For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe. Recognizing the value of consistent reflection upon the Word of God in order to refocus one's mind and heart upon Christ and His Gospel of peace, we provide several reading plans designed to cover the entire Bible in a year. 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. 2. And he comforted them also, endeavouring to cheer and support their spirits under the difficulties and discouragements they might meet with. A Compelling Example for Ministry ( 1 Thess. Just as Athenians were tested for their fitness before they were allowed to assume public office, so the missionaries were tested before they were commissioned as Gods messengers. (Hiebert). Both of them were likely written sometime around 51-52 B.C., and as such are probably the two earliest epistles in the New Testament. Click to enable/disable Google reCaptcha. 1. This exclusive attitude filled up the measure of their sins. Colossians Col Book List 2 Thessalonians 2Th. i. 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. Nor did we seek glory from men: When Paul ministered among the Thessalonians, he was unconcerned for his personal glory. 2. 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. Our website uses cookies to store user preferences. Paul didnt have to say, Please dont look at my life. 1 Thessalonians 2:8 ESV So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us. c. Which also effectively works in you who believe: Pauls confidence in the word of God wasnt a matter of wishful thinking or blind faith. - Universal Beginnings (Chuck Missler), Paul has a police record and is therefore untrustworthy (, Pauls ministry is based on impure motives (, Paul preaches to please others, not God (, Paul is in the ministry as a mercenary, to get what he can out of it materially (, Barclay, William "The Letters to the Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians" (The New Daily Study Bible) (Philadelphia: The Westminster Press, 1975), Calvin, John "Thessalonians: Calvin's Commentaries" Volume 21 (Galatians-Philemon) (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1979), Clarke, Adam "Clarke's Commentary: The Holy Bible Containing the Old and New Testaments with a Commentary and Critical Notes" Volume 6 (Romans-Revelation) (New York: Eaton and Mains, 1832), Hiebert, D. Edmond "The Thessalonians Epistles: A Call to Readiness" (Chicago: Moody Press, 1971), Moffatt, James "The First and Second Epistles to the Thessalonians: The Expositor's Greek Testament" Volume 4, Section 1 (1 Thessalonians-James) (London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1897), Morris, Leon "The First and Second Epistles to the Thessalonians" (The New International Commentary on the New Testament) (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Eerdmans, 1959), Poole, Matthew "A Commentary on the Holy Bible" Volume 3 (Matthew-Revelation) (London: Banner of Truth Trust, 1969), Spurgeon, Charles Haddon "The New Park Street Pulpit" Volumes 1-6 and "The Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit" Volumes 7-63 (Pasadena, Texas: Pilgrim Publications, 1990), Thomas, Robert L. "1 & 2 Thessalonians: The Expositor's Bible Commentary" Volume 11 (Ephesians-Philemon) (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 1978), Trapp, John "A Commentary on the Old and New Testaments" Volume 5 (Matthew to Revelation) (Eureka, California: Tanski Publications, 1997). For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God. Upon himself and fellow-labourers. 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. That you have not perceived spiritual things is true; but it is no proof that there are none to perceive. i. (2.) Letters of Paul to the Thessalonians, also called Epistles of St. Paul the Apostle to the Thessalonians, abbreviation Thessalonians, two New Testament letters written by St. Paul the Apostle from Corinth, Achaea (now in . 18 Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us. As they did, they were not alone, because those among the churches of God have often suffered persecution. See here the manner of Paul's preaching. e. But wrath has come upon them to the uttermost: Paul comforted the Thessalonians by assuring them that God would indeed take care of their persecutors. Note, The cross is the Christian's mark: if we are called to suffer we are called only to be followers of the churches of God; so persecuted they the prophets that were before you, Matt 5 12. 1 Thessalonians 2 Commentary Verses 1-4 - Explaining The Book Their fierce opposition was due to the fact that Christian missionaries offered salvation to Gentiles without demanding that they first become Jews. (Hiebert), ii. 1 Thessalonians 2:3-6. 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 2:8-9) Pauls self-support and hard work among the Thessalonians demonstrated that his motives were pure. Honour is to follow men, men not to follow it. (Poole). I. i. i. For you also suffered the same things: When the Thessalonians responded to the Gospel, they became the targets of persecution. Changes will take effect once you reload the page. 3. Second, Paul had faith. God is a God of truth, and requires truth in the inward parts; and, if sincerity be wanting, all that we do cannot please God. Pauline Epistles The word of God, which these Thessalonians received, they heard from the apostles. This gentleness and goodness the apostle expressed several ways. Study Guide for 2 Thessalonians 2 by David Guzik Paul presented it not as the word of men, and the Thessalonians received it as the word of God. i. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer. Hear this, ye that preach the Gospel! He could say to these Thessalonians what he told the Corinthians (2 Cor 4 2): We have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully. Paul's Instructions to the Thessalonians 4:1--5:28 A. 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. 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. Then of the manner of his conversation among them, ver 7-12. 1 Thessalonians 3:2. Thank you for registering. a. 2. It appears the Thessalonians had become unsettled by a teaching (allegedly Paul's) "that the day of the Lord has come" ( 2 Thess. Where note, (1.) But Paul did not just receive this Satanic hindrance in a fatalistic way. Enduring Word Bible Commentary 1 Thessalonians Chapter 1 The Jews opposition to the work of the missionaries among the Gentiles was not due to the fact that they were seeking to win Gentiles. 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 - Sermon Writer For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God. 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. Churches is the ancient Greek word ekklesia; it was not a specifically religious word. 2. I have but one piece of advice, and that is, go on, hindrance or no hindrance, in the path of duty as God the Holy Ghost enables you. (Spurgeon). For you are our glory and joy. His satisfaction came from his relationship with Jesus, not from the praise of people. Just as Athenians were tested for their fitness before they were allowed to assume public office, so the missionaries were tested before they were commissioned as Gods messengers. (Hiebert). He ministered from an understanding of his identity in Jesus. In these words the apostle reminds the Thessalonians of the manner of his conversation among them. 