After reflecting on their reception of the word, Paul reflects upon his conduct when he visited Thessalonica. In 1 Thessalonians Chapter 2, he described his way of preaching as one that was free of deceit, flattery, guile and covetousness.
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Paul Reflects on His Conduct
Paul explained that his manner of preaching was not in vain, but it was with boldness among those who abused him. He said that he was not trying to be flattering or deceitful and that his only purpose was to please God rather than man.
Paul compared his love to them as that of a nursing mother to her child. He said he, along with Timothy and Silas, treated the people there with love and gentleness. They wanted to share the Gospel with them along with news about their personal lives.
Paul Worked Tirelessly
Paul’s manner of life was working all day and night to support himself so he would not be a burden to the people. He also said that he and his helpers treated the people much like a father would treat his children by offering comfort, exhortation, and encouragement.
Paul’s Concerns
Paul thanked the people at Thessalonica for their reception of God’s Word. He told them that they were much like the people in the churches in Judea because they were being persecuted by their own people. Paul said that they even tried to stop the apostles from preaching the Gospel, but God was now angry with them.
Paul’s Eagerness to Visit
Paul concludes 1 Thessalonians Chapter 2 by saying his thoughts were with the people at Thessalonica. He said he was eager to visit them again, but Satan had prevented him from doing so.
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1 Thessalonians 2 (King James Version)
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.
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.
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.
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 God 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 gospel of God.
10 Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:
11 As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children,
12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.
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.
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.
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.
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?
20 For ye are our glory and joy.