any time concerning this matter; this enraged the Jews at Jerusalem, when, in his defence, Paul told them, he was sent unto the Gentiles, Acts 22 21. General Epistles Finally, God brought the victory. Revelation Concerning the Dead in Christ 4:13-18 2 Commentary to First Thessalonians - Rev. I. Building on the theme of God's word, I will explore the phrase "being bearers of God's word.". 1 Thessalonians 2 - Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Bible Since we do have this word of God, we have a true voice of authority. Paul had the discernment to know. He knew this was not a random circumstance, but a direct attack from Satan. The word of man isnt worth suffering for, but a true message from God is worth it. Our coming to you was not in vain: The word vain here can refer either to the result of the ministry, or the character of the ministry. i. The evidences of the apostle's sincerity follow; and they are these:(1.) Of what use would that have been? His desire and endeavour were to return again very soon to Thessalonica. 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. 1 Thessalonians 2King James Version. Wohlenberg conjectured that it was a term of endearment derived from the language of the nursery. Whatever its origin, it denotes the warm affection and tender yearning that the missionaries felt for their spiritual babes at Thessalonica. (Hiebert). Here observe, 1. 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. ii. 1 Thessalonians Chapter 2 Kjv - King James Bible Online But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire. Click to enable/disable Google reCaptcha. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point At the same time we should notice that Pauls anger is the anger of a man with his own nation, with his own people. 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. In all probability, 1 Thessalonians is the earliest of Paul's epistles, particularly because it indicates that the memory. 1 Thessalonians 2 Pulpit Commentary 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. We wanted to come to you but Satan hindered us: It wasnt that Paul did not want to visit the Thessalonians. This is indeed the great motive to sincerity, to consider that God not only seeth all that we do, but knoweth our thoughts afar off, and searcheth the heart. 4. He spared no pains therein. (1.) He mentions the good effects which his successful preaching had. Their crimes were great; to these their punishment is proportioned. Minor Prophets He knew what it was like to speak boldly for the Lord even in much conflict. By proceeding, you consent to our cookie usage. Paul longs to comfort . For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousnessGod is witness. For a short time means that Paul knew it would only be a short time until the roadblock was overcome. I think it is helpful to press the point that Paul is not working alone here; he has co-workers. 4. 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. i. Perhaps Paul would say that he didnt need a crown in heaven because these precious ones were his crown of victory. How we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you that you would walk worthy of God: Paul himself lived justly and blamelessly, but he also told the Thessalonians they should live the same way. i. 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! ii. 13 For this cause also thank we God 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. The reasons are contained, v. 4. But the time of persecution would not last. i. But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. Since we do have this word of God, we have a true voice of authority. They were the ringleaders of persecution in all places; so in particular it was at Thessalonica: Acts 17 5, The Jews that believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city in an uproar. He had no sinister or worldly design in his preaching, which he puts them in mind to have been. The gospel which Paul preached was not his own, but the gospel of God. The Greek term has rather the idea of using fair words as a means of gaining ones own ends., ii. Note, Suffering in a good cause should rather sharpen than blunt the edge of holy resolution. (2.) These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience. He mentions the gentleness of their behaviour: We were gentle among you, v. 7. Poetical Books (5.) 2 Thessalonians 2:2 Meaning The manner of this apostle's exhortation ought to be regarded by ministers in particular for their imitation, and the matter of it is greatly to be regarded by them and all others; namely, that they would walk worthy of God, who hath called them to his kingdom and glory, v. 12. Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. The Jews themselves were vigorously engaged in this period of their history in actively proselyting Gentiles. Can ye call God to witness that in preaching it ye have no end in view by your ministry but his glory in the salvation of souls? The powerful working of God is usually expressed by this word, Ephesians 1:19; Philippians 2:13; and the working of Satan also, Ephesians 2:2. The context seems to suggest more of a uncleanness of motive or spirit, while the word itself more indicates moral and especially sexual uncleanness (it often appears in lists with the term fornication). 1 Thessalonians 2:1-4 AV 1873 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. He pleaded that he was not guilty, and wished to establish his innocence by producing forty persons who did not see him do it. (1) An example of proper Christian rejoicing, by which also we learn, that those who have great gifts in them, are in two ways governed: first, if they consider that they have received all from God, and second, that continuance must be desired at his hands. Where greed and ambition hold sway, innumerable corruptions follow, and the whole man turns to vanity. i. "The Thessalonian letters present the first literary evidence for . 