I Thessalonians 2:1-12

Chapter 2 – Hope That Motivates

Verse 1

For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain – A reminder to them that Paul’s ministry had produced results or fruit in their lives.

Verse 2

Suffered and mistreated in Philippi – Acts 16:11-40

Boldness in our God – Their ministry was not based in their natural ability but in God’s power.

To speak to you the gospel of God – Paul is emphasizing that the gospel is ultimately from God the Father who sent His Son with the message. He uses this phrase again in 2:8, 9 of this chapter. Note also Mark 1:14, Romans 1:1, Romans 15:16, 2 Cor. 11:7, and 1 Peter 4:17.

Amid much opposition – The word is agon from which we get the English word “agony”. It is
used six times and translated “conflict, struggle, fight, and race” in other verses. Note
Col. 2:1, 2 Tim. 4:7, Heb. 12:1.

Verse 3

Error – Their teaching was true guided by the Spirit of Truth (John 16:13, 1 John 4:6).

Impurity – This word is most often used in the context of sexual impurity but also speaks of greed or lust for power.

Deceit – The idea is deceitfulness or trickery for the purpose of personal gain.

Verse 4

Approved by God – Paul knew his message was from God (Galatians 1:11-12, Acts 15).

Entrusted with the gospel – God chose Paul to carry the message of Christ to the Gentiles
(Galatians 2:7).

So we speak: Not as pleasing men – Note Galatians 1:10. But pleasing God who examines our hearts – Note 1Corinthians 4:1-5.

Verse 5

Flattering speech – Speech that would assure him of a positive reception regardless of what he preached.

Pretext for greed – Paul did not use his apostleship to disguise personal ambition for gain.

God is witness – An Old Testament formula (Gen. 31:44) that Paul uses several times (Rom. 1:9, Phil. 1:8, 1 Thess. 2:10).

Verse 6

Glory from men – Worldly honor was not Paul’s motive.

Asserted our authority – Literally, “to be able to be in weight”.

Verse 7

Gentle among you as a nursing mother – Their ministry was not a job but a labor of love.
Tenderly cares for her own children – Note verse 11, 1 Cor. 4:14, Gal. 4:19, 1 John 2:1, 12, 13, 18, etc.

Verse 8

Fond affection – Used only here and continues the idea of a nursing mother’s affection.
Not only the gospel of God but also our own lives – Not only did they speak, they served.

Verse 9

Labor and hardship – Note 2 Cor. 11:27 and 2 Thess. 3:8. The idea is fatigue from hard work.

Working night and day – Tentmaking was Paul’s trade.

So as not to be a burden to any of you – Paul’s motive was not money but ministry. Note 1
Corinthians 9:1-18.

Verse 10

Devoutly – In holiness of life. Only used here.

Uprightly – Just or proper.

Blamelessly – Without fault or blame. Only here and in 5:23.

Verse 11

Exhorting – To strengthen by consolation or comfort.

Encouraging – To speak with the view of consoling or calming.

Imploring – To testify or to call forth a witness. As a father would his own children – A good father prepares his children for maturity. Both maternal and paternal figures are used of God in the O.T. Note Isa. 66:13 and Psalm 103.13.

Verse 12

Walk in a manner worthy of …God – The word “walk” is often used of our Christian life (Eph. 4:1, Psalm 86:11, Rom. 6:4, Eph. 5:2, 8, 15, Gal. 5:16, Eph. 2:10, Col. 1:9-10).

Who calls you into His own kingdom and glory – Because we will share in His kingdom and
eternal glory we should walk in a manner that will bring the Lord joy and us reward. In
other words, live in light of eternity.