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). Most of these religions were missionary minded and sought to spread their faith using itinerant evangelists and preachers. Your partnership makes all we do possible. 1. They naturally thought that this would be much better. As we have been approved by God: Paul used a word here that was associated with approving someone as being fit for public service. These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features. He knew what it was like to speak boldly for the Lord even in much conflict. The Old Testament Johannine Writings Commentators divide as to if the uncleanness Paul defended himself against in 1 Thessalonians 2:3 was uncleanness of spirit or uncleanness of the flesh. He earnestly desired and endeavoured to see them again: We endeavoured more abundantly to see your face with great desire, v. 17. i. Affectionately longing for you: Is from an extremely rare verb of obscure origin. They were his hope, and joy, and crown of rejoicing; his glory and joy. When we appeal to the Bible, they like to reply, Thats just your interpretation. There are certainly some places where the word of God is hard to precisely interpret, but there are not many such places. Check to enable permanent hiding of message bar and refuse all cookies if you do not opt in. Poetical Books This is the kind of life that draws others to follow Jesus for themselves. 1 Thessalonians: An Exegetical and Devotional Commentary Though he was absent in body, yet he was present in heart. 1 Thessalonians 2:10. His desire and endeavour were to return again very soon to Thessalonica. But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. The New Testament When you received the word of God: Paul earnestly believed and taught others that God had spoken to man and that we have recorded this word of God. Free shipping for many products! Minor Prophets Their fierce opposition was due to the fact that Christian missionaries offered salvation to Gentiles without demanding that they first become Jews. (Hiebert), ii. Hear this, ye that preach the Gospel! Acts 16:23-24 records that the suffering included a public flogging and having their feet in stocks while confined in the citys inner prison. But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts. How holily and justly and unblamably; "holily" denoting the apostle's conduct to God, "justly . But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts. And further, when he shall come, all must appear in his presence, or before him. Second, Paul had faith. 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. The Thessalonian Christians became imitators of those who had suffered before them. Historical Books ii. Enduring Word Bible Commentary 1 Thessalonians Chapter 2 For our exhortation That is, our preaching, a part being put for the whole; was not of deceit With a design to seduce or corrupt any one by false doctrine; or, we preach not a lie, but the truth of God; nor of uncleanness Tending to encourage men in their impure course of life; nor in guile To procure esteem or any worldly advantage to ourselves, under . 1 Thessalonians 2King James Version. By the most affectionate desire of their welfare: Being affectionately desirous of you, v. 8. For you yourselves know: This begins a section where Paul defended his own character and ministry before the Thessalonians. The first letter 1 Thessalonians was written to a community of believers who had been Christians for only a short period of time, probably no more than a few months. In the chapter's opening, Paul explains his reason for writing. Or do ye enter into the priesthood for a morsel of bread, or for what is ominously and impiously called a living, a benefice? Is God witness that, in all these things, ye have no cloak of covetousness? But wo to that man who enters into the labour for the sake of the hire! 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). In these words the apostle apologizes for his absence. I have but one piece of advice, and that is, go on, hindrance or no hindrance, in the path of duty as God the Holy Ghost enables you. (Spurgeon). And where the word is believed and received as the word of God, there it has this energy, or worketh effectually, so as to promote love, repentance, self-denial, mortification, comfort, and peace. (Poole). He repeated the same idea in passages like Philippians 3:17 and 1 Corinthians 11:1. ii. ( 1 Thessalonians 2:3-5) The integrity of Paul's message in Thessalonica. Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. General Epistles 3. 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). He was well pleased to do it because Paul was affectionately longing for the Thessalonians because they had become dear to Paul and his associates. a. (5.) It is in heaven that holy souls shall meet, and never part more. And. John Schultz i. The word wrought effectually in them, not only to be examples unto others in faith and good works (which he had mentioned before), but also in constancy and patience under sufferings and trials for the sake of the gospel: You became followers of the churches of God, and have suffered like things as they have done (v. 14), and with like courage and constancy, with like patience and hope. 2. Here we have an account of Paul's manner of preaching, and his comfortable reflection upon his entrance in among the Thessalonians. Over a quarter of 1 Thessalonians and nearly half of 2 Thessalonians deal with problems and issues regarding the parousia or coming of Christ from heaven. d. For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? A verification email has been sent to the address you provided. 2 Thessalonians 2:2 Meaning The means of salvation had long been confined to the Jews. Why Does God Compare Our Relationship with Him to That of a Bride and Groom? True grace is of a most masculine, disengaged, noble nature, and remits nothing of its diligence either for fear of a frown or hope of a reward. (Trapp). They hated the apostles, and did them all the mischief they could. Their design was to please God and not men. Verse by Verse Commentary. i. Paul didnt seek glory from men because his needs for security and acceptance were met primarily in Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 2:3-5) The integrity of Pauls message in Thessalonica. As they did, they were not alone, because those among the churches of God have often suffered persecution. Pulpit Commentary Verse 2. 2. Look to Jesus. Paul wanted people to look to Jesus, but he could also tell them to look at his life, because the power of Jesus was real in his life. 1 Thessalonians 2 - Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Bible He ministered from an understanding of his identity in Jesus.
Fox News Eric Shawn Political Affiliation,
Aquarius Horoscope Today,
Why Did Hugh Fraser Leave Poirot,
Wisconsin License Plate Renewal Cost 2021,
Articles OTHER