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. A good example is here set before the ministers of the gospel, to be industrious for the salvation of men's souls, though it will not follow that they are always obliged to preach freely. The Gospels i. Every man who preaches the Gospel should carefully read this chapter and examine himself by it. Presented here is a verse by verse exposition of . Such a conflict always involves intense exertion and strenuous, persistent effort to overcome the determined opposition or the dangerous antagonist. (Hiebert). His design was not to set up a faction, to draw men over to a party, but to promote pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father. We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. 1. Their design was to please God and not men. Paul not only disavows the teaching, but reminds the Thessalonians what he had earlier taught them. 5 26) not to be desirous of vain glory; his ambition was to obtain that honour which comes from God, John 5 44. And we should not only be good as to our general calling as Christians, but in our particular callings and relations. 5 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloak 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. For you are our glory and joy. i. 1 Thessalonians 2 Commentary - John Gill's Exposition of the Bible ii. 2. Their fierce opposition was due to the fact that Christian missionaries offered salvation to Gentiles without demanding that they first become Jews. (Hiebert), ii. There were a staggering variety of religions and religious professionals in Thessalonica. As seen in 1 Thessalonians 1:6, Paul was comfortable in the idea of other Christians following his example. 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. But Paul did not just receive this Satanic hindrance in a fatalistic way. Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? ii. b. Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. They naturally thought that this would be much better. of Our website uses cookies to store user preferences. a. He knew what it was like to speak boldly for the Lord even in much conflict. Note, When the measure of any man's iniquity is full, and he has sinned to the uttermost, then comes wrath, and that to the uttermost. And to these things this whole epistle exhorts the Thessalonians. b. There is a valid debate as to if 1 Thessalonians 2:7 should read gentle or babes. a. b. Ye be not soon; quickly. There is power in the word of God to change lives. 1 Thessalonians 2:2. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select a Beginning Point Who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and have persecuted us: Paul comforted these suffering Christians with the assurance that they were not the first to suffer this way. (1 Thessalonians 2:10-12) Pauls own behavior and message to the Thessalonians demonstrates the integrity of his character before God and man. This wasnt because Paul was insecure about his ministry, but because he had many enemies in Thessalonica (Acts 17:5-6 and 17:13) who discredited him in his absence, especially because of his hurried departure from Thessalonica. c. Even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi: Paul reminds the Thessalonians of his sufferings in the ministry. Those are greatly to blame who give out their own fancies or injunctions for the word of God. Additionally, Paul and his associates were also persecuted. 1 Thessalonians 5:14 , John 11:19 ; John 11:31 ; rendered uniformly in A.V., "comforting") is the calming and consoling side of exhortation, as addressed to the afflicted or the weak. He no doubt began so early in order to be able to devote some part of the day to preaching. (Moffatt quoting Ramsay), ii. III. iv. This is unfortunate, since his works contain priceless gems of information that are found nowhere except in the ancient writings of the Jews. His coming was not empty or hollow, as if he were a mere salesman or marketer. ii. The dead in Christ shall rise first, while those still living will follow close behind. He had no sinister and secular aims and views, but was in reality what he seemed to be. How we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you that you would walk worthy of God: Paul himself lived justly and blamelessly, but he also told the Thessalonians they should live the same way. b. The word of the gospel is preached by men like ourselves, men of like passions and infirmities with others: We have this treasure in earthen vessels. The Thessalonians were familiar with the pretensions, deceit and gross immorality which marked the pagan worship throughout the world of those days, especially among the Gentiles; and it is the contrast with paganism, not Paul's defense of himself from slander, which shines in a passage like this. However, it is in truth the word of God. 2 You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not without results. Hear this, ye that preach the Gospel! As we have been approved by God: Paul used a word here that was associated with approving someone as being fit for public service. Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? 1 Thessalonians 2 Commentary - Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole i. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site. Far and away the largest theological contribution of both 1 and 2 Thessalonians lies in what they say about eschatology. When Paul arrived in Thessalonica, the wounds on his back from Philippi were still fresh. Thank you for registering. We were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives: The sacrifices Paul endured for the sake of ministry to the Thessalonians were not a burden. There can be no doubt that there was some worthy and particular motive which induced him to refrain from claiming his rights, for in other churches he exercised the privilege accorded to him as the others had done. (Calvin).
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